Best Medical Schools In Canada To Study Medicine
Your Path to Becoming a Doctor Starts at Canada’s Leading Medical Schools!
Table of Content
- Best Medical Schools in Canada
- 1. McGill University
- 2. University of Toronto
- 3. McMaster University
- 4. Queen's University at Kingston
- 5. University of Sherbrooke
- 6. University of British Columbia (UBC)
- 7. University of Calgary
- 8. University of Alberta
- 9. University of Ottawa
- 10. Memorial University of Newfoundland
- 11. University of Western Ontario (Schulich)
- Admission Criteria for the Best Medical Schools in Canada
- Why Choose The Best Medical Schools in Canada?
If you are an aspiring physician seeking world-class medical education, Canada is the perfect pick for you! One will find a distinguished selection of medical schools that are renowned for their rigorous programs, innovative research, and exceptional faculty. Every year, 2,900 students graduate from the best medical schools in Canada. This blog will help you work towards a fulfilling career in medicine by exploring the medical colleges in Canada. Whether your passion lies in clinical practice, groundbreaking research, or a combination of both, one of these top-ranked medical schools in Canada will definitely be your pick!
Best Medical Schools in Canada
The top medical schools in Canada attract future doctors from all over the world. They are known for providing outstanding master's degrees along with advanced clinical training and research opportunities. If you are a student looking for the best university for medicine in Canada, this blog provides a detailed list of the top universities in Canada for medicine.
| University | Ranking out of 100 (QS Global 2026) | Fees (CAD/year est.) | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| McGill | 28 | $60,000 | Montreal, QC |
| U Toronto | 9-14 | $97,000–$101,000 | Toronto, ON |
| McMaster | 41 | $95,000–$99,000 | Hamilton, ON |
| Queen's | 197 | $92,000 | Kingston, ON |
| U Sherbrooke | 201-250 | $15,000–$19,000 | Sherbrooke, QC |
| UBC | 38 | $50,000–$60,000 | Vancouver, BC |
| U Calgary | 132 | $80,000 | Calgary, AB |
| U Alberta | 86 | $15,000–$20,000 | Edmonton, AB |
| U Ottawa | 124 | $65,000 | Ottawa, ON |
| Memorial | 301-350 | $29,000–$33,000 | St. John's, NL |
| Western U | 201-500 | $92,000–$95,000 | London, ON |
1. McGill University
Location: Montreal, Quebec
Tuition Fees (2026): CA $60,000–$62,000/year (intl.)
Affiliations: McGill University Health Centre, Jewish General Hospital
Standout Programs: Bilingual (English/French) medical curriculum, clinical research emphasis
Courses: MD, Cardiology, Critical Care, Emergency Medicine, Endocrinology
Student Population: ~39,000
Eligibility: 4-year bachelor's (GPA 3.8+), MCAT 510+, IELTS 6.5+, SOP/CV
App Process: Minerva portal; Sept–Nov 1; ~6-8% acceptance
Established in 1821, McGill University stands as one of the oldest and best medical schools in Canada. Its Faculty of Medicine leading the nation's healthcare education landscape with the best part-time jobs across the country. McGill offers a bilingual learning environment that equips students with versatile skills to care for diverse patient populations. This powerhouse institution, among the best universities in Canada for medicine, emphasizes hands-on clinical rotations, preparing graduates for successful careers in medical universities in Canada.
| Expense | Cost |
|---|---|
| Rent | $1,000–1,700 |
| Groceries | $300–400 |
| Transport | $128 |
| Fees/Utilities | $100–200 |
| Miscellaneous | $200–300 |
2. University of Toronto
Location: Toronto, Ontario
Tuition (2026): CA $92,000–$97,000/year
Affiliations: Toronto General Hospital, Mount Sinai Hospital
Standout: MD/PhD combined program, transplant research pioneer
Courses: MD, MD/PhD, Medical Radiation Sciences
Students: ~88,000
Eligibility: 4-year bachelor's (GPA 3.94), MCAT 515+, IELTS 7.0
App: OMSAS; July–Oct; ~8% acceptance
The University of Toronto's Temerty Faculty of Medicine is ranked #1 in Canada. Known for the discovery of insulin and the world's first single-lung transplant, the university invests over $500 million in research every year. Among the best universities in Canada for international students, the University of Toronto has a massive clinical network and state-of-the-art facilities. It provide unparalleled hands-on training, with graduates achieving exceptional CaRMS rates. Students gain exposure to diverse patient cases at top hospitals, positioning them as future leaders in education in Canada.
| Expense | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Rent | $1,000–1,500 | |
| Groceries | $340 | |
| Transport | $128–156 | |
| Fees/Utilities | $80–180 | |
| Miscellaneous | $150–250 | |
3. McMaster University
Location: Hamilton, Ontario
Tuition (2026): CA $97,000–$99,000/year
Affiliations: Hamilton Health Sciences, St. Joseph's Healthcare
Standout: Problem-based learning (PBL), early clinical exposure
Courses: MD, Bachelor's/Graduate/Doctoral
Students: ~30,000
Eligibility: GPA 3.87, MCAT CARS 128+, CASPer, IELTS 6.5
App: OMSAS; July–Oct; ~4% acceptance
McMaster University's Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine revolutionised medical education in Canada. Its problem-based learning model, emphasises small-group collaboration and real-world application from day one. It has a 98% residency match rate & ranks #4 globally. As one of the top medical schools in Canada, McMaster has practical skills over rote memorisation, making it ideal for university students seeking a medical degree in Canada. Hamilton's cost-effective living complements the collaborative environment that defines excellence in Canada's top medical programs at universities.
| Expense | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Rent | $1,000–1,500 | |
| Groceries | $340 | |
| Transport | $128–156 | |
| Fees/Utilities | $80–180 | |
| Miscellaneous | $150–250 | |
4. Queen's University at Kingston
Location: Kingston, Ontario
Tuition (2026): CA $92,000–$95,000/year
Affiliations: Kingston Health Sciences Centre
Standout: Small classes, personalised research
Courses: MD, MSc/PhD Biomedical Sciences
Students: ~24,000
Eligibility: GPA 3.87, MCAT 515+, CASPer
App: OMSAS; ~5% acceptance
Queen's University’s School of Medicine has achieved excellence through its student-centred approach. It integrates research opportunities with clinical excellence at Kingston Health Sciences Centre, preparing graduates for global impact. Kingston's campus communities are considered as the best universities in Canada for international students, blending academic rigour with work-life balance in a supportive setting, and innovation in medical colleges in Canada.
| Expense | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Rent | $855–1,144 | |
| Groceries | $300–400 | |
| Transport | $100–150 | |
| Fees/Utilities | $100–150 | |
| Miscellaneous | $150–250 | |
5. University of Sherbrooke
Location: Sherbrooke, Quebec
Tuition (2026): CA $15,000–$19,000/year
Affiliations: CHUS
Standout: Rural medicine, French-language focus
Courses: MD undergrad/postgrad
Students: ~31,000
Eligibility: CEGEP equiv., French proficiency
App: SRAM; ~10% acceptance
Université de Sherbrooke's Faculty of Medicine is one of the top medical universities in Canada due to its program of rural medicine prepares students for community service, which has strong ties to CHUS, providing hands-on experience. Ideal for international bilinguals, Sherbrooke delivers high-quality education in Canada at affordable costs.
| Expense | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Rent | $700–1,000 | |
| Groceries | $250–350 | |
| Transport | $80–120 | |
| Fees/Utilities | $80–150 | |
| Miscellaneous | $150–200 | |
6. University of British Columbia (UBC)
Location: Vancouver, BC
Tuition (2026): CA $50,000–$60,000/year
Affiliations: Vancouver General Hospital
Standout: Global distributed model
Courses: MD, MD/PhD
Students: ~67,000
Eligibility: 90 credits, MCAT 124+
App: UBC portal; ~12% acceptance
The University of British Columbia’s worldwide sites help students develop strong cultural competency through global learning experiences and international exposure. Ranked among the top medical schools in Canada, standing at #3 for the best universities for international students. Studying at UBC allows students to engage with different cultures while benefiting from Canada’s welcoming environment, advanced research facilities, and globally recognised degrees that open doors to opportunities worldwide.
| Expense | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Rent | $1,200–1,800 | |
| Groceries | $350–450 | |
| Transport | $120–180 | |
| Fees/Utilities | $120–220 | |
| Miscellaneous | $200–350 | |
7. University of Calgary
Location: Calgary, Alberta
Tuition (2026): CA $80,000–$83,000/year
Affiliations: Foothills Medical Centre
Standout: Tech/global health
Courses: MD
Students: ~33,000
Eligibility: MCAT CARS 127+
App: UCalgary; ~7% acceptance
The University of Calgary is renowned for incorporating AI into Canadian medical schools. It improves patient care, diagnostics, & clinical training. The university provides data-driven research and digital medicine for students. Canada is a popular destination for ambitious healthcare professionals globally because of its emphasis on cutting-edge medical research.
| Expense | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Rent | $900–1,400 | |
| Groceries | $300–400 | |
| Transport | $110–160 | |
| Fees/Utilities | $100–200 | |
| Miscellaneous | $150–250 | |
8. University of Alberta
Location: Edmonton, Alberta
Tuition (2026): CA $15,000–$16,000/year
Affiliations: UAlberta Hospital
Standout: Rural/population health
Courses: MD, Dentistry
Students: ~40,000
Eligibility: GPA 3.5+
App: UAlberta; ~11% acceptance
UAlberta's immunology research ranks #5 in Canada. The university is widely recognised for its contributions to areas like infectious diseases, vaccine development, and place it at #5 in Canada’s education and research landscape. The university has advanced labs, interdisciplinary collaboration, and support to drive innovation in biomedical science. Students get hands-on research opportunities, access to global experts, & courses aligned with modern healthcare challenges. The college has an environment for those interested in life sciences and medical research.
| Expense | Cost |
|---|---|
| Rent | $800–1,200 |
| Groceries | $280–380 |
| Transport | $100–150 |
| Fees/Utilities | $90–180 |
| Miscellaneous | $150–250 |
9. University of Ottawa
Location: Ottawa, Ontario
Tuition (2026): CA $65,000/year
Affiliations: Ottawa Hospital
Standout: Bilingual community health
Courses: MD undergrad/postgrad
Students: ~42,000
Eligibility: CGPA 7.7/10
App: OMSAS; ~10% acceptance
The University of Ottawa Hospital allows students to get hands-on clinical experience while conducting impactful research. The university’s high research output and focus on community-based healthcare make it an excellent choice for aspiring medical professionals.
| Expense | Cost |
|---|---|
| Rent | $1,000–1,500 |
| Groceries | $320–420 |
| Transport | $120–170 |
| Fees/Utilities | $100–200 |
| Miscellaneous | $180–280 |
10. Memorial University of Newfoundland
Location: St. John's, NL
Tuition (2026): CA $29,000–$33,000/year
Affiliations: Eastern Health
Standout: Rural clinical training
Courses: MD specialties
Students: ~19,000
Eligibility: MCAT, CASPer
App: Memorial; ~11% acceptance
Memorial University of Newfoundland is a well-regarded public research university, especially noted for its commitment to community health and rural medicine. They have research programs in epidemiology, public health, and chronic disease management. With a learning environment for making healthcare accessible, Memorial University stands out as a great option for anyone looking to build a career in medicine or health sciences.
| Expense | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Rent | $700–1,100 | |
| Groceries | $300–400 | |
| Transport | $90–140 | |
| Fees/Utilities | $90–180 | |
| Miscellaneous | $150–250 | |
11. University of Western Ontario (Schulich)
Location: London, Ontario
Tuition (2026): CA $92,000–$95,000/year
Affiliations: London Health Sciences
Standout: Competency-based MD
Courses: MD
Students: ~38,000
Eligibility: GPA 3.7, MCAT 127+
App: OMSAS; ~7% acceptance
Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry is transforming medical school training in Canada. The school integrates precision medicine, medical imaging, and patient-centred care. With a strong focus on research & technology, Schulich prepares future doctors to meet evolving healthcare challenges and advance Canada’s medical education system.
| Expense | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Rent | $850–1,300 | |
| Groceries | $290–390 | |
| Transport | $100–150 | |
| Fees/Utilities | $90–190 | |
| Miscellaneous | $150–250 | |
Admission Criteria for the Best Medical Schools in Canada
The eligibility criteria for each medical university in Canada might vary. However, some criteria, such as a statement of purpose, Identity cards, and academic transcripts, are required in all the best medical schools in Canada. Here is a detailed look at the general admission criteria for the top-ranked medical schools in Canada.
| Requirement | Description | Common Thresholds | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor's Degree | 3-4 years completed (90-120 credits); any discipline | GPA 3.8+ (OMSAS scale) | |
| MCAT | Required by most; the CARS section is often emphasized | 510-515 total; 128+ CARS | |
| CASPer Test | Situational judgment online; mandatory for many | Minimum percentile varies | |
| Transcripts | Official from all post-secondary institutions | WES evaluation for intl. | |
| Autobiographical Sketch/CV | Verifiers needed for activities (volunteering, research, leadership) | 32 entries max; 4-5 verifiers each | |
| Reference Letters | 2-3 confidential letters | Professors, supervisors, physicians | |
| English Proficiency | IELTS/TOEFL for non-native speakers | IELTS 6.5-7.0 overall | |
| Interviews | MMI or panel format post-shortlist | March-May | |
| SOP/Essays | Personal statements or ABS for select schools | 4-5 short responses | |
| ID Documents | Passport/PR card for status proof | Submitted via portal | |
Why Choose The Best Medical Schools in Canada?
Why set your sights on the best medical schools in Canada? For aspiring physicians, these best universities in Canada for medicine offer a unique and compelling combination of factors:
1. Globally Known: Canada has more than 17 medical institutions. The best medical schools in Canada rank in the top 100 globally. Canada hosted over 1 million international students.
2. Focus on Research and Innovation: According to AFMC, the University of Ottawa's Faculty of Medicine ranks among Canada's top 10 research universities. Canada invests over $7 billion in medical and health-related research funding annually, advancing fields like MBBS, Dental, General Medicine, Pathology, and Pharma
3. Strong Clinical Training: The best medical schools in Canada emphasise hands-on clinical experience. Institutions like the University of British Columbia's Faculty of Medicine utilise a distributed learning model, offering students clinical exposure across various training sites.
4. Endearing Culture: Canada's multicultural society is reflected in the medical schools in Canada. In 2021, there were 16,172 medical students and 14,193 medical residents in Canada, with international students comprising 0.55% and 9.7% of these populations, respectively.
Canada, renowned for its landscapes, boasts a world-class medical education system. For aspiring physicians, this translates into a wealth of exceptional medical schools in Canada that offer high-quality medical education and produce future healthcare leaders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Canadian medical schools are best for research opportunities?
Top institutions such as the University of Toronto and McGill University are globally recognised for cutting-edge research in immunology, neuroscience, and public health.
Are there affordable medical schools in Canada for international students?
Yes, universities such as Memorial University of Newfoundland offer lower tuition fees than many top medical schools.
What makes bilingual medical education unique in Canada?
Schools like the University of Ottawa provide bilingual (English-French) programs, preparing students to work with diverse populations across Canada.
Do these Canadian medical schools offer early clinical exposure?
Many institutions, including the University of British Columbia, integrate early hands-on clinical training to enhance practical skills alongside theoretical learning.
Which medical schools focus on rural and community healthcare?
Northern Ontario School of Medicine is well-known for training doctors to serve rural and underserved communities, addressing healthcare gaps in remote regions.