Top Medical Schools in Canada 2026: MCAT & Fees

Canada has some of the most competitive medical admissions in the world. A strong GPA helps, but it is rarely enough on its own.

If you are comparing the top medical schools in Canada, you need more than a ranking list. Applicants also need to understand MCAT rules, CASPer requirements, province-based seat preferences, tuition costs and interview formats before choosing where to apply.

Here’s the thing: the “best” medical school in Canada is not always the one with the biggest name. It is the one where your residency status, grades, MCAT score, language background and application story actually fit.

Canada now has around 18 medical faculties in active admissions discussions, although some older national statistical reports still list 17 because newer schools entered the admissions landscape later. For applicants, the practical question is simple: which schools can you realistically apply to, and where does your profile have the strongest chance?

Top Medical Schools in Canada: At-a-Glance Comparison

Use this table first. It gives you the fast answer before the details begin.

School	Province	Program Length	MCAT Required?	Average GPA	Acceptance Rate	Annual Tuition	CASPer Required?
University of Toronto	Ontario	4 years	Yes	~3.95	~4–6%	~CAD 23,900–26,200	No
McGill University	Quebec	4 years	Yes, for many applicants	~3.85	~6–7%	~CAD 6,231 Quebec / ~CAD 25,956 other Canadian	No
University of British Columbia	British Columbia	4 years	Yes	~3.88	~5–11%	~CAD 19,995 + fees	No
McMaster University	Ontario	3 years	CARS only	~3.87	~3–4%	~CAD 25,130–29,963	Yes
University of Alberta	Alberta	4 years	Yes	~3.7	~7–8%	~CAD 17,000–18,000	Yes
University of Calgary	Alberta	3 years	Yes	~3.6	~7–9%	Check current cycle	Verify current cycle
Western University	Ontario	4 years	Yes	~3.9	~5–6%	~CAD 25,702–29,482	No
Queen’s University	Ontario	4 years	Yes	~3.85	~5–6%	Check official fee schedule	No
University of Ottawa	Ontario	4 years	Stream-dependent	~3.85	~5–6%	Check by stream	Yes for English stream
Université de Montréal	Quebec	4 years	No	~3.7 / R-score based	~6–8%	Low for Quebec residents	No

Sources: AFMC Canadian Medical Education Statistics 2024–25, OMSAS, and individual school admissions pages. Always verify tuition, MCAT rules and CASPer requirements directly for your application cycle because fees and selection formulas can change year to year.

School-by-School Guide to the Top 10 Medical Schools in Canada

The rankings matter, but fit matters more.

1. University of Toronto Temerty Faculty of Medicine

The University of Toronto is often the first name students think of when they search for top medical schools in Canada. That makes sense. It sits inside one of the country’s strongest hospital and research networks, with access to major tertiary and quaternary care centres.

But big can feel big. UofT suits students who like academic medicine, research, subspecialty exposure and a high-volume clinical environment.

Factor	Details
Average MCAT	~516–517
Average GPA	~3.95 cGPA
Acceptance rate	~4–6% overall
Class size	Around 259 seats
CASPer	Not required
Interview	Modified Personal Interview, not standard MMI
Tuition	Around CAD 23,909 Ontario / CAD 26,200 non-Ontario
Strong for	Research, subspecialties, academic medicine

UofT is especially strong for research, academic medicine, surgery, internal medicine and highly specialised care. Students who want early exposure to major hospitals, physician-scientist pathways and large peer networks will find plenty to work with.

The caution? You need to be comfortable advocating for yourself. In a large programme, opportunities exist, but they do not always walk up and introduce themselves.

2. McGill University Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences

McGill offers the MDCM degree, not a standard “MD” title. In practice, it leads to the same physician training route, but the name reflects McGill’s historical degree structure: Doctor of Medicine and Master of Surgery.

McGill is also one of the few Canadian medical schools that remains realistically visible to international applicants. That does not mean it is easy. It means there is at least a door.

Factor	Details
Average MCAT	~514–516
Average GPA	~3.85, using McGill’s own conversion
Acceptance rate	~6–7%
International seats	Limited, often around 10 per year
Degree	MDCM
CASPer	Not required
Interview	MMI
Tuition	About CAD 6,231 Quebec / CAD 25,956 other Canadian
Strong for	Research, international profile, Montreal clinical exposure

McGill suits students who want a research-heavy, urban, bilingual-influenced environment in Montreal. It is particularly attractive for applicants who want international recognition without leaving Canada.

Here’s the slightly counterintuitive part: McGill can be one of the cheapest options for Quebec residents and one of the most expensive for international students. Students comparing lower-cost Canadian universities should remember that the same school can sit at both ends of the affordability scale depending on your status.

3. University of British Columbia Faculty of Medicine

UBC is the only medical school in British Columbia, and that single fact shapes its admissions culture. The school has a strong provincial mission, so BC residents receive a major advantage.

Its distributed model is a big draw. Students may train in Vancouver, Victoria, Prince George through UNBC, or Kelowna through the Southern Medical Program. Think about it this way: UBC is not just a Vancouver medical school. It is a province-wide training system.

Factor	Details
Average MCAT	~514–516
Average GPA	~3.88 equivalent
Acceptance rate	Around ~5–11%, depending on applicant pool
Resident preference	Strong BC preference
Distributed sites	Vancouver, Victoria, Prince George, Kelowna
CASPer	Not required
Interview	MMI
Tuition	Around CAD 19,995 plus student fees
Strong for	Distributed medical education, community health, rural medicine

UBC suits students who want distributed clinical exposure, community health, rural medicine options and a strong public-health-minded curriculum. Its Non-Academic Activities section also matters. Students sometimes underestimate it because it does not look as “test-like” as the MCAT. That is a mistake.

The caution is straightforward: out-of-province applicants face a tougher path.

4. McMaster University Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine

McMaster is famous for two things: its three-year MD programme and its unusual MCAT rule.

McMaster only requires the CARS section of the MCAT, with a minimum score often discussed around 128 for competitive applicants. No other MCAT sections are evaluated in the same way for its selection process.

Factor	Details
MCAT	CARS section only
Average GPA	~3.87
Acceptance rate	~3–4%
Program length	3 years
CASPer	Required
Interview	MMI
Tuition	Around CAD 25,130 in-province / CAD 29,963 Canadian out-of-province
Strong for	Problem-based learning, accelerated training, self-directed learners

The three-year format sounds shorter, but not lighter. McMaster compresses pre-clerkship and clerkship training, so students move quickly and need strong time management from the first term.

McMaster suits students who think well in discussion, enjoy problem-based learning and can handle a less traditional structure. The caution is that CASPer can heavily affect interview chances. A brilliant transcript will not save a careless situational judgement test.

5. University of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry

The University of Alberta offers a strong, research-oriented medical programme with clear provincial preference. Most seats are reserved for Alberta residents, which means residency status matters before your GPA even enters the conversation.

Factor	Details
Average MCAT	~512–514
Average GPA	~3.7
Acceptance rate	~7–8%
Class size	Around 162–192 seats, depending on cycle
CASPer	Required
Interview	MMI
Tuition	Around CAD 17,000–18,000 domestic
Strong for	Research, Alberta clinical training, community-linked medicine

Alberta suits students who want strong clinical training, research access and a slightly less crowded urban environment than Toronto or Vancouver. It also works well for applicants with a real connection to Alberta’s healthcare needs.

The caution is residency. A non-Alberta applicant may still apply, but the math is not neutral. Seat allocation changes the real acceptance rate before your file is even read.

6. University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine

Calgary’s MD programme runs over three years, which makes it attractive to students who want to move quickly into residency. But the shorter timeline comes with pressure. There is less room to coast, reset or “figure things out later”.

Factor	Details
Average MCAT	~512–513
Average GPA	~3.6
Acceptance rate	~7–9%
Program length	3 years
CASPer	Verify current cycle
Interview	MMI / multi-format interview
Tuition	Check official cycle page
Strong for	Accelerated training, community medicine, Alberta-focused practice

Calgary suits students who are mature, self-directed and ready for a fast clinical ramp-up. It is also a good fit for applicants interested in community medicine, health systems and Alberta-based practice.

One expert-level observation: a three-year MD does not simply “save one year”. It also removes one summer that many four-year students use for research, electives or recovery. That trade-off is fine for the right person, but it is still a trade-off.

7. Western University Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry

Western is a strong Ontario option with a traditional four-year structure and a reputation for clinical training. It also has the Windsor Campus partnership, which means some students complete parts of their training in Windsor rather than London.

Factor	Details
Average MCAT	~514–515
Average GPA	~3.9 OMSAS
Acceptance rate	~5–6%
CASPer	Not required
Interview	MMI
Tuition	Around CAD 25,702 in-province / CAD 29,482 Canadian
Strong for	Clinical medicine, hospital training, Ontario applicants

Western suits students who want solid clinical exposure, a smaller-city student experience and access to both London and Windsor training environments. It can feel less overwhelming than Toronto while still offering strong hospital-based education.

The caution: Western’s cut-off style can be unforgiving. Applicants who miss a threshold may struggle even if the rest of the file looks excellent.

8. Queen’s University School of Medicine

Queen’s is smaller than many Ontario medical schools, and that changes the feel of the programme. Students often choose it for its tighter community, classic campus setting and manageable class size.

Factor	Details
Average MCAT	~513–515
Average GPA	~3.85 OMSAS
Acceptance rate	~5–6%
Class size	Around 100 seats
CASPer	Not required
Interview	MMI
Tuition	Check current fee schedule
Strong for	Smaller class environment, close peer community, Ontario clinical training

Queen’s suits students who want close peer relationships and a less anonymous medical school experience. It also works well for applicants who prefer Kingston’s smaller-city pace over the scale of Toronto or Vancouver.

The caution is that a small class cuts both ways. You may get a close community, but there are fewer seats to win in the first place.

9. University of Ottawa Faculty of Medicine

Ottawa is unusual because of its English and French streams. Eligibility rules differ by stream, and applicants should not treat them as interchangeable.

Factor	Details
Average MCAT	~513–515 for English stream; not required for some French stream applicants
Average GPA	~3.85 OMSAS
Acceptance rate	~5–6%
CASPer	Required for English stream
Interview	MMI
Bilingual streams	English and French
Tuition	Check official stream-specific fee page
Strong for	Bilingual medicine, public service, community care

Ottawa suits students who value bilingual healthcare, public service, community care and access to national institutions. The French stream can be a major advantage for eligible francophone applicants.

The caution is eligibility. Do not apply based on the headline alone. Read the stream rules before you spend weeks shaping your application.

10. Université de Montréal Faculty of Medicine

Université de Montréal is one of the strongest French-language medical options in Canada. It is also very different from the Ontario schools many international readers first discover online.

Factor	Details
MCAT	Not required
Average GPA	Around ~3.7, often assessed through Quebec-style academic systems
Acceptance rate	~6–8%
Language	French only
CASPer	Not required
Tuition	Very low for Quebec residents; higher for others
Strong for	French-language medicine, Quebec applicants, affordable tuition

This school suits fluent French speakers, especially Quebec residents. It is a poor fit for students looking for an English-language route into Canadian medicine.

The caution is language. A B2-level expectation is not a box to tick casually. Medical school already moves fast; doing it in a language where you are only half-comfortable makes everything harder.

Medical School Requirements Canada: GPA, MCAT, CASPer and Interviews

Canadian medical schools generally require a strong undergraduate GPA, often around 3.7–3.95+, an MCAT score in the 510–517 range, CASPer at selected schools and an MMI or MPI interview. Quebec schools typically do not require the MCAT, and McMaster focuses on CARS rather than the full MCAT.

MCAT Score for Canadian Medical Schools

The MCAT matters, but not in the same way everywhere.

School	MCAT Required?	Average Total	CARS Minimum	Notes
Toronto	Yes	~516–517	School-specific review	Strong total score expected
McGill	Yes for many applicants	~514–516	Varies	International and out-of-province applicants should verify
UBC	Yes	~514–516	Considered	All sections reviewed
McMaster	CARS only	Not used as full total	~128 competitive benchmark	CARS drives selection
Alberta	Yes	~512–514	Considered	All sections reviewed
Calgary	Yes	~512–513	Important	CARS often weighted strongly
Western	Yes	~514–515	Cut-off style	Thresholds matter
Queen’s	Yes	~513–515	Considered	Holistic after screening
Ottawa	Stream-dependent	Varies	Varies	Check English/French stream
Montréal	No	N/A	N/A	French-language pathway

For Ontario applicants, MCAT timing matters because Ontario application deadlines through OMSAS control the application process and deadlines. If your scores arrive late, a strong result may not help you for that cycle.

The most important point is not simply “take the MCAT”. It is to know how each school uses it. McMaster cares about CARS. UBC reviews all sections. Western may use cut-offs. Quebec schools may not ask for it at all.

That is why one applicant’s excellent MCAT strategy can be another applicant’s wasted effort.

Medical School GPA Canada: What GPA Do You Need?

The short answer is: higher than most students expect.

A competitive GPA for medical school in Canada is usually between 3.7 and 3.95+. Some schools admit students below that range, but they often have strong residency status, MCAT results, interviews or contextual factors.

School	Competitive GPA Benchmark	GPA Notes
Toronto	~3.95	Uses OMSAS-style academic review
McGill	~3.85	Uses its own conversion system
UBC	~3.88	Uses UBC-style academic conversion
McMaster	~3.87	Strong GPA plus CARS and CASPer needed
Alberta	~3.7	Adjusted or contextual review may apply
Calgary	~3.6	Weighted/adjusted review can matter
Western	~3.9	Thresholds can be important
Queen’s	~3.85	Competitive Ontario applicant pool
Ottawa	~3.85	Stream and eligibility rules matter
Montréal	~3.7 / R-score based	Quebec academic system differs

OMSAS GPA conversion can surprise applicants. Your transcript GPA and OMSAS GPA may not match because OMSAS converts grades from different universities into a common scale. That means an “A” from one grading system may not carry exactly the same numerical value once converted.

Some schools use adjusted GPA rules. Others may consider full-course-load rules, recent academic performance or best-year calculations.

A 3.7 is not “bad”. In Canadian medicine, though, “good” and “competitive” are not always the same thing.

CASPer Test Canada Medical School Requirements

CASPer tests situational judgement, professionalism, ethics, communication and decision-making under time pressure. It is not a science test. It feels closer to being placed in awkward human scenarios and asked, “What would you actually do?”

The format usually includes written and video-response scenarios, with tight timing. Students often face around 14 scenarios, with only a few minutes to respond to each one.

School	CASPer Required?	Notes
McMaster	Yes	Important part of admissions screening
Alberta	Yes	Used alongside academic and non-academic review
Calgary	Verify current cycle	Requirements can change
Ottawa	Yes for English stream	Stream-specific rules apply
Toronto	No	Uses MPI instead
UBC	No	Uses its own non-academic activities review
McGill	No	MMI used after file review
Western	No	MCAT and GPA thresholds matter
Queen’s	No	Interview selection rules vary
Montréal	No	French-language pathway

To prepare, practise timed typing, learn basic ethical frameworks and work through MMI-style scenarios.

Here is a concrete example. If a patient refuses treatment because their family disagrees, do not jump straight to “convince them”. Strong answers usually acknowledge autonomy, ask what the patient understands, explore pressure or fear, and involve the care team appropriately.

Most students prepare for CASPer too late. Start before September, not the night before your test window.

MMI and MPI Interviews

Most Canadian medical schools use the MMI, or Multiple Mini Interview. Applicants rotate through stations, often with short preparation time and several minutes to respond.

Common stations include ethics, role-play, health policy, collaboration, conflict resolution and personal reflection.

Interview Format	Used By	What It Looks Like
MMI	McGill, UBC, McMaster, Alberta, Calgary, Western, Queen’s, Ottawa	Rotating stations with ethical, policy, role-play or communication prompts
MPI	University of Toronto	Modified Personal Interview with a UofT-specific format
Stream-specific interviews	Some bilingual or regional programmes	May vary by language, campus or applicant category

One station might ask you to discuss vaccine hesitancy. Another might ask you to handle a teammate who is not contributing to a group project.

UofT is different. It uses Toronto’s Modified Personal Interview process, rather than a standard MMI. That distinction matters because preparation should match the format.

Here is the useful way to think about it: the MCAT tests whether you can handle the academic load. The interview tests whether people can imagine trusting you in a hospital.

In-Province Preference and Residency Rules

This is the part applicants underestimate most.

Canadian medical schools do not operate like a single national admissions market. Provinces fund medical education, so schools often protect seats for residents who are more likely to practise locally.

Province / School Group	Residency Preference	What It Means for Applicants
Ontario schools	Ontario applicants often have a stronger practical pathway through OMSAS	Out-of-province applicants can apply, but competition remains intense
UBC	Strong BC-resident preference	BC applicants usually have a major advantage
Alberta and Calgary	Alberta residents preferred	Non-Alberta seats are limited
Quebec schools	Quebec residents and French-language applicants often favoured	Language and residency can be decisive
McGill	Some international intake exists	Still very limited and highly competitive

This is why a student with a 3.9 GPA can still be rejected everywhere. The file may be strong. The residency strategy may be wrong.

For international applicants, this matters even more. Permanent residents are usually treated as domestic applicants, while international applicants face very limited seat availability.

How to Apply to Medical School in Canada

Start with the timeline, not the essay.

Month	Application Milestone
July	OMSAS opens for Ontario medical schools
August	Request transcripts and register for MCAT or CASPer if needed
Early September	MCAT score planning becomes urgent for schools requiring scores
September–October	CASPer test windows run for many schools
October 1	OMSAS deadline for Ontario schools, usually 4:30 pm ET
October–November	Direct application deadlines for BC, Alberta and Quebec schools
December–January	Interview invitations begin to appear
January–March	MMI, MPI and school-specific interviews take place
May	Ontario offers are released through the coordinated offer process
June	Waitlist movement and final decisions continue

7-Step Application Process

First, shortlist schools based on eligibility. Do not begin with prestige. Begin with province, citizenship status, language, GPA calculation and MCAT fit.

Second, check whether you apply through OMSAS or directly. Ontario schools use OMSAS. UBC, Alberta, Calgary, McGill and Quebec schools use their own systems.

Third, plan your MCAT early. If you are applying to McMaster, CARS becomes the main issue. If you are applying broadly, you need the full exam to be strong.

Fourth, sit CASPer where required. Treat it like an admissions test, not a personality quiz.

Fifth, prepare your activities and essays around proof. “I care about underserved communities” is vague. “I volunteered weekly at a newcomer clinic in Scarborough and helped patients navigate appointment forms” is better.

Sixth, prepare for interviews before invitations arrive. Waiting until January is common. It is also risky.

Seventh, rank offers by fit, cost and long-term practice goals. The cheapest or most famous option is not automatically the best one, especially if you are also comparing courses that support Canadian PR goals.

Can International Students Study Medicine in Canada?

Yes, but the honest answer is uncomfortable: very few international students get into Canadian medical schools. That is why some applicants also compare MBBS options outside Canada before committing to a long Canadian pathway.

McGill is the most realistic option for many international applicants because it has McGill’s international applicant route. The number is limited, often around 10 seats per year, and international tuition can be far higher than domestic tuition.

At most other Canadian medical schools, international seats are functionally zero in many cycles. “International” usually means you are not a Canadian citizen and not a permanent resident. Permanent residents are treated as domestic applicants at most schools.

Applicant Type	How Canadian Medical Schools Usually Treat Them
Canadian citizen	Domestic applicant
Permanent resident	Usually treated as domestic
International student	Very limited seats, often only realistic at McGill
International medical graduate	Separate licensure and residency route

For students from Bangladesh, Nigeria, Pakistan or similar applicant markets, the more realistic route is often this: complete a Canadian undergraduate degree while studying in Canada, gain permanent residency if eligible, then apply as a domestic applicant. That path takes longer, but it gives you access to a much wider set of schools.

There is also an IMG pathway for people who already completed medical school abroad. That route involves Canadian licensing exams such as the MCCQE and residency matching. It is separate from undergraduate medical admission, and it is highly competitive.

Best Canadian Medical Schools by Specialty and Student Goal

The “best” school changes depending on what you want.

Goal	Best-Fit Schools	Why They Stand Out
Research	Toronto, McGill, UBC	Major academic hospitals, strong research networks and specialist exposure
Family medicine	UBC, Calgary, Alberta, Montréal	Distributed or community-focused training models
Surgery	Toronto, McGill, UBC	High clinical volume and specialist teaching hospitals
Bilingual medicine	Ottawa, McGill	English/French pathways and bilingual clinical environments
International applicants	McGill	One of the few realistic international intake options
Three-year MD	McMaster, Calgary	Faster route, but more compressed training

For research, UofT, McGill and UBC stand out. They sit in major research ecosystems and give students access to academic hospitals, labs and specialist networks.

For family medicine, look closely at UBC, Calgary, Alberta and Montréal. Distributed and community-facing training can matter more than a famous downtown hospital.

For surgery, UofT, McGill and UBC are strong options because of clinical volume, specialist exposure and large teaching hospitals. A student interested in surgery needs mentorship, operating-room exposure and strong CaRMS planning, not just a school name.

For bilingual applicants, Ottawa and McGill deserve attention. Ottawa’s English and French streams create different routes, while McGill offers a Montreal-based environment with international recognition.

For three-year programmes, compare McMaster and Calgary carefully. McMaster is famous for problem-based learning and CARS-focused selection. Calgary offers a fast, Alberta-centred route with a compressed structure. Faster is not always easier.

How Much Does Medical School Cost in Canada?

Tuition varies sharply by province and residency status.

School	Domestic Tuition/Year	Out-of-Province/Year	International/Year	Estimated Domestic Total
Toronto	~CAD 23,909	~CAD 26,200	Check availability	~CAD 95,600–104,800
McGill	~CAD 6,231 Quebec	~CAD 25,956 Canadian	~CAD 55,000+	~CAD 24,900 Quebec
UBC	~CAD 19,995	Similar Canadian base + fees	Limited / verify	~CAD 80,000 + fees
McMaster	~CAD 25,130	~CAD 29,963	Limited / verify	~CAD 75,390 for 3 years
Alberta	~CAD 17,000–18,000	Verify	Limited / verify	~CAD 68,000–72,000
Calgary	Check current page	Check current page	Usually not considered	3-year total varies
Western	~CAD 25,702	~CAD 29,482	Limited / verify	~CAD 102,800
Queen’s	Check official schedule	Check official schedule	Limited / verify	Varies
Ottawa	Check by stream	Check by stream	Limited / verify	Varies
Montréal	Low for Quebec residents	Higher for others	Limited / verify	Varies

Tuition is only part of the cost. Living costs, including health insurance rules for students in Canada, can change the real bill just as much.

City	Rent	Food	Transport	Monthly Estimate
Toronto	High	High	Moderate	~CAD 2,300–3,200
Montreal	Moderate	Moderate	Moderate	~CAD 1,600–2,300
Vancouver	Very high	High	Moderate	~CAD 2,400–3,400
Edmonton	Moderate	Moderate	Moderate	~CAD 1,500–2,200
Calgary	Moderate-high	Moderate	Moderate	~CAD 1,700–2,500
London, Ontario	Moderate	Moderate	Low-moderate	~CAD 1,500–2,300

Most Canadian MD students use medical student lines of credit. Major banks such as RBC, TD and Scotiabank often offer large professional student credit lines, sometimes up to around CAD 350,000.

That is useful, but it is still debt. Treat it like a tool, not free money.

Scholarships and Funding for Medical Students in Canada

Funding exists, but full-ride medical scholarships are not the norm.

Funding Option	What It Covers
Canadian Medical Foundation bursaries	Need-based or mission-linked support for medical students
CFMS grants	Support for leadership, advocacy or student-led projects
MD/PhD stipends	Funding support for students pursuing research-heavy medical training
Provincial aid	Loans, grants or bursaries based on province and residency
Medical student lines of credit	Large professional credit lines from major banks

For international readers, Canadian scholarship options should be part of the planning process before applying. Medical tuition is high, seats are limited and work options during medical training are not flexible enough to cover everything.

FAQs: Top Medical Schools in Canada

What MCAT score do you need for Canadian medical schools?

Most competitive applicants at top Canadian medical schools have MCAT scores around 510–517. UofT, UBC, Western, Queen’s and Alberta usually expect strong overall performance. McMaster is different because it focuses on CARS rather than the full MCAT. Quebec medical schools often do not require the MCAT.

What GPA is needed for medical school in Canada?

A competitive GPA for medical school in Canada is usually between 3.7 and 3.95+. Some schools admit students below that range, but they often have strong residency status, MCAT results, interviews or contextual factors. For UofT and many Ontario schools, admitted averages are often closer to 3.85–3.95.

Which Canadian medical schools do not require the MCAT?

Several Quebec medical schools, including Université de Montréal, generally do not require the MCAT. Ottawa’s requirements can depend on stream and applicant category. McMaster requires only the CARS section rather than the full MCAT score. Always check the school’s current admissions page before applying.

Do Canadian medical schools require CASPer?

Some do. McMaster, Alberta and Ottawa’s English stream are among the schools commonly associated with CASPer requirements. Others, such as UofT, UBC, McGill, Western and Queen’s, may not require it depending on the cycle. CASPer rules change, so applicants should verify before registering.

Can international students study medicine in Canada?

Yes, but options are extremely limited. McGill is one of the few Canadian medical schools with a small international intake. Most other schools have few or no international seats in many cycles. Permanent residents are usually treated as domestic applicants, which makes PR status important for long-term planning.

What is the acceptance rate for Canadian medical schools?

Acceptance rates at top Canadian medical schools often sit around 3–8%, depending on the school, province and applicant category. McMaster and UofT are especially competitive by applicant volume. In-province applicants usually have better odds at schools with provincial seat protection.

How many medical schools are in Canada?

Canada is commonly discussed as having around 18 medical faculties in current admissions planning, which aligns with the AFMC admissions guide, although some recent national statistical materials still reflected 17 faculties before newer admissions additions were fully represented. Applicants should focus less on the national count and more on which schools they are actually eligible for.

Which is the best medical school in Canada for family medicine?

UBC, Calgary, Alberta and Université de Montréal are strong options for family medicine because of their community-focused, distributed or province-oriented training models. The best choice depends on language, residency status and where you hope to practise. For rural or distributed training, UBC and Calgary deserve close attention.

Final Thoughts

The top medical schools in Canada are not automatically the right schools for every applicant. The best choice is the one where your GPA, MCAT score, residency status, language ability, budget and career goals line up.

A student with a 3.95 GPA may still struggle if they apply to the wrong province. Another student with a slightly lower GPA may do well by choosing schools that value their background, service record and local eligibility.

That is Canadian medical admissions in a nutshell: competitive, data-heavy and deeply local.

Not sure where your profile fits? BHE UNI’s advisors have helped students from Bangladesh, Nigeria, Pakistan and beyond navigate Canadian medical admissions. Book a free 30-minute consultation now!