Top Medical Schools in Canada 2026: GPA, MCAT & Fees

Canada has some of the most competitive medical schools in the world.

If you are searching for the top medical schools in Canada, you probably want a clear list first. So let’s start there. The University of Toronto, McGill University, UBC, McMaster and the University of Alberta usually sit near the top when students compare reputation, research strength, clinical training and admission competitiveness.

But here’s the thing: the best medical school in Canada is not always the best one for your profile.

A school may rank highly and still be a poor fit if your GPA, MCAT score, province, language background, tuition budget or applicant status does not match its selection process. Canadian medical admissions are not only competitive. They are also very local.

This guide gives you a sharp comparison of the best medical schools in Canada for 2026/2027, including GPA, MCAT, Casper, tuition fees, living costs, work rules, competitiveness and applicant-fit notes.

If you are still exploring the wider route, it may help to understand the broader study path in Canada before building a medical school list.

Best Medical Schools in Canada: Quick Ranking

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

Rank	Medical School	Province	Best For	MCAT	Casper
1	University of Toronto	Ontario	Research, academic medicine, specialist hospitals	Yes	No
2	McGill University	Quebec	Research, Montreal clinical exposure, international visibility	Yes for many applicants	No
3	University of British Columbia	British Columbia	Distributed training, BC applicants, community medicine	Yes	No
4	McMaster University	Ontario	Three-year MD, problem-based learning	CARS-focused	Yes
5	University of Alberta	Alberta	Research, Alberta clinical training	Yes	Check current cycle
6	University of Calgary	Alberta	Three-year MD, community medicine	Yes	Check current cycle
7	Western University	Ontario	Clinical training, hospital exposure	Yes	No
8	Queen’s University	Ontario	Smaller class environment	Yes	No
9	University of Ottawa	Ontario	Bilingual medicine, public service	Stream-dependent	Check current stream
10	Université de Montréal	Quebec	French-language medicine, Quebec applicants	Usually no	Usually no

This is an applicant-focused ranking. Global ranking tables may look different because they often measure research output, citations, teaching reputation and international outlook. Those signals matter, but they do not tell you whether you personally have a realistic chance.

Acceptance rates can help you understand competitiveness, but they are not reported in the same way by every medical school. Treat them as a guide, not a promise of admission.

Quick Stats: GPA, MCAT, Fees and Competitiveness

Use this table for fast comparison. Amounts are in Canadian dollars. Some figures are latest listed fees rather than final future-cycle fees, so check the official university page before applying.

Rank	School	GPA / Academic Signal	MCAT / Test Signal	Latest Tuition & Fee Signal	Competitiveness
1	Toronto	Very high academic profile expected	MCAT required	AFMC lists Year 1 tuition at $23,090 for Ontario residents and $27,510 for other Canadian residents, plus compulsory fees. UofT also lists Year 1 total payable from about $25,416.88 to $29,836.88 for domestic students, depending on campus/status.	Extremely competitive
2	McGill	Strong academic record needed	MCAT required for many applicant categories	AFMC lists MD-CM Year 1 tuition at $6,356 for Quebec residents, $33,282 for other Canadian residents and $69,339 for visa/international students, plus compulsory fees.	Highly competitive
3	UBC	Strong academic average expected	MCAT required	UBC lists MD tuition at $20,803.21 per year. AFMC lists Year 1 cost signal at $24,838, with compulsory/recommended fees included.	Very competitive, especially out-of-province
4	McMaster	Mean accepted GPA recently around 3.92	MCAT required; CARS is central	AFMC lists Year 1 tuition at $25,130 for in-province residents and $29,963.78 for other Canadian residents, plus $1,154 compulsory fees.	Extremely competitive
5	Alberta	Minimum GPA differs for Alberta and non-Alberta applicants	MCAT required	AFMC lists Year 1 tuition at $16,140.72, plus compulsory fees of $1,213.80 per term.	Competitive, with Alberta preference
6	Calgary	Recent mean GPA around 3.88	MCAT required	AFMC lists Year 1 tuition at $25,244, plus $2,588 compulsory fees.	Competitive, with strong Alberta preference
7	Western	High academic threshold	MCAT required	AFMC lists Year 1 tuition at $25,702.64 for in-province residents and $29,482.64 for other Canadian residents, plus $1,503 compulsory fees.	Highly competitive
8	Queen’s	Competitive GPA expected	MCAT required	Queen’s 2026/27 table lists Medicine tuition at $23,983, plus SAL and ancillary fees, for a listed total of $25,680.49 for domestic medicine students.	Highly competitive
9	Ottawa	Recent entry class cGPA around 3.93 in AFMC data	Stream-dependent; verify current cycle	AFMC lists first-year tuition in the $25,487–$29,504 range, plus about $1,525 compulsory fees.	Competitive by stream
10	Montréal	Quebec academic system; French required	Usually no MCAT	Quebec medical tuition is usually much lower for Quebec residents, but applicants should use the current Université de Montréal fee calculator before applying.	Competitive for French applicants

Fee figures are based on the latest available official listings, including the AFMC admissions guide, UofT MD current fees, UBC medical programme costs and Queen’s undergraduate tuition and fees.

Most Canadian medical schools are highly selective. Many applicant pools sit in low single-digit to high single-digit acceptance ranges, but the real chance can change sharply by province, language stream and applicant category.

How We Ranked These Canadian Medical Schools

These Canadian medical school rankings are built for applicants, not only for global reputation.

We looked at research strength, clinical training, GPA and MCAT expectations, Casper rules, tuition, in-province preference, international applicant access and future residency planning through the CaRMS match process.

We also considered programme length. A three-year MD can sound attractive, but it is not always easier. It can save time, but it can also remove the slower summers that some four-year students use for research, electives or recovery.

For official checks, use the CACMS accredited programmes list, the AFMC admissions guide, OMSAS application guidance, the AAMC MCAT registration page, the Casper assessment site and the CaRMS R-1 eligibility page.

One small warning: Canadian medical school data changes by cycle. Tuition, test rules, seat policies and admission formulas should always be checked before you apply.

Top 10 Medical Schools in Canada

1. University of Toronto Temerty Faculty of Medicine

The University of Toronto is often the first name students think of when they compare the top medical schools in Canada.

It has a huge academic medical network, strong research output and access to major teaching hospitals. For students interested in specialist medicine, surgery, internal medicine, research or physician-scientist routes, UofT offers serious depth.

Factor	Details
Province	Ontario
Programme length	4 years
MCAT	Required
Casper	Not required
Fee signal	AFMC lists $23,090 Ontario resident tuition and $27,510 other Canadian resident tuition for Year 1, before compulsory fees
Best fit	Strong academic applicants who want a large research-heavy environment

Why it ranks here: UofT ranks highly because of its research strength, major hospital network and specialist training depth.

The upside is opportunity. The caution is scale. A large system can feel exciting, but students need to be proactive. Research projects, mentors and clinical exposure exist, but you still have to go and find them.

2. McGill University Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences

McGill is one of Canada’s most recognised medical schools, especially for students who care about research, global reputation and Montreal clinical exposure.

McGill awards the MDCM degree. That title can confuse international students at first, but it is McGill’s medical degree route and leads into physician training.

Factor	Details
Province	Quebec
Programme length	4 years
MCAT	Required for many applicant categories
Casper	Not required
Fee signal	AFMC lists $6,356 for Quebec residents, $33,282 for other Canadian residents and $69,339 for visa/international students, plus compulsory fees
Best fit	Strong applicants who can handle a bilingual-influenced environment

Why it ranks here: McGill combines strong research reputation, Montreal clinical exposure and a visible pathway for some international applicant categories.

McGill can be very affordable for Quebec residents and expensive for international students. That is one of the odd things about Canadian medical education: the same school can feel cheap or costly depending on your status.

International applicants often notice McGill first because it is one of the more visible options. Still, seats are limited. If you are comparing Canada with other routes, this guide on choosing where to study medicine may help you step back before deciding.

3. University of British Columbia Faculty of Medicine

UBC is the main medical school route in British Columbia, and that makes residency status very important.

The school uses a distributed medical education model, so students may train across different sites in the province. This makes UBC especially strong for students interested in community medicine, rural health and provincial healthcare needs.

Factor	Details
Province	British Columbia
Programme length	4 years
MCAT	Required
Casper	Not required
Fee signal	UBC lists MD tuition at $20,803.21 per year; AFMC lists Year 1 cost signal at $24,838 including compulsory/recommended fees
Best fit	BC applicants and students interested in distributed clinical training

Why it ranks here: UBC ranks highly because it offers a province-wide training model, strong community exposure and clear value for BC applicants.

UBC is not only a Vancouver medical school. It is a province-wide system.

That matters. A student who wants exposure to different communities may find UBC more suitable than a school built around one large city.

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

4. McMaster University Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine

McMaster is famous for its three-year MD programme and its CARS-focused MCAT approach.

That sounds attractive, but it is not a shortcut. A three-year MD moves quickly. Students need to be organised from the beginning because there is less time to pause, explore slowly or recover from a weak term.

Factor	Details
Province	Ontario
Programme length	3 years
MCAT	CARS-focused
Casper	Required
Fee signal	AFMC lists $25,130 in-province tuition and $29,963.78 other Canadian tuition, plus $1,154 compulsory fees
Best fit	Self-directed students who like problem-based learning

Why it ranks here: McMaster stands out for its three-year MD structure, problem-based learning style and distinctive admissions focus on CARS and Casper.

McMaster suits students who think well in discussion, enjoy problem-solving and can handle a fast academic rhythm.

The surprising part? A shorter medical degree can feel harder, not easier. You save a year, but you also lose some of the flexible time that four-year students may use for research, electives or rest.

5. University of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry

The University of Alberta offers strong research access, solid clinical training and a clear provincial mission.

For many applicants, the biggest issue is not whether Alberta is good enough. It is whether their applicant category fits the school’s seat structure.

Factor	Details
Province	Alberta
Programme length	4 years
MCAT	Required
Casper	Check current cycle
Fee signal	AFMC lists $16,140.72 Year 1 tuition, plus compulsory fees of $1,213.80 per term
Best fit	Applicants with a strong Alberta connection

Why it ranks here: Alberta ranks well because it offers research depth, solid clinical training and a strong provincial pathway for Alberta-connected applicants.

Alberta can be a good fit for students who want research, clinical training and a less crowded city environment than Toronto or Vancouver.

But the maths is not neutral. In-province preference can change your real chances before the rest of your application is even judged.

6. University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine

Calgary also offers a three-year MD programme.

This makes it attractive for mature, focused applicants who want to move quickly into residency. It can work well for students interested in community medicine, health systems and Alberta-focused practice.

Factor	Details
Province	Alberta
Programme length	3 years
MCAT	Required
Casper	Check current cycle
Fee signal	AFMC lists $25,244 Year 1 tuition, plus $2,588 compulsory fees
Best fit	Mature, self-directed applicants ready for a fast programme

Why it ranks here: Calgary earns its place because of its accelerated MD route, community medicine focus and strong fit for self-directed applicants.

The programme’s speed is both the benefit and the challenge.

A three-year route may reduce total time in school. At the same time, it leaves less room for slow exploration. If you need time to build research, shadowing or specialty direction, think carefully before choosing a compressed route.

7. Western University Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry

Western is a strong Ontario medical school with a traditional four-year structure and a reputation for clinical training.

It offers medical education through London and Windsor, which gives students exposure to different clinical settings without the scale of Toronto.

Factor	Details
Province	Ontario
Programme length	4 years
MCAT	Required
Casper	Not required
Fee signal	AFMC lists $25,702.64 in-province tuition and $29,482.64 other Canadian tuition, plus $1,503 compulsory fees
Best fit	Applicants who meet academic thresholds clearly

Why it ranks here: Western ranks well for clinical training, hospital exposure and a clear pathway for applicants who meet its academic screening standards.

Western can feel more manageable than a very large urban medical school, while still offering strong hospital-based education.

The caution is screening. If you miss an academic or MCAT threshold, the rest of your file may not get much room to shine.

In Canadian medical admissions, “almost competitive” can still mean rejected.

8. Queen’s University School of Medicine

Queen’s is smaller than many of the bigger medical schools in Canada, and that changes the student experience.

A smaller class can feel more personal. Students who want a close peer group, a classic campus setting and a less anonymous academic environment may like Queen’s.

Factor	Details
Province	Ontario
Programme length	4 years
MCAT	Required
Casper	Not required
Fee signal	Queen’s 2026/27 table lists domestic Medicine tuition at $23,983 and total listed cost at $25,680.49, with first-year students charged an additional $100
Best fit	Students who prefer a smaller medical school community

Why it ranks here: Queen’s is strong for students who want a smaller learning environment, close peer community and solid Ontario clinical training.

The trade-off is seats. A smaller class means fewer places available.

Queen’s is a good option for applicants who want strong Ontario clinical training without the intensity of a huge city campus.

9. University of Ottawa Faculty of Medicine

Ottawa is different because of its English and French streams.

This is not a small detail. The stream you apply to can affect eligibility, requirements and strategy.

Factor	Details
Province	Ontario
Programme length	4 years
MCAT	Stream-dependent; verify current cycle
Casper	Check current stream requirements
Fee signal	AFMC lists tuition in the $25,487–$29,504 range, plus about $1,525 compulsory fees
Best fit	Applicants interested in bilingual medicine and public service

Why it ranks here: Ottawa ranks well because of its bilingual medical education options, public service environment and stream-specific applicant pathways.

Ottawa suits students who value bilingual healthcare, community care and access to national institutions.

The French stream can be a major advantage for eligible francophone applicants. But do not apply based on the headline alone. Read the stream rules first.

10. Université de Montréal Faculty of Medicine

Université de Montréal is one of Canada’s strongest French-language medical routes.

It is not the right choice for students looking for an English-language MD. It can be a very strong option for fluent French speakers, especially Quebec residents.

Factor	Details
Province	Quebec
Programme length	4 years
MCAT	Usually not required
Casper	Check current French-language pathway rules
Fee signal	Quebec residents usually pay much lower medical tuition than out-of-province or international students; use the current university fee calculator before applying
Best fit	Fluent French speakers and Quebec applicants

Why it ranks here: Université de Montréal is a strong choice for French-speaking applicants because of its Quebec-focused route, affordability for eligible residents and French-language medical training.

Language is not just a box to tick. Medical school already moves fast. Studying medicine in a language where you are only half-comfortable can make everything harder.

For the right applicant, though, Montréal can offer strong training and a more affordable route.

GPA, MCAT, Casper, Tuition and Competitiveness

Here is a compact comparison of the main admission factors students usually ask about.

School	GPA Pattern	MCAT	Casper	Cost Signal	Competitiveness
Toronto	Very high	Required	No	Around $25,416.88–$29,836.88 total payable for domestic Year 1 in latest listed figures	Extremely competitive
McGill	Strong	Required for many	No	$6,356 Quebec / $33,282 other Canadian / $69,339 visa or international tuition, plus fees	Highly competitive
UBC	Strong	Required	No	$20,803.21 tuition per year; Year 1 cost signal around $24,838	Very competitive, especially out-of-province
McMaster	Mean accepted GPA around 3.92	CARS-focused	Yes	$25,130 in-province / $29,963.78 other Canadian tuition, plus fees	Extremely competitive
Alberta	Minimum differs by applicant category	Required	Check current cycle	$16,140.72 tuition, plus compulsory fees per term	Competitive, with Alberta preference
Calgary	Mean GPA around 3.88	Required	Check current cycle	$25,244 tuition, plus $2,588 compulsory fees	Competitive, with Alberta preference
Western	High threshold	Required	No	$25,702.64 in-province / $29,482.64 other Canadian tuition, plus fees	Highly competitive
Queen’s	Competitive	Required	No	$23,983 tuition; $25,680.49 listed domestic total cost	Highly competitive
Ottawa	Recent cGPA around 3.93	Stream-dependent	Check current stream	$25,487–$29,504 tuition range, plus fees	Competitive by stream
Montréal	Quebec academic system	Usually no MCAT	Check current rules	Lower for Quebec residents; verify current calculator	Competitive for French applicants

This table should not replace official admissions pages. Use it to shortlist schools, then verify the current cycle.

A strong GPA and MCAT score matter, but they do not work alone. Casper, interview performance, province, language and applicant category can all change the result.

Living Costs, Proof of Funds and Work Rules for 2026/2027

Tuition is not the full cost of medical school in Canada.

For 2026/2027 planning, students should also budget for rent, food, transport, health insurance, books, exam fees, interview costs, deposits and daily living expenses. In cities such as Toronto and Vancouver, living costs can be a serious part of the total budget.

For international students, tuition is only one part of the budget. IRCC’s proof of financial support page lists the required living-expense amount for study permit applicants, while the off-campus work rules explain the weekly limit during regular academic terms.

For one study permit applicant outside Quebec applying on or after 1 September 2025, IRCC requires proof of funds for living expenses of $22,895, excluding tuition and transportation. If family members come with you, the required amount is higher.

Eligible international students may work off campus for up to 24 hours per week during regular academic terms and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. But here is the practical point: medical training is demanding. Do not build your medical school budget around part-time work.

A safer planning formula is:

Cost Area	What to Plan For
Tuition and compulsory fees	Use the official fee table for your applicant category
Living expenses	At least IRCC’s proof-of-funds amount for international students, often more in expensive cities
Books and equipment	Budget separately, especially in Year 1
Health insurance	Depends on province and student status
Transport	Higher if you live away from campus or rotate between sites
Exam and application costs	MCAT, Casper, application fees and transcripts can add up
Emergency buffer	Keep extra funds for rent changes, deposits or travel

This is where many students miscalculate. They compare tuition only, then later realise that rent, insurance and daily costs can change the real price of studying medicine.

Can International Students Study Medicine in Canada?

Yes, but the route is difficult.

Most medical schools in Canada mainly serve Canadian citizens and permanent residents. International seats are limited, and some schools may not offer a realistic direct route at all.

McGill is often one of the first options international applicants notice. Even there, competition is serious and tuition can be high.

For many students from Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Nigeria and similar markets, the more realistic route may be longer: study in Canada first, build academic history, understand immigration options and apply later if your status changes.

If you are planning from outside Canada, also look at the wider student route in Canada before focusing only on medical school rankings.

Scholarships and Funding for Medical Students in Canada

Medical school scholarships in Canada exist, but full funding is not common.

Most students use a mix of university awards, bursaries, provincial aid, professional student lines of credit and personal funding.

This matters because tuition is only one part of the cost. A student paying around $25,000 in tuition may still need another $22,895 or more for living expenses if they are an international study permit applicant outside Quebec, before transport and other costs.

For medical student borrowing, UBC notes that many banks offer professional student lines of credit designed for medical students.

International students should be extra careful. Some awards may be limited to Canadian citizens or permanent residents, and bank funding may require local credit history or a co-signer.

If cost is a major concern, compare fees with wider funding options in Canada before choosing a pathway.

FAQs: Top Medical Schools in Canada

What are the best medical schools in Canada?

The best medical schools in Canada usually include the University of Toronto, McGill University, UBC, McMaster University, the University of Alberta, the University of Calgary, Western University, Queen’s University, the University of Ottawa and Université de Montréal. The best choice depends on your GPA, MCAT, Casper, province, language and budget.

How many medical schools are in Canada?

Canada’s official medical school count can vary by source because newer programmes may be counted differently depending on accreditation stage. AFMC now says it gathers admissions data from 19 Faculties of Medicine in Canada, while CACMS separately lists programmes by accreditation status. Applicants should check CACMS and each university’s official page before applying.

What GPA do you need for medical school in Canada?

A competitive GPA for medical school in Canada is often around 3.7 to 3.95+, depending on the school and applicant category. Some schools admit students below that range, but usually with strong residency status, MCAT results, Casper performance, interviews or contextual strengths.

What MCAT score do you need for Canadian medical schools?

Many competitive applicants score around 510 to 517, depending on the school. Toronto, UBC, Western, Queen’s and Alberta usually expect strong MCAT performance. McMaster is different because it focuses heavily on CARS.

What is the acceptance rate for medical schools in Canada?

Acceptance rates vary by school, province and applicant category. Many medical schools in Canada are highly competitive, and in-province preference can make the real admission chance very different for different applicants.

How much does medical school cost in Canada?

Medical school costs vary by school and applicant category. Recent listed Year 1 tuition ranges from about $6,356 for Quebec-resident McGill applicants to more than $69,000 for some international or visa-student categories. Domestic Ontario medical schools often sit around the mid-$20,000 range before living costs.

Can international students work while studying medicine in Canada?

Eligible international students can work off campus for up to 24 hours per week during regular academic terms and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. Medical school can be very demanding, so students should not depend on part-time work to cover major tuition or living costs.

Which Canadian medical schools do not require the MCAT?

Several French-language Quebec schools, including Université de Montréal, Université Laval and Université de Sherbrooke, usually do not require the MCAT. Ottawa can be stream-dependent, and McMaster is different because it focuses on CARS rather than the full MCAT score.

Can international students study medicine in Canada?

Yes, but seats are extremely limited. McGill is one of the more visible options for international applicants. Most Canadian medical schools mainly serve Canadian citizens and permanent residents. Many international students may need to study in Canada first, build eligibility and consider permanent residence before applying more broadly.

Are there scholarships for medical students in Canada?

Yes, but full scholarships are uncommon. Most funding comes from university awards, bursaries, provincial aid and professional student lines of credit. International students should check eligibility carefully because funding access can be limited.

Final Thoughts

The top medical schools in Canada are not automatically the right schools for every applicant.

That is the part many students miss.

A famous university can still be the wrong fit if your GPA, MCAT, province, language or applicant category does not line up. Another school may look less famous globally but give you a stronger practical route.

Start with eligibility. Then compare ranking. Then compare cost. Then think about long-term practice.

Canadian medical admissions are competitive, data-heavy and deeply local. Once you understand that, your school list becomes much smarter.

Need help deciding whether Canada is realistic for your medical study plan? You can discuss your study profile before spending money on the wrong applications.