Studying in Canada — what you need to know
Canadian medical schools admit almost no international students — most seats are reserved for Canadian citizens and permanent residents. When they do admit internationals, tuition is CAD $30,000–53,000/yr and admission requires MCAT plus an undergraduate degree (Canada is graduate-entry). We provide guides to McGill, Toronto, UBC, Alberta and Dalhousie because our students frequently compare them — but we cannot place there.
The realistic route to a Canadian medical career for most internationals is: EU medical degree → MCC evaluation → NAC OSCE and MCCQE exams → Canadian residency match. This is the well-established IMG route.
Universities we compare in Canada
Frequently asked questions
Can international students study medicine in Canada?
Very few — most Canadian medical schools accept a handful of internationals per year, or none at all. It is one of the most restrictive systems in the developed world.
How much does Canadian medical school cost for internationals?
CAD $30,000–53,000/yr tuition depending on province and university, plus CAD $18,000–25,000/yr living costs.
Do I need a Bachelor's degree first?
Yes — Canadian medicine is graduate-entry only. MCAT required.
Is a European medical degree recognised in Canada?
Yes — via the Medical Council of Canada evaluation and exams (NAC OSCE, MCCQE Part I and II).
How competitive is Canadian medical residency for international graduates?
Highly competitive — internationally educated medical graduates (IMGs) fill a small quota of Canadian residency positions each year.
Do you place students at Canadian medical schools?
No — this is a comparison guide only.
Which Canadian medical school is the best?
McGill (Montreal), University of Toronto and UBC (Vancouver) are consistently top-ranked.
Can I do residency in Canada after studying medicine in Europe?
Yes but competitive — Canada has a defined IMG residency pathway with a limited number of positions per year.
Is there any pathway to Canadian medicine that includes European study?
Yes — study medicine in the EU, then apply for Canadian residency through the IMG route. This has become an established path.