For many aspiring physicians, getting into a medical school in Canada is the ultimate goal—and arguably one of the toughest academic challenges in North America. Unlike the US, where there are roughly 150+ MD-granting schools, Canada has only 17 accredited medical schools. This scarcity creates intense competition, with acceptance rates often hovering below 10% (and significantly lower for out-of-province applicants).
This guide cuts through the noise to highlight the best medical schools in Canada, focusing on their reputation, research output, and the practicalities of tuition and residency requirements.
Why Residency Is the Biggest Factor in Canada
Before looking at rankings, you must understand the “province preference.” Most medical universities in Canada are publicly funded and have a mandate to train doctors for their specific region.
- In-Province Bias: Schools like the University of Saskatchewan, Memorial University, and most Quebec schools reserve the vast majority (sometimes 90%+) of their seats for residents of their own province.
- Out-of-Province Friendly: Schools like the University of Toronto, McGill University, and McMaster University are generally known to be more open to out-of-province applicants, though the competition remains fierce.
Key Considerations for Applicants
French vs. English Medical Schools
Canada is bilingual, and so are its medical schools.
- English: Most schools (U of T, UBC, Western, etc.) teach in English.
- French: Schools like Université de Montréal, Université Laval, and Université de Sherbrooke teach entirely in French. You must be fluent to apply.
- Bilingual: University of Ottawa offers two distinct streams (French and English).
The “International Student” Reality
Unlike the Caribbean or the US, medical schools in Canada are generally not a viable pathway for international students without permanent residency.
- Only a handful of schools (like U of T, McGill, McMaster) even consider international applications.
- The number of seats available for international students is usually in the single digits (e.g., 5-10 seats total per year across a class of hundreds).
Top Medical Schools in Canada (2025 Overview)
The following list features institutions that consistently appear at the top of rankings like Maclean’s and QS World University Rankings. Note: Tuition fees are estimates for the 2024/2025 academic year and do not include living costs or books.
| University Name | Location | Type | Approx. Annual Tuition (CAD) |
| University of Toronto (U of T) | Toronto, Ontario | Public | ~ $23,000 (Domestic) / $94,000+ (Intl) |
| McGill University | Montreal, Quebec | Public | ~ $6,400 (QC Resident) / ~ $73,000 (Non-QC) |
| University of British Columbia (UBC) | Vancouver, BC | Public | ~ $20,000 (Domestic) |
| McMaster University | Hamilton, Ontario | Public | ~ $25,500 (Domestic) / ~ $96,000 (Intl) |
| University of Alberta | Edmonton, Alberta | Public | ~ $16,000 (Domestic) |
| Western University | London, Ontario | Public | ~ $18,300 (Domestic) / ~ $45,000 (Intl) |
| Université de Montréal | Montreal, Quebec | Public | ~ $6,000 (QC Resident) / $30,000 (Intl) |
Profiles of Top Medical Universities in Canada
Here is a closer look at the best medical schools in Canada and what makes them unique.
1. University of Toronto (Temerty Faculty of Medicine)
Website: https://applymd.utoronto.ca/
Approx. Annual Tuition: ~ $23,000 (Domestic) / $94,000+ (Intl)
Scholarship options: Yes
MCAT Required: Yes (Cut-offs applied)
Why it’s a Top Choice: Consistently ranked as the best medical school in Canada, U of T is a global research powerhouse. It is located in the heart of downtown Toronto and is affiliated with a massive network of world-class hospitals (University Health Network, SickKids, Mount Sinai). The curriculum is known for its “Foundations” approach, which integrates clinical skills early on.
- Key Feature: It is one of the few schools that accepts a small number of international students, though the tuition for them is steep (approx. $94,000+).
2. McGill University (Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences)
Website: https://www.mcgill.ca/medadmissions/
Approx. Annual Tuition: ~ $6,400 (QC Resident) / ~ $73,000 (Non-QC)
Scholarship options: Yes
MCAT Required: Only for applicants with degrees from non-Canadian universities.
Why it’s a Top Choice: McGill is perhaps the most internationally recognized Canadian university brand. Teaching is in English, but students must be proficient in French to manage clinical rotations in Montreal. McGill’s diverse teaching network ranges from modern downtown hospitals to remote indigenous communities in Northern Quebec.
- Key Feature: The tuition is incredibly low for Quebec residents due to high provincial subsidies.
3. University of British Columbia (UBC)
Website: https://mdprogram.med.ubc.ca/
Approx. Annual Tuition: ~ $20,000 (Domestic)
Scholarship options: Yes
MCAT Required: Yes
Why it’s a Top Choice: UBC runs one of the largest medical programs in North America, unique for its “distributed” model. Students can be placed at one of four sites: Vancouver (main campus), Kelowna (Southern Medical Program), Victoria (Island Medical Program), or Prince George (Northern Medical Program). This allows for specialized training in rural or urban medicine depending on your placement.
4. McMaster University (Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine)
Website: https://ugme.healthsci.mcmaster.ca/
Approx. Annual Tuition: ~ $25,500 (Domestic) / ~ $96,000 (Intl)
Scholarship options: Yes
MCAT Required: Yes (CARS section is critical)
Why it’s a Top Choice: McMaster is famous for pioneering Problem-Based Learning (PBL), a method now used globally. Instead of traditional lectures, students work in small groups to solve clinical cases.
- Key Feature: It offers a condensed 3-year MD program (running through summers), allowing you to enter residency a year earlier than graduates from other schools.
5. University of Alberta
Website: https://www.ualberta.ca/en/medicine/index.html
Approx. Annual Tuition: ~ $16,000 (Domestic)
Scholarship options: Yes
MCAT Required: Yes
Why it’s a Top Choice: Located in Edmonton, U of A is a research-intensive school known for excellence in areas like virology and diabetes research. It has a very competitive admission process that heavily favors Alberta residents, but it offers world-class facilities and a slightly lower tuition rate compared to Ontario schools.
The competition for Canadian medical schools is fierce, and a high GPA alone isn’t enough. You need to crush the MCAT (especially the CARS section) and demonstrate a mastery of medical concepts early on. Lecturio offers comprehensive video lectures and high-yield question banks that parallel the rigorous curriculum of top Canadian, US, and Caribbean schools. Whether you are studying for the MCAT or preparing for your first year of Anatomy, give yourself the advantage you need by exploring Lecturio’s Medical Education resources.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the MCAT score needed for Canadian medical schools?
A: It varies wildly. McMaster focuses almost exclusively on the CARS (Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills) section (often needing 129+). U of T uses cut-offs (often 125 in each section). Some schools, like Northern Ontario School of Medicine (NOSM) and French schools in Quebec, do not require the MCAT at all.
Q: Can I apply to Canadian medical schools as an American?
A: Technically, yes, at select schools (U of T, McGill, McMaster). However, the odds are extremely low due to the strict cap on international students.
Q: Which is the easiest medical school to get into in Canada?
A: There is no “easy” medical school in Canada. However, your best odds are always with the school in your province of residence. If you are willing to live in a rural area, schools like NOSM (Northern Ontario) or the University of Manitoba may have slightly different statistical profiles, but they prioritize local/rural ties heavily.
Q: How much is medical school in Canada?
A: For a Canadian citizen, expect to pay between $13,000 and $26,000 CAD per year in tuition. International students (where eligible) can pay upwards of $95,000 CAD per year.
Disclaimer: Tuition fees, admission requirements, and residency policies change frequently. This blog post provides approximate figures based on 2024/2025 data. Always consult the university’s official admissions office for the most current information.
