Top 5 Medical Schools to study at in Canada
MAY 27, 2021
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KAYLA PETERS
Studying medicine has many benefits such as having diverse opportunities, having a career that is high in demand and job safety. Deciding which school to study medicine at should therefore not be taken lightly. It is a long-term commitment and you will want to make sure you are getting the best education possible. Canada’s universities are highly prestigious and recognized globally.
Graduates from a Canadian university will be able to practice their degree almost anywhere in the world. In this article, we will discuss the top 5 medical schools to study at in Canada, along with the requirements, funds and other related factors needed to make your dream of a career in medicine a reality.
Once a medical graduate, there is also the opportunity for you to work and live in Canada as well as become a permanent resident. Let’s see below how that is possible.
Best Medical Schools in Canada for International Students
1. University of Toronto
The University of Toronto is known as the top-ranking medical school in Canada and the top 20 in the world. The institution has a comprehensive four-year MD Program that transforms its students into highly skilled physicians. This is done through an evidence-based approach to learning, with a focus on student-centred learning.
The clerkship that the university offers will provide students with clinical exposure to all major areas of medicine, this is all done thanks to the partnership the institution has with hospitals throughout the Greater Toronto area.
Other programs in the medical field that the University of Toronto offer include:
- Master of Applied Science in Biomedical Engineering
- Master of Health Science in Health Administration
- Bachelor of Science in Physiology
- Doctor of Philosophy in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
2. McMaster University
McMaster offers major programs in undergraduate, postgraduate and graduate medical education. The institution offers a three-year program that is operated on an 11 month a year basis. The approach that McMaster University uses for its medical program is problem-based and is encouraged to students to be pursued throughout their careers.
The program is considered prestigious and only 203 students are admitted to the program every year.
Other programs in the medical field that McMaster University offer include:
- Master of Science in Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- Doctor of Philosophy in Health Management
3. Memorial University of Newfoundland
Memorial University is one of the largest medical schools in Canada and offers 19 postgraduate training programs. The undergraduate medical program that the university offers is a four-year program that provides its students with a comprehensive and integrated medical education.
Graduates of Memorial are recognized for their clinical maturity and good grounding with the basics. The curriculum also focuses particularly on community and rural medicine learning environments, with patient contact starting early in the student’s medical training.
Other programs in the medical field that the Memorial University of Newfoundland offer include:
- Bachelor of Nursing
- Master of Science in Medicine
4. McGill University
Established in 1829, McGill University is home to Canada’s first Faculty of Medicine. The university’s revised program reaffirms its commitment to excellence and the health needs of society by emphasizing both the hard knowledge and soft skills that make for an excellent doctor. This is taught to students through the patient at heart and science in hand principle launched in 2013 by the university.
The institution has advanced facilities including the Simulation Centre where students can practice complex surgical procedures as well as interview mock patients. McGill University has four affiliated teaching hospitals, including the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC).
Other programs in the medical field that the Memorial University of Newfoundland offer include:
- Master of Science [M.Sc] Dental Sciences
- Certificate Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
- Doctor of Medicine/Master of Surgery
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing
5. Queen’s University
Queen’s University offers a four-year medical program with a special focus on relevant, extensive and hands-on clinical experience. The university’s curriculum goal is to produce physicians who have a wide range of understanding in medicine and have the knowledge, skills and attitude to enter any postgraduate training program.
Queen’s University does offer its own residency program and is one of the most innovative in the country. Queen’s is committed to creating a supportive postgraduate community where equity, diversity, and inclusion are the core of everything they do.
Other programs in the medical field that Memorial University of Newfoundland offer include:
- Master of Science in Pathology and Molecular Medicine
- Master of Applied Science in Biomedical Engineering
- Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Computing
What Are the Requirements To Study Medicine in Canada?
Below are the basic requirements a student needs to study at a medical school in Canada.
- High GPA and sufficient University credits in biology, chemistry, and English;
- MCAT scores
- A strong personal essay of all accomplishments, extracurricular activities, employment, and other academic activities;
- CASPer Test
- For students from a non-English country, TOEFL or IELTS certificate;
- Letters of recommendation;
- For students who want to study in schools that offer instruction in French need French Proficiency Language exam scores; and
- WES transcript assessment of a Bachelor’s degree
Getting into a Canadian medical school can be tough, students need to make sure that they produce an outstanding application and should work on their profile as early as possible to increase their chances of getting accepted.
Knowing the top 5 medical schools to study at in Canada is great, however, students will need a study permit before considering applying at Canadian universities.
Canadian Study Permit
Due to COVID-19, any person wanting to study in Canada will need to get a study permit.
The permit is valid for the length of the student’s program plus an extra 90 days. Within those 90 days, the student can find a job and apply for a work visa.
How Do I Apply for a Study Permit?
The following documents are required from an international student to apply for a study permit:
- an acceptance letter from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI);
- a valid passport or travel document; and
- proof you can finance yourself and any family members who go with you, while in Canada.
A DLI is a school that has been approved by the provincial or territorial government for international students to study at.
There are some cases in which the student will need to supply the following documents:
- a letter of explanation;
- a certificat d’acceptation du Québec (CAQ);
- a custodian declaration, if you’re a minor; and
- other documents you may need depending on your country.
It is preferred that the students apply for a student visa before arriving in Canada. It can be done online or via mail, whichever option is available to the student.
Students will receive a Canadian student visa along with their study permit, as the visa ultimately allows them into the country.
Once a student is done with their study program, they can stay and work in Canada by obtaining a work permit. There is a program specifically designed for international graduate students called the Post-Graduation Work Program.
Post-Graduation Work Permit Program
The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) helps international students who have completed their studies, obtain an open work permit and gain experience in Canada. Graduates will be able to work full-time, part-time or be self-employed.
The PGWP is given based on the length of your program, with a minimum length of eight months and a maximum of three years. By obtaining a post-graduation work permit and gaining Canadian work experience.
Do I Qualify for the PGWP?
In order for students to qualify for the Post-Graduation Work Permit they will need to meet the following:
Requirements for the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program
- Have completed an academic, vocational, or professional training program at an eligible institution in Canada for at least eight months leading to a degree, diploma, or degree;
- Be a full-time student;
- Have a transcript and official letter from an eligible DLI confirming that you have met the requirements of the program; and
- Have or had a valid student visa or had the authorization to study without a study permit.
Good To Know
A student can only obtain one PGWP, making it crucial to ensure that the passport is valid for the entire length of the work permit.
What Are the Benefits of Studying in Canada?
One of the greatest benefits of studying in Canada is that graduates can immigrate to Canada by gaining work experience and using that as a means to become a permanent resident in Canada, via the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
Furthermore, the standard of education in Canada is high with the top 5 medical schools to study at in Canada being the tip of the iceberg.
How We Can Help You
Our services include guidance and support from your own personal student advisor who will help you complete the college submission, help with the motivational letter and take care of the study permit.
Simply click the link below to fill out the form, and we’ll take care of the rest!