How to Get Into Top Medical Schools in Canada

Applying to medical school in Canada is a competitive, rigorous, and deeply rewarding process. With only 17 medical schools across the country and a growing number of qualified applicants, getting accepted takes more than just good grades.

This comprehensive 2025 guide will help you understand the admissions process, application timelines, GPA and MCAT expectations, and how to stand out among applicants—especially if you’re considering programs like Go Elective’s pre-med shadowing internships abroad to boost your experience.

 
Acceptance Rates and Admission Statistics for Canadian Med Schools

Canadian medical schools have some of the most competitive admissions in North America. Here's a snapshot of current acceptance rates, GPA/MCAT averages, and whether international students are accepted.

Sample Admission Stats

For full details, check the official websites of each university, and ensure you review in-province vs. out-of-province eligibility, as most schools strongly favor local applicants.

Canadian Medical School Application Process

Unlike the U.S. system (AMCAS), there’s no universal application platform in Canada. Each province has its own procedures, except Ontario, which uses OMSAS.

Understanding OMSAS

OMSAS (Ontario Medical School Application Service) handles applications for:

• McMaster University
• University of Ottawa
• Queen’s University
• Northern Ontario School of Medicine (NOSM)
• University of Toronto
• Western University
  
  

OMSAS applications include:

• Sketch (extracurriculars and employment)
• Autobiographical questions
• Transcripts
• GPA & MCAT entry
• References
• School-specific submissions

Start early: OMSAS opens in July, and deadlines typically fall in October.

 
Academic Requirements: GPA and MCAT

Canadian schools evaluate GPA and MCAT in different ways, with some not requiring the MCAT at all (e.g., Université de Montréal).

GPA Expectations

• Most competitive schools require a GPA of 3.8+
• Quebec schools use the CRC (Cote R) instead of GPA
• UBC uses a percentage format (e.g., 88%+)
  
  

MCAT Requirements

• Many schools require the MCAT; others do not (especially French-language programs)
• Some schools, like McMaster, only consider your CARS score
• Aim for a minimum MCAT of 510+, but always check school-specific cutoffs

Planning to apply without an MCAT? Target schools that don’t require it or accept alternate metrics.

 
Coursework and Prerequisites

While not all med schools in Canada mandate prerequisites, many do. Common course requirements include:

• Biology with lab
• Chemistry (general and organic)
• Biochemistry
• Physics
• English or communication

Some schools list recommended—not required—courses. Take them if possible; it demonstrates initiative and commitment to preparation.

 
Experiences, Shadowing, and Volunteering

Canadian med schools look beyond academics to holistic readiness

OMSAS Sketch and Equivalent Activities Sections

These sections include:

• Volunteering
• Research
• Leadership roles
• Paid work
• Community involvement

Canadian schools don’t typically allow domestic clinical shadowing due to privacy laws. However, international pre-med shadowing programs—like those offered by Go Elective—can be a legal, ethical, and transformative alternative.

 
Short Essays and Personal Statements

Instead of a U.S.-style personal statement, Canadian schools use short essays to assess motivation, maturity, and understanding of the profession.

What to Expect

• Topics often tie into CanMEDS roles (e.g., collaborator, communicator, advocate)
• Responses are typically 250–500 words
• Some schools may include questions for out-of-province applicants or focus on specific experiences

Tailor each essay to the school's mission, and don’t recycle generic content across applications.

 
CASPer Test Requirements

Twelve out of 17 Canadian medical schools require the CASPer test—a situational judgment test that evaluates interpersonal traits.

CASPer Test Format

• Duration: 100–120 minutes
• Section 1: Written responses to video scenarios
• Section 2: Video responses to prompts
  - Focuses on ethics, empathy, professionalism, communication

Prepare with practice questions and mock tests, and remember: spelling and grammar matter.

 
Letters of Recommendation

Reference letter requirements vary by school.

OMSAS Reference Format

Applicants need 3 referees to answer specific questions such as:

• Would the applicant make a good physician?
• Assess empathy, problem-solving, communication
• Identify an area for improvement

Choose academic and professional referees who know you well and can speak to your readiness and character.

 
Medical School Interviews in Canada

Most med schools use either the MMI (Multiple Mini Interview) or traditional interviews.

How to Prepare

• Research the format used by each school
• Practice answering ethical, behavioral, and situational questions
• Reflect on your experiences using CanMEDS roles
• Be authentic, empathetic, and confident in your communication

 
Strategies to Get Into Canadian Medical Schools

Aim for High Academics

• Target above-average GPA and MCAT scores (unless applying to non-MCAT schools)
• Know the averages for accepted students and aim to exceed them

Leverage Your Experiences

• Emphasize community service, leadership, and healthcare engagement
• Go Elective’s clinical shadowing abroad programs can provide meaningful international experience and help strengthen your application
  
  

Choose the Right Schools

• Consider language requirements, in-province preference, and eligibility for international students
• Research each school’s mission and tailor your application accordingly

 
Application Timeline 

General Medical School Deadlines

• June – Applications open (UBC, McGill, Memorial, Dalhousie)
• July – OMSAS opens
• September–October – Deadlines for most programs
• Nov–Jan – Interview invites
• Feb–Apr – Interviews conducted
• Mar–May – Admission offers sent
• June 30 – Final transcript deadline (OMSAS)

Double-check each school’s site for precise dates.

 
Tuition Costs at Canadian Medical Schools

Compared to U.S. schools, tuition at Canadian medical schools is more affordable—especially for residents.

Sample Tuition by Student Type

 
Final Thoughts

The road to medical school in Canada is competitive but not impossible. With early preparation, thoughtful school selection, and a well-rounded application, you can increase your chances of success.

If you’re looking for ways to stand out, consider building global health experience through Go Elective’s pre-med internships in Kenya and Tanzania. These programs provide:

• In-person clinical shadowing
• Immersive cultural learning
• Volunteer impact and global health exposure

 
FAQs About Getting Into Canadian Med Schools

1. Which Canadian medical school is hardest to get into?

Queen’s University has one of the lowest acceptance rates at 1.9%.

2. Which is the easiest?

The University of Saskatchewan has a relatively higher acceptance rate at 18.6%.

3. Is there a centralized application system?

Yes, but only for Ontario schools via OMSAS. Other provinces use school-specific platforms.

4. Do Canadian medical schools accept international students?

Only seven do: McGill, McMaster, Toronto, Laval, Université de Montréal, Sherbrooke, and Memorial University.

Article Details

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Recent Articles , Pre-health, Medical Electives, Nursing Internships,

Author: Go-Elective Abroad

Date Published: May 9, 2025