Canada is one of the best countries for international students, and we mean that in all possible facets of a student’s life. This nation ranks high for its standard of living, and international students also enjoy the freedom and rights that cover Canadian citizens. If you are looking for a medical career, getting into a pre-med school here as an undergraduate might be challenging.
Thanks to the specific programs offered by institutions nationwide, international students can now hold on to some hope of pursuing medicine in the country. It’s important to understand that there is no specific “pre-med degree” per se. However, institutions offer pre-med programs that prepare you for further medical education. If you are an international student planning to study in Canada, here are some of its top pre-med schools that you can try your luck at.
Top Pre-Med Schools in Canada
1. University of Alberta
The University of Alberta quickly makes it to any list of top universities for international students in Canada. The school has a relatively straightforward approach to the courses it offers and equip students with all the knowledge to find a career in medicine. The pre-med course program offered here prepares students for multiple fields, including medicine, chemistry, paleontology, or a mix of these in an interdisciplinary degree.
Having qualified, you can apply for a graduate degree in fields like dentistry, laboratory sciences, cancer research, and more. Considering all these, UAlberta deserves its spot as a leading pre-med school in Canada.
2. University of Toronto
The University of Toronto’s Temerty Faculty of Medicine is known for its excellent research networks. It’s at the center of one of Northern America’s largest biomedical research centers and has nine fully affiliated research-based hospitals. Its mode of delivering the material involves a pre-med society that provides support, guidance, and necessary resources with the help of like-minded individuals and mentors.
Through research and volunteering, pre-med programs at the U of T help students prepare for the MCAT examinations and fulfill other prerequisites that might be needed to enroll at a medical university.
Check Also: University of Toronto Acceptance Rate
3. McGill University
Thanks to its leading research institution, McGill University in Montreal provides pre-med programs that involve hands-on training in several disciplines, such as physical therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, nursing, and more. If you are interested in pursuing your degree here, you can have access to various resources, including guidebooks, shadowing programs, and the one-year Med-P Qualifying program.
However, remember that the Med-P program is only available for immediate Quebec Collegial System graduates (CEGEP) graduates. Despite that, it’s still worth considering applying to McGill University as it’s among the top pre-med schools in Canada for international students.
4. University of Montreal
If you are a French-speaking student, you might find getting into the University of Montreal less challenging. The Faculty of Medicine at this institution is 175 years old and has produced at least one-third of the province’s doctors. If you are looking for a pre-med program, you can pursue its preparatory year program. Following this program can help students access a medical degree or the university’s unique offering: a degree in nutrition.
Find Out More: University of Montreal Acceptance Rate
5. Queen’s University
At Queen’s University, its unique pre-med program, Queen’s Accelerated Route to Medical School, or QuARMS, opens up opportunities not only in the medical field but also in related fields. The two-year program can help waive the MCAT requirement for some universities and allow students to apply for scholarships. Students also get to network with professionals and get mentorship from practicing physicians.
6. University of Windsor
At the University of Windsor, you could be part of a thriving pre-med society that offers many resources, mentorship, online access to course resources, and a community of like-minded students. The pre-medical society also organizes workshops around the year for students to acquire skills essential for admission to postgraduate programs. It also provides resources and guidance for students interested in following the MCAT and CASPer program.
Students can complete the Basic Medical Science portion and the four-year MD degree program after completing the four semesters of pre-medical coursework. With a medical track conveniently set out, it’s not surprising that the University of Windsor is among the leading pre-med schools in Canada.
See Also: Open Entrance Scholarships in the University of Windsor
7. University of Winnipeg
The University of Winnipeg is one of the most recognized in Canada. If you intend to apply for the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Manitoba, their pre-med program might help you set the backdrop. The three-year program lets students graduate with a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts degree, which they can use to apply for the Faculty of Medicine.
Students can also continue their studies in medicine at Winnipeg University and qualify as medical professionals in a variety of fields, such as medical technology, dentistry, chiropractic practices, optometry, and more.
FAQs: Pre-Med Studies in Canada
Do Pre-Med Schools in Canada Accept International Students?
Yes, international students can join pre-med programs in Canada. However, owing to the need for more accurate information, many students tend to give up looking for opportunities in Canada in a field they like. Getting into a graduate medical schools in Canada can be challenging for students, which is why there are pre-med programs that help students figure out their field of interest and prepare to gain admission.
Moreover, pre-med programs can include traditional coursework, workshops, career guidance, preparatory programs, or a mix of both. Read on to learn about our picks for the best pre-med programs and schools in Canada for international students.
Getting into university as an international student in a competitive field like medicine could be very challenging. Pursuing a pre-med program from a reputed institution can be very helpful in securing your seat at a medical school. So, you can choose one of these best pre-med schools in Canada and visit the relevant websites to get a better idea of the programs, fees, and scholarships they offer. You’re also welcome to sample the fully funded scholarships on our page to help fund your studies in this country.
We hope this article on the best pre-med schools in Canada for international students was informative and helpful. Feel free to visit our Study in Canada page and the Open Courses for International Students to learn more information about studying in Canada!
