Canada is one of the best countries for international students, and we mean that in all possible facets of a student’s life. Canada ranks high for its standard of living and international students also enjoy the freedom and rights that cover the citizens of Canada.
If you are looking for a career in medicine, getting into a medical school in Canada as an undergraduate might be pretty challenging. Thanks to the pre-med programs offered by institutions across Canada, international students can now hold on to some hope of pursuing medicine in Canada.
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 education in medicine. If you are an international student planning to study in Canada, here are some of the top pre-med schools in Canada that you can try your luck at.
Do Pre-Med Schools in Canada Accept International Students?
Yes, international students can join pre-med programs in Canada. However, owing to the lack of accurate information, many students tend to give up looking for opportunities in Canada in a field they like. Getting into a graduate medical college in Canada can be pretty 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 into a medical university.
Pre-med programs can be traditional coursework, workshops, career guidance, preparatory programs, or a mix of these. Read on to find out our picks for the best pre-med programs and schools in Canada for international students.
Learn More About: The Canada Student Visa
Best Pre-Med Schools in Canada
1. University of Alberta
The University of Alberta easily makes it to any list of top universities for international students in Canada. They have a straightforward approach to the courses they offer, and they equip students with all the knowledge to find a career in medicine.
The pre-med course program offered at the University of Alberta 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, the University of Alberta 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 the largest biomedical research centers in Northern America and has nine research-based hospitals that are fully affiliated.
Their 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 University of Toronto help students prepare for the MCAT examinations, and fulfill other prerequisites that might be needed to enroll at a medical university of their choice.
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 in medicine at McGill, you can have access to a variety of resources including guidebooks, shadowing programs, their pre-med society, and the one-year Med-P Qualifying program. However, keep in mind that the Med-P program is only available for immediate graduates of the Quebec Collegial system (CEGEP). Despite that, it’s still worth it to consider applying to McGill University as it’s among the top pre-med schools in Canada for international students.
Find Out: The Best Programs at McGill University
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 university 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, at the University of Montreal you can pursue the university’s preparatory year program. Following this program can help students gain access to a medical degree or the university’s very unique offering; a degree in nutrition.
Learn More About: The Cost of Studying in Canada
5. Queen’s University
At Queen’s University, the unique pre-med QuARMS (Queen’s Accelerated to Route to Medical School) program not only opens up opportunities in the medical field but also in other related fields.
The 2-year QuARMS program can help waive the MCAT requirement for some universities and provide students with the opportunity to apply for scholarships. Students also get to network with professionals and get mentorship from practicing physicians.
Check Also: The Steps to Become a Doctor in Canada
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 to gain admission to postgraduate programs.
They also provide resources and guidance for students who are interested in following the MCAT and CASPer program. Upon completing the 4 semesters of premedical coursework, students can complete the Basic Medical Science portion along with the 4-year MD degree program. With a medical track conveniently set out, it’s not surprising that the University of Windsor is among the leading pre-medical schools in Canada.
See Also: The Best Scholarships in Canada
7. University of Winnipeg
The University of Winnipeg is one of the most recognized in Canada. If you are intending to apply for the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Manitoba, the pre-med program they offer might just help you set the backdrop for it. This program is a 3-year program that 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 like medical technology, dentistry, chiropractic practices, optometrzy, and more.
Find Out: How to Study in Canada for Free
In a competitive field like medicine, getting into university as an international student could be very challenging. Pursuing a pre-medical program from a reputed university can be very helpful to secure your seat at a medical college. So, choose one from these best pre-med schools in Canada and visit the relevant websites to get a better idea of the programs, fees, and scholarships they have to offer. You are also welcome to sample the fully funded scholarships on our page to help fund your studies in Canada.
We hope this article on Best Pre-Med Schools in Canada for international students was informative and helpful. Visit the Canada Scholarships Page for more information about studying in Canada!
