Canada is a popular destination for international students because of its universities, research opportunities, and safe, diverse communities. If you are looking for a medical career, it is important to know that Canada does not usually have one specific “pre-med degree.” Instead, students typically choose a relevant undergraduate program and complete the prerequisites required by the medical schools they plan to apply to.
International students can enroll in many undergraduate programs that support a pre-med pathway, but admission to medical school in Canada is highly competitive and varies by institution. Some MD programs also restrict or limit international applicants, so always check the current admissions policy of each medical school before applying. If you are an international student planning to study in Canada, here are some pre-med pathways and schools to consider.
Top Pre-Med Schools in Canada
1. University of Alberta
The University of Alberta is a strong option for students who want to build a pre-med foundation through science. The Faculty of Science explains that most of its science degrees can be considered pre-med because they give students room to take medical school prerequisites.
Students should choose a degree that matches their interests and career goals while making sure they complete the prerequisite courses required by the medical schools they plan to apply to. After finishing an undergraduate degree, students may apply to professional programs such as medicine, dentistry, medical laboratory science, or other health-related graduate programs, depending on each program’s requirements.
2. University of Toronto
The University of Toronto’s Temerty Faculty of Medicine is part of one of North America’s largest biomedical research, education, and clinical care networks. It has 14 fully affiliated research-intensive hospitals and dozens of additional community and clinical care sites.
Although U of T does not offer a single pre-med major, undergraduate students can prepare for medical school through relevant programs, research, volunteering, advising, and student organizations. The University of Toronto Pre-Medical Student Association is a recognized student group that provides information about medical school admissions, MCAT criteria, application processes, extracurricular opportunities, networking sessions, and pre-med events.
3. McGill University
McGill University in Montreal offers the Med-P Qualifying Year through its Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. This one-year qualifying year is designed for eligible CEGEP students and prepares them for McGill’s four-year MDCM program.
The Med-P pathway is not a general pre-med option for most international students. Applicants must be recognized residents of Quebec and must meet specific Diploma of Collegial Studies requirements. The program includes courses in molecular biology, physiology, cell biology, metabolism, humanities, and social sciences. Students must meet the required academic standards to move forward into the MDCM program.
4. University of Montreal
French-speaking students may want to consider the University of Montreal. Its Faculty of Medicine has more than 175 years of history in medical education and research in Quebec.
Students who need preparation before entering the medical doctorate can pursue the preparatory year for the Doctor of Medicine. This program helps students build the foundations in fundamental sciences, human sciences, and social sciences needed for success in the medical doctorate. The preparatory year is a full-time, one-year program worth 40 credits, and it is required for CEGEP diploma holders, international students, and university applicants whose previous studies are not considered equivalent to the preparatory year.
5. Queen’s University
Queen’s University previously offered the Queen’s Accelerated Route to Medical School, or QuARMS, as an accelerated pathway. However, this pathway should not be presented as a current general option for new applicants. Queen’s states that the final QuARMS cohort began in 2024 and will enter medical school in 2026.
For international students, Queen’s can still be considered for undergraduate preparation in areas such as health sciences, life sciences, or other relevant programs. However, students should know that the Queen’s MD program currently requires applicants to be Canadian citizens or permanent residents, and the MD program is not accepting international applicants for the upcoming cycle. International students should check current admissions rules before using Queen’s as part of a medical school plan.
6. University of Windsor
At the University of Windsor, students interested in health and medicine can consider programs such as Biomedical Sciences or Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences – Health Science Stream. These programs provide a background in biochemistry and biomedical sciences, which are fundamental to health and medicine.
The Biomedical Sciences program explores human biological systems at the cellular and molecular levels, including human disease, diagnostics, and therapeutic strategies. Windsor also highlights hands-on lab learning, undergraduate research opportunities, and career tracks that can prepare students for professional schools such as medicine, pharmacy, and dentistry. This is an undergraduate preparation route, not a combined pre-medical/MD program.
7. University of Winnipeg
The University of Winnipeg offers a Pre-Medicine pre-professional stream for students who want to meet admission requirements for medicine at the University of Manitoba or another Canadian institution.
Students can complete their first three years, or 90 credit hours, of pre-professional studies at the University of Winnipeg. They graduate with a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts degree and may then apply to the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Manitoba or another medical school. The University of Winnipeg notes that medical program admission is limited and that applicants are assessed based on factors such as academic record, MCAT, Casper, and multiple mini-interview performance.
FAQs: Pre-Med Studies in Canada
Do Pre-Med Schools in Canada Accept International Students?
Yes, international students can enroll in many undergraduate programs and pre-professional streams that support a pre-med pathway in Canada. However, pre-med preparation is not the same as admission to medical school. Canadian medical school admission is highly competitive, and some MD programs restrict applicants by citizenship, permanent residency, provincial residency, or other eligibility rules.
Pre-med preparation can include traditional coursework, advising, research, volunteering, MCAT preparation, Casper preparation, workshops, career guidance, or student organizations. Students should review the admissions requirements of each medical school before choosing courses or selecting an undergraduate program.
Getting into university as an international student in a competitive field like medicine can be challenging. Choosing a relevant undergraduate program from a reputable institution can help you build the academic background and experiences needed for future applications. You can choose one of these pre-med pathways in Canada and visit the relevant university websites to learn more about current programs, fees, and scholarships. You are also welcome to explore 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 Available Courses for International Students!
