Pursuing a medical degree has been the dream of many, which almost comes to naught because international students are constrained by the high costs of education. Canada, renowned for its world-class education, does have some options that may be considered somewhat affordable for international students who aim to study medicine.
The most affordable list of medical schools in Canada, the cost of living, scholarship opportunities, and more have been discussed in detail below. So, if you are one of those candidates who were looking forward to finding some affordable pathways to becoming a doctor, then you have come to the right place!
Why Pursue Medicine in Canada?
It has excellent medical education, innovative research, and a well-organized healthcare system. Canadian universities offer internationally recognized degrees that will help international students attain a career in healthcare anywhere in the world. Its diverse and inclusive culture makes Canada an ideal destination for its international students.
Cost of Medical Education in Canada
The tuition for medical school in Canada varies significantly, but some are quite reasonable for international students compared to rates in places like the U.S. On average, an international student can expect to pay between CAD 40,000-70,000 annually. However, a few institutions have relatively affordable costs and scholarships to help offset the cost.
Before learning about which schools are affordable, it is vital to learn about the basic requirements that international students need to apply to a medical school in Canada.
Basic Academic Requirements
The applicant needs to have a bachelor’s degree. The disciplines they are related to include biology, chemistry, or biochemistry. Apart from that, schools also require a minimum GPA, which may range from 3.0 to above on a 4.0 scale.
Language Proficiency
Since the mode of teaching is in English and sometimes French, international students need to provide proof of proficiency in either of the two languages. TOEFL and IELTS scores are acceptable for English while TEF and DELF, in that order, apply to French.
MCAT Exam Requirements
Most of the medical schools in Canada expect international applicants to take the MCAT. Scores vary from institution to institution but should generally be competitive enough to increase admission opportunities.
Top Affordable Medical Schools in Canada for International Students
While tuition is, in fact, higher for international students than that for Canadian citizens, certain universities provide more affordable options.
1. Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN)
Memorial University is one of the most affordable medical universities in Canada. It provides quality education at very reasonable tuition rates as compared to its competitors for international students.
Tuition Fees
The tuition fee for the international student at MUN is amongst the lowest in Canada and ranges between 30,000 CAD – 40,000 CAD per year.
Programs Offered
The MUN offers a thorough MD course with ample emphasis on community health and rural medicine.
International Students’ Support
The university has various support services available, including orientation programs, peer mentoring, and academic support, to help international students settle into life with ease in Canada.
2. University of Manitoba
Another reasonably affordable university for international students is the University of Manitoba. It is known for having one of the best medical programs in the country and a rather diverse student body.
Tuition Fees
At the University of Manitoba, tuition fees for international students are around CAD 45,000 annually.
Programs Offered
It provides a variety of medical courses, from the well-known MD course to graduate research in health-related fields.
Student Services
Following are some of the services available to international students at the University of Manitoba: academic counseling, mental health, and career services which help the students get through the tough times in medical college.
How to Find Scholarships for Medical Studies in Canada
This sometimes makes attending medical school an impossible task, but there are a few scholarships to make a medical career more accessible to international students.
Government Scholarships
Most of the Canadian government programs have various funding opportunities for international students. To begin with, there is the Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship Program, which is devoted to funding students from developing countries.
University-Based Scholarships
Aside from governmental funding, most universities have a specific number of scholarships that are strictly for international students. An example of these would be Memorial University and the University of Manitoba, which offer scholarships to help pay for tuition, strictly merit-based.
Living Costs in Canada for International Students
Aside from tuition, international students should also consider living costs in Canada, which would vary depending on locality.
Accommodation
On-campus housing also tends to be less expensive for international students, too. It can range anywhere from CAD 6,000 to CAD 12,000 yearly, depending on the institution and type of accommodation.
Food and Transportation
The food and transportation are variably different depending on the city. Generally speaking, though, an international student budgets for about CAD 10,000 to CAD 12,000 every year to account for living costs.
How to Apply to Medical Schools in Canada
Application to medical schools in Canada is quite a long process; here is a step-by-step guide to help streamline the process.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Research the medical schools that accept international students.
Get all documents ready, such as transcripts, MCAT scores, and proof of language proficiency.
Write a personal statement that highlights your passion for medicine and relevant experiences.
Submit your application through the university’s admission portal or the Ontario Medical School Application Service – OMSAS.
Important Dates – Most medical schools in Canada have application deadlines between September and November. So, a candidate needs to apply much in advance from the date of the deadline set by each school.
Conclusion
Canada offers top-class medical education at a very affordable cost for international students. These affordable costs are even more true for Memorial University and the University of Manitoba. An international student can complete his or her dream of becoming a doctor without ruining his or her pocket if he or she knows the tuition fees and qualification eligibility criteria along with the availability of scholarships.
Related Posts
List of Medical Schools in Canada
9 Medical Schools in Canada that Don’t Require MCAT
Medical Schools in Canada Requirements for International Students
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