Applying to a medical school in Canada as an international student includes several important steps and requirements. The following is a general overview of the process:
Medical School Requirements for International Students in Canada
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Academic Requirements
Bachelor’s Degree: Most Canadian medical schools require applicants to have completed at least three to four years of undergraduate study with a bachelor’s degree. Some schools may also accept international students who do not have a degree but have completed the required prerequisite coursework.
Prerequisite Courses: Most medical schools require courses in biology, chemistry, general and organic, physics, mathematics, and English. Some schools may also require social sciences or humanities courses.
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Medical College Admission Test
MCAT Exam: Many medical schools here in Canada require international students to undertake the MCAT exam. This standardized test examines knowledge in biology, chemistry, physics, psychology, and critical analysis. You will be expected to post competitive scores so you can be considered.
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GPA Requirements
High CGPA: Most medical schools in Canada are highly competitive, and students usually expect a relatively high CGPA, within the range of 3.7-4.0 out of 4.0, especially in science-related subjects.
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Proof of Proficiency in English/French
Language Tests: You, as an international student, will also be required to qualify a test in either English or French depending on the university. IELTS and TOEFL are two common English language tests. For the French-speaking schools, you may want to pass one of the proficiency tests in French.
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Non-Academic Requirements
Personal Statement or Essays: Most schools require a personal statement explaining your motivation for studying medicine and reasons why you would be a good fit for their program.
Extracurricular activities: The schools are interested in candidates with leadership community activity, research experience, and clinical or health-related volunteer experience. Letters of Recommendation: You will be required to have at least two or three letters from academic or professional referees, who can attest to your qualifications in general.
6. CASPer Test
CASPer Exam: Several medical schools will require a test called CASPer; this is an online, video-based situational judgment test touted as an assessment of personal and professional attributes related to ethics, empathy, and problem-solving.
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Application Process
Application Systems: The majority of Ontario medical schools use the Ontario Medical School Application Service-OMSAS.
Outside of Ontario, students would submit applications to the university directly.
Application Timeline: Applications usually open in the fall of the year preceding the year you want to go in. Deadlines vary from school to school but are usually between October and December.
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Interview
Interview Process: Many students, if shortlisted, are then invited for an interview. Some schools use the MMI format, where one rotates through different stations with different interviewers, though traditional interviews are also used elsewhere.
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Visa and Immigration Requirements
Study Permit: After admission, you will have to obtain a Canadian study permit, also called a student visa. It takes some months for the processing, so you are recommended to start immediately after your admission.
Proof of Funds: You shall show proof of sufficient funds covering the tuition fees and living expenses, as well as return transportation.
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Tuition and Funding in Medical School
Tuition: This is larger compared to Canadian citizens or permanent residents. Therefore, a budget must be made in respect of this cost.
Scholarships and Financial Aid: Some schools have limited scholarships or financial aid available for international students. In this regard, you must research into each school’s financial aid options.
Of course, there may be specific requirements that different medical schools could have, and hence it is always critical to inquire into the admission criteria for each university that one may be interested in joining.
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