MCAT stands for Medical College Admission Test, a computer-based standardized examination for aspirants of medical colleges in the United States, Australia, Canada, and the Caribbean Islands. The test measures the ability of the applicant in problem-solving, critical thinking, written analysis, and scientific concepts and principles.
However, not all schools require an MCAT. This is the highlight of this article;
Medical Schools in Canada which do not need MCAT
Below is a listing of Canadian medical schools without requiring the MCAT during their admission process.
1. Northern Ontario School of Medicine (NOSM)
This medical school does not require the MCAT for its applicants who apply to this institution from Canada. Most of the emphasis in the admissions processes is based on applicants’ attachment to Northern Ontario.
2. University of Ottawa
The University of Ottawa does not need the MCAT for admission into its English or French medical program, using GPA and other non-academic items as its major focus.
3. Université de Montréal
MCAT exempt but fluency in French is required for the program; classes are in French.
4. Université Laval
Like Université de Montréal, the requirements at Laval do not include the MCAT, but all courses are in French.
5. Université de Sherbrooke
Sherbrooke does not require MCAT for its French language program and relies mostly on GPA, CASPer test, and interviews.
6. McGill University (Québec applicants only)
In the case of the MDCM program, no MCAT is required for residents of Québec applying to the program. It may be required for international and out-of-province applicants.
7. Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières
No MCAT requirements, but the program is also in French.
8. Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary
The MCAT is required; however, the school has specific exemptions from this requirement for some applicants from the province.
9. Memorial University of Newfoundland-for in-province students
This is not a requirement for students hailing from Newfoundland and Labrador, but the requirement of MCAT can well be applied in the case of out-of-province applicants.
Note that even if the schools listed above do not require the MCAT, their admission processes are still highly competitive and in most cases focus on other aspects such as GPA, community involvement, personal qualities, and interviews, to mention a few.
Medical Schools in Canada that Do Not Require MCAT for International Students
Most medical schools in Canada require an MCAT score as the basis for admission to their programs. However, there may be some who do not see an MCAT score as necessary or have more flexible admissions criteria for international applicants.
Below is a list of medical schools in Canada that do not require the MCAT or have specific exemptions for international students:
No applicants are required to take the MCAT for the admission requirement. Admission at this university is more GPA-oriented and based on non-academic issues.
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McGill University [MDCM program]
International students may be required to take the MCAT; however, flexibilities could be there, such as those possessing a Canadian degree. You have to double-check specific requirements according to your background.
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Université de Montréal
This medical school has no MCAT requirements for all students. However, international students need to be proficient in French since all the programs are delivered in French.
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Université Laval
Laval doesn’t require MCAT, although it does require proficiency in French for its international students because its program is offered in French only.
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Université de Sherbrooke
International candidates don’t require taking MCAT but the program will be in French only.
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Northern Ontario School of Medicine (NOSM)
While NOSM focuses on Canadian students, they do not require the MCAT. International students should also take note that the school primarily serves Northern Ontario and Indigenous communities, and they may wish to confirm their international admissions policy with the school.
Note: Most of the other Canadian medical schools, such as the University of Toronto or the University of British Columbia, require international students to submit MCAT scores. Always check the admissions criteria for each school, as requirements may vary depending on your background and the region you will be applying from.
How to Apply
Applying to medical school in Canada as an international student requires a lot of planning and observing the unique requirements, which differ from school to school. What follows is some general guidance to bring out some of the more salient steps to be taken concerning the application to Canadian medical schools that do not require the MCAT for international students.
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University of Ottawa
- Language Requirement: English or French.
- Application System: Apply through the Ontario Medical School Application Service (OMSAS).
- Requirements:
- Minimum GPA 3.5 but varies by school and applicant pool
- Personal statement
- Reference letters
- CASPer test
- Interview, in MMI format
Application Process: Apply through OMSAS, then complete supplementary application material- secondaries and interview if invited.
Website: University of Ottawa Faculty of Medicine
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McGill University – MDCM program
- Language Requirement: English for the MDCM program
- Application system: Apply via McGill University’s online application portal directly.
- Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Prerequisite courses include biology, chemistry, physics, and organic chemistry.
- The minimum GPA requirement varies.
- Reference letters
- CASPer test
- Interview – Multiple Mini Interview
MCAT: Not necessarily required for international students with a degree from a Canadian institution, but you may want to confirm with McGill as to your situation.
Website: McGill University Faculty of Medicine
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Université de Montréal
- Language Requirement: French
- Application System: Apply via the Bureau de coopération interuniversitaire (BCI)
- Requirements:
- French proficiency
- Bachelor’s degree with prerequisite courses
- Excellent academic standing (GPA)
- Letters of reference
- CASPer test
- Interview in French.
Process: After applying, you will have to provide supporting documents and, if invited, an interview.
Website: Université de Montréal Faculty of Medicine
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Université Laval
- Language Requirement: French
- Application System: Apply via the Bureau de coopération interuniversitaire .
- Requirements:
- Level of proficiency in French
- Baccalaureate degree with essential science courses
- Competitive R-Score
- CASPer test
- Interview in French
Process: Laval puts a significant emphasis on academic standing and personal qualities evaluated through the interview and situational judgment assessments.
Website: Université Laval Faculty of Medicine
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Université de Sherbrooke
- Language Requirement: French.
- Application System: Apply via BCI.
- Requirements:
- French proficiency
- Prerequisite sciences
- GPA
- CASPer test
- MMI interview in French
Process: An application via the BCI portal, supplemented by following the school’s detailed admission instructions inclusive of supplementary materials and interviews.
Website: Université de Sherbrooke Faculty of Medicine
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Northern Ontario School of Medicine (NOSM)
- Language Requirement: English
- Application System: Apply via OMSAS
- Requirements:
- Minimum GPA (varies).
- CASPer test.
- Letters of reference.
- Personal Statement and autobiographical sketch.
- MMI interview.
- NOSM focuses its selection on students with a connection to either Northern Ontario or the Indigenous communities, although it does consider international applicants.
Process: Apply through OMSAS with supplementary materials. If selected, you will be invited to an interview.
Website: Northern Ontario School of Medicine
Application Steps – General:
Review Requirements for Each School: Go onto each medical school website and review their specific academic and non-academic requirements to which you must comply.
Application Platforms: For schools in Ontario, like the University of Ottawa and NOSM, apply through OMSAS (Ontario Medical School Application Service).
If one is applying to McGill, and the French-speaking schools in Quebec -Université de Montréal, Laval, Sherbrooke-, it needs to be a direct application or through BCI.
Prepare for the CASPer Test: Most of these schools will require a CASPer test, which is a web-based situational judgment test designed to assess interpersonal skills.
Prepare Strong Letters of Reference: Letters are most often requested from professors, employers, or professionals concerning suitability to attend a medical school.
Complete Any Required Interviews: Schools will often invite you for an interview once your application is being reviewed. Most interviews are in MMI format.
Demonstrate Language Proficiency: For those programs taught in French, you will be required to show fluency in French.
Additional Considerations:
Visa and Residency: International students will need to obtain a study permit and potentially other documents to study legally in Canada.
Financial Burden: Tuition associated with studying medicine as an international student is significantly higher, with limited scholarship availability.
Clinical Residency: International students may not be permitted to apply for clinical residency by all institutions upon completion; this must be explicitly checked when choosing the school.
Pay close attention to deadlines and specific processes of each school, as these may sometimes be quite varied.
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