One of the important questions ever asked about studying Medicine in Canada is asking about the requirements and what it takes to study medicine in Canada.
So take a cup of coffee and enjoy the knowledge of a medical career in Canada.
Studying Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) in Canada is significantly different from how it works in most developing countries. In general, to study medicine in Canada, you are required to have a bachelor’s degree for entry.
Therefore, most medical students in Canada start their studies after receiving a Bachelor’s degree in another field, especially in one of the biological sciences. Don’t forget to look at Topmost Affordable Nursing Schools In Canada.
However, each institution has different requirements for enrolling for its medical school. Take a look at the medical schools which accept international medical students. They include Dalhousie, McGill, McMaster, Memorial, Queen’s, San Juan Bautista, Central del Caribe, Laval, Montréal, Sherbrooke, Toronto. This will generally guide you to which institutions accept international students.
Bear in mind that university policies are subject to change because some Institutes have an agreement with certain nations to absorb more of their citizens. So Students whose first language is not English must have proof of their fluency in English which can be verified.
Evidence of English fluency can be accomplished by taking a TOEFL, IELTS, MELAB, or CAEL English assessment test. You should check for individual medical schools ahead of time because some schools accept other tests.
Here are the basic highlights you must know:
- While it is challenging for an international student, you must meet admission requirements to gain admission into a medical school in Canada.
- Studying medicine and surgery (MBBS) in Canada DIFFERS from how it works in developed and underdeveloped nations.
- You must have an undergraduate (bachelor’s) degree to study medicine in Canada.
- A Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Medicine and Master of Surgery (MD, CM) degree in Canada, is technically referred to as an undergraduate degree in Canada.
- General admission requirements to study MBBS in Canada include; Personal statement, autobiographical sketch, undergraduate record (GPA), scores on the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), and interviews.
If you are an undergraduate with a medical-related bachelor’s degree, and your goal is to study medicine in Canada, then the first step is for you to Prepare & Register for the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) Exam.
Each medical school has different score requirements it wants you to meet which ranges from 8.7 for Western Ontario University to 30 for McGill University.
To study medicine in Canada takes three to five years to complete. It depends on the course type you wish to pursue and your previous qualifications. Don’t forget that you must have at least a bachelor’s degree in Biology or a related field to secure admission into the four-year medical program.
Studying Medicine In Canada: How Much Does It Cost?
Canada is one of the best study destinations for international students owing to Canada’s high academic quality and affordable tuition fees. In 2019, Canada experienced almost 550,000 international students studying at all levels across the provinces; which explains its popularity worldwide.
Talking about what it cost to study medicine in Canada varies from University to University. I suggest you look through webpages of Canadian Universities where the fees will be listed. Don’t forget to figure out living expenses.
For example, if you want to study in Canada for a degree in medicine, dentistry, or law, you’ll likely pay higher tuition rates than someone studying engineering or nursing. The same logic applies if you want to attend one of Canada’s more prestigious universities, you’ll likely pay higher tuition at the University of Toronto, than at a community college in New Brunswick.
In general, tuition rates for international students range from $15,000 CAD to $30,000 CAD per year. Though there are some study programs with lower tuition fees than this. For more detail on this, you can consult the Universities Canada webpage, where they’ve compiled a list of the average tuition rates per university.
Please do not think that every international student pays this much money to study in Canada. There are many ways that can help you reduce the cost.
There is some financial aid available to international students, but it is highly competitive. Please note that there is more financial aid available to international students at the graduate level, completing masters or doctoral degrees.
If your profile is good, then chances of getting a scholarship is high. There are many universities that offer scholarships to students. There are different types of scholarships as well:
- University Scholarships: University Scholarships have two types:
i. Entrance scholarships: Most universities have entrance scholarships for which you will be considered as soon as you apply to the university. If your profile will be good enough, they will offer you the scholarship.
ii. Application-based scholarships: Now, many universities have application-based scholarships as well. You will have to fill up a separate application to get the scholarship. These scholarships can be very specific like scholarships for girls who are studying computer science.
2. External scholarships: There are many external scholarships as well provided by external organizations to students studying abroad. Microsoft provides scholarships to international students studying computer science in the USA or Canada.
Now, it is possible that you can get multiple scholarships if your profile is exceptional. If so, then those multiple scholarships can add up together and cover the cost of your studies completely.
My suggestion for you is to apply for as many scholarships as you can. This will increase the chance of getting the scholarship. That’s what some successful ones have done!
Alternatively, it is possible that you may feel that your profile is not exceptional and you will not get scholarships. No need to feel low. There is another way. Apply to affordable universities.
Also, don’t forget that there are other expenses you should expect related to your studies. You’ll have to purchase books for class, maybe a laptop, and even supplies for science labs. As well, all international students are required to purchase health insurance while studying in Canada, which is usually included in the fees charged by their school of study.
What Is the Average Cost of Living In Canada?
I encourage you to explore the advantages of Schooling in Canada. Studying abroad can be an expensive affair, but thankfully, Canada is one country where quality education is available at tuition rates lower than many other countries.
Your average costs of living per month are likely to be around CA$600-800 to US$450-600 for food and other expenses, not including accommodation, which will be your largest expenditure after tuition fees. Living expenses including accommodation in Canada are likely to be approximately CA$10,000-15,000 per year (US$7,550-11,300). Living costs are generally more expensive in the biggest cities.
You have the chance of getting a Permanent Residence. See How To Get Permanent Residency While Studying In Canada?
If you’re under 18 or 19 in the provinces of British Columbia, Nova Scotia, and the Northwest Territories you must live with a host family in a homestay, which may be arranged by your university. At approximately CA$650-800 to US$490-600 a month, this could be another fairly affordable option, particularly as your host family is likely to provide you with meals at no extra cost.
Here are some examples of average living costs in Canada:
- Eating out at a restaurant: CA$10-15 per person (US$8-11)
- A one-way ticket on local public transport: CA$3 (US$2)
- A loaf of bread: CA$2.80 (US$2)
- Cinema ticket: CA $12.25 (US$9)
Student visa and Application fees
In order to study in Canada, you will need to obtain a Canadian study permit, which serves as a Canadian student visa for the duration of your stay. You do not need a Canadian study permit if your course or program lasts six months or less. Applying for a study permit costs CA$150 (US$110).
The document allowing international students to study in Canada is called a study permit rather than a study visa. The term ‘visa’ refers to a document that allows you to enter Canada, while a ‘permit’ allows you to participate in certain activities, like working or studying!
You will get further information on the application via http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/applications/student.asp
5 Steps to Getting your Canadian Study Permit!
- Get your Acceptance Letter! In order to apply for a Canadian study permit, first, you must obtain an acceptance letter from a Canadian university.
- Prepare Study Permit Application!
- Submit Study Permit Application!
- Travel to Canada!
- Maintain good status!
Get to know the advantages of a Canada Study Permit regardless! You should also remember that it is compulsory to purchase health insurance while studying in Canada. This will cost approximately CA$600 (US$450) per year.
I hope these break down above will help you pursue your interest to study Medicine in Canada. Best of luck!
