Studying medicine in Canada or the United States is a dream for many international students—but it’s also one of the most competitive and costly paths you can take. Whether you’re a high school graduate or already in university, understanding the process is crucial to making informed decisions and setting yourself up for success.
In this guide, we will explain everything you need to know about applying to med school in Canada and the U.S. as an international student—requirements, pathways, challenges, and strategies to make it work.
1. No Direct Entry: A Bachelor’s Degree Comes First
Unlike some countries that allow students to enter medical school directly from high school, Canada and the U.S. require students to first complete an undergraduate degree. Typically, this means 3–4 years of full-time university studies.
While there is no strict “pre-med” major, students usually pursue subjects like:
Biology
Chemistry
Biochemistry
Psychology
Neuroscience
That said, any major is acceptable as long as you meet the medical school prerequisites.
2. The MCAT: A Must-Have for Both Countries
To apply to most med schools in Canada and all in the U.S., you need to take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT).
Score range: 472–528
Competitive scores: 510+
Duration: 7.5-hour exam
Preparation time: Typically 4–8 months of study
Top scores are essential, especially for international applicants who are competing for very limited spots.
3. Applying to Canadian Medical Schools as an International Student
Here’s the truth: Canada is extremely limited in its acceptance of international students into medical programs.
Only a handful of Canadian med schools accept international applicants, including:
University of Toronto
McGill University
Dalhousie University
However, most seats are reserved for Canadian citizens or permanent residents, due to provincial funding models.
👉 Pro tip: Some international students choose to complete their undergrad in Canada, apply for permanent residency, and then apply to med school.
4. Studying Medicine in the U.S. as an International Student
The U.S. offers more medical schools open to international applicants compared to Canada. But it comes with its own challenges:
Annual tuition & fees: $70,000–$100,000+
Limited financial aid for non-U.S. citizens
Visa requirements: F-1 student visa, followed by a J-1 or H-1B for residency
Many top-tier schools, such as Harvard, Yale, and Stanford, accept international students—but competition is fierce and financial planning is essential.
5. Building a Strong Medical School Application
No matter where you apply, your application must stand out. A competitive profile includes:
High GPA (3.7+ preferred)
Strong MCAT score (510+)
Clinical or volunteer experience
Research and academic enrichment
Compelling personal statement and interviews
Excellent letters of recommendation
Schools are looking for more than grades—they want evidence of compassion, commitment, resilience, and leadership.
6. The Financial Reality of Med School
Let’s be real: studying medicine abroad is expensive.
For international students:
Tuition is higher
Scholarships are limited
Most government funding is unavailable
If you or your family cannot afford $300,000+ in tuition/living expenses, consider completing undergrad first in Canada or the U.S., working toward PR, and then applying as a domestic student.
7. What About Residency After Med School?
Securing a residency is critical to practicing medicine in either country—and it’s not easy as an international student.
In the U.S.: You’ll need to pass the USMLE and secure a residency spot (H-1B or J-1 visa required).
In Canada: You must pass the MCCQE, and residency spots are very limited for international graduates.
Some international students do med school in the Caribbean or Europe and apply back to North America—but this route also has its own challenges.
8. A Strategic Pathway: Undergrad First
Here’s a smart approach many international students take:
Complete undergrad in Canada or the U.S.
Gain relevant experience and work toward permanent residency
Apply to med school as a PR (your chances—and funding—improve dramatically)
This path requires more time but can be more sustainable and financially feasible long-term.
9. Final Thoughts: Is It Possible?
Yes. It’s hard, expensive, and competitive—but it is possible to study medicine in Canada or the U.S. as an international student. The key is planning ahead:
✅ Start early
✅ Build an outstanding academic and extracurricular profile
✅ Prepare financially
✅ Be ready to pivot if needed
Bonus: Want Personalized Help Planning Your Med School Journey?
📣 At Scholarships Cafe, we offer 1-on-1 strategy calls to help international students plan their study routes, find scholarships, and map out their journey to medicine in North America.
Book a consultation today and let’s help you build a smarter pathway to med school.