One of the most competitive medical admissions systems in the world — here's how it works.
Canadian medicine is predominantly graduate entry — you apply after completing an undergraduate degree. There are 17 accredited medical schools across Canada, most offering MD programmes (and one offering MDCM at McGill).
Admission is notoriously competitive. Canada's population is large relative to its medical school spots, and strong GPA + MCAT alone is rarely sufficient. Non-academic factors (CASPer, interviews, extracurriculars) are weighted heavily.
International applicants: Most Canadian schools accept very few or no international applicants. The exceptions include some Quebec schools and a small number of international spots at other schools. Check each school individually.
Predominantly post-undergraduate (some undergrad entry at a few schools)
MCAT (required by most schools; some Quebec schools do not require it)
3.85+ cGPA for competitive applications
Required by many schools — situational judgement computer-based test
OMSAS (Ontario Medical School Application Service) for Ontario schools
Very limited — most schools domestic/PR only
Requirements change annually — always verify directly with each school.
Most Ontario schools require MCAT scores. Aim to sit by April to have scores for the summer.
The Ontario application system opens in July. Begin completing your application — it is lengthy and requires essays for each school.
Many Ontario and other Canadian schools require CASPer. Check each school's requirements and book your session early.
The Ontario application deadline is typically October 1. Outside Ontario, deadlines vary by school (usually October–November).
Schools send interview invitations to shortlisted candidates on a rolling basis.
MMI format is dominant across Canadian schools. Panel interviews also used.
Acceptance offers are made. A national offer date in mid-May allows candidates to hold multiple offers until then.
CASPer (Computer-Based Assessment for Sampling Personal Characteristics) is a situational judgement test taken online. You watch short video scenarios and type responses to questions within a time limit.
It assesses professionalism, empathy, communication, and ethical reasoning. Scores are distributed to schools that require it. You cannot retake it within the same cycle.
Preparation: Practice timed written responses to ethical scenarios. Mirror the reflective style of Canadian professionalism frameworks.