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Are you an international student who wants to study medical courses in Canada after 12th? With a long list of globally ranked universities, top-notch research facilities and infrastructure, and lucrative job opportunities, Canada has always been the home to a large population of aspiring medical professionals worldwide, especially Indians. In this article, we cover the latest updates of Canada student visa, best medical programs, admission requirements, tuition fees, and how to become a doctor in Canada in 2025.
Read more: Best Student Cities in Canada
Canada has plans to reduce the study permits to 4,37,000 in 2025 which is a 10% decline from the previous year.
International students require a Provincial Attestation Letter with their student visa application to study MBBS in Canada.
Due to the strict immigration policies of the IRCC, it is recommended to apply for a Canada study permit at least 6-8 months prior to your admission intake to study in Canada without any delays.
In order to be eligible for applying to the medical colleges in Canada, ensure you meet the following the eligibility criteria:
Completed 10+2 with science subjects (Physics/Math, Chemistry, Biology)
A minimum of 75-90% GPA in high school or for bachelor’s programs
High English proficiency in IELTS (minimum 6.5 overall), TOEFL (100+)
Also read:
As per the latest NMC guidelines for MBBS abroad, it is a must for an Indian student to qualify NEET to pursue MBBS in Canada and practice in India. Students also need a bachelor’s degree as a pre-requisite for MBBS/MD programs in Canada. They can’t directly enter MD programs after 12th.
There is a great variety of medical courses abroad after 12th, especially in Canada in 2025 that students can choose as an undergraduate pathway. These are:
BSc Nursing
BSc in Biomedical Sciences
Bachelor of Science in Biology/Health Sciences
Bachelor of Kinesiology
Bachelor of Psychology
Some of the best other diploma programs like Practical nursing or medical office assistant.
Course Name | Duration | Top Universities | Average Tuition Fees (per year) |
---|---|---|---|
Bachelor of Science in Biology/Health Sciences | 3–4 years | University of Toronto, University of British Columbia, McMaster | CAD 35,000–55,000 |
Bachelor of Medical Sciences (BMSc) | 4 years | Western University (Schulich) | CAD 38,000–48,000 |
Bachelor of Nursing (BScN) | 4 years | University of Alberta, Dalhousie | CAD 28,000–40,000 |
Bachelor of Kinesiology | 4 years | CAD 30,000–42,000 | |
Bachelor of Psychology | 3–4 years | CAD 28,000–38,000 |
Note: It is mandatory to complete a BSc degree before applying to a medical school in Canada. The average tuition fees might vary as per currency exchange rates.
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These are the steps of becoming a doctor and practicing medicine in Canada after 12th.
Pass 12th grade with Science subjects: You must pass class 12th with science subjects (Physics, Chemistry, and Biology).
Take admission in a relevant undergraduate medical program: Choose a suitable 3-4 years pre-medical bachelor’s degree from a wide list of best medical courses in Canada after 12th for Indian students.
Pass the MCAT examination: Most of the medical schools in Canada require the MCAT examination, except some like the University of Ottawa.
Apply for MD programs in various medical schools in Canada: Apply as early as possible because there are limited seats.
Complete the MD program (3-4 years): Perform clinical rotations and training and complete the medical course.
Residency and licensing: The last and the final step is to do the postgraduate training for 2-6 years and then pass the MCCQE exam (Medical Council of Canada).
Getting admission to the top medical schools in Canada is very tough as the acceptance rates for international students are just 1-3%. Several schools require a Canadian undergraduate degree, and accept international degrees only if students have done it from accredited institutions. All the schools require students to demonstrate proof of English language proficiency test scores of IELTS (more than 7.0) or TOEFL (more than 100). Although it is possible to pursue residency in Canada for graduates, international graduates face many challenges to secure a residency spot. Most Canadian universities prioritize Canadian/permanent citizens, therefore, the seat availability in MD programs is extremely low for international students.
Medical School | International Seats (Approx.) | MCAT Required? | MD Program Duration |
---|---|---|---|
5–10 seats per year | Yes | 4 years | |
1–2 seats per year | Yes (waived for some international applicants with specific backgrounds) | 4 years | |
Dalhousie University | 2–4 seats reserved for Caribbean students and partnerships | Yes | 4 years |
Memorial University of Newfoundland | 2–3 seats per year (varies by year) | Yes | 4 years |
Up to 5 seats (depending on partnerships) | Yes | 4 years | |
University of Alberta | Limited seats via international exchange programs | Yes | 4 years |
University of British Columbia (UBC) | No general international intake (only for Canadian citizens/PR) | Yes | 4 years |
Northern Ontario School of Medicine | Not open to international students | Yes | 4 years |
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Yes, you can study medicine in Canada after 12th. These courses are immensely popular due to the high-quality of education in the country.
Nursing has a great demand in Canada. A lot of students pursue nursing, and other medical courses like Kinesiology, public health, dental health, etc.
No, NEET is not directly accepted in Canada for admission. While some Canadian universities might accept NEET, the primary entrance test for medical schools in Canada is MCAT (Medical College Admission Test). Indian students who want admission in MD programs are required to qualify NEET, but it is not a formal requirement for admission in Canada.
The cost for medical education in Canada can easily exceed $100,000 in tuition fees and residency preparations. So, the money needed to become a doctor in Canada is quite high.
No, you cannot do MBBS in Canada after 12th because MD can be done only after a 3-4 years bachelor’s degree. Only after this, you can apply to a medical school in Canada.
After completing a BSc in Biochemistry, you can pursue various courses in Canada such as MSc in Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, Pharmacology, or Clinical Research. These programs offer advanced knowledge and open opportunities in research, healthcare, and industry.
Hello,
Yes, you can pursue MD in Radiology in Canada after completing a B.Sc. in Radiology, but you need to complete a recognized medical degree (like MBBS) first. After that, you must pass the Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Examination (MCCQE) and complete a residency in radiology. Alternatively, you can explore postgraduate diploma or master’s programs in medical imaging or radiology if you wish to specialize without an MD.
Hope this helps you,
Thank you
https://www.careers360.com/courses/md-radiology
hi ,
yes , you can pursue undergraduate degree in AI ML in Canada with 65% in 12th grade , bit your options may be limited since many top universities require a minimum of 75-70% , however with some colleges or universities with flexible admission requirements may accept you .
eligibility criteria for AI /ML in Canada
academic requirement - Most top universities require 70-80% in 12th PCM for direct admission.Some colleges/universities accept students with 60-70% in 12th PCM.
English proficiency test -
(if your schooling was in English, some institutions may waive this)
mathematics requirement
Since AI & ML are math-heavy, having good grades in Math (especially Calculus) will strengthen your application.
hope this helps
Hi Madhvi,
With 42% in 12th, admission to universities in Canada can be challenging, as most require at least 50-60%. However, you still have options:
Also, ensure you meet the IELTS/TOEFL score requirements for student visas.
I hope this answer helps you. If you have more queries then feel free to share your questions with us we will be happy to assist you.
Thank you and wishing you all the best for your bright future.
After completing a BBA in Finance, top programs in Canada include MBA (Finance), Master of Finance, Master in Financial Analytics, CFA certification, or PG diplomas in Financial Planning, Investment Banking, and Risk Management. Choose based on career goals, budget, and university reputation.
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