Study in Ireland
Want to study in Ireland? Explore Universities & Courses
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.
Latest: Canada Country Guide
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+)
Want to study in Ireland? Explore Universities & Courses
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.
Related Reads:
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 |
Explore more articles:
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.
B.Sc (Hons) Admissions 2025 Now Open | Ranked Among the Top 100 Universities in the World by QS World University Rankings 2025 | Application Closing Soon!
Unlock GMAT Success Timeline & Expert Videos | Select test center appointment | Scores valid for 5 Years | Multiple Attempts
Accepted by 13,000 universities worldwide | Offered in 200+ countries | 40 million people have taken TOEFL Test
Explore Universities, Courses & Subjects | Work while study
Apply for upcoming intake & plan your journey
Universities inviting applications | Get expert guidance