Popular Medical Courses in Canada After 12th for Indian Students in 2025

Popular Medical Courses in Canada After 12th for Indian Students in 2025

Edited By Ipshita ghosh | Updated on May 19, 2025 05:29 PM IST

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.

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Latest Canadian Study Permit Updates For Medical Students

  • 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.

Medical Courses in Canada after 12th for International Students Eligibility Criteria

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+)

  • Entrance exams (if required): SAT, MCAT

  • Strong SOP, LORs, and extracurriculars for admissions

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Popular Medical Courses in Canada after 12th for Indian Students

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.

Medical Courses in Canada after 12th Fees

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

UBC, University of Calgary

CAD 30,000–42,000

Bachelor of Psychology

3–4 years

Queen’s University, SFU

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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How to Become a Doctor in Canada after 12th?

These are the steps of becoming a doctor and practicing medicine in Canada after 12th.

  1. Pass 12th grade with Science subjects: You must pass class 12th with science subjects (Physics, Chemistry, and Biology).

  2. 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.

  3. Pass the MCAT examination: Most of the medical schools in Canada require the MCAT examination, except some like the University of Ottawa.

  4. Apply for MD programs in various medical schools in Canada: Apply as early as possible because there are limited seats.

  5. Complete the MD program (3-4 years): Perform clinical rotations and training and complete the medical course.

  6. 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).

Top Universities Offering MBBS in 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.

List of Universities Offering MBBS in Canada

Medical School

International Seats (Approx.)

MCAT Required?

MD Program Duration

University of Toronto

5–10 seats per year

Yes

4 years

McGill University

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

University of Manitoba

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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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I study medicine in Canada after 12th?

Yes, you can study medicine in Canada after 12th. These courses are immensely popular due to the high-quality of education in the country.

2. Which course is best in Canada for medical?

Nursing has a great demand in Canada. A lot of students pursue nursing, and other medical courses like Kinesiology, public health, dental health, etc.

3. Is NEET accepted in Canada?

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.

4. How much money is needed to become a doctor 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.

5. Can I do MBBS in Canada after 12th?

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.

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