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Why Study an MBBS in Canada?

Last updated: 29 January 2024 Medicine

Students across the globe choose to study MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery) if they want to enter the healthcare field to become doctors and physicians. However, those pursuing an MBBS in Canada have a different option. This is because the Canadian medical education system doesn't offer MBBS as a bachelor's degree; it is termed a Doctor of Medicine (MD), which requires three to four years of extensive training to enter the medical field. 

As the specialized medicine degree equivalent to the MBBS of other countries in Canada is MD, which can be pursued after completing an undergraduate degree in a related field, students who wish to study a healthcare subject at the bachelor's level get several other options in Canada.

The best medical colleges in Canada offer BMSc (Bachelor of Medical Science), BSc in Medicine, and BSc in Nursing, Pharmacy, and Dentistry. This variety in terms of courses at the undergraduate level and then the option to complete MD allows international students to gain a comprehensive education in Canada to enter the medical field in the country or other parts of the world.

study mbbs canada

Why Study MBBS in Canada?

1. Globally-recognized education

Canadian medical schools are known to maintain rigorous academic standards in all their programs, whether they are offered at the bachelor's level or the graduate level. These degrees are recognized worldwide, allowing students to practice medicine anywhere. Due to the high quality of education, medicine graduates from Canada are valued and given the right job opportunities anywhere in the world. , ensuring a comprehensive and top-notch medical education.

2. Quality healthcare system

Canada has a well-established healthcare system wherein there are several opportunities for graduates if they wish to stay in the country after their programs. During the university years, students get the necessary exposure to diverse medical practices and experiences as part of clinical placements. 

3. Career opportunities

There are several career opportunities for those who return to Canada after gaining their Post-Graduate Work Permit as medical graduates. Jobs in the medical sector in Canada are in high demand. According to Jobs Bank Canada, there will be around 50,900 new vacancies in Canada by 2028, and only 19,400 fresh graduates to fill those spaces. Even the salaries of medical graduates are among the highest in the country due to the specialized nature of their work. 

4. Research and innovation

The best medical universities in Canada are particularly known for actively engaging in breakthrough research in the field. Over the years, Canadian universities have been instrumental in developing medical innovations that have changed the world. For instance, the discovery of insulin at the University of Toronto in 1921 revolutionized diabetes treatment. Today, many prestigious medical schools in Canada also provide students with opportunities to contribute to advancements in healthcare.

Types of MBBS in Canada

In Canada, the traditional MBBS program is offered as MD. In this case, medical education in Canada follows a different structure, which has the following components:

Eligibility

The eligibility criteria to study MBBS in Canada usually include the following key components:

- Required documents

When applying for MBBS programs in Canada, prospective students would need to submit a comprehensive set of documents, which are listed below:

MBBS in Canada Fees

Each university has a different structure to run the terms and semesters, which may have different tuition fees according to students' courses. Find the approximate fees for international students at some of the best universities in Canada below: 

University Course Course Fee (approx.)
University of Toronto MD Program $94,307 per year
University of Calgary MD Program $132,237 per year
McGill University MDCM $59,724 per year
McMaster University MD Program $46,000 per year

Best MBBS Colleges and Universities in Canada

The best universities in Canada offering exceptional educational programs in medicine according to the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024: Medicine are below:

  1. University of Toronto
  2. McGill University
  3. University of British Columbia
  4. McMaster University
  5. University of Montreal
  6. University of Alberta
  7. University of Calgary
  8. University of Ottawa
  9. Dalhousie University
  10. Queen’s University at Kingston

MBBS Scholarships

The financial requirements for MBBS in Canada can hinder students on a tight budget who want to pursue higher education in their desired fields. Many organizations, including Canadian institutions, understand this and provide scholarships to deserving candidates wanting to study MBBS in Canada. The eligibility criteria and amounts of these scholarships may vary, so it is advisable to research the funding options you are applying for properly. Some of the major scholarships for studying medical courses in Canada are discussed below: 

Job Opportunities

After obtaining a medical degree in Canada, graduates can find diverse job opportunities within the healthcare sector. After completing their residency programs, they can pursue careers as general practitioners or specialists in hospitals and clinics or go for private practice. Obtaining a medical license from the relevant provincial or territorial regulatory body is also crucial, ensuring compliance with regional standards to continue practicing the profession. 

Applying for an MBBS in Canada

Applying for a medical program in Canada involves several steps, which may vary according to the university. Some general steps that might be common in most medical schools are listed below:

  1. Research for the right programs: You can start by researching the best medicine programs at Canadian universities to find those that align with your academic and career goals. Carefully review the admission requirements to make sure you take the right steps.
  2. Prepare for and take the MCAT: The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is commonly required for MD program admissions. If required by the programs you are applying to, prepare for and take the MCAT. If you come from India, you must also take the NEET exam. 
  3. Compile supporting documents: Gather all the necessary supporting documents, including transcripts, letters of recommendation, language proficiency test scores, a resume, and a personal statement.
  4. Apply: Most Canadian medical schools use centralized application systems. For example, the Ontario Medical School Application Service (OMSAS) handles applications for several Ontario medical schools. Other provinces may have similar systems to those you can apply to. 
  5. Interview process: If your application is shortlisted, you may be invited for an interview. Prepare for the interview by researching common medical school questions and practicing your responses.
  6. Acceptance and registration: If accepted into the program, follow all the medical school's instructions for accepting the offer and completing the registration process.
  7. Apply for a Study Permit: After receiving the acceptance letter from your university, apply for a study permit. Take the interview and wait for the final study permit before packing your bags to study in Canada.

Study an MBBS

If you would like to begin applying to study an MBBS in Canada, contact SI-Canada today for a free consultation on your future.

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Increase your chances of success when applying

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