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Study Medical Courses in Canada

Explore top medical courses in Canada and pave the way for a successful healthcare career. Get detailed information on programmes, universities with AECC's expert guidance.

Last updated9th Jul 2025
9 mins read
6.67K views
Anuj Gupta
Published by Anuj Gupta

Canada & EU Education Strategist | Head of Client Relations

Top university facilities, research options, and clinical training opportunities are some of the factors motivating students to choose medical courses in Canada after high school grade. Some of the most popular medical degrees offered by Canadian Universities include MDCM (similar to MBBS), BScN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing), and BNI (Bachelor of Nursing Integrated).

The admission criteria depend on the course chosen by the student, but some crucial steps, such as taking the entrance exam MCAT and the English proficiency test TOEFL, remain the same.

Why Study Medical Courses in Canada International Students?

There are many important reasons for continuing medical courses in Canada after 12th for international students. A few of them are mentioned below:

  • High Academic Standards: Canada's universities and medical institutions offer world-class guidance, highly qualified faculty, and state-of-the-art facilities.
  • Research: Medical universities in Canada are well known for providing a variety of research opportunities.
  • Career Opportunities: Canada also constantly needs medical professionals, which creates huge employment opportunities. The healthcare system in Canada is considered to be one of the best in the world, and students can get global exposure.
  • Post-Study Work Permit (PGWP): Students can work for up to three years following graduation through PGWP Canada, giving them exposure globally. A PGWP can only be awarded for courses that last eight months or longer.

Top Medical Courses in Canada

Medical courses in Canada for International students provide a wide range of opportunities. These programmes, which consist of certificates as well as undergraduate degrees, are designed in a way so that students can choose the courses according to their interests and career goals.

Diploma and Certificate Courses: These are specialised training programmes that are typically shorter in duration compared to traditional degree programmes. Such courses offer practical skills and expertise to students that are needed for particular roles within the healthcare sector.

Short-Duration Courses: These courses last between 1 and 2 years. They include courses in paramedical services, pharmacy technician, medical laboratory technician, and more.

Undergraduate Degree Courses: These are courses specially designed for students who study Physics, Chemistry and Biology in their higher secondary. These medical courses in Canada after 12th without math include:

  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN)
  • Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS)
  • Specialised Health Sciences Programmes

Pre-Medical Programmes: These courses are for the students who need to complete their pre-medical requirements before applying for any medical course. They usually last for a 1 or 2 and include subjects like Biology, Chemistry and Physics.

Integrated Course: Some Canadian Universities offer an integrated Bachelor's degree and a Master's degree in Medicine.

Diploma and Certificate Programmes in Canada after 12th

In Canada, medical science students can pursue bachelor's degrees in medicine after high school, while certificate programmes offer alternative pathways for those not yet prepared for a bachelor's. This provides diverse opportunities for continuing education in the medical field.

Canadian medical scholarship programmes like Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute Scholarship, the Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan, the Ontario Graduate Scholarship Programme, and the National Research Council of Canada (NRCC) provide financial aid to students based on academic merit, need, and diversity for all of the diploma and certificate programmes.

The following diploma course list is provided for your reference and direction:

  • Diploma in Paramedical Science
  • Advanced Diploma in Medical Radiation Technology
  • Clinical Research, Drug Safety and Pharmacovigilance Diploma Programme
  • Diploma in Kinesiology
UniversityCourses
University of Toronto
  • Graduate Diploma in Health Research
McGill University
  • McGill SCS Diploma Health and Social Services Management
McMaster University
  • Graduate Diploma in Community and Public Health
Dalhousie University
  • Diploma in transfusion medicine
  • Diploma in interventional cardiology.
Queen’s University
  • Graduate Diploma in Medical Sciences
University of Calgary
  • Precision Health Diploma

Top Canadian Universities offering Certificate Programmes

UniversityCourses
University of Toronto
  • Certificate in Pathways to Health Professions
University of Alberta
  • Graduate Certificate in Pain Management
  • Certificate in Stroke Rehabilitation
  • Graduate Certificate in Sexual Health
  • Certificate in Bridging to Canadian Physical Therapy Practice
  • Certificate in Francophone Practice for Speech-Language Pathologists
McGill University
  • Graduate Certificate in Healthcare Management
McMaster University
  • Canadian Healthcare, Certificate
University of Calgary
  • Graduate Certificate in Precision Health
Dalhousie University
  • Certificate in Medical Humanities

BSC Nursing in Canada

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing programme in Canada gives students the theoretical understanding and practical skills required for a career as a registered nurse. Patient care, nursing theory, pharmacology, anatomy, physiology, and healthcare ethics are all included in the curriculum to make sure graduates are ready for the different scenarios in the real world.

UniversityAverage FeeDuration
University of British ColumbiaCA $185,1244 Years
University of CalgaryCA $108,0002 - 2.5 Years
McMaster UniversityCA $185,1364 Years
Queen’s UniversityCA 4192,0004 Years
Dalhousie UniversityCA 492,0004 Years
University of TorontoCA 4231,4004 Years
University of AlbertaCA $119,0274 Years
McGill UniversityCA $92,5604 Years

Doctor of Medicine in Canada after 12th

In Canada, the doctor of Medicine programme is regarded as the equivalent of the MD degree. It is one of the medical specialities that can be pursued in Canada following the 12th grade. The following are a few well-known universities that offer the MD programme:

UniversityAverage FeeDuration
University of British ColumbiaCA $93,3654 Years
University of TorontoCA $367,0404 Years
McGill UniversityCA $242,3124 Years
University of AlbertaCA $63,5084 Years
McMaster UniversityCA $380,8724 Years
University of CalgaryCA $207,6663 Years
Dalhousie UniversityCA $112,4164 Years
Queen’s UniversityCA $396,4284 Years

BDS in Canada after 12th

In Canada, BDS is available as a post-12th grade option for DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery). The four-year curriculum includes many dental disciplines, including pain management, orthodontics, and oral surgery. English, Chemistry, and cellular biology are prerequisites. The following are the top universities for BDS.

UniversityAverage FeeDuration
University of TorontoCA $270,0003 Years
McGill UniversityCA $347,7594 Years
University of AlbertaCA $391,2344 Years
Dalhousie UniversityCA $60,0683 Years
University of British ColumbiaCA $69,1984 Years
University of ManitobaCA $108,0004 Years

BHMS in Canada after 12th

An undergraduate programme in homoeopathy and alternative medicine is the Bachelor of Homoeopathic Medicine and Surgery. It covers a wide range of topics, including anatomy, psychology, organon of medicine, human anatomy, pathology, embryology, and immunology. Following a 12th grade in medicine, one has the option to continue this course of study in Canada. The universities that provide BHMS are as follows:

UniversityCourse NameAverage FeeDuration
The Canadian College of Homoeopathic MedicineHomeopathy Undergraduate Programme CoursesCA $20003 Years
Canadian College of Homoeopathic MedicineDiploma and Certificate BHMS CoursesCA $12253 Years

Top Canadian Institutions Offering Medical Courses

Renowned medical schools in Canada include the University of Toronto Faculty of Medicine, which is well-known for its innovative research capabilities. Global health and community-based learning are given top priority by the University of British Columbia Faculty of Medicine. The Faculty of Medicine at McGill University maintains high standards and educates students for success.

Canada offers excellent living standards and affordable, top-notch education, with an average monthly living price of CA $1000. The top medical colleges and universities in Canada are included here, along with the medical courses and QS ranking that are provided around the nation:

College/UniversitiesCanadian Medical ProgramesQS Ranking
University of Toronto
  • Bachelor of Athletic and Exercise Therapy
  • MBBS/MD
  • Bachelor of Science in Food, Nutrition/Health
21
McGill University
  • BSc Nursing
  • Bachelor of Dental Hygiene/Surgery
  • MBBS/MD
30
University of British Columbia
  • BSc Nursing
  • Bachelor of Science in Food, Nutrition/Health
  • MBBS/MD
34
McMaster University
  • BSc Life Sciences
  • MBBS/MD
189
University of Alberta
  • Bachelor of Dental Hygiene/Surgery
  • Bachelor of Science in Food, Nutrition/Health
  • MBBS/MD
111
Dalhousie University
  • Bachelor of Dental Hygiene/Surgery
  • Bachelor of Kinesiology
  • BSc Nursing
  • Diploma in transfusion medicine
  • Diploma in interventional cardiology.
  • MBBS/MD
298

Eligibility Criteria to Study Medical Courses in Canada

There are different admission requirements for medical courses after 12th. Candidates may look for particular qualifying requirements on the websites of the institutions. Transcripts from high school, results from standardised tests (like the MCAT), participation in extracurricular activities, and SOPs are a few of the mandatory requirements.

  • Prerequisite Courses: To lay a solid foundation for medical study, finish your high school prerequisites in biology, chemistry, and physics and achieve a cumulative score of 75–80% in Grade 12
  • IELTS/TOEFL Results: The marks scored in IELTS Academic and TOEFL iBt exams work as proof of English language proficiency.
  • MCAT Preparation: Take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), a standardised test that evaluates knowledge and abilities relevant to medical education.
  • Study Medical Schools & Colleges: Research Canadian medical schools to see which ones fit best with your educational and professional objectives.
  • Application Process: Apply to the schools that interest you. Send in the necessary paperwork, such as a personal statement, letters of recommendation, and transcripts.
  • Interview Preparation (if applicable): If the institutions demand it, get ready for interviews by highlighting your interest in medicine and your suitability for the field.
  • Acceptance and Enrollment: After being accepted, complete the enrollment forms that the school sends you to guarantee your spot in the course.

Career Opportunities After Medical Courses in Canada

A list of possible career paths that an individual can take after completing the medical course in Canada.

  • Physician
  • Clinical psychologist
  • Midwife
  • Physician Surgeon
  • Massage Therapist
  • Dental Hygienist
  • Paramedic
  • Registered Nurse
  • Medical Lab Technologist
  • Optician
  • Manager of Health Information
  • Counsellor

Canada's top-notch education facilities and advanced healthcare system provide great opportunities for studying medical courses in Canada after high school for internationla students. The majority of Canadian medical schools offer four-year undergraduate medical education programmes, and they frequently need standardised examinations like the MCAT in addition to outstanding academic achievement and extracurricular activity.

Along with the research opportunities, the job opportunities in Canada for medical students are rising every year, making Canada one of the best countries to study medicine.

If you are aspiring to embark on the field of Healthcare in Canada, it is important to have proper guidance throughout the journey. This is where AECC steps in - trust us for up-to-date, reliable, and actionable advice. Contact us today!

Anuj Gupta
Published by Anuj Gupta

Canada & EU Education Strategist | Head of Client Relations

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With a dynamic career in international education and corporate finance, Anuj Gupta offers a unique and strategic perspective for students looking to study abroad. He is a certified expert for Canada, holding a certification from ICEF Canada, a globally recognised standard for excellence in student counselling.

Anuj's experience is built on a foundation of leadership roles at top-tier organisations like AECC Global, IDP Education Ltd, and J.P. Morgan. His time as a Research Analyst at J.P. Morgan honed his analytical skills, which he now uses to help students make data-driven decisions about their future.

Currently, as the Head of Client Relations & Development for Canada, Germany, and Dubai, Anuj has the most current, high-level insights into these key study destinations. He has progressed through the ranks at AECC, from Team Lead for Canada to his current leadership position, giving him a deep, practical understanding of every stage of the student journey.

Anuj can help you with

  • Getting Certified Canada Guidance: Receive advice from an ICEF-certified professional to ensure your application to Canadian institutions is accurate and effective.
  • Making Data-Backed Decisions: Use his experience as a research analyst to strategically choose the right country, university, and programme that aligns with your financial and career goals.
  • Navigating European & Dubai Admissions: Get expert insights into the growing study destinations of Germany and Dubai from a professional who leads development in these regions.
  • Understanding the Big Picture: Benefit from his leadership perspective to understand the international education landscape and position yourself for success.

Anuj holds an MBA in Finance, making him exceptionally qualified to advise on the financial aspects of studying abroad. When you read his articles, you're gaining knowledge from a certified strategist with a strong corporate background. 

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