Jonathan BensonCanada is globally respected for its high-quality medical education, advanced healthcare system, and research-driven universities. Medical schools in Canada are known for producing world-class physicians who practice across North America and beyond. Admission is highly competitive, but graduates benefit from internationally recognized degrees, excellent residency placements, and strong career prospects.
In this guide, we explore the top 20 medical schools in Canada, including program highlights, reputation, and estimated tuition fees. Whether you are a domestic or international applicant, this list will help you make an informed decision.
Top 20 Medical Schools In Canada And Fees
1. University of Toronto – Faculty of Medicine
The University of Toronto consistently ranks as the best medical school in Canada and among the top globally. Its Temerty Faculty of Medicine is affiliated with numerous teaching hospitals, including Toronto General Hospital and SickKids.
The MD program emphasizes early clinical exposure, research, and leadership. Students benefit from cutting-edge facilities and diverse patient populations.
Estimated Fees (per year):
- Domestic: CAD 27,000 – 29,000
- International: CAD 90,000 – 95,000
2. University of British Columbia – Faculty of Medicine
UBC’s Faculty of Medicine is one of the largest in Canada and offers distributed medical education across British Columbia. It focuses on rural and community healthcare alongside urban medicine.
The school is known for strong research output and public health initiatives.
Estimated Fees:
- Domestic: CAD 19,000 – 21,000
- International: CAD 65,000 – 70,000
3. McGill University – Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences
Located in Montreal, McGill is internationally recognized for academic excellence. The MD-CM program combines medicine and surgery training with strong research exposure.
Instruction is primarily in English, but some clinical exposure may require basic French proficiency.
Estimated Fees:
- Quebec Residents: CAD 5,000 – 7,000
- Canadian (Non-Quebec): CAD 17,000 – 19,000
- International: CAD 50,000 – 55,000
4. McMaster University – Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine
McMaster pioneered problem-based learning (PBL) in medical education. Its accelerated three-year MD program allows students to graduate faster than traditional four-year programs.
The curriculum emphasizes self-directed learning and clinical reasoning.
Estimated Fees:
- Domestic: CAD 26,000 – 28,000
- International: CAD 95,000 – 98,000
5. University of Alberta – Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry
The University of Alberta offers a well-balanced MD program with strong clinical training and biomedical research.
It is particularly known for excellence in internal medicine, surgery, and public health research.
Estimated Fees:
- Domestic: CAD 15,000 – 17,000
- International: CAD 60,000 – 65,000
6. University of Calgary – Cumming School of Medicine
The Cumming School of Medicine emphasizes innovation, leadership, and community-based care. The three-year MD program is fast-paced and research-driven.
Students benefit from modern facilities and close faculty mentorship.
Estimated Fees:
- Domestic: CAD 17,000 – 19,000
- International: CAD 63,000 – 67,000
7. Western University – Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry
Western’s medical school offers a learner-centered MD program with early patient contact and strong residency placement outcomes.
It is particularly known for training skilled clinicians in Ontario.
Estimated Fees:
- Domestic: CAD 25,000 – 27,000
- International: CAD 92,000 – 96,000
8. Queen’s University – School of Medicine
Queen’s University provides a traditional four-year MD program with strong clinical integration and research opportunities.
The school is respected for its supportive learning environment and small class sizes.
Estimated Fees:
- Domestic: CAD 25,000 – 27,000
- International: CAD 90,000 – 95,000
9. Dalhousie University – Faculty of Medicine
Dalhousie serves Atlantic Canada and focuses heavily on community-based and rural medicine.
Its graduates are highly sought after in family medicine and primary care.
Estimated Fees:
- Domestic: CAD 22,000 – 24,000
- International: CAD 58,000 – 62,000
10. University of Ottawa – Faculty of Medicine
The University of Ottawa offers bilingual medical education in English and French, making it unique in Canada.
Its location in the nation’s capital provides exposure to health policy and government healthcare agencies.
Estimated Fees:
- Domestic: CAD 26,000 – 28,000
- International: CAD 85,000 – 90,000
11. University of Manitoba – Max Rady College of Medicine
This school plays a key role in training physicians for Manitoba and Northern Canada.
It focuses on Indigenous health, rural medicine, and community engagement.
Estimated Fees:
- Domestic: CAD 14,000 – 16,000
- International: CAD 55,000 – 60,000
12. University of Saskatchewan – College of Medicine
The University of Saskatchewan emphasizes distributed learning and social accountability.
Students gain experience in urban, rural, and Indigenous communities.
Estimated Fees:
- Domestic: CAD 17,000 – 19,000
- International: CAD 60,000 – 65,000
13. Memorial University of Newfoundland – Faculty of Medicine
Memorial University is one of the most affordable medical schools in Canada for domestic students.
It has a strong reputation in family medicine and rural healthcare.
Estimated Fees:
- Domestic: CAD 6,000 – 8,000
- International: CAD 30,000 – 35,000
14. Northern Ontario School of Medicine (NOSM University)
NOSM focuses exclusively on training doctors for Northern and rural communities.
It is highly respected for its community-embedded medical education model.
Estimated Fees:
- Domestic: CAD 23,000 – 25,000
- International: Limited seats / varies
15. University of Sherbrooke – Faculty of Medicine
Located in Quebec, this French-language medical school is known for its innovative teaching methods and accelerated MD program.
Estimated Fees:
- Quebec Residents: CAD 4,000 – 6,000
- Non-Quebec/International: CAD 18,000 – 22,000
16. Université de Montréal – Faculty of Medicine
Université de Montréal is one of Canada’s largest medical schools and a leader in biomedical research.
The program is taught entirely in French.
Estimated Fees:
- Quebec Residents: CAD 5,000 – 7,000
- International: CAD 20,000 – 25,000
17. Université Laval – Faculty of Medicine
Université Laval offers a strong MD program with an emphasis on research, innovation, and community health.
Instruction is in French.
Estimated Fees:
- Quebec Residents: CAD 4,000 – 6,000
- International: CAD 18,000 – 22,000
18. McGill University – Outaouais Campus
This campus focuses on family medicine and serving underserved populations in Quebec.
Estimated Fees:
- Quebec Residents: CAD 6,000 – 8,000
- International: CAD 45,000 – 50,000
19. University of British Columbia – Island Medical Program
Part of UBC’s distributed model, this program focuses on training physicians for Vancouver Island.
Estimated Fees:
- Domestic: CAD 19,000 – 21,000
- International: CAD 65,000 – 70,000
20. University of Toronto – Mississauga & Scarborough Streams
These streams fall under UofT’s MD program and emphasize community-based learning and patient-centered care.
Estimated Fees:
- Domestic: CAD 27,000 – 29,000
- International: CAD 90,000 – 95,000
Conclusion
Canada offers some of the best medical schools in the world, combining academic excellence, advanced healthcare infrastructure, and global recognition. While admission is highly competitive, graduates enjoy excellent career prospects both within Canada and internationally.