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For international students who are eligible to apply, McGill University is one of the most important options to consider. However, its international intake is extremely small, meaning that affordability is only one part of the challenge.
This guide examines the most affordable medical-school options, tuition information, admission requirements, scholarships, living costs and alternative pathways for international students who want to become doctors in Canada.
Important: Medical-school admission policies and fees can change. Always verify the latest requirements and tuition fees directly with the university before applying.
Is There a Cheap Medical School in Canada for International Students?
The short answer is not really.
Canada does not have many low-cost medical schools available to international students. Several universities that may appear on online lists of "cheapest medical schools in Canada" actually do not accept international applicants into their MD programs.
For example, Memorial University of Newfoundland is often mentioned because its domestic medical tuition is relatively affordable. However, Memorial requires applicants to its MD program to be Canadian citizens or permanent residents, making international students ineligible.
Similarly, the University of British Columbia says it is unable to admit international students to its MD program.
Therefore, international students should not simply choose a university because its domestic tuition is low. The first question should always be whether international applicants are actually eligible.
Cheapest Medical School in Canada for International Students: McGill University
1. McGill University – Doctor of Medicine and Master of Surgery (MDCM)
Among Canada's medical schools, McGill University is one of the clearest options for an international student seeking direct admission to a Canadian medical degree.
McGill's Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences offers the four-year MDCM (Doctor of Medicine and Master of Surgery) program and has an international applicant category.
However, calling McGill "cheap" requires some qualification.
For the 2026 admission cycle, the estimated cost for an international MDCM student is approximately:
- First-year tuition: CAD $69,339
- First-year fees: approximately CAD $2,651
- Insurance: approximately CAD $1,305
- Estimated first-year total: approximately CAD $73,295
- Average annual cost for the remaining three years: approximately CAD $52,235 per year
These figures can change from year to year.
Why McGill Is Important for International Students
The biggest advantage is eligibility.
McGill specifically has an international applicant category for students who require a Canadian study permit and are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
The program is also internationally recognized and provides a Canadian medical education that can potentially lead to residency applications, subject to the applicable residency rules and licensing requirements.
The Major Disadvantage: Extremely Limited Seats
This is perhaps the most important issue.
For the Fall 2027 intake, McGill anticipates only one international seat for the regular MDCM program. The university reports an average of about 73 international applicants and approximately eight interviewees for this category.
The Fall 2026 statistics were similar: McGill reported 73 international applicants, eight interviewed candidates and one admitted student.
This means that international applicants face extraordinarily strong competition.
McGill University International Medical School Requirements
International applicants generally need to satisfy both academic and non-academic requirements.
McGill's general requirements for the international category include a 120-credit undergraduate degree, along with required supporting documents and prerequisite science courses. The prerequisites include biology, chemistry, physics and organic chemistry.
Applicants also need to meet the university's language-proficiency requirements and complete the required admissions components.
Key Requirements May Include:
- A recognized bachelor's degree
- Required science prerequisites
- Competitive academic performance
- CASPer
- Transcripts
- CV and other supporting documents
- Language proficiency
- Interview
- Evidence of financial capacity
- Canadian study authorization after admission
McGill's published statistics show that the international applicant pool is highly competitive. For the Fall 2026 cycle, the lowest academic score generally associated with an interview invitation for the international category was around 3.7 GPA, although past figures do not guarantee future outcomes.
Other Canadian Medical Schools and International Students
One of the biggest mistakes prospective applicants make is assuming that every Canadian medical school accepts international students.
That is not the case.
Memorial University of Newfoundland
Memorial is frequently promoted online as an affordable Canadian university.
Its medical tuition for international students has historically been listed at around CAD $30,000 per year, which looks extremely attractive compared with many international medical-school fees.
However, there is a major catch.
Memorial's current MD admission policy states that all applicants must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents. International students are not eligible to apply.
Therefore, Memorial should not be considered the cheapest medical school in Canada for an international student who currently requires a study permit.
It could become relevant if your immigration status changes and you subsequently qualify as a Canadian permanent resident.
University of British Columbia
The University of British Columbia is another prestigious Canadian medical school.
However, UBC explicitly states that it is unable to admit international students to its MD program.
Therefore, an international student should not spend time preparing an application to UBC's standard MD program unless their status changes and they become eligible under the university's citizenship or residency requirements.
UBC's MD program is a four-year undergraduate medical program followed by residency training.
University of Toronto
The University of Toronto is another institution frequently included in searches for Canadian medical schools.
However, prospective applicants need to pay close attention to the current admission rules rather than relying on older articles.
The university's MD admissions information has historically included international applicants, but current program information should be checked carefully before applying because eligibility and intake policies can change.
The university's current MD fee information for 2026–27 lists domestic categories but does not list an international MD tuition category.
The university also states in its current FAQ that the MD/PhD program does not accept international applicants because the underlying MD program does not currently accept them for that pathway.
Bottom line: Do not assume that Toronto is an available international option simply because older websites list it as one.
Why Canadian Medical Schools Are Difficult for International Students
Canada's medical education system is structured very differently from many countries.
Medical schools generally have limited seats, and provincial governments play a significant role in determining how those seats are allocated.
As a result, Canadian citizens and permanent residents receive strong preference at many institutions.
For example, Memorial University reserves most of its St. John's medical seats for Newfoundland and Labrador residents and only has a small number for other Canadian applicants. International applicants are not eligible.
McGill is unusual because it maintains a specific international applicant category.
However, the number of international places is extremely small.
That creates a situation where the cheapest eligible university may not necessarily be the easiest university to enter.
How Much Does It Cost to Study Medicine in Canada?
The total cost of becoming a doctor in Canada includes considerably more than tuition.
International students should budget for:
- Medical-school tuition
- University fees
- Health insurance
- Accommodation
- Food
- Transportation
- Books
- Medical equipment
- Immigration expenses
- Flights
- Licensing and examination costs
- Personal expenses
For example, McGill estimates approximately CAD $73,295 for the first year of the MDCM program for an international student, including tuition, fees and insurance.
This does not mean that CAD $73,295 represents the entire amount you should budget for living in Montreal. Accommodation and everyday expenses must also be considered.
International students should therefore create a realistic four-year financial plan rather than looking only at advertised tuition.
Can International Students Get Scholarships for Medical School in Canada?
Yes, but scholarships should not be assumed to cover the entire cost of an international medical degree.
McGill directs applicants toward scholarships and bursaries, while international applicants must also demonstrate sufficient financial resources for their studies.
Potential sources of funding include:
1. University Scholarships
Some universities provide entrance awards, bursaries or scholarships.
2. Government Scholarships
Certain Canadian government or provincial funding programs may be available to international students, although eligibility varies.
3. Home-Country Scholarships
Students should also investigate scholarships offered by their own governments, foundations and professional organizations.
4. External Scholarships
International organizations, charities and educational foundations sometimes provide funding for students studying medicine overseas.
5. Personal and Family Funding
Because medical school is expensive and scholarships are highly competitive, applicants should have a backup funding strategy.
Is Canada a Good Choice for International Medical Students?
Canada can be an excellent destination for medical education, but it is not necessarily the easiest destination for an international student.
The biggest advantages include:
- High-quality medical education
- Globally recognized universities
- Strong healthcare infrastructure
- Excellent clinical training
- Research opportunities
- Potential pathways to postgraduate medical training
However, there are significant disadvantages:
- Very limited international seats
- Extremely competitive admissions
- High tuition for international students
- Significant living expenses
- Complex immigration requirements
- Residency restrictions and competition
Getting an MD also does not automatically give an international graduate the right to practise medicine in Canada. Graduates must satisfy the applicable licensing requirements.
Cheapest Medical School in Canada for International Students: Comparison
| Medical School | International MD Applicants? | Relative Cost | Key Issue |
|---|---|---|---|
| McGill University | Yes | High | Extremely limited international seats |
| Memorial University | No | Lower domestic tuition | International applicants ineligible |
| University of British Columbia | No | Domestic tuition varies | International applicants ineligible |
| University of Toronto | Current eligibility must be verified | High | Policies and international intake require careful checking |
| University of Calgary | No | Domestic-focused | MD program does not accept international applicants |
The most important takeaway is that tuition alone cannot determine the cheapest option.
A university charging CAD $30,000 per year is not an affordable option for you if you cannot legally apply.
How to Find Affordable Medical Schools in Canada as an International Student
If your budget is limited, follow these steps before applying.
Step 1: Check International Eligibility
Do this before paying an application fee.
Look specifically for an "International Applicants" or "International Students" section on the medical school's official admissions website.
Step 2: Compare Total Cost
Don't compare tuition alone.
Calculate:
Tuition + university fees + insurance + accommodation + food + transportation + books + immigration costs
Step 3: Check the Number of International Seats
A school accepting international applicants does not necessarily have a large international intake.
McGill's one-seat international category demonstrates why this matters.
Step 4: Check Academic Requirements
Look at:
- GPA requirements
- Degree requirements
- MCAT
- CASPer
- Prerequisite courses
- English/French requirements
- Interviews
- Personal statements
- Reference requirements
Step 5: Research Residency Opportunities
Getting an MD is only the first part of becoming a practising physician.
You must also understand the residency and licensing pathway that applies to international graduates.
What If You Cannot Afford Canadian Medical School?
If the cost of Canadian medical school is too high or the international admission restrictions make Canada unrealistic, you have several alternatives.
Countries such as the United Kingdom, Australia, Ireland and some European countries have medical schools with more established international admissions systems.
Some Caribbean medical schools also actively recruit international students, although students should carefully research accreditation, residency placement and licensing before choosing one.
Another option is to study an undergraduate degree in Canada first and later pursue medicine if you become eligible as a permanent resident. However, this is a long-term strategy and does not guarantee medical-school admission.
It is also important to understand that studying a bachelor's degree in Canada does not automatically make you eligible for domestic medical-school tuition or admission.
Your citizenship and permanent-residency status matter.
ALSO READ: Medical Schools in USA for International Students With Scholarship
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest medical school in Canada for international students?
There is no universally cheap Canadian medical school for international students. McGill University is one of the principal Canadian MD programs that explicitly accepts international applicants, but international tuition is high and only a very small number of seats are available.
Can international students study medicine at Memorial University?
No. Memorial University's current MD admissions policy states that international applicants are not eligible. Applicants must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
Can international students study medicine at UBC?
No. UBC states that international students cannot apply to its MD program.
How much does McGill medical school cost for international students?
For Fall 2026, McGill estimates approximately CAD $73,295 for the first year, including tuition, fees and insurance. The estimated average cost for the remaining three years is approximately CAD $52,235 per year before living expenses.
Is McGill medical school easy to get into for international students?
No. Admission is exceptionally competitive. McGill reported 73 international applicants, eight interviewees and one admitted student for Fall 2026.
Do I need a bachelor's degree to study medicine in Canada?
For McGill's international MDCM category, applicants need an undergraduate degree meeting the university's requirements. Other Canadian medical schools have their own eligibility rules.
Can scholarships make Canadian medical school free?
Generally, you should not assume that a scholarship will cover the entire cost of an international medical degree. Funding opportunities exist, but international students should prepare a comprehensive financial plan.
In conclusion
If your goal is to find the cheapest medical school in Canada for international students, the answer requires some caution.
McGill University is one of the most relevant options because it explicitly accepts international applicants into its MDCM program. However, its international tuition is substantial, with an estimated first-year cost of about CAD $73,295, and the university anticipates only one international seat for Fall 2027.
Several universities that appear in online "cheapest medical schools in Canada" lists are actually not available to international applicants. Memorial University and UBC are two clear examples.
Therefore, international students should focus on eligibility, total cost, international seat availability, admission competitiveness and future residency opportunities, rather than tuition alone.
For students with a limited budget, Canada may not necessarily be the most affordable country for studying medicine. Comparing Canada with the UK, Australia, Ireland and other international medical-school destinations could reveal significantly more realistic options.