Considering medical school abroad?

The following information is a guide for undergraduate students who are considering medical school abroad. Basic information to apply to medical schools abroad is provided, along with advice and guidance as you explore this education pathway. Please refer to the Considering Medical School tip sheet for additional information.

September 29, 2025
  • First, it is important to be clear about your intentions – why do you want to pursue medical school abroad? Is there something about the training abroad that will help you achieve your goals? Are you confident in your decision to pursue a career as a medical doctor?
  • Reflecting on yourself and your motivations is an important first step.
  • Exploring the medical programs and the medical profession in the country you are considering will be important. Use reliable career and education sources and consider networking with medical professionals who have studied abroad and returned to Canada to work as a medical doctor.
  • Gathering detailed information about the programs, develop a plan, and if this is your informed choice, then apply!
  • In The United States, the application process is centralized through American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS) . The AMCAS site is a wealth of information about schools, applications, fees, application tips and costs.  
  • The Atlantic Bridge Program outlines several schools in Ireland that have Medical Schools and is a good source to explore programs, learn about application requirements and obtain contact information for each school.
  • For programs in Australia, OzTrekk is an education consultancy organization that provides information, guidance and application support for Australian Medical Schools.
  • For programs in the United Kingdom, KOM and Across the Pond are education consultants that help with exploring programs, understanding entry requirements, and navigating the application process.
  • For programs in other countries, including the Caribbean, you can refer to the LCME Directory of Accredited Medical Education Programs for more information.

Note: The organizations and resources listed above are provided as recommendations for exploration only. We do not endorse any specific consultant, program, or pathway.

  • Be sure the Medical Education (i.e. MD program) and MD Graduate Education (Residency) are accredited.  
  • Research pathways to License Registration if you intend on returning to Ontario to practice Medicine. HealthForce Ontario is an organization that supports internationally educated health professionals transition to work in Ontario. They are a useful source to learn about license registration and processes.
  • Understand Medical Residency training (Graduate Medical Education) requirements in the country you intend to complete residency. In Canada, there can be limited residency spaces for internationally educated medical graduates and some specializations have fewer residency spots than others, making it even more competitive. The Canadian Resident Matching Service (CaRMS) provides some information about the matching process in Canada and realistic data about internationally trained applicants.  
  • If you plan to complete your residency training abroad, be sure to thoroughly understand the licensing expectations in Canada and contact an advisor at HealthForce Ontario to ensure you are aware of the timelines (it may take 1-2 years), application requirements, and other considerations.  
  • Be realistic about the financial costs of international tuition fees, exchange rate differences, travel and living costs as these costs can be significantly higher than in Canada. For example, studying Medicine in the USA can be up to 5X higher than in Canada.
  • With over 150 medical schools in the U.S., there are more options, however, not all schools accept international applicants. Approximately 1/3 of U.S. medical schools consider Canadian applicants.
  • Due to the number of schools in the U.S., you might find many schools that accept MCAT and cGPA scores lower than what is typical of Canadian medical schools.
  • Most U.S. medical schools require personal statements and secondary essay questions which can be very time consuming so consider being selective if considering U.S. schools. Note that many schools value shadowing and clinical experience.
  • Most U.S. medical schools require multiple prerequisite courses, so researching schools early in your undergraduate program will help you plan to include these requirements. Check admissions deadlines and requirements as certain academic prerequisites will need to be completed by January or April of the year the application is submitted.
  • There can be “rolling” admissions which means the applications will be reviewed as they are received. The application period typically ranges from May – November.
  • There are secondary applications you will need to complete a couple weeks after initial application submission. The secondary application highlights the characteristics that would make you a great doctor. Think about how you can add value to the medical system and what makes you a good candidate.
  • To practice medicine in Canada, you will need to be licensed in Canada. To learn about the licensing process in Ontario, refer directly to College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario.
  • Residency matching is a competitive process, and U.S. residency programs tend to prefer U.S. citizens, while Canadian residency programs tend to prefer individuals who have completed their medical studies through Canadian institutions.
  • For residency placements in the U.S., you will likely need working visa documents. Refer to the American Medical Association to learn more about legal requirements for medical residency programs and practicing medicine in the U.S.
  • In the U.S., there is also the option to complete a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree. Discover what a DO is, and if it is the right path for you.
  • There are many career possibilities for everyone, and fulfilling careers tend to evolve through being open to new opportunities, exploring interests, taking risks, and being flexibile. When thinking about other career possibilities, it can be helpful to think of them as alternative Plan A’s.
  • The Student Success Centre can help you explore possible career paths, healthcare-related or otherwise through career counselling, the Career Planning Essentials online program, and the Further Education Essentials online program.
  • We are here for you. For assistance with all-things further education, feel free to contact the Student Success Centre in a way that is most comfortable for you. We offer workshops, one-on-one appointments, research and application support, interview preparation and many more services.