MBBS in Canada: Top Colleges, Fees, Eligibility, Costs & Job Scope

MBBS in Canada, also known as the Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree, is a popular course among Indian students aspiring to pursue medical studies abroad. The program is regarded as an undergraduate degree in Canada and spans 3 to 4 years. However, admission to the MBBS program requires you to hold a bachelor’s degree with 80%. As an Indian student wanting to pursue an MBBS in Canada, you also must achieve a minimum score of 500 on the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) to qualify for admission to top Canadian MBBS universities. Proficiency in English is also required for admission, with a minimum 6.5 band score in IELTS, 90 in TOEFL, and 65 in PTE.

The MBBS degrees obtained from Canada hold global accreditation, ensuring enhanced career prospects worldwide. On completing your medical studies, you must undergo evaluation by the Medical Council of Canada (MCC) if you wish to practice as a physician in Canada. Canadian medical schools integrate theoretical knowledge with practical exposure to real-world medical scenarios. With its high academic standards and emphasis on hands-on training, Canada attracts thousands of international students annually to its esteemed medical education programs.

The average annual tuition fee for MBBS in Canada ranges from CAD 26,000 to CAD 100,000, so you can expect to pay approximately INR 16.04 lakhs INR to 61.72 lakhs. Despite the expenses, MBBS graduates enjoy a favourable work-life balance in the country, working an average of 35 to 40 hours per week. Post-completion of MBBS in Canada, individuals can earn an average starting salary of CAD 70,000 (INR 43.2 Lakhs). The top employers for MBBS graduates in Canada include renowned institutions such as Banff Mineral Springs Hospital, Bassano Health Centre, Alberta Children's Hospital (ACH), and Foothills Medical Centre (FMC).

Canada stands out as the premier destination for MBBS studies, offering a combination of immigrant-friendly policies, world-class universities, and state-of-the-art infrastructure for medical education. The salaries for MBBS graduates in Canada range from CAD 61,857 to CAD 257,562.

MBBS in Canada Course Highlights

Best MBBS Colleges in Canada for Indian Students

In Canada, many prestigious colleges offer medical programs for students aspiring to pursue an MBBS degree. These programs cover fields such as medicine, dentistry, nursing, and pharmacy, providing students with diverse pathways to enter the healthcare profession. Some of the top MBBS colleges in Canada are – 

Why opt for MBBS in Canada?

If you want to pursue MBBS abroad, MBBS in Canada is the best choice for you as –

• MBBS degrees from Canadian universities are recognized globally, opening doors to international career opportunities for graduates.
• MBBS graduates in Canada enjoy a balanced work-life schedule, typically working only 35 to 40 hours per week.
• General Practitioners in Canada tend to earn a competitive average salary of around CAD 150,000.
• The unemployment rate among doctors in Canada is relatively low, standing at 0.9% compared to the national average of 5.8%.
• Canada offers a promising job market for medical professionals, with 50,900 new job openings expected between 2019 and 2028.
• The number of Indian students studying MBBS in Canada has witnessed a significant increase indicating the rising popularity of Canadian medical education among international students.
• Indian students with an MBBS degree from Canadian colleges are exempt from appearing for the Medical Council of India (MCI) screening test to practice medicine in India.

Canada's world-class medical education system, coupled with its favourable job market and career prospects, makes it a preferred destination for aspiring medical professionals seeking quality education and rewarding career opportunities.

MBBS Admission in Canada for Indian Students

Universities in Canada accept students from all fields for admission to MD programs. However, they must demonstrate competency in biology, chemistry, and physics. The basic eligibility criteria for admission to MBBS in Canada are –

• A three or four-year bachelor’s degree in Science or Biology with a minimum of 80%.
• A minimum score on the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) as specified by the university.
• English Proficiency: IELTS: minimum score of 6.5 || TOEFL iBT: 80 
• Completion of the NEET-UG (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Undergraduate) examination is mandatory for Indian students applying to MBBS programs in Canada.
• Admission Essay
• Letters of Recommendation (LORs)
• Students applying for undergraduate medical programs in Quebec and other cities must have completed 10+2 qualifications, along with a one-year CEGEP diploma course.

While MCAT scores are commonly required for MBBS programs in Canada, some universities offer exceptions. Institutions such as the Northern Ontario School of Medicine, Laval University, University of Sherbrooke, and the University of Montreal provide opportunities for students who may not have taken the MCAT or who are seeking alternative pathways to pursue their medical education in Canada.

Admission Requirements for MBBS in Canada

The minimum eligibility for admission to top-ranking Canadian universities is a 3 to 4-year bachelor's degree and MCAT score. Other university-specific requirements are provided as follows:

Cost of Studying MBBS in Canada

The cost of studying in MBBS in Canada for Indian students mainly includes the tuition fees of the university and the cost of living. The average MBBS in Canada Fees for an international student is around 61,000 CAD i.e. around 36.85 lakhs for an Indian student. 

Tuition Fees for MBBS in Canada in Top Universities

The tuition fee for top universities for MBBS in Canada are – 

Cost of Living in Canada

The monthly cost of living in Canada for an international student ranges around 2,500 CAD i.e. around ~1.5 lakhs. The cost of accommodation, books & materials, transport, food & beverages, etc make up the cost of living for an international student and can be nearly CAD 20,000 per annum. Basic living expenses are as follows:

MBBS in Canada Scholarships

Securing scholarships can significantly ease the financial burden of pursuing MBBS or MD in Canada. Some of the common scholarship options available are – 

Many universities in Canada also offer merit-based scholarships specifically for international medical students pursuing MBBS in Canada. 

Medical Residency in Canada after MBBS

In Canada, medical schools typically offer residency training programs to those obtaining Permanent Residency (PR) status. This opens up opportunities for international students who have completed their MBBS degrees in Canada. However, some universities also accept international students from countries collaborating with Canadian universities offering residency programs.

These collaborations often involve exchange programs, research partnerships, and joint academic initiatives. International students aspiring for residency training programs in Canada must meet the eligibility criteria set by the universities and the governing medical bodies.

Here are the general requirements to apply for medical residency in Canada:

• Qualified NAC and MCCQE Part 1: International students must pass the National Assessment Collaboration (NAC) and the Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Examination (MCCQE) Part 1.
• Letter from Sponsoring Agency
• Updated CV
• Copy of Medical Transcripts
• Reference Letters
• Personal Statement

Meeting these requirements demonstrates the candidate's readiness and commitment to excel in a medical residency program in Canada.

MBBS in Canada: Placement and Job Opportunities

In Canada, the average salary of a doctor is CAD 70,000 per year or CAD 35.90 per hour. Entry-level salaries begin at CAD 35,951 per year, with most experienced workers earning up to CAD 218,125 per year. The following table provides jobs for medical graduates in Canada along with their average annual salaries:

Best Provinces for Jobs after MBBS in Canada

The average salary after MBBS in Canada is affected by the province in which you are practicing. Mentioned below are the top provinces for jobs after MBBS in Canada

MBBS in Canada: Course Curriculum

Similar to MBBS in USA, international students are required to go through three stages of academia to become a doctor in Canada. These are described in detail as follows:

• Bachelors: A 3 to 4 year bachelor's degree or equivalent is required to apply for MD which is similar to MBBS in Canada.
• Doctor of Medicine (MD): It is a 3 to 4 degree divided into parts: foundation and clerkship. Subjects covered in the first 2 years are known as foundation courses and are purely academic with some lab activities. In the last two years, students work with experienced doctors in hospitals and clinics to get hands-on experience. This is known as clerkship.
• Residency: Medical residency in Canada is a 3 to 5-year training program. After completion, you get the speciality certification from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons in Canada (RCPSC) or a family physician certificate from the College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC).

Top Programs for MBBS in Canada After 12th for Indian Students

The top medical courses in Canada after 12th offers a diverse range of options for students interested in pursuing careers in the medical field. These include diploma courses and short programs such as – 

After completing MBBS in Canada, international students must undergo several assessments to qualify for residency programs, including the National Assessment Collaboration (NAC) exam and the Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Examination (MCCQE) Part 1 and 2. Admission to MD programs in Canadian universities is highly competitive, with only a limited number of spots available for international students. 

Despite the competitive admission process and academic standards, pursuing an MBBS in Canada offers a pathway to a promising and fulfilling medical career. The opportunity for residency training programs with the global recognition of Canadian medical degrees enhances the career prospects for international students. The investment in studying MBBS in Canada proves worthwhile, given the excellent work-life balance, promising job growth outlook, and the chance to make a significant impact in the medical field.

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