Medical school acceptance rates in Canada are low, and that's not an exaggeration. Some schools admit fewer than 5% of applicants, but these numbers don’t tell the full story. In this blog, I’ll break down what the rates really mean, how they vary across provinces and schools, and what you can actually do to improve your chances of getting in. If you're just starting out, also check out our guide to getting into medical school in Canada or explore our medical school application help.
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How competitive is it to get into medical school in Canada?
If you’ve heard that getting into medical school in Canada is hard, you’ve heard correctly. On average, fewer than 8 out of every 100 applicants are admitted. At many schools, the rate is even lower.
Part of the reason is that there just aren’t that many spots. With only 18 medical schools across the country (17 with full accreditation and one with preliminary accreditation) and most offering limited seats, competition is tough. Thousands of qualified students apply each year, but the available seats haven’t kept pace.
So even with strong grades, great extracurriculars, and a good MCAT score, getting in isn’t guaranteed. You’re not just competing against numbers—you’re up against the strongest students in your province (and often, from across the country).
Do Acceptance Rates Vary by School?
Yes, they vary a lot.
Let’s take a quick example. The University of Saskatchewan had a reported acceptance rate of about 12% for the class of 2029, which sounds promising. But here's the catch: that number mainly reflects in-province applicants. If you're applying from outside the province or internationally, the odds drop significantly.
Other schools, like those in Ontario or British Columbia, often don’t make their exact acceptance rates easy to find. But from public data and applicant reports, we know they’re usually in the single digits.
Some Quebec schools are especially competitive for out-of-province applicants. In fact, in some years fewer than 1% of out-of-province applicants get in. That’s not a typo.
So, when you’re looking at stats, don’t just focus on the overall number. Always ask:
- Does the school separate in-province and out-of-province applicants?
- Do they have quotas or reserved seats (for Indigenous students, Francophones, etc.)?
- Are there special streams you might qualify for?
These things can change your actual odds, sometimes by a lot.
Why Are the Rates So Low?
The biggest reason is supply and demand. There are far more qualified applicants than there are seats. Medical schools have limited class sizes and funding, and most aren’t expanding dramatically any time soon.
Another reason? Admissions are holistic, which means they look at everything, not just your GPA and MCAT. If your personal statement or interviews aren’t strong, you could miss out even with perfect grades.
Also, many schools prefer applicants who live in the same province. That’s because they want future doctors who are likely to stick around and serve the community. If you're applying as an out-of-province student, you might be competing for just a handful of spots.
What Can You Actually Do About It?
Let’s be honest: you can’t change how many seats there are or how many people apply. But you can focus on what you control: your application.
Start by knowing where you stand. Look at past admission data from each school you're interested in. Some will list the average GPA and MCAT scores of admitted students. That’s your benchmark.
If your numbers are below average, ask yourself if you’re ready to apply now or if you’d benefit from waiting another year to improve your profile. If you need to improve, consider seeking expert help to guide you through the application process and test prep. That could mean taking more classes, doing additional research, volunteering, or working on your CASPer skills if your target school requires it.
Also, apply strategically. Focus on schools that align with your strengths and background. If you’re bilingual or come from a rural community, for instance, some schools will value that more than others. If you’re an Indigenous applicant, many schools have specific seats and supports in place.
Don’t underestimate how much your application writing and interview prep matter. We’ve seen students with strong stats miss out because their essays didn’t show who they really are. Meanwhile, others with average numbers got in because they nailed their MMI.
Should You Have a Backup Plan?
Yes, and that doesn’t mean you’re giving up.
A backup plan isn’t a sign of failure; it’s just being realistic. The truth is, most applicants don’t get in on their first try. That’s normal.
You might need to reapply next year. Or maybe you take a year to work, do research, or earn a graduate degree. A lot of successful doctors didn’t get in the first time.
What matters is how you use that time. Be strategic, strengthen your weaknesses, and don’t let one rejection define your future.
Final Thoughts
Acceptance rates can feel overwhelming, but they’re just numbers. They don’t tell your whole story.
Yes, Canadian medical schools are competitive, but people get in every year, even without perfect scores or flashy research. If you understand the admissions landscape, play to your strengths, and apply strategically, you’ll give yourself the best possible shot.
If you don’t get in the first time, it’s not over. It’s just the first chapter.
FAQs
1. What’s the average acceptance rate for medical schools in Canada?
It’s around 8%, though it varies by school and applicant type. Be sure to check the most recent admissions statistics.
2. Are in-province applicants more likely to get accepted?
Yes. Most schools give preference to in-province applicants, and it significantly improves your chances.
3. What are my chances as an international applicant?
Very low. Most schools either don’t accept international students or offer only a few spots.
4. Do all Canadian med schools require the MCAT?
No. Some, like McGill or certain Quebec schools, may waive it under specific circumstances.
5. Can I apply to more than one med school in Canada?
Absolutely. And you should, especially if you meet multiple schools’ criteria.
6. What’s the best way to boost my chances?
Focus on GPA, MCAT (if required), strong experiences, and schools where you’re a good fit. Also, practice for CASPer and interviews early.
7. What if I don’t get in this year?
Take time to strengthen your application and reapply. Many students get in after a second or even third attempt.
8. How do I choose which schools to apply to?
Research each school’s admission requirements, values, and historical data. Prioritize schools where you meet or exceed the average stats.
To your success,
Your friends at BeMo
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