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MBBS in Canada for Indian Students: Cost, Colleges & Visa Guide

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MBBS in Canada for Indian Students: Cost, Colleges & Visa Guide

Dreaming of becoming a doctor abroad? For many young aspirants, pursuing an MBBS in Canada is the ultimate goal. Canada is globally known for its world-class medical colleges, modern healthcare system, and safe student environment.

But here’s the truth: the pathway is different from India. Canadian universities don’t offer a direct MBBS in Canada after 12th for Indian students. Instead, students first complete a bachelor’s degree and then apply for the MD (Doctor of Medicine) program, which is the Canadian equivalent to an MBBS degree in India.

At BrainEdge – your trusted Canada Student Visa Consultant, we help students and parents navigate this complex process with clarity and confidence.

Why Choose Canada for Medical Studies?

  • Globally Respected Degree: An MBBS degree in Canada (MD program) is recognised worldwide.
  • High-Quality Education: Canadian medical schools rank among the best globally.
  • Safe & Welcoming: Canada is known for its diversity, safety, and student-friendly atmosphere.
  • Career Opportunities: Graduates can pursue postgraduate training in Canada, the US, or return to India after clearing screening exams.

Step 1: Complete a Bachelor’s Degree

Before applying to medical colleges in Canada, international students must finish a 3 – 4 year bachelor’s degree with required subjects.

  • Focus on Prerequisites: Courses like biology, chemistry, physics, and biochemistry are essential. Most programs in Canada like BS in Biology or BS in Biotechnology or Nursing programs meet this requirement.
  • High GPA Needed: Getting Medical admissions in Canada is generally very competitive. So, you should aim for strong academic scores in your Bachelor or Undergrad degree.
  • Recommended Majors: Life sciences, chemistry, or biomedicine are the ideal choices for the undergrad majors, if your target is to get into a Medical School

Step 2: Research Medical Colleges in Canada

There are about 17 recognized medical colleges in Canada, each with different entry policies for international students. Key points to consider are:

  • MD vs. MD/PhD Programs – An MD program trains you for direct clinical practice as a doctor. The duration of an MD Program is around four years plus residency.  MD/PhD is useful if u want to get into teaching or academic career. The duration for this program is 7 years plus. But it is getting increasingly competitive to get into academia positions.
  • Location & Language – The language of instruction is most provinces in Canada is except in Quebec where you can find French taught programs as well.
  • International Student Policies – Starting Fall 2026, most Medical Schools in Ontario will not accept International Students for MD Programs. Even for universities which are accepting, the number of seats are very limited.

Step 3: Prepare for and Take the MCAT (Medical College Admission Test)

  • Standardized Test: The MCAT is a standardized, multiple-choice examination designed to assess problem-solving, critical thinking, and knowledge of scientific principles and reasoning relevant to the study of medicine.
  • Timing is Crucial: Plan your MCAT preparation well in advance and take the test at a time that allows your scores to be received by the medical schools before their application deadlines.
  • Achieve a Competitive Score: Research the average and competitive MCAT scores for the medical schools you are targeting, as each university sets its own MCAT cutoff.

Step 4: Prepare Your Documents

When applying for an MBBS or a Medical degree in Canada, you’ll need the following:

  • Transcripts: You will need official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions you have attended. Transcripts are essentially copies of your marksheets of your Undergrad Programs. Some universities may require Official Transcripts, which means you would have to request your Undergrad or Bachelor Degree Institution to send the transcripts directly.
  • Letters of Recommendation: Most medical schools require letters of recommendation from professors or others who can speak to your academic abilities, research experience, and personal qualities.
  • CV/Resume: A comprehensive CV outlining your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, research experience, volunteer work, and any healthcare-related experiences is usually required.
  • English Language Proficiency (if applicable): If English is not your first language, you may need to provide proof of English language proficiency through tests like TOEFL or IELTS. 

BrainEdge offers a complete and comprehensive Best IELTS Preparation and Best TOEFL Preparation at its Patiala Campus to help you meet these requirements. For details visit our Office or Book an Appointment with your Success Coach. 

Step 5: Application Process

  • Centralized Applications: In some provinces (like Ontario through the Ontario Medical School Application Service – OMSAS, and Quebec through individual university applications), there are centralized application services. Research the specific application process for the provinces and universities you are interested in.
  • Follow Instructions Carefully: Pay close attention to the application deadlines, specific requirements for each school, and the format for submitting documents.
  • Application Fees: Be prepared to pay application fees for each medical school you apply to.

While some students are able to handle the entire Application Process on their own. However it is advisable to take a specialist help, who can help you to navigate the entire process. This can also help you to focus on MCAT Preparation, Interview Preparation rather than worry about documents and deadlines. 

BrainEdge has been assisting students in this process for past 15 years. Schedule a call with our team, to understand, how we can assist you in achieving your Medical School dreams.

Step 6: The Interview Process:

  • Multiple Mini Interviews (MMI): Many Canadian medical schools utilize the MMI format, which involves a series of short, timed interview stations designed to assess non-cognitive qualities like communication skills, ethical reasoning, empathy, and teamwork.
  • Traditional Interviews: Some schools may still use traditional panel interviews.
  • Prepare Thoroughly: Practice your communication skills, ethical reasoning, and ability to think on your feet. Research common interview questions and scenarios. Talk with past students, university counsellors to get a sense of what the University admissions team is looking at.

Step 7: Admission Offer & Canada Student Visa

  • Review Offer Details: If you receive an offer of admission, carefully review the terms and conditions.
  • Accept the Offer: Follow the instructions provided by the university to accept the offer within the specified deadlines. Feel free to contact/email the admissions team, if you have any queries.
  • Apply for a Canada Study Visa: As an international student, you will need to apply for a Canadian study permit(Study Visa) once you have received an official letter of acceptance from a designated learning institution (DLI).
  • Documentation Requirements: Canada has recently made major changes in its requirements for Funds for Tuition Fees and Living Expenses. You would have to show acceptable proofs for them. Besides funds, you may have to provide Medical, PAL (Provincial Attestation Letter) etc. 
  • As a leading Canada Study Visa Consultant, BrainEdge provides complete assistance for visa filing, interview preparation, and documentation.

MBBS Cost in Canada for Indian Students

Studying medicine in Canada requires significant financial planning. Average breakup of Medical Costs in Canada is as follows:

  • Tuition Fees: Tuition Fees varies hugely from University to University. The typical range of fees is approximately – CAD 25,000 – 70,000 per year.
  • Living Expenses: Though living expenses is a very personal expenditure and depends upon the living styles of the student. The minimum living cost, depending on the city in Canada is around CAD 10,000 – 15,000 annually.
  • Health Insurance: This is Mandatory for all international students and is typically included in the Tuition Fees, which the students pay to the University.

On average, the total MBBS cost in Canada can range from INR 1.5–3 crore depending on the university and lifestyle.

Life in Canada as a Medical Student

Life in Canada as a Medical student can be a bit unnerving for new International Students. Some of the things which students should be aware of, or should take care of are:

  • Accommodation: Plan for your accommodation before arriving in Canada. Some of the options include – On-campus hostels or private rentals. The cost difference and facilities provided between the two can be huge. So weigh all the pros and cons and then decide.
  • Part-Time Jobs: In Canada the students can normally work for 20 hours per week during studies. This has been recently been updated to 24 hours per week during studies. During scheduled break or vacations, the students are allowed to work Full-time.
  • Student Support: Arriving, staying and studying in a new country can be a very challenging experience. But you should keep in mind that you are not alone in this journey. Universities and schools understand the stresses that students typically go through. For any support, Universities offer orientation programs, counselling, and academic support. 

MBBS in Canada After 12th – Is It Possible?

Technically, direct MBBS in Canada after 12th for Indian students is not offered. You must complete a bachelor’s degree first. However, students can apply for Premed programs right after Class 12, which serve as the first step towards medical school.

The BrainEdge Advantage

At BrainEdge, we specialise in helping Indian students achieve their Study in Canada dreams through:

  • Personalised counselling for choosing the right medical colleges in Canada.
  • Guidance on MCAT, IELTS/TOEFL, and documentation.
  • End-to-end visa filing support as a trusted Canada Student Visa Consultant.

Book your Free counselling session with our Canada experts today and take the first step towards your MBBS journey in Canada!

Frequently Asked Questions

At BrainEdge, we tailor our guidance to help you find the best-fit university that aligns with your career goals and aspirations. So, if you are looking to study Medicine or MBBS Degrees from abroad, our team ensures that you get best guidance and achieve success at every step of your journey.

Is MBBS in Canada available after 12th?

No. Indian students must first complete a bachelor’s degree before applying for MD (MBBS equivalent) in Canada.

The cost ranges from CAD 25,000–70,000 per year, plus living expenses. Total cost can reach INR 1.5–3 crore.

Top universities include University of Toronto, McGill University, University of British Columbia, and McMaster University.

Yes, but not all. Students must check each university’s international student policy.

Yes. BrainEdge is a trusted Canada Study Visa Consultant in Patiala, offering counselling, test prep, and visa assistance.