Canada might be your perfect place if you have ever fantasised of wearing a white coat, stethoscope swinging and heart focused on mending. Given its globally renowned healthcare system, reputation for academic achievement, and cities that mix technological innovation with natural beauty, it’s not surprising that medical schools in Canada are drawing would-be doctors from all over.
But with so many choices, a vital question is how many medical schools are in Canada and more crucially, which ones really stand out? This list can help you reach the top ranked medical schools in Canada whether you are a high-achieving high school student, a committed pre-med, or an overseas student scouting the best universities.
Continue reading to see the best medical colleges in Canada in 2025—where purpose-driven professions meet world-class education.
How Many Med Schools in Canada?
The main inquiry many people have is the number of medical schools in Canada.
In 2025 Canada maintains seventeen medical schools that follow individual approaches in their educational contents and clinical preparation along with research activities. Every educational institution in Canada shows support for bilingualism through their dual English and French programming which appears across national territories.
The following section examines Canada’s leading medical schools that operate as internationally recognized institutions through their academic excellence together with creative approaches and competitive environments.
The University of Toronto nearly usually asserts the #1 position when discussing the top ranked medical schools in Canada. Renowned for its innovative research, modern facilities, and varied clinical placements among Toronto’s leading hospitals, the Temerty Faculty of Medicine at the University of Toronto
- Location: Toronto, Ontario
- Strengths: Neuroscience, global health, research
- Admission Tip: Key is a good MCAT and extracurriculars.
- Average International Tuition Fees: CAD 91,760 year
Located in Montreal, McGill University is a pioneer in clinical medicine and public health and provides a distinctive multilingual medical school.
- Location: Montreal, Quebec
- Strengths: Public/global health, clinical medicine
- Language: English; understanding of French is useful during clinical rotations
- Why It Stands Out: Regularly mentioned among the top medical schools in Canada and worldwide.
- Average Tuition Fees (International): CAD $58,000 year
The largest medical school in Canada, UBC is also among the most community-integrated. Its satellite campuses spread across the province guarantee exposure to both urban and rural health concerns.
- Location: Vancouver, British Columbia
- Strengths: Family medicine, rural and Indigenous health
- Distinctive Quality: Distributed medical education system
- CAD $25,000 with $45,000 yearly, average international tuition fees.
Students who excel in self-directed learning alongside hands-on experiences should consider McMaster because it introduced the world to Problem-Based Learning (PBL).
- Location: Hamilton, Ontario
- Strengths: emergency care, evidence-based medicine, PBL curriculum
- Bonus: Offers a three-year MD program—quicker than most!
- Average International Tuition Fees: CAD $95,000 year
Located in Kingston, Queen’s University has a vibrant community with a strong emphasis on health science leadership.
- Location: Kingston, Ontario
- Strengths: Integrated curriculum, leadership training, small class sizes
- Intimate learning environment with great academic influence
- Average Tuition Fees (International): CAD $76,000 per year
University of Alberta – Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry
As a Canadian medical school located in Edmonton the University of Alberta ranks among the wealthiest institutions that offers wide-ranging research and clinical exposure for its students.
- Location: Edmonton, Alberta
- Strengths: Research laboratories, surgery, internal medicine
- Renowned for: Low cost of education and wide range of residency choices
- Average International Tuition Fees: CAD $26,500 to $36,000 year
University of Calgary – Cumming School of Medicine
Another Alberta-based treasure, UCalgary has a condensed three-year curriculum perfect for people wanting to enter the profession fast.
- Location: Calgary, Alberta
- Strengths: Accelerated learning, multidisciplinary emphasis
- Good to know: Stresses early clinical exposure
- Average International Tuition Fees is CAD $20,000 – $35,000 annually.
Dalhousie University – Faculty of Medicine
Dalhousie in Halifax is a good choice for individuals wanting a maritime vibe with intellectual quality. Its spread-out campus system serves students from New Brunswick as well as the Maritimes.
- Location: Halifax, Nova Scotia
- Strengths: Research projects, rural medicine, primary care
- Students who appreciate a close-knit group and coastal living would best fit this.
- Average Tuition Fees is CAD $25,000 – $38,000 per year.
Western University – Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry
Western, based in London, Ontario, has close connections to hospitals and research organisations, therefore providing one of the most complete training courses.
- Location: London, Ontario
- Strengths: Dentistry, surgery, clinical skills
- Bonus: Provides MD/PhD dual degree possibilities
- Average Tuition Fees (International): CAD $86,000 per year
Université de Montréal – Faculté de Médecine
Among the biggest medical schools in Canada for Francophone students, Université de Montréal provides excellent education mostly stressing community health and research.
- Location: Montreal, Quebec
- Language: French
- Strengths: Community medicine, Francophone healthcare systems
- French-speaking students seeking top-level education would fit best.
- Average Tuition Fees (International): CAD $27,000 – $39,000 per year
What Makes These the Best Medical Schools in Canada
Selecting a medical school involves more than simply rankings. These schools have rightfully earned their position among the top medical colleges in Canada because of:
- Consistent global rankings
- Creative course structure
- Research papers
- Modern facilities
- Good residency matching programs
From academic research to a love of rural care to goals to reform world health systems, the top ranked medical schools in Canada provide routes to many sorts of medical professions.
Final Thoughts: Charting Your Course in Canadian Medicine
So, how many medical schools are in Canada worth considering? Seventeen in all, but these ten stand head and shoulders above for their influence, reputation, and results.
The top medical schools in Canada don’t only train doctors; they also develop leaders, academics, and innovators who will change the course of healthcare.
From Vancouver to Halifax, the best medical colleges in Canada are waiting to shape the next generation of healers. Are you ready to take your first step?