Are you a student planning to move to Canada to study medicine? Medical school in Canada is a huge investment in time and money. Thankfully, Canada has several excellent medical schools with lower tuition fees than other countries. This makes them more affordable options for aspiring doctors from Nigeria and worldwide.
In this guide, we outline the 15 most affordable medical schools in Canada based on yearly tuition costs for the MD program. We also provide details on admissions requirements, program length, and scholarship options.
Read Also: How to study Medicine as a Nigerian in Canada
Why Should You Study Medicine in Canada?
There are many great reasons Nigerian students to consider medical school in Canada, including:
- World-class medical education – Canada produces top-notch doctors who can practice anywhere.
- Lower tuition fees – More affordable than medical schools in the US, UK, and Australia.
- Option to practice in Canada – Opportunities exist to emigrate and work as a doctor in Canada after graduating.
- Cultural diversity – Canada’s multiculturalism creates an inclusive environment for international students.
- Pathway to residency – International medical graduates have a pathway to residency and working in Canada.
Combined with lower tuition costs, these advantages make Canadian medical schools extremely attractive for Nigerian students seeking value for money.
15 Most Affordable Medical Schools in Canada
Here is an overview of Canada’s top 15 most affordable medical schools based on the annual tuition fees for the standard 4-year MD program.
1. Memorial University
Location: St. John’s, Newfoundland
Tuition: CAD 8,893 per year for international students
Program Length: 4 years
Memorial University offers Canada’s most affordable MD program, with very low tuition fees for Canadian and international students. It is located in the charming city of St. John’s.
2. University of Saskatchewan
Location: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Tuition: $21,000 per year for international students
Program Length: 4 years
The University of Saskatchewan College of Medicine has a beautiful campus in Saskatoon. Its MD program costs around CAD 21,000 per year for international students.
3. University of Manitoba
Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba
Tuition: CAD 22,800 per year for international students
Program Length: 4 years
International students at the University of Manitoba Max Rady College of Medicine pay around CAD $22,800 per year for the 4-year MD program.
4. University of Alberta
Location: Edmonton, Alberta
Tuition: CAD 25,721 per year for international students
Program Length: 4 years
The University of Alberta Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry in Edmonton charges around CAD 25,721 annually for international MD students.
5. University of Calgary
Location: Calgary, Alberta
Tuition: CAD 27,247 per year for international students
Program Length: 4 years
At the University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine, tuition fees are around CAD 27,247 annually for the 4-year MD program.
6. Northern Ontario School of Medicine
Location: Sudbury and Thunder Bay, Ontario
Tuition: CAD 28, nominal per year for international students
Program Length: 4 years
The Northern Ontario School of Medicine (NOSM) has two campuses in Sudbury and Thunder Bay. Tuition for international MD students is around CAD 28,000 annually.
7. University of Sherbrooke
Location: Sherbrooke, Quebec
Tuition: CAD 29,500 per year for international students
Program Length: 4 years
Located in the French-speaking province of Quebec, the University of Sherbrooke Faculty of Medicine charges around CAD 29,500 annually for international MD students.
8. Western University
Location: London, Ontario
Tuition: CAD 29,750 per year for international students
Program Length: 4 years
International students at Western University Schulich School of Medicine in London, Ontario, pay approximately CAD 29,750 per year for the MD program.
9. McMaster University
Location: Hamilton, Ontario
Tuition: CAD 30,094 per year for international students
Program Length: 3 years
McMaster University Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine offers a 3-year MD program. Tuition is around $30,094 annually for international students.
10. University of Montreal
Location: Montreal, Quebec
Tuition: CAD 30,180 per year for international students
Program Length: 4 years
The University of Montreal Faculty of Medicine charges international students around CAD 30,180 per year for its 4-year MD program.
11. Queen’s University
Location: Kingston, Ontario
Tuition: CAD 31,700 per year for international students
Program Length: 4 years
At Queen’s University Faculty of Health Sciences, international MD students pay around CAD 31,700 per year in tuition fees.
12. University of Ottawa
Location: Ottawa, Ontario
Tuition: CAD 32,640 per year for international students
Program Length: 4 years
The University of Ottawa Faculty of Medicine charges international MD students around CAD 32,640 annually for the 4-year program.
13. Dalhousie University
Location: Halifax, Nova Scotia
Tuition: CAD 34,684 per year for international students
Program Length: 4 years
Dalhousie University Faculty of Medicine tuition is approximately CAD 34,684 annually for international MD students.
14. University of Toronto
Location: Toronto, Ontario
Tuition: CAD 58,640 per year for international students
Program Length: 4 years
The University of Toronto Faculty of Medicine charges international students in its MD program around CAD $58,640 annually.
15. McGill University
Location: Montreal, Quebec
Tuition: CAD 59,398 per year for international students
Program Length: 4 years
At McGill University Faculty of Medicine, international students pay approximately CAD 59,398 per year in tuition fees for the 4-year MD program.
Admissions Requirements for Canadian Medical Schools
To be eligible for any MD program in Canada, you must meet these minimum requirements:
- Undergraduate university degree – Most accept any discipline, but some require specific prerequisites.
- MCAT exam – Minimum score varies by school, around 125 in each section.
- English language test – IELTS 7.0+ or TOEFL iBT 90+ for non-native speakers.
In addition, medical schools look for:
- Academic excellence – High GPA in undergraduate studies.
- Extracurricular activities – Volunteer work, research, leadership roles.
- Medical exposure – Shadowing doctors, volunteering in hospitals, etc.
- Strong references – From professors, employers, doctors, etc.
- Communication & interpersonal skills – Shown via essays, interviews, and experiences.
Gaining admission to any Canadian medical school is highly competitive for local and international applicants. However, once accepted, attending an affordable option maximizes value for money.
Scholarships for International Students
While the tuition fees are lower, completing a medical degree still requires significant funding. Here are some key scholarship sources to reduce the costs:
- University scholarships – Awarded based on academic merit.
- External grants & bursaries – From nonprofit groups and corporate sponsors.
- Student loans – Provided by Nigerian banks and other lenders.
- Family contributions – If parents/relatives can help cover some costs.
- Part-time work – Some schools allow limited employment.
Research all possible scholarships and bursaries available through your chosen Canadian medical school. Also, look at major external awards like the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships. Budget realistically for total costs. Even with scholarships, additional funding sources are usually needed to complete an MD in Canada as an international student.
We hope this guide helps you find the most affordable Canadian medical school to launch your doctor career. With lower tuition fees and high-quality programs, Canada’s top medical schools offer Nigerian students an affordable path to an MD.
