Study MBBS in Canada in 2026: Fees, Eligibility & Process for Indian Students

An MBBS in Canada is equivalent to an MD (Doctor of Medicine) degree, offered as a 3-4 year course by most universities. You will need a Bachelor’s Degree in Science, usually in Biology, Chemistry, or a related science field. Key requirements will include a strong MCAT exam score and proof of English proficiency to study in Canada. Direct admission into an MBBS in Canada after 12th for Indian students is not possible. However, for those willing to follow the required pathway, Canadian medical schools offer a world-class education that is often 20-30% more affordable than in the US or UK, with around ₹50 Lakhs (approx. $90,000 CAD) per year. A Medical Degree in Canada is not just a degree but an opening door to global career opportunities.

This guide will walk you through the complete journey of becoming a doctor in Canada, after finishing 12th standard or after finishing an undergraduate degree in India, to securing a spot in a top Canadian medical college, covering fees, scholarships, and more.

Key Highlights: Study MBBS in Canada in 2026

• Universities consistently ranked (Maclean’s Rankings) for MD programs include McGill, the University of Toronto, UBC, and McMaster.
• The total cost ranges from CAD $45,000 – $97,000 per year (₹28.7–61.9 L) plus living expenses.
• Eligibility requires a relevant bachelor’s degree, MCAT score, and English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL).
• Graduates earn globally recognized MD degrees with high career potential and PR opportunities in Canada.

Why Study MBBS in Canada in 2026?

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For Indian students, studying medicine in Canada is different from a direct MBBS. You'll pursue a Doctor of Medicine (MD), a globally respected postgraduate degree. While the path is rigorous, it's a smart investment for the 2026 intake. A degree from a top Canadian university like McGill University is a powerful asset for your career. It opens doors to high-paying global opportunities, provides a strong return on investment, and offers a good quality of life. Here are the key advantages to consider.

Benefits of Studying Medicine in Canada for Indian & International Students

• World-Class Medical Education: Top medical universities in Canada, such as McGill University (ranked #22 globally for Medicine by QS World University Rankings 2025), are renowned for providing a high-quality education. The curriculum emphasises research and practical skills in state-of-the-art medical institutions, ensuring you receive a truly world-class education.
• Globally Recognised MD Degree: The Doctor of Medicine (MD degree) from Canada is recognized by the National Medical Commission of India and the World Health Organisation (WHO). This allows graduates to practice medicine in India, the USA, or the UK, offering immense global career flexibility.
• Clear Pathway to a Lucrative Career & PR: Canada has a high demand for graduate physicians, offering starting salaries that can range from CAD $200K to $350K (₹1.28-2.23 C) annually in the medical field globally. Furthermore, the medical education system provides a streamlined pathway to securing Permanent Residency (PR) after graduation.
• Merit-Based Admission (No Donation Fees): Unlike many private MBBS colleges elsewhere, admission to Canadian medical schools is a transparent process based on the Canadian eligibility criteria. There are no hidden capitation fees, meaning your entry is based solely on merit, not on your ability to pay exorbitant tuition fees.
• Safe, Multicultural, and High Quality of Life: Canada is consistently ranked as one of the safest countries (ranked 14th in Global Peace Index 2025) with a high standard of living. Its cities are multicultural and welcoming, providing a secure and supportive environment for the growing community of international medical students.
• Focus on Research and Medical Science: Students get early exposure to groundbreaking medical science and innovation. This focus helps develop critical thinking and prepares you to be a leader in the ever-evolving field of medicine.

In conclusion, while the journey to an MD in Canada requires dedication and a longer commitment than a direct MBBS program, the rewards are substantial and long-lasting. By choosing to study MBBS in Canada via the MD medical program for 2026, you are not just choosing one of the best medical colleges in Canada; you are investing in a future defined by a world-class education, a prestigious global career, and an exceptional quality of life. The following sections will provide a step-by-step guide to make this ambition your reality.

Top 10 Colleges to Study MBBS in Canada for Indian Students

Choosing the right medical school is the most critical step in your journey to study in Canada. For the 2026 intake, it's essential to focus on universities with a world-class reputation for their Doctor of Medicine (MD) programs. This list is based on the 2025 Maclean's Medical/Doctoral Rankings (a leading authority on Canadian university performance). The top ranks are consistently held by globally recognised institutions like McGill University, the University of Toronto, the University of British Columbia (UBC), and McMaster University. While the University of Ottawa also ranks in the top 5, it's crucial to know that its MD program is generally not open to international students.

Top 10 Canadian Medical Schools & International Tuition Fees

Maclean’s Medical Doctoral Universities for 2025, QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025: Medicine

Note: These figures are for tuition only and do not include ancillary fees, living costs, health insurance, or your miscellaneous expenses like repairs, gifts, etc. Always verify the latest numbers on the university's official website, because all of these are subject to change in the current economy.

These colleges offer various medical programs, including medicine, dentistry, nursing, and pharmacy.  Other excellent medical schools in Canada include powerhouse institutions like the University of Alberta, Queen's University, and the University of Calgary. Keep in mind that some highly-ranked schools, such as Dalhousie University, have specific restrictions, often requiring students to have completed their bachelor's degree in Canada. Finally, for those proficient in French, the University of Montreal offers a world-class medical education in French.

Top Medical Courses in Canada after 12th for Indian Students

A common question from Indian students is, "Which medical courses can I do in Canada after my 12th?" It's crucial to understand that Canada's system is different from India's. You cannot directly enter an MD (Doctor of Medicine) program after finishing school. The journey to becoming a doctor in Canada begins with a 3-4-year undergraduate (bachelor's) degree. This is your "pre-med" phase. While there is no specific "pre-med" degree, you must choose a bachelor's program that covers the prerequisite subjects for medical school, like biology, chemistry, and physics. You can do your Bachelor’s either in India or Canada.

Your performance in this undergraduate degree is a key factor in getting into a top Canadian medical school. Here are the best undergraduate programs to build your foundation for the 2026 intake.

Top Pre-Med Undergraduate Programs for Future Doctors

There are various options to choose from if you’re planning a Bachelor’s in Canada as well. Choose a subject you are genuinely passionate about, as your GPA in this undergraduate degree will be one of the most important parts of your future MD application. For your 2026 planning, focus on getting into one of these top bachelor's programs in which you can perform well and align with your career goals. This is your first and most important step toward a medical career in Canada. Next, we'll cover the specific eligibility criteria for these degrees.

MBBS in Canada: Eligibility Criteria and Admission Requirements

While pursuing a medical program in Canada can bring exciting opportunities, you are required to meet certain requirements. Here is a list of the MBBS in Canada eligibility criteria that you need to fulfil:

• English Proficiency: You must have a minimum overall IELTS score band of 6.5- 7 and a TOEFL score of 80. However, the minimum language test score requirement will vary across institutions.
• Entrance Exams: You have to clear both NEET(to practice in India after MD in Canada) and MCAT with a good score.
• Completed Bachelor's Degree: You must have a Bachelor's degree in Biology or any related field with a  competitive GPA typically above 3.7 on a 4.0 scale.
• Letter of Recommendation: You will have to submit two Letters of Recommendation.
• Completed Bachelor's Degree: A 3-4 year undergraduate degree with a high GPA (Grade Point Average). A competitive GPA is typically above 3.7 on a 4.0 scale.
• Relevant Experience: Significant experience in research, clinical volunteering (e.g., in hospitals), and community service.
• Visa Requirements: You will also have to meet the requirements of a Canadian student visa. 

In addition, you should check your desired university for any specific criteria.

Documentation Requirements

You will need to submit these documents while applying for an MBBS course in Canada:

• Transcripts of bachelor's degree and high school results
• NEET and MCAT test scores
• Language proficiency test scores
• Criminal record check
• 2-3 Letters of recommendation
• Statement of purpose
• Passport-size photographs
• Resume
• Relevant extracurricular or clinical experience certificate

How to Get Admission to MBBS in Canada: A Step-by-Step Guide

The application process for becoming a doctor in Canada is a marathon, not a sprint. It involves two major phases. For students planning for 2026, your immediate focus is entirely on Phase 1.

Phase 1: Applying for Your Bachelor's Degree (Timeline: Now - Early 2026)

This is your first and most critical step.

• Step 1: Research & Shortlist (September 2025): Research Canadian universities and the pre-med bachelor's programs (like Life Sciences or Health Sciences). Check their specific Class 12 grade and English language requirements.
• Step 2: Submit Your Applications (October 2025 – February 2026): Apply through provincial portals like the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC) or directly on the university websites. You will need to submit your academic transcripts, a Statement of Purpose (SOP), and Letters of Recommendation (LORs).
• Step 3: Receive Offers & Apply for a Study Permit (March – July 2026): Once you receive an acceptance letter, you must begin the Canadian study permit (visa) application process.

Phase 2: Applying for the MD Program (Timeline: Approx. 2029-2030)

This phase begins only after you are in Canada and have succeeded in your bachelor's degree.

• Step 4: Score Good in Your Bachelor's Degree: Your primary goal during your undergraduate studies will be to maintain the highest possible GPA.
• Step 5: Prepare for & Write the MCAT: You should plan to write the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) in the third year of your bachelor's degree.
• Step 6: Gain Relevant Experience (Throughout your degree): Actively seek out research positions with professors, volunteer at local hospitals or clinics, and participate in meaningful community work. This is non-negotiable for a strong application.
• Step 7: Submit MD Applications (2029 - 2030): Apply to medical schools using centralised services like OMSAS (for Ontario). This involves submitting your GPA, MCAT scores, reference letters, and a detailed list of your experiences.
• Step 8: Ace the Interview: If your application is shortlisted, you will undergo a rigorous interview, often in the Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) format.

For a student starting this journey now, the only focus should be on Phase 1. Excelling in these first three steps is the only way to make Phase 2 possible.

Cost of Studying MBBS in Canada for Indian Students 

You need to have a smart financial plan to study in Canada. It's essential to understand that a medical degree in Canada is going to cost way more than what we pay in India. It’s not just the MBBS in Canada for Indian students' fees, but also other living expenses. Let's break down the two major components of your budget: tuition fees and living costs.

Tuition Fees for International Students

The path to an MD involves two separate degrees, each with its own tuition fees. Although the country offers pocket-friendly education, fees can be high for top MBBS colleges in Canada. All figures below are for international students and are subject to annual increases.

Note: Fees vary significantly by university. Always verify the latest numbers on the university's official website.

Living Costs for Indian Students

You must provide proof of sufficient funds for your living expenses to get a Canadian study permit. The Government of Canada has set a clear minimum for this.

• Official Minimum Requirement (as of 2025): Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) requires you to show proof of $20,635 CAD (₹13.17 L) for your first year of living expenses. This is in addition to your tuition fees.
• Realistic Annual Budget: While $20,635 CAD is the official minimum, a more realistic budget for a student in a major city like Toronto or Vancouver would be $22,000 - $25,000 CAD (₹14.04–15.96 L) per year. This covers:
  • Accommodation (Shared apartment)
  • Groceries & Food
  • Transportation (Public transit pass)
  • Health Insurance (Mandatory)
  • Books & Supplies
  • Personal Expenses like clothes and care

Your estimated all-in budget for your education will be approximately $67,000 to $93,000 (₹42.77–59.36 L) CAD per year. It is crucial for you and your family to realistically plan for this entire journey, starting with the undergraduate phase. There are scholarships that will help you save Lakhs from the tuition fees. Consider it not just financial aid but a reward for your excellent academic performance.

Top Scholarships for MBBS in Canada  

While direct scholarships for the Doctor of Medicine (MD) program are extremely rare for international students, you can secure significant funding for your essential first step: your 3-4 year undergraduate (pre-med) degree. Securing a major entrance scholarship for your bachelor's degree can greatly reduce your overall financial burden. These are highly competitive and awarded based on outstanding academic achievement and extracurricular involvement. Remember to check the specific application deadlines, as they are often much earlier than the admission deadlines. These fully funded scholarships for Indian students help students reduce their financial burden and cover their tuition fees, living expenses, and other related costs.

Here are some of the top scholarships available to Indian students,

The largest and most significant scholarships are offered directly by the universities, not third-party websites. So, it is better to go for university-specific scholarships. But it is mostly based on academic performance. So make your certificates strong enough to stand out from thousands of applicants. Always check requirements, as many scholarships have specific requirements, such as your chosen program of study or demonstrated leadership skills. Your best strategy is to achieve the highest possible grades in high school and apply for the major entrance scholarships at the universities where you plan to do your pre-med studies.

Jobs and Career Paths After MBBS in Canada

After completing an MBBS degree in Canada, Indian students can pursue various employment opportunities. They can choose to specialise in a particular field of medicine. The key that unlocks the door to the final phase of your training, not the end of the journey. To become a licensed, practising physician in Canada, you must complete a multi-year residency program.

The Post-MD Pathway: From Graduate to Licensed Doctor

Here is the mandatory path you must follow after earning your MD:

• Apply for Residency (The CaRMS Match): You must apply through the Canadian Resident Matching Service (CaRMS) to secure a spot in a residency program. This is a highly competitive, nationwide process where your academic record, interviews, and references are evaluated.
• Complete Residency Training (2-7 Years): This is where you specialize. You will work in hospitals and clinics under supervision and earn a resident's salary.
  • Family Medicine: 2 years of residency.
  • Specialties: 5-7+ years of residency (e.g., Pediatrics, Anesthesiology, Neurology, Surgery).
• Obtain Full Licensure: During and after residency, you must pass a series of board exams from the Medical Council of Canada (MCC) and provincial licensing bodies to be legally allowed to practice without supervision.

Salary for Fully-Licensed Physicians in Canada

As a resident, you are a trainee and earn a stipend. The approximate salary is $60,000 - $80,000 CAD (₹38.30-51.06 L) per year. The salary of a fully licensed physician will be higher.

Source Note: Physician salaries are highly variable and depend on the province, location (urban vs. rural), and practice model (fee-for-service vs. salary). These figures are approximate estimates for 2025.

The financial rewards of being a doctor in Canada are immense, but they come after a long and challenging period of postgraduate training. Your 2026 plan must account for this entire 10-15-year journey, from starting your bachelor's degree to becoming a fully licensed physician.

Post-MD: Residency, Licensing & Practice in Canada

International students who have completed their MBBS degrees in Canada may be eligible for residency training programs and licensing exams to practice medicine in Canada.

Here are the key steps that international medical graduates (IMGs) should follow:

• Residency Training: Indian students can apply for residency positions through the Canadian Resident Matching Service (CaRMS).
• Practice in Canada: Obtain licensure by passing the Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Examination (MCCQE) Parts I and II.
• Return to India: Register with the National Medical Commission (NMC) to practice medicine in India.
• Pursue Further Specialisation: Enrol in fellowship programs in Canada or other countries.

MBBS in Canada vs MBBS in India? Key Differences

Planning to become a doctor? The first thing you need to know is that the path in Canada is very different from India's direct MBBS route. In Canada, you don't apply to medical school right after Class 12. Instead, you must first complete a 3-4 year bachelor's degree (like a BSc). Only then can you apply to a 4-year Doctor of Medicine (MD) program..

Canada follows a North American model, where MD is a postgraduate degree. Students need to complete an undergraduate degree to qualify for an MD.

Here’s a direct comparison to help you understand what to expect:

The Canadian route requires a longer timeline and a larger financial investment, but it results in a globally respected MD degree. Next, let's dive into the eligibility criteria you'll need to meet.

Visa and Immigration Requirements for Indian Students for 2026

As of 2026, Indian students require a Canadian study permit to study MBBS in Canada. The application fees for a study permit are $150 CAD. Additionally, you need to provide proof of funds through a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC), which costs up to $20,635 CAD(₹13.17 L). Along with that, indian students should have health insurance coverage, meet medical examination and other requirements.

Documents Required (As of September 2025)

1. Letter of Acceptance (LOA)

This is the first and most critical document. You must have an official letter of acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). Without an LOA from a DLI, you cannot apply for a study permit.

2. Study Permit Application

This is the official visa application to study in Canada. Most Indian students should apply through the Student Direct Stream (SDS) for faster processing, which has slightly different requirements.

• Application Fee:
  • The approximate cost is $150 CAD (₹9,574.50).
• Biometrics Fee:
  • This is a mandatory fee for providing fingerprints and a photo. It costs approximately  $85 (₹5,426).

3. Proof of Financial Support

This is one of the most important criteria, and the figures in your text were significantly outdated. As of January 1, 2024, the cost-of-living financial requirement has increased substantially.

• Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC):
  • Students applying via the SDS stream must show a GIC of $20,635 CAD (₹13.17 L). This is to cover the first year of living expenses.
• Proof of Tuition Payment:
  • You must also provide proof that you have paid the tuition fees for your first full year of study. This is in addition to the GIC.
• Sufficient Funds:
  • Applicants must demonstrate they have enough money to cover travel expenses and other costs.

4. Medical Examination

• You must undergo an upfront medical examination with a doctor approved by the Canadian government, known as a Panel Physician.
• The results are sent directly to IRCC by the physician. You cannot go to your family doctor; it must be an approved panel physician. The cost for this exam in India typically ranges from ₹4,000 to ₹6,000.

5. Language Proficiency Tests

• For the SDS stream, a valid language test result is mandatory.
• You must provide an IELTS Academic test result with a minimum score of 6.0 in every band (Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking).
• Alternatively, a TEF Canada score equivalent to a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) of 7 in all four abilities is accepted for French language programs.

6. Health Insurance

• Health insurance is not something you typically buy before you apply for the visa. It is a mandatory requirement of the province you will be studying in.
• Upon arrival and registration at your university, you will be automatically enrolled in the provincial health plan (e.g., OHIP in Ontario, MSP in British Columbia) or a mandatory university health plan. The cost is usually included in your student fees.

Summary Table of Key Requirements

Conclusion: What’s the Next Step for You?

Is it worth pursuing an MD/MS or MBBS in Canada as an Indian? Well, the path to becoming a doctor in Canada is not easy. As you've seen, it's a long-term commitment that starts with a 3-4 year bachelor's degree, a very different journey from the direct MBBS route in India. It's natural for you and your parents to look at the investment. The financial commitment is significant, often over ₹50 Lakhs (approx. $90,000 CAD) per year. But the goal you're working towards is a globally respected MD degree and a stable, rewarding career in a country that highly values its medical professionals. You will get a good ROI of $60,000 - $80,000 CAD (₹38.30-51.06 L) average as well. As you plan for 2026, your entire focus should be on one thing: that first, critical step. Getting into the right undergraduate program sets the foundation for everything that follows. This is the decision that matters most right now.

If you have any questions or need guidance, our advisors at LeapScholar are here to help you navigate the eligibility criteria, application deadlines, and program availability. They can assist you in making informed decisions and ensure that you have a smooth application process.

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