Do I need to clear NEET to study medicine in Canada as an Indian student?
06 Oct 2026 · Answered by Prakhar Pragy Dixit · 1 min read
Quick Answer
verified
NEET is not needed for admission to Canadian medical schools. However, NEET is a pre-foreign-degree requirement if you plan to return and practise in India, so you would qualify separately. The Canadian route usually starts with a bachelor's degree, which need not always be in science, then an MD.
NEET is not required for studying medicine in Canada. If you may want to return and practise in India later, you will still have to qualify for NEET separately.
NEET and the Canadian route
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| NEET needed to study in Canada | No |
| NEET needed to practise in India later | Yes, qualify separately |
| Where the Canadian route starts | A bachelor's degree (many applicants choose science, though it need not always be required) |
| Total time | Typically around 7 to 8 years (3 to 4 year bachelor's plus a 4 year MD), varies by school |
Steps to apply
- Complete a bachelor's degree (many applicants choose science, though schools may not require it).
- Check which schools still accept international students.
- Take MCAT or CASPer as each school requires.
- Apply through each school's own portal with transcripts, recommendation letters and proof of funds.
My Advice
Decide early whether your long-term plan is to practise in Canada or in India, because that changes which exams matter. If India is a possibility, keep NEET in your plan alongside your Canadian applications.
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