What steps must I follow to become a dermatologist in Canada as an international student?

There are five stops on this road, and none can be skipped. The full specialist route takes about 13 years from your first year of university to your licence, and the MD stage is the hardest hurdle for international students.

The Five Steps in Order

Seats, Competition and Fees

• Ontario typically sets at least 95% of medical seats for Ontario residents and the rest for other Canadians, so there are usually no seats left for international students.
• UBC and the University of Calgary do not take international students into the MD, while McGill University is one of the few schools that still accepts international applicants.
• CaRMS Online for the 2027 match opened on 9 September 2026, and the 2026 match had only 30 dermatology seats for Canadian medical graduates.
• The Royal College training assessment costs CAD 850 (approx INR 56,959) and the written and oral exam costs CAD 5,130 (approx INR 3.44 L), based on the 2026 fees.

My Advice

Be honest with yourself about the MD stage, because seat rules for international students are the biggest barrier. Check each medical school's current international admission policy, plan for the long timeline, and confirm all fees on the official Royal College and CaRMS pages.