If you’re looking to practice medicine in Canada, we’re home to some of the best programs in the world. With numerous internationally recognized institutions and top-ranking medical schools. Choosing the right one can be a challenging task, with countless factors to consider, from the city’s lifestyle and the school’s academic reputation to the campus atmosphere and nearby housing costs.
With the demand for healthcare professionals on the rise, provinces like Ontario are making it easier for American physicians and nurses to work in Canada. Additionally, it was reported that more than 260 U.S. physicians have relocated to Ontario so far this year, with similar trends seen in several other provinces like British Columbia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, and Saskatchewan.
To better understand where future healthcare professionals might study and live, we’ve created a guide to the top seven medical schools in Canada—featuring insights on housing costs and what makes each school and city unique.
Jump Ahead
University of Toronto
In 2025, the University of Toronto ranked number one in Canada for Medicine. They offer a four-year Doctor of Medicine program with a curriculum focused on evidence-based learning. Students also participate in clerkships that provide hands-on experience across all major areas of medicine.
Location: Toronto, Ontario
Toronto, Ontario’s capital, is Canada’s largest city and a vibrant hub of culture and innovation. Known as a global center of finance, business, and opportunity, Toronto offers a fast-paced lifestyle filled with world-class restaurants, diverse entertainment, and numerous events throughout the year.
Average 1 Bedroom Rent – $2,150
Real Estate Prices
- Detached: $1,172,300
- Townhouse: $719,200
- Condo: $563,100
University of British Columbia
The medical curriculum at the University of British Columbia focuses on clinical presentations that introduce students to the real-world practice of medicine. Students in this program also have the opportunity to experience a variety of clinical settings, with each week focusing on a new topic.
Location: Vancouver, British Columbia
Vancouver is a beautiful, multicultural city with abundant access to nature. The city is surrounded by mountains, forests, providing easy access to outdoor activities. Vancouver is also renowned for its diverse international cuisine, featuring popular options such as dim sum, pho, sushi, and Indian cuisine.
Average 1 Bedroom Rent – $2,495
Real Estate Prices
- Detached: $1,935,800
- Townhouse: $1,069,800
- Condo: $728,800
McGill University
McGill University’s Medical education combines basic sciences and clinical skills. Students gain exposure through rotations at McGill-affiliated hospitals across Montreal, covering a wide range of specialities. The university is known for its research opportunities and long history of innovation.
Location: Montreal, Quebec
Montreal is a vibrant, culturally rich city that blends European charm with its own unique energy. Known for its strong French culture, the city hosts numerous street fairs and festivals throughout the year and offers a variety of bustling shopping districts.
Average 1 Bedroom Rent – $1,750
Real Estate Prices
- Detached: $684,00
- Townhouse: $616,200
- Condo: $430,900
McMaster University
McMaster University’s Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine offers a three-year MD program. The accelerated curriculum emphasizes problem-based learning in small groups. Students have the chance for early clinical experiences that combine evidence-based medicine with interprofessional collaboration, preparing graduates for a wide range of healthcare careers.
Location: Hamilton, Ontario
Hamilton is known for its rich history and natural beauty as well as its upbeat urban life. The city features over 100 stunning waterfalls and scenic parks, providing students with the perfect escape from academics and a chance to enjoy the outdoors. Hamilton also has an excellent food scene, from local eateries to trendy cafes.
Average 1 Bedroom Rent – $1,649
Real Estate Prices
- Detached: $838,100
- Townhouse: $667,200
- Condo: $487,600
Queen’s University
Queen’s University’s School of Medicine program offers a four-year program that combines academic success with hands-on clinical experience. At Queen’s, students build personal connections and gain diverse clinical exposure through partnerships with hospitals and healthcare institutions. The program is designed to enable students to develop a broad base of medical knowledge and strong clinical skills.
Location: Kingston, Ontario
Kingston is known for its rich history, stunning limestone architecture, and vibrant cultural scene. Often referred to as the “Limestone City” because of its many limestone buildings, it offers a blend of history and modern living. Visitors and residents can enjoy musicals, Christmas markets, historic sites like the Bellevue House, and beautiful waterfront parks along Lake Ontario. The city is also popular for its walkable downtown area, filled with a wide variety of cafes, restaurants, and pubs.
Average 1 Bedroom Rent – $2,195
Real Estate Prices
- Detached: $576,100
- Townhouse: $470,400
- Condo: $387,00
University of Ottawa
The Faculty of Medicine at the University of Ottawa is the first and largest bilingual medical faculty in Canada. It offers the unique advantage of classes in both French and English. Students benefit from collaboration through interdisciplinary mentorship programs and interactive events that connect basic science education with clinical experience.
Location: Ottawa, Ontario
As the capital city of Canada, Ottawa has a lot to offer. With its blend of nature and urban living, the city has a more relaxed atmosphere compared to larger metropolitan areas. Ottawa is a popular destination for its national museums, Parliament Hill, and cultural events, such as the Canadian Tulip Festival. It’s also ranked highly for air quality and offers tons of outdoor spaces.
Average 1 Bedroom Rent – $1,900
Real Estate Prices
- Detached: $697,200
- Townhouse: $462,800
- Condo: $408,200
Western University
The Doctor of Medicine program at Western University is a four-year competency-based program, focusing on demonstrating knowledge and skills rather than spending a specific amount of time in each area. The university offers extensive early clinical exposure and opportunities for hands-on learning in a variety of healthcare settings.
Location: London, Ontario
London is known for its markets, such as the Covent Garden Market, its theatre performances, and numerous green spaces and beautiful parks. The city is a hub for higher education, medical research, and technology. London is also rich in art and heritage, with cultural spaces and museums found throughout the city.
Average 1 Bedroom Rent – $1,586
Real Estate Prices
- Detached: $611,400
- Townhouse: $467,300
- Condo: $357,000
Preparing for a Future in Medicine
Choosing from such an impressive list of top medical schools in Canada isn’t easy, but hopefully, this guide has helped make your decision a little clearer. Taking the time to research further and visit the campus and city in person, if possible, is the best option, as you’ll get a feel for the area and really understand if it’s the right fit for you. No matter which school you choose, you’re sure to be taking a step toward a rewarding medical career.
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