Canadian Friendly US Medical Schools (Complete List + How to Apply)

List of Canadian Friendly US Medical Schools

Most US schools designate three categories of students: in-state applicants, out-of-state applicants and international students.

Canadian citizens are treated by many US medical schools as out-of-state applicants. These types of medical schools are often called “Canadian friendly”.

The following table lists Canadian-friendly US medical schools and their admissions statistics. Overall and out-of-state matriculation rates are calculated from the number of matriculants and verified applicants, while GPA and MCAT figures represent the median for accepted applicants. These statistics describe each school’s applicant population as a whole, not the admission chances of Canadian citizens specifically.

For a broader overview of American medical schools, including programs outside this Canadian-friendly list, see our guide to medical schools in the US.

What Are Canadian-Friendly US Medical Schools?

These medical programs have the same or very similar admission requirements for Canadians as for out-of-state American students.

At these schools, Canadians are not evaluated through the international applicant category. However, tuition and financial aid arrangements may still differ between schools, so applicants should investigate these separately.

Many Canadian premeds apply to both medical schools in the US and medical schools in Canada to increase their odds of acceptance. Our DO expert, Dr. Puja Laroia, chose to apply to US schools for more personal reasons and to apply to DO schools, of which there are none in Canada.

“I applied to all the DO schools that accept Canadian students, with a particular focus on Canadian-friendly programs … I decided to apply to US DO schools because of a mix of personal connections and practical considerations. Being from Windsor, Ontario, I was naturally drawn to schools nearby, and hearing rave reviews from friends who attended MSUCOM only fueled my interest in osteopathic medicine … Ultimately, my decision was rooted in a desire for excellence in education and a sense of belonging within the local medical community.” – Dr. Puja Laroia, DO

Canadian citizens looking to attend medical school in the United States must be aware that not all US medical schools accept Canadian and international students. Some schools do not even consider out-of-state applicants. Naturally, medical schools are highly competitive. Even though there is a shortage of medical professionals in the US and Canada, there is no shortage of applicants.

Although the United States has over 150 MD-granting medical schools, the competition is not necessarily easier than for Canadian medical schools, of which there are only 19 faculties of medicine. Our MD expert and graduate of the University of Toronto Faculty of Medicine Dr. Jaime Cazes shares his experience applying within and outside of Canada:

"I applied within Canada and to a few medical schools in the US. In Canada, there are so few medical schools that it really is just a numbers game to some extent. If you are intent on getting into medicine, it really only hinders you to be selective about where you apply to. My official advice is to apply broadly within Canada and the US." - Dr. Jaime Cazes, MD, University of Toronto Faculty of Medicine

Though Dr. Cazes did end up becoming a medical student in Canada, he applied to 2 medical schools in the US. He decided to focus his efforts on Canadian medical schools for another important reason: some US schools do not accept Canadian and international medical students due their desire to support local applicants.

State schools often give preference to residents because their public funding supports medical education and physician workforce development within the state. As a result, applicants from outside the state may face more competition or higher tuition.

Canadian and international applicants with US permanent residency status are typically regarded as US applicants. Whether they qualify for in-state tuition depends on the particular state’s residency requirements.

Private US medical schools may be worth investigating because they are generally less constrained by state-residency preferences. However, Canadian-friendly private medical schools can be exceptionally competitive, and applicants should not assume they have an admissions advantage simply because they are Canadian.

For information about schools that accept foreign nationals through international applicant pathways, rather than the Canadian-friendly category discussed here, see our guide to medical schools that accept international students.

Our video explains how Canadian-friendly US medical schools evaluate Canadian applicants and what to consider when choosing schools for your application.

Admission Requirements for US Medical Schools

Canadian applicants face additional complexity when navigating US medical school admissions requirements, particularly when adapting to a different application system.

“One of the most challenging aspects of applying to US medical schools, particularly as an international student from Canada, was navigating the complex application process. Adapting to the American system and understanding the unique requirements of each school demanded thorough research and attention to detail … there was a significant learning curve. To navigate these challenges, I employed a strategic approach, beginning with meticulous planning and organization. Starting early, regardless of whether it is AMCAS or AACOMAS, is highly encouraged. Breaking down the application process into manageable steps helped me stay focused and on track.” – Dr. Puja Laroia, DO

Most US MD medical schools use the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS), while osteopathic medical schools generally use the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine Application Service (AACOMAS). Some Texas medical schools use the Texas Medical and Dental Schools Application Service (TMDSAS).

For a complete breakdown of all medical school requirements, including GPA, MCAT, and application components, see our full guide to medical school requirements.

#1 Undergraduate Degree and Coursework

Canadian applicants must complete an undergraduate degree, and while most US medical schools do not require a specific major, you must ensure your coursework meets each school’s prerequisite expectations.

 Some schools have lists of required and recommended premedical coursework, some ask for advanced placement classes, some may not accept online courses, etc. Other schools have competency-based admissions and do not require specific coursework prerequisites. Dr. Jaime Cazes, our MD admissions expert, stresses the importance of prerequisites:

"My number one piece of advice is to do your research. Check EACH school’s requirements and see if you have courses or pre-reqs that fill those. You should regularly touch base with admissions at each school to verify that a course you are completing actually fills a pre-req before you do it – otherwise you may be stuck wasting time on a course that doesn’t even fill the reqs." Dr. Jaime Cazes, MD, University of Toronto Faculty of Medicine

Be mindful that some American medical schools require their applicants to have educational experience in the US, but most just accept Canadian degrees and coursework without any US educational experience. Be sure to check out your program’s admissions website to confirm any coursework requirements.

Canadian undergraduate coursework is generally recognized by AMCAS, although applicants must still meet transcript submission requirements. Schools may also have their own policies on degree equivalency, course prerequisites, and foreign-language transcripts.

To review a complete list of prerequisite courses and variations between schools, see our guide to medical school prerequisites.

#2 GPA and MCAT

Canadian applicants to US medical schools must meet competitive GPA and MCAT expectations. Even when Canadian applicants are considered alongside US out-of-state applicants, meeting a school’s published minimum requirements is not necessarily enough to be competitive. A strong MCAT prep strategy is valuable.

As you compile your medical school list, keep in mind this advice from Dr. Monica Taneja, MD and graduate of the University of Maryland School of Medicine:

"MCAT and GPA are important as screening tools. They won’t be the end all for you to get in or be rejected from a school, but they are often that first look. Doing well in undergrad, maintaining a solid academic record, and a high MCAT score shows schools that you can handle rigorous academics. However, the other pieces of your application are what differentiate you from a crowd and will ultimately be why a school chooses to accept you." - Dr. Monica Taneja, MD, University of Maryland School of Medicine

So, while you should work hard to have a competitive GPA and MCAT, you cannot rely on these stats to be your only badge of honor when it comes to admissions to the Canadian friendly US medical schools.

The figures in our school list can help you assess your academic competitiveness. However, a school's median GPA and MCAT reflect the academic profile of accepted applicants, while its overall and out-of-state matriculation rates reflect the number of students who ultimately enrolled relative to the number who applied. Neither figure provides a Canadian-specific acceptance rate.

Is your GPA too low? Here’s the secret to getting accepted:

#3 CASPer

Some Canadian applicants to US medical schools are required to complete CASPer or other Acuity Insights assessments, depending on the programs they apply to. Requirements vary by school, and Canadian applicants should confirm whether CASPer or other Acuity Insights assessments are required before applying. We have compiled a list of medical schools that require CASPer.

If you’re not familiar with CASPer test question categories and types, learn them so you can learn the best strategies to tackling these simulation questions. You can also consider a CASPer test prep course to get personalized coaching on preparing for this type of test and learn what to expect.

To learn how to prepare effectively, see our complete CASPer prep guide and CASPer sample questions.

#4 Shadowing

Shadowing is a great way to help you determine if the medical field is right for you.

Physician shadowing is common among US medical school applicants, although it is not a universal admission requirement. Some medical schools accept other activities that demonstrate an understanding of patient care and the medical profession.

Shadowing is more difficult to arrange in Canada than in many parts of the United States because of patient privacy, liability, and institutional policies governing observers in clinical settings.

Because shadowing opportunities are more limited in Canada, applicants should plan early and be proactive in securing opportunities.

If you are applying to DO programs, try to shadow a DO specifically. There are not many DO-trained physicians in Canada, so to go down this route, you need to plan well in advance so you can conduct a search and find the closest DO physician.

“Navigating the requirement for shadowing and clinical experience was indeed a challenge as a Canadian applicant to US medical schools. Recognizing the importance of this aspect in the application process, I proactively sought out opportunities to gain firsthand experience. Leveraging connections with friends who were already studying at [medical schools in the US], I was able to establish contact with DO physicians in Detroit and arrange a shadowing opportunity for a day. While one day of shadowing may seem limited, it provided invaluable insights into the practice of osteopathic medicine and demonstrated my dedication to pursuing a career in healthcare. Additionally, I made sure to maximize this experience by actively engaging with the physicians, asking questions, and observing various aspects of patient care.” – Dr. Puja Laroia, DO.

#5 Clinical Experience

Canadian applicants must demonstrate meaningful clinical exposure, often requiring more strategic planning due to limited opportunities compared to US applicants. To be a competitive candidate you must have some exposure to the medical field. Shadowing is a great way to get some passive experience, but you also need some active clinical exposure. Some students get premed gap year jobs to gain some experience before medical school, while others choose alternate routes.

“I took a year between my BSc (Hons) degree and starting medical school … Personally, gaining clinical exposure wasn't difficult; I asked to shadow physicians at my local hospital, and they were very welcoming. However, accumulating these experiences takes time, and it's crucial not to exaggerate them. I vaguely remember being told to aim for roughly +200 hours for my US applications, and as someone who has now been on the other side and helped conduct interviews, I can easily discern genuine clinical experiences from those who have only shadowed a week or so.” – Dr. Shaughnelene Smith, DO

Here are some tips on getting clinical experience for med school!

#6 Research

Research experience is highly valued at many US medical schools, particularly those with a strong academic or research mission. Although most schools do not make research a universal admission requirement, meaningful research experience can strengthen an application. Our DO admissions expert, Dr. Puja Laroia, cited research as one of the key factors in choosing where to apply:

“Factors such as clinical opportunities, research initiatives, and the availability of mentorship programs also influenced my choices, as I aimed to find a program that aligned with my academic and professional goals. By meticulously evaluating these criteria, I aimed to maximize my chances of securing admission to a DO school that would provide me with a comprehensive and enriching medical education experience.” – Dr. Laroia, DO.

#7 References

Your recommendation letters for medical school can go a long way towards improving your overall application. Your recommendation letter writers for medical school can be a research supervisor, mentor, physician you shadowed, employer or professor. Some medical schools ask for specific individuals to write reference letters, such as a research supervisor or physician. If this is the case, try to find someone who meets the criteria and can provide you with a strong recommendation.

Canadian applicants do not necessarily need a US-based referee. A strong recommendation from a Canadian professor, mentor, supervisor, or physician who knows the applicant well can be more valuable than a generic letter from an American contact. Above all, your referees should know you quite well, be able to provide concrete examples of your skills and qualifications for medical school and speak positively of you. Be sure to send your referees any information they need to know about how to submit their letters of recommendation and requirements for their recommendation.

#8 Secondary Applications

Secondary applications are required by most US medical schools, and Canadian applicants must be especially strategic in how they prepare and submit them.

Check out a full list of medical school secondary essays prompts to get an idea of what to expect because most schools recycle their prompts from year to year. While they may not be exactly the same every application cycle, they often echo the same themes.

Dr. Monica Taneja, MD, one of our admissions experts, strongly recommends pre-writing your essays to stay on top of applications:

"I tried to pre-write secondaries starting in mid-June as there aren’t many changes year to year in prompts which are easily found online. Since many essays also overlap between schools I was able to morph different essays based on length to reduce overall writing. Pre-writing allowed me to have more than one week turn around on all of my secondary application returns." - Dr. Monica Taneja, MD

Dr. Taneja brings up a really important point: try to submit the secondaries as soon as you can – ideally, within two weeks of getting them. Prompt submissions can be advantageous, particularly at schools using rolling admissions, which is common in the US. However, do not sacrifice quality in favor of speed.

Make sure your secondary essays are exceptional. This is another means for the schools to weed out applicants, so do not give them a chance to cut you out of the applicants’ pool.

For examples, see our medical school secondary essay examples.

#9 Med School Interview

Canadian applicants invited to US medical school interviews must be prepared to demonstrate both academic readiness and fit within the US healthcare system.

While you cannot anticipate every medical school interview question, you can prepare strategies that would apply to most question categories. Also, remember this important tip from Dr. Taneja:

"I often asked the interviewer for a moment to think about the question. It may seem awkward to take a pause, but giving myself 20 seconds to think about the question before diving into an answer really helped me with tough questions! I found that the pause was natural and allowed me to think of a clear answer instead of rambling." - Dr. Monica Taneja, MD

Canadian applicants should also prepare to explain why they want to study in the United States and what attracts them to the particular medical school interviewing them.

To practice and prepare, see our full list of medical school interview questions and strategies.

US Medical Schools Admissions Deadlines

“Looking back, there are a few things I wish I had known before embarking on the journey of applying to US medical schools as a Canadian student. Firstly, I underestimated the importance of early preparation and starting the application process well in advance. Understanding the timelines, deadlines, and requirements for each school would have helped me better manage my time and avoid unnecessary stress.” – Dr. Laroia, DO.

Most US medical schools have rolling admissions, which Canadian applicants must account for when applying across both US and Canadian systems. Rolling admissions means that open spots are filled on a “rolling” basis, which means that as soon as admission committees see qualified and strong applicants, they are given interview offers, and then acceptance offers. Rolling admissions strongly prioritizes students who submit their applications early in the process, when the most open spots are available. If you wait and delay your submission, the number of open spots will go down, and the process will get more and more competitive. So, aim to submit your applications early, as close to the AMCAS initial submission date as possible.

For a complete application timeline, see our medical school application timeline guide.

US Medical School Tuition Costs and Financial Aid

US medical school tuition cost is one of the greatest stressors for all applicants, both American and Canadian. These numbers are especially discouraging when one compares US med school tuition with Canadian med school tuition costs. And don’t forget there are costs associated with applying to medical school, too.

“I underestimated the financial aspect of the process, including application fees, travel expenses for interviews, and potential costs associated with relocating.” – Dr. Laroia, DO.

As previously mentioned, Canadian-friendly US medical schools consider Canadian applicants under admissions policies similar to those for out-of-state students. Tuition for US public medical schools is frequently much higher for out-of-state students than for in-state residents. At private institutions, tuition often does not depend on state residency.

Canadian and international students are eligible for financial aid in some US medical schools. Unfortunately, many American medical schools specify that Canadian and international students will receive little to no financial aid. Some schools require Canadian applicants to provide proof of sponsorship.

Canadian-friendly status does not guarantee financial aid. Some Canadian-friendly schools offer institutional grants, bursaries, or scholarships to eligible Canadian students, while others provide limited assistance or impose significant financial documentation requirements.

For example, New York Medical College has substantial advance tuition-payment requirements for international applicants, including Canadians who do not hold US permanent residency. Other medical schools may require proof that a student can finance the entire program.

Federal student loans in the United States are generally restricted to US citizens and eligible noncitizens. Canadian students who do not meet these eligibility requirements may need to explore institutional awards, Canadian professional student lines of credit, or other sources of funding.

Check your program's website to see what kind of institutional funding opportunities are available to you.

For a fuller discussion of costs and funding, consult our guides to medical school tuition and how to pay for medical school.

Do Canadians Need a Visa to Study in the US?

“One additional aspect I wish I had considered more thoroughly before applying to US medical schools is the visa status and potential implications for returning to Canada post-graduation. Understanding the complexities and legal requirements associated with obtaining and maintaining a visa for the duration of medical school and beyond would have been beneficial.” – Dr. Puja Laroia, DO.

Canadian citizens generally do not need an F-1 visa stamp to enter the US for academic study, but they must establish the appropriate student status. You will typically need to obtain an I-20 Certificate of Eligibility from the school you plan to attend. Students entering through certain exchange programs may instead receive a DS-2019. When you receive the appropriate certificate, you will be registered with SEVIS, a student tracking system, and will be assigned a SEVIS number. There is a registration fee. When you travel to start your studies, you will need to provide the Border Officer with:

1. Canadian passport
2. The Original I-20 or DS-2019 certificate
3. Proof that SEVIS fee has been paid
4. Proof of ability to pay school fees and living expenses in the US
5. Evidence supporting your eligibility for the relevant student status, including your intended course of study and temporary purpose of entry

Remember to plan ahead for visa requirements if you want to pursue residency in the US, too!

“While you won’t be considered an international medical graduate (IMG) for US residencies, additional hurdles to overcome are essential to realize before applying. As a non-US citizen, your eligibility for US residency programs hinges on visa support, such as the H1B Visa or J1 Visa, which not all programs provide. Furthermore, understanding the specifics of these visas is important. For example, the J1 Visa requires returning to your home country for two years or obtaining a waiver by serving in an underserved US area. Meanwhile, the H1B visa mandates passing the USMLEIII or COMLEXIII exam to be eligible. While many Canadians successfully navigate these challenges, it’s necessary to recognize this unique journey compared to US applicants.” – Dr. Shaughnelene Smith, DO.

Medical school immigration arrangements and postgraduate residency immigration arrangements are separate considerations. Canadian students should confirm which forms of sponsorship are available at residency programs they may eventually wish to attend.

Residency Options for Canadians at US Schools

Canadian citizens graduating from accredited US MD or DO programs can apply for residency positions in the United States alongside other US medical graduates. However, citizenship and immigration status can affect whether a particular residency program can employ or sponsor them.

Most US residency applicants use the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS), and many programs participate in the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP).

As a Canadian who graduates from a US medical school, you are generally considered a US medical graduate for US residency purposes, rather than an international medical graduate solely because of your citizenship. US residency programs may evaluate American-trained graduates differently from international medical graduates, although no applicant is guaranteed a residency position.

“I would advise any Canadian applicant interested in applying to medical schools in the United States to consider their desired practice location and stay updated on relevant regulations, as they can change annually … Personally, I chose to apply exclusively to US residency programs because they seemed like a better fit for me and my family. However, I'm glad I learned about the reciprocity agreement, as it offered comfort knowing that I could always return to Canada if my trajectory changes.” – Dr. Shaughnelene Smith, DO.

Returning to Canada for residency is a separate matter. Under CaRMS rules, graduates of US allopathic medical schools who graduated before July 1, 2025 are generally classified as Canadian Medical Graduates (CMGs). Those graduating on or after July 1, 2025 are generally classified as International Medical Graduates (IMGs) for the Canadian residency match, subject to a limited exception for certain combined-degree programs.

The classification can affect eligibility, examination requirements, and the residency positions available to Canadian citizens who studied in the United States.

“As a DO graduate, I did not apply to the Canadian Resident Matching Service due to the limited recognition of DO degrees in Canada, which restricts residency opportunities for graduates of osteopathic medical programs.” – Dr. Laroia, DO.

To be eligible to match to a residency program in Canada, you must be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada. All students looking to match to residency in Canada must use the Canadian Resident Matching Service (CaRMS) to apply.

If you are a Canadian citizen with a US medical school degree, returning to Canada for residency may be more difficult than matching to a US program. Applicants classified as IMGs generally face different eligibility requirements and may have fewer residency options than Canadian Medical Graduates.

Canadian students who plan to complete both medical school and residency in the United States may also wish to return to Canada after completing their training. Licensing arrangements vary according to medical degree, specialty, certification, residency training, and the province where the physician wants to practise. Completing a US residency does not necessarily require repeating residency in Canada, but recognition of training is not automatic.

Before choosing a US medical school, investigate how the degree and subsequent residency training will affect your intended professional pathway.

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Disclaimer: although we have made every effort to provide the most accurate information, admissions information changes frequently. Therefore, we encourage you to verify these details with the official university admissions office. You are responsible for your own results. BeMo does not endorse nor affiliate with any official universities, colleges, or test administrators and vice versa. If you see an error here, please notify us with the updated information, and we’ll send you a FREE copy of a BeMo ebook of your choosing! You can receive our Ultimate Guide to Med School Admissions, our Ultimate Guide to MMI Prep, our Ultimate Guide to Medical School Personal Statements & Secondary Essays or our Ultimate Guide to CASPer Prep! Please email us at content [at] bemoacademicconsulting.com with any corrections, and we’ll arrange to send you your free ebook upon confirming the information.