Students in Canada: Here’s a Guide to Studying Medicine in the UK

Yes, Canadians can go to medical school in the UK, as long as you follow the correct steps and secure your student visa. The UK is an attractive option for domestic and international students from Canada because: 

• According to QS Top University Rankings, 4 of the top 10 medical schools in the world are in the UK. 

• The UK invests the equivalent of $68.4 billion CAD in medical research and is globally recognized for advancements in medicine including treatments and pioneering research.  

• Canadian students can enter medical school directly from high school and do not require an undergraduate degree. 

While medical school in general is highly competitive, the UK system offers unique experiences and opportunities for international students. To help you decide whether you would rather study medicine in Canada or the UK, here are the key differences between the two.  

Globally recognized for its role in medical research, treatments, and highly ranked medical schools, there are several benefits to studying in the UK as a Canadian student, including: 

1. Global reputation. Schools in the UK make up 40% of the top 10 medical schools in the world and have a reputation for pioneering solutions to many of the urgent medical issues today. 

2. Robust medical history. The UK is recognized for its role in the medical field, including the creation of the first vaccine by Edward Jenner, the identification of the DNA double helix structure in 1953, and the first IVF conception in 1978, just to name a few!  

3. Wide range of medical qualifications. Medical school students can specialize in over 60 areas with flexible modular course structure that can be adapted to individual interests. There are also seven core fields students can focus on including: 

• General practice 

• Anaesthetics 

• Medicine 

• Pathology 

• Psychiatry 

• Radiology 

• Surgery 

4. Postgraduate training opportunities. After graduation, international students can stay in the UK via the Graduate route visa or the Skilled worker route visa.  

5. Working opportunities. International students can work up to 20 hours per week during their studies, including off-campus work. 

6. Safety and diversity. The UK is known for being welcoming, progressive, and safe. Many international students choose to study there due to its diversity and low crime rate.  

7. Travel opportunities. Studying in the UK gives international students a gateway to exploring the rest of Europe. The UK Council for International Student Affairs has these tips for travelling while you study.

s an international student, you will require the following to be admitted to a medical school in the UK: 

• A minimum of 85% in Biology, Chemistry, and Mathematics or Physics 

• An average of 85% in Grade 12 (minimum GPA of 3.3) 

• Completion of the UCAT (UK Clinical Aptitude Test) 

• Minimum IELTS score as listed by your school 

You will also need to fulfill the requirements outlined in your school’s application, which typically includes a personal statement. Refer to your school of choice for the most accurate information. Scroll down for information on how to apply for medical school in the UK as an international student. (See Above)

According to the British Council, the governmental organization for international culture and education, the costs of studying medicine in the UK for international students (in CAD) are as follows. 

• Postgraduate tuition fees: Between CAD $16.5K - 55.3K. Refer to your school of choice for the most accurate information and fee schedule.  

• Student residence: CAD $1.2K - $1.5K  

• Bills (Gas, electricity, water, broadband and TV): CAD $147 - $258  

• Groceries: CAD $213 - $285  

• Entertainment and dining out: CAD $147 - $276 

• Public transit: CAD $99 - $190* 

• Cell phone: CAD $33  

*Students are eligible for a 30% discount on public transit with a Student Oyster Card.

Here is a list of the top 10 medical colleges in the UK for international students, including the top courses according to global rankings, so you can pick the right school based on your chosen specialization and field of focus.  

* According to QS Top Universities Global Ranking for Medicine, 2025 
**According to US News Best Global Universities 

If you are a Canadian student applying for medical school in the UK, the process requires some unique considerations. Here are the key steps for completing your application.  

1. Select your medical school of choice. Your shortlist for medical schools can depend on several factors including cost, location, reputation and recognition, and your area of focus and specialization.  

2. Take the UCAT. You should be completing your UCAT a year prior to when you would like to begin your studies. For example, it is recommended that you take your UCAT between July 7 and September 26 2025 if you want to begin medical school in 2026. Speak to an IDP Canada counsellor for more information today. 

3. Create your UCAS account and complete your application. Register and submit your application via the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). Make sure you take ample time to write your personal statement, which communicates why you want to study medicine based on your personal experiences and goals.  

4. Accept your offer. Once you receive an offer from your school, complete the acceptance process. This may include an interview before receipt of an official offer. 

5. Secure funding. There are many available scholarships for international students to study medicine in the UK. You can refer to the British Council’s directory for a list of available scholarships or peruse the UK Council for International Student Affairs for support with funding. Your school will also have bursaries and scholarships, so make sure you refer to their international student centre for more information. 

6. Apply for your general student visa (tier 4). Make sure you meet the requirements for your UK student visa including documentation of your official offer and sufficient funds. You cannot apply for your visa earlier than three months before your program commences. For more information see the British Medical Association’s ‘Studying in the UK and your visa’ page.  

7. Arrange your accommodation and flights. Account for enough time for you to move, attend orientation, and explore the city on your own! You may even be able to find your new favourite coffee shop or park before you begin your studies.  

Looking for extra guidance? Many international students refer to student counsellors at IDP Canada for additional support throughout their medical school application and visa process, so their stress is kept at a minimum. Find out more here.

The UK is an ideal choice for international students who want quality education and the opportunity to play a significant role in medical advancements on the global stage. Not only is the UK a beautiful place to live, it also offers many opportunities after graduation and sees international students as a valuable part of the medical workforce. In fact, 52% of doctors in the UK are international medical graduates.

If you are ready to begin your journey to apply for UK medical school, support is available. Check out our international student resources or book a free call with IDP Canada’s student counsellors. We are here to help you secure the future you want.  An IDP counsellor can help you create a personalized study abroad plan that covers everything including:    

• Applying and getting accepted    

• Securing your Visa    

• Arranging accommodations, banking, and health insurance    

• Lining up any other service you may need to succeed.   

Best of all, because of our partnerships in the UK, these services are offered by IDP at no cost to you!   

Book your appointment with IDP Canada now!