January 25, 2020
4 Reasons Why the University of Calgary Medical School Is Right for You
Here you can find out more about the University Of Calgary Medical School Admission Requirements and University of Calgary acceptance rate.
Finding the right medical school is a real challenge for aspiring doctors. Medical school applications are long, acceptance rates are low, and choosing the right school is a stressful decision.
Are you interested in attending medical school at one of Canada’s smaller more intimate schools? Then the University of Calgary medical school may be the right choice for you. Attending U of C medicine lets you benefit from living in a larger city without the downsides of living in a massive city like Toronto or Vancouver.

The Cumming School of Medicine is part of the University of Calgary. Calgary is one of Canada’s mid-sized larger cities, and it’s surrounded by the gorgeous rocky mountains. UCalgary medicine offers a balance between city life and rural living, which may seem attractive to some applicants.
The Cumming School of Medicine was founded in 1967 and is a leading research-driven institution. It offers a three-year MD program as opposed to the four-year programs offered at other schools.
Its admission requirements aren’t as demanding as other schools either, and tuition is often more affordable.
UCalgary medicine does this by including the pre-clerkship program year-round and shortening summer breaks between academic years. This way, students can attain a comprehensive medical education in less time than in other institutions.
The University of Calgary Medical School is an often overlooked option due to its location, however, it provides an attractive alternative for those looking to enter the field sooner.
University of Calgary Medical School Admission Requirements and Information
Do you meet the admissions requirement for U of C medicine? We’ve compiled everything you need to know when it comes to admission requirements.
Admission Requirements
- Canadian citizenship or permanent resident status. UCalgary is a provincial university and its primary obligations are to Alberta residents. No international students are admitted unless through specific programs by universities with ties to U of Calgary. The school primarily accepts students from Alberta, with only 15% of applicants coming from out-of-province.
- A minimum of two full-time years of a bachelor’s degree must be completed before applying. A minimum GPA calculated from your two best years of study that is above 3.2 for Alberta residents, or above 3.8 for out-of-province applicants.
- MCAT. Not required for Alberta residents who have met the GPA requirement; minimum of 127 on the CARS section for out-of-province applicants.
- Letters of reference. Three letters of reference are required.
- Interviews. Some applicants are invited to a short round of interviews to assess the applicant on non-academic criteria, such as emotional maturity, collaborative values, insight, and leadership skills.
General Information
- The first-year class size was 144 in the 2017/18 academic year. The Cumming School of Medicine has a significantly smaller class size than larger universities like the University of Toronto.
- 17% average acceptance rate. The Cumming Medical School has a much higher acceptance rate than more competitive schools like the University of Toronto or Western University.
- Tuition. $15,012.18 plus general fees.
UCalgary Medical School is a very attractive option for potential students offering:
- a higher acceptance rate, especially for Albertans
- a program is one year shorter than most, and
- more affordable tuition than other popular medical schools.
If you live in Alberta or are an out of province student with a stellar academic record, the Cumming School of Medicine should be on your radar.
4 Reasons to Study at the University of Calgary Medicine
So, why should you choose U of C medical school over other options out there? Calgary is an attractive city to live in for a variety of reasons. Here are a few of the reasons why we believe you should consider uCalgary medicine.
1. It’s a Research School
UCalgary Medical School is a research-heavy institution with connections to research networks and hospitals both locally and nationally. You will have opportunities to conduct research to enrich your academic life and help advance medicine.
This makes this an attractive school if you’re interested in working in medical research versus active care.
2. Calgary Offers Something for Everyone
The City of Calgary is rich in a unique culture, a combination of rustic living, eco-friendly values and an entrepreneurial spirit. Renowned for many things including its natural beauty and world-famous Calgary Stampede, there is always something to see in the city.
Calgary offers a solid mix of shopping, outdoor activities and large arts and entertainment festivals. The Rocky Mountains are an hour’s drive – and Edmonton is just three hours away. Plus, Calgary is the sunniest city in Canada with an average of 333 days of sunlight annually.
3. The Calgary Stampede
The self-proclaimed “Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth” has been attracting millions of visitors for decades. It includes a stampede, market, parade, exhibition, and thousands of other activities. This event takes place every year in July and lasts for ten days.
If you’re not too busy with your classes at the Cumming School of Medicine, you can catch the Calgary Parade. It features over 200 horses and dozens of marching bands and floats. This event is deeply rooted in Albertan culture and is a must-see for anyone interested.
Are you looking for something a little more exciting? World-class horse races, derbies, and rodeos take place over the course of the event too. Hundreds of the best racers compete in one of the largest events of its kind on Earth.
4. The Natural Beauty Is Out of This World
Are you more of an outdoorsy person? Calgary has you covered on that too. The city is conveniently located near some of Canada’s best national parks.
Banff National Park of Canada – about an hour away — is a world-famous national park that offers amazing hiking, scenery, and is a great place to recharge when you’re feeling stressed from school. You can even take a short drive down to the iconic Lake Louise.
Other parks located near Calgary include Jasper National Park of Canada, Mt. Robson Provincial Park, and the Glacier National Park (in Idaho, USA).
If you love nature, then studying at the Cumming School of Medicine is one of Canada’s most beautiful provinces is definitely worth considering.
Find out how you can increase your chances of getting into the University of Calgary Medical School.
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Get Accepted to U of C Medicine With Our Help
Are you interested in attending the Cumming School of Medicine? MedApplication’s team of doctors and medical professionals can help you with the application process and more. We have decades of experience working with young students to help them realize their dreams.
The UCalgary Medical School is an excellent choice for prospective students looking for an alternative to other institutions. Its 3-year program lets students enter the workforce earlier, and practice what they love.
The research centered environment provides students with opportunities to develop their medical expertise while studying. Its affiliation with hospitals and medical networks positions UCalgary medicine competitively with other Canadian medical schools.
Students will have the opportunity of living in Calgary and experiencing its unique flavor of Canadian life. They will also have access to some of Canada’s most iconic national parks, the Calgary Stampede, and more.
The Cumming Medical School should be a top contender when choosing your future in medicine. UCalgary medicine and Alberta have a great deal to offer to your career and personal life.
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FAQs
Is it hard to get into med school Calgary? ›
They are an excellent medical school with world-class research institutes and approximately 2,900 students dedicated to improving the lives of others. In 2021, the UCalgary medical school acceptance rate was 7.80%. Of the 1,845 undergraduate students that applied, only 144 were admitted into the program.
How hard is it to get into U of Calgary? ›The University of Calgary has an acceptance rate around 20%, so it is considered difficult to get into and fairly competitive. Since the university is among the top of Canadian universities rankings, this isn't too surprising.
What is the acceptance rate of University of Calgary for international students? ›Speaking about the acceptance rate for a bachelor's degree, it is pretty tricky for students from Canada and international students seeking admission to this prestigious university. The acceptance rate for undergraduate programs is just 10-20% making it the lowest acceptance rate for any university in Canada.
What average GPA does UofC med school accept? ›GPA and MCAT. For in-province applicants, the minimum medical school GPA requirement is 3.20. For out-of-province applicants, the GPA cut-off is 3.80. Be mindful that UofC does not round your GPA, i.e. if your GPA is 3.79, you do not meet the criteria.
Does Calgary have a doctor shortage? ›Copping has previously stated that the province's doctor shortage is a government priority and progress has been made to address the issue. According to Copping, the number of registered doctors in Alberta increased by 254 throughout 2022, bringing the total number of physicians in the province to 11,407.
What is the easiest Canadian med school to get into? ›The University of Saskatchewan is the “easiest” medical school to get into with an acceptance rate of 18%. Keep in mind that all of the medical schools in this article are somewhat difficult to get into, which is why they are considered the best medical schools in Canada.
How good is Calgary for international students? ›Calgary is one of the best cities to study in Canada among international candidates. Most of the colleges and universities in Calgary are home to various international students from over 119 countries across the world.
Is University of Calgary a good medical school? ›The UCalgary Medical School is an excellent choice for prospective students looking for an alternative to other institutions. Its 3-year program lets students enter the workforce earlier, and practice what they love.
Is University of Calgary prestigious? ›Rankings and accolades
The University of Calgary ranked in the 151-200 range internationally, and #7-8 nationally, ranked by Academic Ranking of World Universities for 2021.
We welcome applications to the MD Program from Canadian citizens, permanent residents of Canada, or individuals with refugee status in Canada. We do not accept International students.
How long does it take for University of Calgary to accept you? ›
The University of Calgary will make a decision on your application within 2-3 weeks of confirming the receipt of all the required admission documents. So, mark these dates in your calendars and prepare all the documents and requirements accordingly!
Is it harder for international students to get accepted? ›Is it harder for international students to get accepted at US universities? In general, no. Many international students are accepted into US universities every year. In 2020, the average acceptance rate for international students at top US universities was 43.8%.
What is the lowest GPA medical schools will accept? ›Most medical schools set a cap at a 3.0 GPA. Generally, a low GPA is less than a school's 75th or 80th percentile. You can also review your chosen school's average GPA for accepted students. If your GPA is more than 0.3 points below that average, you can assume the school will consider it low.
Is 3.4 GPA OK for med school? ›Admissions statistics from U.S. medical schools show that they tend to have high academic standards. All of the 121 ranked schools in the U.S. News 2022 Best Medical Schools rankings reported the median GPA among their entering students in fall 2020 as 3.46 or higher on a 4.0 grading scale.
What is the lowest GPA for med school Canada? ›Grade Point Average (GPA)
You must obtain a minimum GPA of 3.6 / 4.0 on the Ontario Medical School Application Service (OMSAS) scale. The possession of the minimum GPA requirement does not guarantee acceptance. Based on statistics from recent admissions cycles, a minimum GPA of 3.8 is considered competitive.
“Some doctors in Alberta have just decided they can't keep working in that province. They just don't feel the trust or relationship there.” Accounting for retirements, deaths and those removed from the registry as well as incoming new doctors, the number of Alberta physicians grew by 45 in 2021.
Why are doctors leaving Canada? ›Reportedly, amid a shortage of healthcare workers and lack of support from the federal government, medical students and new doctors in Canada are struggling to find opportunities in their field to help fill the much-needed gap in the country's healthcare system. So, they are looking to move out of the nation.
Why does Canada lack doctors? ›Limited residency spots, a lack of professionals to evaluate prospective physicians, and funding shortfalls have created a chain of bottlenecks. And the shortages are adding pressure to an already strained healthcare system, as patients unable to find family doctors turn to emergency rooms instead.
Do Canadian medical schools accept US students? ›First of all, it is important to note that not all Canadian medical schools accept international and US students. Some Canadian medical schools have special arrangements with certain foreign countries to accept a limited number of international applicants who will be expected to stay and practice medicine in Canada.
Why are Canadian med schools so hard to get into? ›There simply aren't that many medical schools and hospitals in the country, nor is there enough staffing and resources to accommodate a greater number of students and interns. That's why Canadian medical schools heavily favor candidates who reside in the same provinces.
What is the #1 university in Calgary? ›
...
1. University of Calgary.
Type of University | Public |
---|---|
Study benefits | Well-recognized worldwide, lower tuition fees, and offer scholarship options to local and international students |
Located in Southern Alberta, Calgary endures very cold winters, although not as cold as Alberta's capital city, Edmonton, which lies farther north. Snow depths of greater than 1 cm are seen on about 88 days each year in Calgary compared with about 65 days in Toronto. Calgary has a prairie-steppe type climate.
What is the reputation of Calgary? ›The annual rankings were released today by the widely respected organization with Calgary as the top city in North America and tied with Zurich, Switzerland for third in the global rankings after first-place Vienna, Austria and Copenhagen, Denmark.
How much do doctors make in Calgary? ›The average salary for a Physician is $222,307 in Calgary, AB.
Is University of Calgary competitive? ›All applicants must satisfy the admission requirements. Admission to all programs at the University of Calgary is competitive.
Is University of Calgary Ivy League? ›Now, the question arises if there are any Ivy League colleges In Canada, the answer to which is no. However, Canadian institutions have sparked much controversy over the years about whether they are considered 'Ivy League,' or at the very least, similar to American universities.
Is University of Calgary cheap for international students? ›University of Calgary
The university also stands tall in the list for cheap universities in Canada for international students 2022, and offers an employability rate of 94%.
- University of Toronto. Canada|Toronto. #1. ...
- University of British Columbia. Canada|Vancouver. #2. ...
- McGill University. Canada|Montreal. #3. ...
- University of Alberta. Canada|Edmonton. #4. ...
- McMaster University. Canada|Hamilton. ...
- Universite de Montreal. Canada|Montreal. ...
- University of Calgary. Canada|Calgary. ...
- University of Waterloo. Canada|Waterloo.
- Computer Science.
- Engineering.
- Health.
- Social Science and Humanities.
McGill University attracts thousands of international students from over 150 countries every year, and the highest percentage of PhD students of any Canadian research university. Admission deadline: February 1, 2022.
How hard is it to get into med school in Alberta? ›
The minimum medical school cGPA requirement of Albertan applicants is 3.3 on the UofA 4.0 grading scale. Out-of-province applicants must have at least 3.5 cGPA to be considered for the program. Last year's matriculants had 3.85 cGPA.
Can a university reject you after acceptance? ›Colleges can revoke an admitted student's acceptance at any time. The most common reasons include poor grades, disciplinary infractions, and honor code violations. Students at risk of not graduating high school can have their admission revoked. Colleges typically reach out before revoking an admission offer.
Is University of Calgary open for international students? ›We offer our international students a range of high-quality programs, exceptional paid work experiences through co-op and internship programs, and a multitude of opportunities to make a difference and contribute to a variety of research goals through our Undergraduate PURE award program.
How do you know if you got accepted into University of Calgary? ›Step 1: Log in to my.ucalgary.ca (or your Student Centre) using your eID and password (this is the same eID & password used to create your online application). Step 2: In your Student Centre, click on the My Application tab (on the left-hand side of the main page under the Home tab).
Why do international students get rejected? ›Common Reasons behind Student Visa Rejection
Lack of sufficient financial funds or proofs to support foreign education. The inability of confirming a necessary return to India after completion of education. Incorrect or false documents. Inadequate language or communication skills.
Compared to the U.S., it can be relatively easier to get admission into Canadian universities or colleges. For admission into bachelor's programs as an international student, Canadian universities typically take your high school academic track record into account.
Which US school has high acceptance rate for international students? ›Best Colleges With High Acceptance Rate
Cameron University. Weber State University. Northeastern State University. Cleveland State University.
In general, pre-med students are advised to retake courses in which they have earned a 'C. ' In reality, one or two 'C's will not rule out medical school for anyone, especially for otherwise high-achieving students.
Can I get into med school with a 2.8 GPA? ›Last year, 17% of med school applicants with a GPA between 2.8 and 3.0 who also had an MCAT score between 502–505 got accepted. That is a very moderate MCAT score. For people with that same GPA range but above a 517 MCAT score, there was a 42% acceptance rate.
Can a high MCAT offset a low GPA? ›Myth 2: A high MCAT score will make up for my low GPA, or vice versa. Fact: This myth is true at a certain level but only in extreme cases. For example, a student who has a 3.4 GPA (which would be considered a low GPA by premed standards) but a 519 MCAT has a decent chance of getting into an allopathic medical school.
Is a 3.6 too low for med school? ›
GPAs can vary significantly across different medical schools, so it pays to do your research before applying. The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) reported an average GPA for medical school of 3.60 across all applicants for the 2021-2022 application cycle.
How many B's can I get for med school? ›In some courses, a third to a half of students will get a grade below B. An overall average of 3.6 is competitive for med school applications. Sometimes, a lower average works but only with some extra strengths.
What is a competitive GPA for med school Australia? ›The average accepted GPA at Australian medical school is 2.7 or higher. It's generally a good idea to have a GPA of at 3.0 and above for a fair shot at getting accepted.
Can you fail med school in Canada? ›Most Canadian medical schools have pass/fail for all 4 years of medical school. In the U.S., it's more common to have pass/fail during the preclinical years, but a graded system with Honors, High Pass, Pass, and Fail during the clinical years.
Can I be a doctor with a 2.5 GPA? ›Probably not. There may be a route if you will take a course after receiving your Bachelors Degree, where you retake all of the pre-med courses, and achieve a 4.0 GPA. But a GPA of 2.5 is far, far below the standard for medical school admission.
Are Canadian med schools harder to get into? ›There's a myth that Canadian medical schools have lower standards of admission than other schools because the country has a shortage of doctors. In reality, medical school admissions rates in Canada are quite low compared to those of the United States—averaging around 17 percent nationally vs. 36 percent.
Which Australian medical school is the easiest to get into? ›- University of Adelaide Medical School. ...
- Deakin University School of Medicine. ...
- Griffith University School of Medicine. ...
- Macquarie University. ...
- Melbourne Medical School. ...
- University of Notre Dame Australia School of Medicine, Freemantle MD Program.
The average overall acceptance rate for all the medical schools in Canada is 5.5%. This number might be a bit higher for in-province applicants, but generally speaking, Canadian medical schools are very selective.
Is a 3.8 GPA good for med school Canada? ›Grade Point Average (GPA)
You must obtain a minimum GPA of 3.6 / 4.0 on the Ontario Medical School Application Service (OMSAS) scale. The possession of the minimum GPA requirement does not guarantee acceptance. Based on statistics from recent admissions cycles, a minimum GPA of 3.8 is considered competitive.
A good MCAT score is around 511 or higher, since that is the average MCAT score of successful matriculants. Keep in mind that many students get accepted to medical school with lower MCAT scores, too. But 511+ is considered competitive.
What GPA do you need to get into University of Alberta med school? ›
To be eligible to apply, a minimum GPA of 3.30 is required for Alberta residents and 3.50 for Non-Alberta residents. Applicants are required to write the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT).
Is Canadian medical degree valid in USA? ›Permanent Residence
Canadian medical education and Canadian medical training are fully recognized by U.S. immigration laws for green card or permanent resident purposes. So this means that for permanent residents, a Canadian does not need to take any further test credentials.
First of all, it is important to note that not all Canadian medical schools accept international and US students. Some Canadian medical schools have special arrangements with certain foreign countries to accept a limited number of international applicants who will be expected to stay and practice medicine in Canada.
Is the Canadian and American MCAT the same? ›Both the MCAT in Canada and the US follow the same format. The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), which created and oversees the MCAT, does so in order to offer medical schools with standard metrics for assessing applicants' credentials and readiness for medical school, both in Canada and the US.
What is the number 1 medical school in Australia? ›The University of Sydney Medical School is ranked number 1 in Australia by QS Top Universities Rankings 2022. The school is ranked number 18 globally for medicine according to QS Top Universities Rankings by Subject 2022.
What is a good GPA for med Australia? ›For the GPA, standard applicants will be required to have a minimum of 5, and rural applicants a minimum of 4.5.
What GPA do you need to be a doctor in Australia? ›To get into medical school in Australia you'll need a good GAMSAT score, a GPA of at least 2.7, a strong medicine portfolio or GEMSAS application and a very good performance in the medicine interview.
Is it easier to become a doctor in UK or Canada? ›Residency in the UK is a much longer process compared to Canada. Here, every doctor is required to complete a two-year Foundation programme followed by 3 – 8 years of further training to become a specialist.
Which Canadian medical schools accept international students? ›- University of Toronto.
- McGill University.
- McMaster University.
- University of Alberta.
- University of British Columbia.
- University of Calgary.
- University of Ottawa.
- Dalhousie University.
There are very few medical school dropouts in Canada. In 2017, only 53 students left medical school, representing 0.5% of the student body, according to data from the Association of Faculties of Medicine of Canada.