Top Medical Schools in British Columbia 2023

Top Medical Schools in British Columbia: I believe if you are here, it means one thing, you are looking to make a decision about which medical schools in British Columbia you should apply to.

No doubt, learning about your Med school requirements is usually the first step to take especially if you’re looking at attending UBC in British Columbia. 

Becoming a medical doctor, they say, is an honorable profession. Honestly, I could not have agreed more.

Over the years, medicine still remains one of the most applied courses, especially for study abroad students.

Most schools in British Columbia receive lots of applications from students across boards applying to study medicine or its related courses.

For emphasis, the faculty of medicine in Northern British Columbia receives about 2,400 applications annually.

Against this number, they just have openings for 288 undergraduate students. 

And out of the 288 students selected, 32 will be admitted into the IMP, NMP, and SMP each, while 192 spots are available at the VFMP. 

With this high influx of admission applications and few entries, we still see that British Columbia still receives more and more admission applications for medicine programs.

Is there something about British Columbia and its medicine program?

Why do people apply to British Columbia medical schools?

What makes British Columbia Med schools exceptional?

Well, there are many sides to that question and I’m sure you want to find out.

So, in this guide, we have gathered all the information you need to know about medical schools in British Columbia.

Also, we have included the admission statistics and course requirements for med school in British Columbia.

Because there are a lot of great schools for medicine in British Columbia, we have helped you streamline your choice by stating some features that should help you choose a good school.

Ready?

Welcome Aboard Scholar!!!

What did You Hear About British Columbia?

British Columbia, whose capital is Victoria, lies along the Pacific Northwest coast of Canada covering 944,735 km², with around 27, 200 kilometers of rugged coastline.

Nature takes its full course in British Columbia with well-defined areas such as Glacier National Park good for hiking and biking.

There are breathtaking mountains, lush forests, bustling cities, and beautiful islands which makes British Columbia a place for everyone who loves outdoor activities.

And when it comes to education, British Columbia is one of the world’s most popular and respected study abroad destinations because of its world-renowned education and transfer system.

Teaching and research universities in BC offer both undergraduate, graduate, diplomas, and certificate programs for all professionals.

With a population of almost 5 million, BC is well-established and has a large community which increases the need for medical personnel.

Physicians are in high demand in BC, especially in the rural and northern regions of the province, and can live and work in a variety of settings.

This need has led to the influx of more students, especially international students who want to study in medical schools in British Columbia and afterward work in the state.

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Are There Medical Schools in British Columbia?

Yes, there are medical schools in British Columbia that exceed your expectations about medical studies.

Also, most of the med schools in British Columbia are recognized beyond its borders into Canada and farther extends into North America as a whole.

You will find a list we have put together to help you find the best medical school for you if you want to study in British Columbia.

What are the Eligibility Criteria To Apply To Medical Schools in British Columbia?

The eligibility criteria to apply to any medical school in British Columbia is to want to study medicine.

As long as you have that desire, you can apply to any school of your choice.

However, where the issue lies is that you must be either a permanent resident, a citizen of Canada, or have Canadian refugee status. 

Therefore, any other requirement that will validate your application will be school-specific.

So once you have made a choice of school you can go ahead to find out their specific requirements that will enable you to apply rightly and gain admission.

However, keep in mind that most schools will base their med school admission requirements in British Columbia to settle around the following;

• Academic Standing
• Credit Requirement
• Transcript Requirements
• Prerequisites Requirements
• Applicants with Disabilities
• Graduate Student Applicants
• Citizenship and BC Residency Status
• AP, IB, A-Levels, and Cambridge Pre-U
• MCAT (SEE medical schools in Canada without MCAT)

How Long Is Medical School in UBC British Columbia?

To become a doctor in British Columbia, you must meet the education, training & qualifications.

One of which is getting a Doctor of Medicine degree (MD). 

Usually becoming a doctor takes a long time because you have to attend a medical school, UBC for instance in British Columbia.

This will require you to complete four years of undergraduate training before taking four years of medical school. 

This is followed by a residency in a chosen or assigned specialization, which may take between two and seven years to complete.

Also, a combined MD-PhD program takes 7 years to complete. 

This program is designed for students who want to pursue a career as clinician-scientists

This invariably states that each school has its specified duration for the medical program making how long you get to spend in UBC for instance differ from another med school.

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Top Medical Schools in British Columbia

Without further ado, let’s take you across the top best British Columbia medical schools and their requirements to apply to a med school in the region.

But first, keep in mind that British Columbia just has one medical school which is the University of British Columbia UBC.

Other medical schools we have listed above offer an aspect of medicine, not a full medical program.

Ready?

#1. University of British Columbia Faculty of Medicine

• Acceptance Rate: 53%
• School Type: Non-profit
• Language Instruction: English
• Accreditation: Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills & Training of British Columbia
• Location: 2329 West Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 1Z4  Canada

UBC Faculty of Medicine aims at providing the highest possible standards of excellence in patient care, teaching and research.

Every year, the University of British Columbia receives 2300 applicants when there are just 280 positions available in the MD program.

This influx of applications clearly states that UBC is one of the best medical schools in British Columbia.

Currently, there are 59,354 medical students, 5,793 surgery students, and 5,791 students studying Oncology and Cancer research.

UBC ranks 29th in North America, 2nd in Canada, and 1st in British Columbia.

Also, the highest medical degree you can obtain at UBC is the Doctoral degree. 

The University of British Columbia med school requirements is just a secondary school certificate or recognized foreign equivalent.

When it comes to tuition, Canadian Citizens or Permanent Residents going for an undergraduate degree in UBC pay about CAD$4,890.30-7,245.90 per annum.

#2. Simon Fraser University

• Acceptance Rate: 59%
• School Type: Non-profit
• Language Instruction: English
• Accreditation: Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills & Training of British Columbia
• Location: 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, British Columbia, V5A1S6, Canada

Simon Fraser University popularly known as SFU is one of the top-ranking med schools in British Columbia.

Its medical program is a catalyst for change in healthcare all across British Columbia and Canada.

SFU accelerates health innovation in preventive team-based, and community-based care while also emphasizing the health needs of underserved and marginalized populations.

Currently, Simon Fraser University ranks #76 in North America, #7 in Canada, #2 in British Columbia, and #1 in Burnaby.

Also at SFU, there are 5,785 medical students, 949 public health students, and 659 students studying Cognitive Science.

SFU med school admissions requirements include a secondary school certificate or recognized foreign equivalent.

Undergraduate tuition fee for medical students at SFU is 173.91-231.88 per unit for local students and 654.94-734.91 per unit for international students.

On the other hand, graduate research programs full-time costs.1,728.80 per term or 5,186.40 per year.

#3. University of Victoria

• Acceptance Rate: 64%
• School Type: Non-profit
• Language Instruction: English
• Accreditation: Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills & Training of British Columbia
• Location: 1700, Victoria, British Columbia, V8W 2Y2, Canada

The University of Victoria ranks #125 in  North America, #17 in Canada, #3 in British Columbia, and #1 in Victoria where it resides.

Being one of the top-rated medical schools in British Columbia, the University has a long history of competence in education.

Its current total enrollment numbers at 17,500 with the highest degree obtainable to be Doctorate.

Currently, at the University of Victoria, there are 4,475 medical students, 3,644 studying psychology and 838 in child psychology, 700 students are enrolled in public health, and 673 students studying Healthcare Management (MHA).

The University of med school admissions requirements ensures that you have a secondary school certificate or recognized foreign equivalent.

Undergraduate Tuition at the University of Victoria costs 317.74 per unit for international students and 1,028.12 per unit for local students. 

On the other hand, graduate tuition fees cost 1,650.08 for Canadian students and 1,963.44 for International students. 

ALSO READ: Medical School Scholarships for International Students In Canada 2022

#4. University of Northern British Columbia

• Acceptance Rate: 73%
• School Type: Non-profit
• Language Instruction: English
• Accreditation: Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada
• Location: 3333 University Way Prince George, British Columbia, V2N 4Z9, Canada.

Next on our list of best medical schools in British Columbia is the University of Northern British Columbia.

Just like its name suggests, the University of Northern British Columbia is located in the northern hemisphere of British Columbia.

It’s a school with over decades of track record in academic excellence and offering quality education.

Currently, the University of Northern British Columbia ranks #445 in North America, #45 in Canada, and #4 in British Columbia with a student enrollment of 3,500.

To apply to the University of Northern British Columbia Med school, you must have successfully completed an academic grade 12 program.

Currently, there are 659 medical students, 429 psychology students, 143 public health students, 124 Healthcare Management (MHA) students, and 116 nursing students at the University of Northern British Columbia.

Tuition costs 151.28 per credit hour for domestic students and 529.47 per credit hour for foreign students.

On the other hand, graduate studies cost 864-922.18 per semester.

#5. University of the Fraser Valley

• Acceptance Rate: 74%
• School Type: Non-profit
• Language Instruction: English
• Accreditation: British Columbia Ministry of Advanced Education, CBIE, BCCIE, AUCC, ACC.
• Location: 170033844 King Road, Abbotsford, British Columbia, V2S 7M8 Canada.

The University of the Fraser Valley medical program is one that is respected within and outside the British Columbia region.

Each year international students apply to study medicine at the University of the Fraser Valley due to its reputation around the globe.

Currently, the University of the Fraser Valley ranks #593 in North America, #51 in Canada, and #6 in British Columbia with a student enrollment of 15,000.

The University of the Fraser Valley offers all courses including medicine at the undergraduate level but only goes further to a master’s degree and nothing higher.

Although the number of medical students is just 217 they get the best medical education.

The University of the Fraser Valley med school admissions requirements require you to have passed the entrance examinations and have a good past academic record and grades.

#6. Trinity Western University

• Acceptance Rate: 58%
• School Type: Non-profit
• Language Instruction: English
• Accreditation: Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills & Training of British Columbia.
• Location: 7600 Glover Road, Langley, British Columbia, V2Y 1Y1, Canada. 

Next on our list of top medical schools in British Columbia is Trinity Western University. 

Trinity Western University is a private school that offers medicine and its related courses. 

Since its inception, Trinity Western University has established a long reputation of excellence earning it favorable spots in the different ranking systems.

Currently, the university ranks #742 in North America, #6 in Canada, and #8 in British Columbia with a student enrollment of 4,000 with 200 being medical students.

If you are applying to Trinity Western University med school, one of the admissions requirements will include a secondary school certificate or recognized foreign equivalent.

Tuition fees at Trinity Western University cost CAD$7,500 per semester.

#7. Thompson Rivers University

• Acceptance Rate: 61%
• School Type: Non-profit
• Language Instruction: English
• Accreditation: Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills & Training of British Columbia
• Location: 900 McGill Road Kamloops, British Columbia, V2C 5N3, Canada. 

Since its establishment in 1970, Thompson Rivers University has established itself as one of the best universities in North America.

Its academic prowess draws students across various countries of the globe to study many of its varieties of courses including medicine.

Thompson Rivers University believes in excellence and professionalism when it comes to healthcare delivery that they inculcate during their clinical studies.

Currently, Thompson Rivers University ranks #683 in North America, #57 in Canada, and #7 in British Columbia with a student enrollment of 12,500.

Out of this figure, 217 are medical students who can earn a degree up to the master’s level.

Thompson Rivers University admissions requirements for med school include a secondary school certificate or recognized foreign equivalent which is crucial.

You will also need proof of English language proficiency either TOEFL or IELTS if English is not your first language.

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#8. British Columbia Institute of Technology

• Acceptance Rate: 78%
• School Type: Non-profit
• Language Instruction: English
• Accreditation: Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills & Training of British Columbia
• Location: 3700 Willingdon Avenue Burnaby, British Columbia, V5G 3H2 Canada.

In the list of medical schools of international repute in British Columbia, the British Columbia Institute of Technology tops the list.

Although an institute of technology, its medical program is highly regarded worldwide.

At the moment, the British Columbia Institute of Technology ranks #540 in North America, #49 in Canada, #5 in British Columbia, and #2 in Burnaby with a student enrollment of 17,500 out of which 160 are medical students.

The not-so-good news about the British Columbia Institute of Technology is that you can only earn a bachelor’s degree within its walls.

#9. Kwantlen Polytechnic University

• Acceptance Rate: 80%
• School Type: Non-profit
• Language Instruction: English
• Accreditation: Government of British Columbia.
• Location: 12666-72nd Avenue, Surrey, British Columbia, V3W 2M8, Canada. 

Another school that is a go-to option for studying medicine in British Columbia is the Kwantlen Polytechnic University.

Kwantlen Polytechnic University has a student enrollment of 22,500 out of which 100 study Medicine, 50 study Cognitive Science, 27 study Clinical Psychology and the others are spread across other courses.

Currently the Kwantlen Polytechnic University ranks #744 in North America, #63 in Canada, and #9 in British Columbia.

Its academic reputation has earned it several recognitions and each year the number of admission applications increases.

One of the Kwantlen Polytechnic University admissions requirements is that you must have a secondary school certificate or recognized foreign equivalent.

#10. Vancouver Island University

• Acceptance Rate: 65%
• School Type: Non-profit
• Language Instruction: English
• Accreditation: Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada (AUCC).
• Location: 900 Fifth Street, Nanaimo, British Columbia, V9R 5S5, Canada.

In the list of medical schools of high repute in British Columbia, Vancouver Island University is highly rated.

Since its inception in 1969, Vancouver Island University has recorded a lot of medical graduates who have entered medical practice.

Even to date, the school receives tons of applications for admission into its medical program.

Currently, Vancouver Island University ranks #777 in North America, #67 in Canada, and #11 in British Columbia.

Also, the school has a student enrollment of 16,000 with 93 students studying medicine.

To apply for admission into Vancouver Island University med school, one of the requirements you will need is your secondary school certificate or its equivalent. 

Also, you will need a TOEFL test score of 550 minimum if you’re a foreign student.

#11. Royal Roads University

• Acceptance Rate: 67%
• School Type: Non-profit
• Language Instruction: English
• Accreditation: AUCC; WARUCC
• Location: 2005 Sooke Road, Victoria, British Columbia, V9B 5Y2, Canada

If you’re looking for one of the best Medical Schools in British Columbia, you should consider Royal Roads University.

Royal Roads University ranks #768 in North America, #66 in Canada, #10 in British Columbia, and #2 in Victoria.

Royal Roads University is quite a small institution based on the number, it has a student enrollment of 4,500 with 109 students studying Medicine.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Medical Schools in British Columbia

Do I Need An MCAT Score To Apply To UBC?

Yes, if you’re applying to the University of British Columbia UBC, you will need to write the MCAT Exam.

The University of British Columbia requires all medical school applicants to have a MCAT score as part of the admission requirements.

The average MCAT score to make it into UBC is 514.03.

What Is The Average GPA Requirement To Apply To British Columbia Medical Schools?

The GPA required to study medicine in British Columbia is not specific. 

On average, you will need about 88.3% of your cumulative grade point to be considered for medical school in British Columbia.

How Many Medical Schools Does British Columbia have?

Actually, British Columbia just has one medical school which is the University of British Columbia UBC.

UBC runs its medical program in four locations around the province – Victoria, Kelowna, Prince George, and Vancouver-Fraser.

Other medical schools we have listed above offer an aspect of medicine, not a full medical program.

Follow our description above, you know what to look out for when you’re applying to medical schools in British Columbia.

Keep in mind that a full medical program runs only at the University of British Columbia others are extensions.

If you would like to skip the MCAT requirement, read out article on Medical Schools That Don’t Require MCAT| Complete Guide 2022 also utilize this guide What Is A Good MCAT Score? |See The Breakdown On How to Get It.

We do hope you found this piece enlightening.

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Good luck Scholar!!!

References

• 11 Best Medical schools in British Columbia
• Medical Schools in British Columbia in 2022
• Faculty of Medicine MD Undergraduate Program

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