There has become a high yearning for international students, particularly Nigerians to study Medicine in Canada from Nigeria.
Thousands of students worldwide, including Nigeria, seek to study medicine in Canada from Nigeria. This desire is of course spurred by the rapid growth in the standard of learning.
Medicine is among the most vital courses to study, given it borders on human health. Again, Canada offers standard and high-quality medical education through seasoned professionals in the field.
This has greatly become among the reasons Nigerians crave to study in Canada from Nigeria. Often times is not easy to take the stride given the cost and process, but after all, it is a stride worth it.
This work will expose interested individuals in studying medicine in Canada from Nigeria.
Medicine
Medicine is a course that borders on how the human body works. It then moves on to a very much advanced knowledge about internal medicine, pediatrics, psychiatry, and surgery.
It is however followed by a specialization one has decided to attain. Medicine remains a broad field of study that equips students with broad and necessary knowledge and skills to administer medication and prevent illnesses and diseases in human beings or animals.
Medical professionals carry patients through the whole healing journey, from the consultation and diagnosis to the treatment and surgical treatment — if need be — and all the way through convalescence.
This is evidently why students crave where they can be prudently trained in this profession. However, Canada is obviously the best place for it now.
After graduation, medicine graduates enter the following careers: surgeon, medical technician, psychiatrist, nurse, nutritionist, veterinary doctor, and many others.
Reasons One Should Medicine in Canada as a Nigerian
- Renown Universities
- High Chances of Employment Rate
- Cheap
- English taught Courses
Renown Universities:
Canada remains a nation in the world with renowned Universities. About twenty-six (26) Universities in Canada featured in the 2019 QS World University Rankings, again twenty-seven (27) are among the top schools highlighted in the World University Rankings.
This goes to prove that Canadian Universities stand tall in global ranking.
This is basically because they give primacy to both theoretical and practical learning, academic research, and development.
Canadian Universities brag with standard structures and well-built halls for learning and residence for students and teachers that are vast in the medical field, and also standard facilities.
High Chances of Employment Rate:
It is no secret that Canadian Universities are known as globally renowned.
However, acquiring a degree from any Canadian University implies breakthrough and success. It opens doors to career opportunities.
A graduate of a Canadian university will always stand out and have a greater chance of finding a good job.
Cheap:
Canadian medical schools are very much affordable when compared to UK and US medical schools.
A student can access loans, grants, scholarships, and many other aids to enhance studies and as well reduce costs.
English-taught courses:
In Canada, most courses are taught in the English language. English and French are the two official languages in Canada.
These two accepted languages in Canada make it acceptable to international students.
Therefore, as a Nigerian, there would be no problem studying and adapting to the Canadian study environment. There will be no language barrier in studying medicine in Canada.
Studying Medicine In Canada
Studying medicine in Canada is totally different, better, and less expensive when compared to what is obtained in other countries.
There is this program called the MBBS program. This program is called Doctor of Medicine (MD) in Canada.
This program is an undergraduate program. Although most students applying for it are already degree holders in the field of sciences.
However, for a Bachelor’s degree level, one will need to take medical programs such as BMSc (Bachelor of Medical Science), BSc Medicine, UGME, and many others.
MBBS is a three (3) to a five (5) year degree program course in Canada. Again, one can also take programs in Nursing, Pharmacy, Dentistry, and many more.
Graduates who have acquired their degrees and choose to practice Medicine must be certified by a body called the Medical Council of Canada (MCC). The Medical Council of Canada (MCC) grants certified and qualified graduate doctors the Licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada (LMCC).
Aside from the exam, students are required to go through a horsemanship period where they work not just in hospitals but also with certified doctors to gain practical medical experience.
However, it is important we keep in mind that admission into medical schools in Canada is pretty tough, especially for international students. Those who are exceptionally brilliant are the ones with greater chances of making it.
Things One Needs Before One Can Study Medicine in Canada as a Nigerian
To gain admission into any university in Canada to study medicine, there are basic requirements.
Things a prospective student must meet to earn admission to study medicine in Canada.
Although each school has its own criteria, which may include interviews, personal statements, GPA, and many more.
Other general requirements for studying Medicine in Canada from Nigeria are:
- First Degree
- English Proficiency Test Result
- Medical College Admission Test (MCAT)
First in Sciences Degree
To study medicine in Canada, one must have completed a degree course in science-related courses, for example, Biology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, etc.
With Second Class Upper (2.1) and above will grant one much advantage in his or her application. Again, two years of post-secondary education is often a requirement in some provinces.
Quebec, however, requires candidates to complete the College of General and Professional Teaching (CEGEP) training.
English Proficiency Test Result
A sound knowledge in the English language is among the top requirements to study medicine in Canada.
A prospective student is required to take English Proficiency Test exams and pass them with good grades.
Medical College Admission Test (MCAT)
Prospective medical students who did their undergraduate studies in Nigeria, the individual will be required to sit for the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT).
The result will inevitably play an essential role in one’s admission into Medical Schools in Canada. Note: Schools hold academic excellence in high esteem.
The required score for the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) varies among medical schools, so one should visit the website of one’s choice university and learn their required scores.
 Extra Requirements
Other Requirements expected of a prospective student include:
- Two letters of recommendation
- Identity documents
- Passport-size photographs
- Extracurricular activities certificates and achievement
- Statement of Purpose
- Resume
- Academic certificates and transcripts
- Tuition fees
- Voluntary work in the health field (optional)
- A foundation program may be required depending on the university
- Essay
List of Universities to Study Medicine in Canada
Below are the list of Universities for Nigerians who want to Study Medicine in Canada:
- University of Alberta (Edmonton, Alberta)
- University of Toronto (Toronto, Ontario)
- The University of British Columbia (Vancouver, British Columbia)
- McMaster University (Hamilton, Ontario)
- Queen’s University (Kingston, Ontario)
- Dalhousie University (Halifax, Nova Scotia)
- Western University (London, Ontario)
- McGill University (Montreal, Quebec)
- University of Ottawa (Ottawa, Ontario)
- Université de Montréal (Montreal, Quebec)
Possible Cost of Studying Medicine in Canada as a Nigerian
The cost of studying medicine in Canada differs amongst universities. Below is the estimated cost per university:
| Canadian Medical School | Cost per year (CAD) |
|---|---|
| University of Montreal Faculty of Medicine | $3,601 / $11,193 |
| University of Ottawa Faculty of Medicine | $28,500 |
| University of British Columbia Faculty of Medicine | $21,006 |
| Queen’s University School of Medicine | $27,473 |
| Dalhousie University Faculty of Medicine | $23,000 |
| McMaster University School of Medicine | $26,126 |
| University of Toronto Faculty of Medicine | $24,835 |
| Northern Ontario School of Medicine | $24,173 |
| University of Saskatchewan College of Medicine | $18,945 |
| Faculty of Medicine, University de Laval | $4,070 (students in Quebec) $12,550 (students outside Quebec, including international students) |
| Western University School of Medicine & Dentistry | $25,456 |
| Memorial University Faculty of Medicine | $13,260 |
| Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary | $16,063 |
| University of Sherbrooke Medical School | $4,767 (students in Quebec) $12,285 (students outside Quebec, including international students) |
| University of Alberta College of Medicine & Dentistry | $12,887 |
| University of Manitoba College of Medicine | $10,000 |
| Â McGill University Faculty of Medicine | $8,036 (students in Quebec) $19,720 (students outside Quebec, including international students) |
Working and Studying Medicine in Canada
Studying medicine is mentally, physically, and much more, financially tasking.
The study program, however, has room for persons who want to study and work as well. One can work on or off campus, whichever one finds convenient.
However, one needs to be very careful so as not to miss out on his primary purpose.
Again, one is allowed to work after one has graduated, but one must first apply for a post-graduate permit. This will go a long way in cementing one’s work and as well grant one job security.
Conclusion on how to Study Medicine in Canada
Studying Medicine is among the most amazing academic expedition with a plethora of goodies for individuals who becomes fortunate to gain this opportunity.
In Canada, there is a very comfortable and lovely atmosphere for studying.
Again, it doesn’t just end in studying in Canada, it comes with bigger job opportunities, given that there is this great demand for international students with profound medical experiences.
Canadian medical programs stand out globally and are recognized all over the world.
