Studying medicine in the UK is different from studying in Canada. Entry requirements, tuition fees, duration, graduate salaries and many other factors vary between the two countries. This article compares the differences to help you decide whether to pursue medicine in Canada or the UK.
Studying medicine in the UK vs studying medicine in Canada: the differences
Entry requirements
There are several differences between the entry requirements for medical schools in the UK and Canada, but both are highly competitive and rigorous.
UK medical school requirements
UK medical schools generally require students to have achieved 3 A-Levels with grades of A or higher, including chemistry and biology. Alternatively, an International Baccalaureate (IB) score of 38 with higher-level subjects in biology and chemistry is often expected.
For international students, most universities require an IELTS score of at least 7.0, although some may ask for higher scores in certain components.
Applicants of UK medical schools typically need to sit an entrance exam, most commonly the UCAT (University Clinical Aptitude Test). The UCAT evaluates skills such as verbal and quantitative reasoning, abstract reasoning, decision making and situational judgement. Some institutions may require the BMAT (Biomedical Admissions Test) instead.
Canadian medical school requirements
In Canada, medical schools usually expect a GPA of 3.3 or higher on a 4.0 scale, although some top schools may demand a higher GPA. Requirements can vary significantly depending on the institution and province.
Applicants must take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), which covers four sections: Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems, Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems, Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behaviour and Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills.
Additional application requirements
In both the UK and Canada, students must submit a personal statement, letters of recommendation and evidence of relevant work or volunteer experience, such as healthcare-related roles. Both countries often require an interview as part of the selection process.
Competitiveness of UK medical schools
Due to strict government regulations, only 7.5% of places at UK medical schools are reserved for international students. This makes admission for international applicants particularly competitive. You need strong academic results, test scores and extracurricular experience to stand out.
Tuition fees
In both the UK and Canada, tuition fees for medical schools vary with institutions.
In the UK, tuition fees for international students typically range from GBP 25,000 to GBP 45,000 per year, with some top universities charging close to GBP 50,000 per year.
International tuition fees for Canadian medical schools average between CAD 40,000 and CAD 70,000 per year. Some top-tier institutions may charge close to CAD 90,000 per year.
Programme duration
The length of medical studies differs depending on whether you choose to study in the UK or Canada.
In the UK, medical education is usually pursued at the undergraduate level. A standard medical degree (MBBS or MBChB) takes 5 to 6 years to complete. After graduating, students enter a 2-year Foundation Programme, where they undertake work placements across various specialities.
Following the Foundation Programme, graduates can apply for Medical Specialty Training, which can take anywhere from 3 to 8 years, depending on the chosen speciality. In total, the path to becoming a fully qualified doctor in the UK generally takes around 8 to 10 years.
In Canada, medical education begins at the graduate level. Medical school admissions generally require applicants to have completed a pre-med undergraduate degree.
This pre-med degree typically takes 3 to 4 years, although some programmes may accept students with only 2 years of undergraduate study (depending on the institution and qualifications of the applicant).
The medical programme itself takes 4 years. After obtaining their MD, graduates must complete a residency programme, which lasts between 2 to 7 years, depending on the speciality. In total, it takes at least 10 to 12 years to become a fully licensed physician in Canada.
The most prominent difference between the two systems is that the UK offers medical education at the undergraduate level, whereas in Canada, medical education is available only at the postgraduate level, making the Canadian route slightly longer in most cases.
Specialisations
In both the UK and Canada, students can choose from a broad range of medical specialities. For the UK, you can explore the available medical courses on the Medical Schools Council website or by clicking the button below.
In Canada, while students are required to complete a general pre-med degree at the undergraduate level, postgraduate studies offer a vast array of specialisations, including family medicine, surgery, internal medicine and more.
Explore Canadian medical courses
Graduate salaries
The starting salary for medical graduates in the UK is around GBP 29,000 per year during their foundation year (FY1), rising to approximately GBP 34,000 to GBP 35,000 in FY2.
As doctors progress through speciality training and gain experience, salaries can quickly increase, with junior doctors earning around GBP 40,000 to GBP 50,000.
Fully qualified consultants can earn anywhere between GBP 88,000 and GBP 120,000, depending on their speciality and experience.
In Canada, starting salaries for medical graduates after completing their residency typically range from CAD 60,000 to CAD 80,000, though this can vary with provinces and specialisations.
With experience, doctors in Canada can significantly increase their earnings, with some specialists earning between CAD 200,000 and CAD 400,000 per year.
It’s worth noting that doctors who obtain their qualifications outside of Canada, such as in the UK, may face challenges in practising medicine upon their return. This often requires passing additional licensing exams or undergoing further training.
Studying medicine in the UK vs studying medicine in Canada: which is the better option?
When deciding between medical schools in the UK and Canada, it's important to carefully consider various factors, such as programme duration, entry requirements, tuition fees and career prospects.
Both countries offer top-notch medical education but they have different systems that meet different needs and preferences. The UK provides a more direct path through undergraduate medical education, while Canada requires graduate-level entry and longer overall training.
Whether you prefer the unique academic structure of the UK or the high earning potential and specialisation opportunities in Canada, both countries offer rewarding paths into the medical profession.
Whichever route you choose, thorough research and planning are crucial for making the right decision for your future. You can start exploring medical courses in both Canada and the UK using our course search tool below.
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