University of British Columbia (UBC) Faculty of Medicine Application

As the only medical school in British Columbia, UBC serves a vast and diverse population, from urban Vancouver residents to remote Northern and Indigenous communities.

Founded in 1950, UBC Medicine has grown into a province-wide program with four distinct sites, each delivering the same rigorous, patient‑centred curriculum while immersing you in the local health priorities and cultural landscape of your community.

At MedApplications, we understand that UBC’s admissions process is as nuanced as it is competitive. You need to excel academically, demonstrate genuine community engagement, and articulate your alignment with UBC’s values of social accountability, equity, and innovation. Whether you’re refining your Non‑Academic Qualities section, preparing for the CASPer exam, or mastering the MMI, our suite of services ranging from Medical School Application Consulting to CASPer Test Preparation and MMI Interview Coaching will equip you with the insight, strategies, and confidence to stand out.

About the UBC Faculty of Medicine

The UBC Faculty of Medicine is widely regarded as a leader in both the science and the practice of medicine. With the fifth-largest MD enrollment in North America, UBC offers students a uniquely expansive educational experience. Through a province-wide distributed model and a strong emphasis on collaboration, UBC delivers medical education that is responsive to both the health challenges of today and the evolving needs of tomorrow. Its students are trained across diverse geographic, demographic, and clinical contexts, preparing them to provide care in a wide range of settings, from bustling urban centres to remote Indigenous communities.

UBC’s Faculty of Medicine is driven by a bold and inclusive vision: to transform health for everyone. This commitment to equity, diversity, and social accountability is reflected in all aspects of the program, from admissions to curriculum design and clinical training. The school’s “contract with society” centers on placing patients, families, and communities at the heart of medical education, and actively working to dismantle barriers to healthcare access across age, gender, ethnicity, geography, and socioeconomic status. Students and physicians are encouraged to be empathetic, reflective, and deeply attuned to the needs of the populations they serve. These guiding principles are anchored in the Faculty of Medicine’s core values: integrity, compassion, equity, collaboration, and respect.

UBC’s MD Undergraduate Program follows a four-year curriculum delivered through a distributed education model. The curriculum begins with two years of foundational classroom and early clinical learning, followed by two years of immersive clinical training.

The first two years emphasize small-group, case-based learning with a strong focus on professional development, communication skills, Indigenous health, and evidence-based medicine. Students are introduced early on to clinical environments, where they apply their knowledge in real-world settings and begin to develop the practical skills required for patient care. This approach promotes critical thinking, collaboration, and reflective practice from the outset.

The third year of the program consists of clinical clerkships, where students rotate through core specialties such as internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, psychiatry, and family medicine. These rotations take place in hospitals and clinics across the province, with options for longitudinal integrated clerkships in smaller communities. In fourth year, students complete clinical electives in areas of personal interest, often working closely with faculty mentors to shape their professional path. Throughout all four years, students are supported by a robust mentorship structure and have opportunities to engage in research, leadership, and advocacy initiatives, further enriching their educational experience.

UBC’s distributed medical education model spans four regional programs: the Vancouver Fraser Medical Program (VFMP), the Island Medical Program (IMP), the Northern Medical Program (NMP), and the Southern Medical Program (SMP). Each site delivers the full UBC MD curriculum and offers unique clinical and community-based learning experiences, reflecting the diverse healthcare landscapes of British Columbia.

Vancouver Fraser Medical Program

The VFMP, based in Vancouver, is the largest of the four sites. It offers students access to some of Canada’s most advanced teaching hospitals, including Vancouver General Hospital, St. Paul’s Hospital, and BC Women and Children’s Hospital. Starting in 2025, the VFMP will adopt a learning communities model, organizing students into Fraser, North, and South communities. This approach aims to foster close-knit peer and faculty relationships, enhance student wellness, and ensure continuity throughout the educational journey. Each learning community is anchored in specific hospital networks, allowing students to train in diverse urban and suburban environments while benefiting from the support of a smaller cohort.

Island Medical Program

The Island Medical Program (IMP) is based in Victoria and delivered in partnership with the University of Victoria. Students at IMP benefit from access to modern learning facilities and a broad range of clinical experiences across Vancouver Island, including in mid-sized urban centres like Nanaimo and more remote locations such as Port McNeill. The program’s dual emphasis on specialty medicine and community-based care prepares students to navigate the complexities of both hospital-based and rural healthcare.

Northern Medical Program

The Northern Medical Program (NMP) is situated at the University of Northern British Columbia in Prince George. With a strong focus on rural and family medicine, the NMP emphasizes hands-on learning in smaller communities and promotes close faculty-student mentorship. Integrated clerkships in communities like Terrace and Fort St. John allow students to follow patients longitudinally through their care journeys, building deep clinical and community connections that are uncommon in traditional rotation-based models.

Southern Medical Program

The Southern Medical Program (SMP), located at UBC’s Okanagan campus in Kelowna, offers state-of-the-art learning facilities and extensive clinical training opportunities across the Interior region of British Columbia. Students rotate through key centres such as Kelowna General Hospital, Royal Inland Hospital in Kamloops, and Penticton Regional Hospital, gaining exposure to a wide spectrum of medical conditions and patient populations. The SMP’s integrated academic and clinical environments enable learners to develop a strong foundation in both research and clinical practice.

Through this distributed model, UBC ensures that medical students are immersed in the communities they may one day serve, with learning experiences that reflect the province’s vast geographical and cultural diversity. Whether in a major urban hospital or a remote Indigenous community, students at UBC receive an education that is as comprehensive and compassionate, preparing them to be capable physicians, thoughtful leaders, and advocates for health equity.

Site Placement

Applicants rank preferences for training sites (Vancouver, Island, or Northern programs) post-interview. Placement is contingent on availability, with unsuccessful candidates waitlisted for their preferred site.

Academic Requirements

The University of British Columbia (UBC) Faculty of Medicine invites applicants from diverse academic backgrounds, with no preference for any specific degree or institution. To be eligible, you must complete at least 90 university-transferable credits (around three years of study) by April 30 of the year you plan to start. These credits must come from a post-secondary institution and do not include AP, IB, or A-Level coursework.

While you don’t need a full course load every term, UBC expects applicants to show they’re academically ready for the demands of medical school. A key prerequisite is 6 credits of English, which must come from literature or composition courses offered by an English department.

UBC also strongly recommends taking courses in:

• Biology
• General and Organic Chemistry
• Biochemistry
• Physics
• Statistics
• Humanities and Social Sciences

These help prepare you for both the MCAT and the MD program. When it comes to GPA, the minimum to apply is 70% overall. However, for your file to be reviewed:

• BC residents must have an adjusted GPA of 75% or higher
• Out-of-province applicants need at least 85%

Most successful applicants have an average of 88% or higher in their most recent 60 credits. UBC calculates GPA based on all post-secondary coursework. The Admissions Office may make adjustments, and all courses and grades must be disclosed. If you’ve withdrawn from another medical school for academic reasons, you’re not eligible to apply. UBC gives special consideration to self-identified Indigenous applicants, whose files are reviewed by the Indigenous Admissions Sub-Committee.

The MCAT is a required part of the application. You need a minimum score of 496 on a single sitting of the 2015 MCAT format (sections include BBFL, CPBS, PSBB, and CARS). Scores must be electronically released to UBC through the AAMC system by the stated deadline. While 496 is the minimum, competitive scores are often significantly higher. Applicants are encouraged to review admissions statistics to see how they compare.

Note: The Canadian medical school application process varies by institution.

For non-traditional applicants, UBC’s flexible prerequisites (e.g., 90 credits) make it accessible, but strategic planning is key. At MedApplications, our med school application help services clarify prerequisites and secondary applications for medical schools, ensuring your profile stands out. Our experienced advisors offer personalized support in academic planning, MCAT strategies, transcript reviews, and overall application consulting. Our General Consulting Sessions help you:

• Review your transcript
• Plan academic upgrades
• Clarify prerequisite courses
• Strategize to raise your GPA

Non‑Academic Requirements

The UBC Faculty of Medicine seeks to cultivate a diverse community of future physicians who reflect the populations they will serve. Beyond academic excellence, applicants are evaluated on their Non-Academic Qualities (NAQ), which account for 50% of the pre-interview score. Understanding what medical schools look for in applicants, like leadership and service, is critical. UBC’s NAQ section replaces secondary applications for medical schools, focusing on impact over quantity. The NAQ assessment emphasizes well-rounded, empathetic individuals with demonstrated leadership, service ethic, collaboration skills, diverse experiences, and high achievement in personal endeavors.

Non-Academic Qualities (NAQ) Score

The NAQ score is derived from a detailed review of an applicant’s non-academic experiences, including employment, volunteer work, research, awards, and extracurricular activities. UBC values sustained commitments that showcase responsibility, initiative, and genuine engagement, particularly those involving interactions with diverse communities beyond one’s peer group. Evaluators prioritize activities revealing motivation, social responsibility, creativity, intellectual curiosity, and maturity. Notably, no preference is given to international experiences over local involvement, and physician shadowing is discouraged due to patient privacy concerns.

Applicants should focus on quality over quantity, emphasizing impact and reflection in their descriptions. For example, instead of listing “volunteered at a hospital,” a strong entry might detail: “Developed a patient-education initiative for 50+ non-English-speaking families, reducing missed appointments by 20%”.

Verification and Integrity

All non-academic entries require independent verifiers who may be contacted between application submission and mid-April. Discrepancies between reported and verified details can negatively impact an application. Referees are only required post-interview, with two references assessing an applicant’s suitability for medicine.

Note: The University of British Colombia does not require the CASPer test as a part of the application.

Special Considerations

UBC encourages applicants with ties to rural, remote, or Indigenous communities to highlight relevant experiences through the Rural/Northern Training section. Indigenous and Black applicants may submit optional essays to contextualize their backgrounds.

MedApplications’ Consulting Services can help you strategically select, articulate, and verify your NAQ entries to align with UBC’s criteria, ensuring your experiences resonate with evaluators.

Application Assessment Process

Pre-Interview Stage

Invitations to interview are based on an equal weighting of academic and NAQ scores (MCAT scores are only used to meet minimum thresholds). Competitive applicants typically demonstrate above-average achievements in both domains.

Post-Interview Stage

Post-interview, the Admissions Selection Committee reviews the entire application holistically, assessing academic rigor, NAQ alignment with UBC’s values, and interview performance. Final selection prioritizes BC residents, though up to 10% of seats are allocated to out-of-province applicants.

Why Choose MedApplications?

Navigating UBC’s NAQ requirements demands precision and storytelling finesse. MedApplications’ experts streamline the process, from optimizing your activity descriptions to preparing for interviews. Our tailored guidance ensures your application reflects the maturity, diversity, and dedication UBC seeks in future physicians.

Detailed Admission Statistics

With over 2,800 applicants competing for approximately 306 spots in the 2023 admissions cycle, UBC has an overall acceptance rate of 11.15%. The entering class demonstrates strong academic credentials, with an average GPA of 88.2% and an average MCAT score of 514.2. Notably, 89.8% of admitted students are BC residents, reflecting UBC’s commitment to training physicians who will serve local communities.

Academic excellence is a cornerstone of UBC’s selection process, but the program also emphasizes holistic review, evaluating applicants’ non-academic experiences, leadership, and alignment with UBC’s values of diversity and service. Strong academic performance combined with a robust assessment of personal qualities, ensure that UBC selects candidates who are not only academically prepared but also well-rounded and community-focused.

Equity and Diversity Pathways

The University of British Columbia offers several distinct pathways into its MD Undergraduate Program to reflect its commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion in medical education. In addition to the general application process open to all prospective students, UBC provides specialized admission pathways for Indigenous students, Black students, applicants from rural and northern communities, and those pursuing combined MD/PhD training. Each of these pathways is designed to address systemic barriers and enhance representation within the medical profession, particularly in underserved communities. While all applicants begin by completing the general application, those who meet eligibility criteria may choose to apply through one or more of these dedicated pathways, each of which requires additional documentation and supplemental materials.

Indigenous Student Admissions Pathway

The Indigenous Pathway is intended for applicants who self-identify as First Nations, Métis, or Inuit. UBC recognizes the underrepresentation of Indigenous physicians in Canada and aims to create a supportive and culturally respectful environment for Indigenous learners. Students applying through this pathway must provide proof of ancestry, which can include a copy of a status or membership card, or a formal letter from a recognized Indigenous organization or community representative. In addition to these documents, applicants must submit a 750–1000 word personal essay written in narrative form, detailing their family and community background, involvement in Indigenous communities, cultural practices, and reasons for pursuing medicine. Selected candidates may be invited to an Indigenous Panel Interview, conducted by a panel of Indigenous community members, including an Elder. This interview takes place around the time of the Multiple Mini Interview and offers applicants an opportunity to share their life experiences and unique perspectives in a culturally safe setting.

Northern and Rural Admissions Pathway

The Northern and Rural Pathway is designed for applicants with lived experience in rural, remote, or northern communities who have a strong interest in practicing medicine in these areas. UBC’s distributed medical education model includes dedicated seats for this pathway across its regional campuses: 40 seats at the Northern Medical Program, up to 14 at the Southern Medical Program, up to 4 at the Island Medical Program, and 4 seats at the Vancouver Fraser Medical Program’s Fraser Medical Cohort. Applicants must complete a section of the application specific to rural and remote training, which contributes to their Rural and Remote Suitability Score. This score evaluates the applicant’s background, community ties, and service experiences in non-urban environments. Qualifying applicants may also be invited to a separate virtual interview conducted by a Northern and Rural panel. UBC emphasizes the unique strengths and community-centered values rural applicants bring to healthcare and encourages these individuals to pursue their medical education through this pathway. Additionally, applicants are encouraged to explore financial support programs, such as BC’s loan forgiveness initiatives for those who practice in underserved regions after graduation.

Black Student Admissions Pathway

The Black Student MD Admissions Pathway is for applicants who self-identify as Black or as multiracial individuals with Black ancestry. This pathway aims to increase representation and support for Black learners within medical education and the physician workforce in British Columbia. Applicants must indicate their identification on the general application and submit a personal essay explaining their reasons for applying through the Black Student Pathway. The essay is reviewed by the Black Student MD Admissions Subcommittee and also helps determine eligibility for the UBC Black Student MD Entrance Award, a scholarship aimed at supporting outstanding applicants from this pathway. UBC encourages Black students to bring their lived experiences and leadership aspirations into the application process and provides a welcoming environment committed to their development as future leaders in healthcare.

MD/PhD Admissions Pathway

The MD/PhD Program pathway is designed for applicants who wish to pursue both a medical degree and doctoral research training. The program seeks individuals with a strong research background and a clear commitment to advancing medical knowledge through scientific inquiry. Students interested in this dual-degree pathway must first complete the general MD application and then submit a separate application to the MD/PhD Program. This includes uploading academic transcripts, a curriculum vitae, and three letters of reference, two of which must specifically address the applicant’s research abilities. A statement of interest outlining research experience, career goals, and motivation for pursuing both degrees is also required. Selected applicants are invited for an interview with the MD/PhD Admissions Committee. Admission to the program is highly competitive and is contingent on acceptance into the MD program itself.

Navigating UBC’s multiple application pathways can be complex, especially given the additional documentation, essays, and interviews required. At MedApplications, we specialize in guiding applicants through each stage of the admissions process, from determining pathway eligibility to crafting compelling personal statements and preparing for interviews. Our expert advisors provide personalized support to help applicants highlight their strengths, articulate their unique experiences, and present a polished application aligned with the expectations of UBC’s admissions committees. Whether you’re applying through the general stream or a specialized pathway, MedApplications is here to help you maximize your chances of gaining admission to one of Canada’s highest-ranked medical schools.

MMI: The Multiple Mini Interview

UBC uses two distinct interview formats: a Multiple Mini-Interview (MMI), and, for some applicants, a supplemental panel interview. While the MMI is the primary assessment tool for all invited applicants, panel interviews are reserved for individuals applying through the Indigenous, Northern and Rural, or MD/PhD pathways. Across both formats, you may be asked to respond to ethical dilemmas, demonstrate your ability to reason under pressure, and reflect on your values, motivations, and life experiences. UBC’s interviews aim to assess not only your communication and critical thinking skills, but also your self-awareness, maturity, and understanding of the health care system and the profession you are about to enter.

The MMI at UBC is conducted virtually using the Kira Talent platform and consists of ten timed stations, each with a unique scenario or prompt. Interviewers rotate between stations and represent a wide range of voices including clinicians, academics, community members, and UBC medical students. You will engage with each station individually, and responses are scored independently without discussion among interviewers. The environment is designed to test qualities such as empathy, ethical reasoning, adaptability, and effective communication. While questions may be set in health care contexts, many will ask broader questions about who you are and how you think. Successful applicants are those who respond thoughtfully, authentically, and professionally.

Applicants applying through designated pathways may also be invited to attend a panel interview, typically held around the same time as the MMI. Indigenous applicants, for example, may be interviewed by an Indigenous panel often composed of an Elder and several other community members, providing a culturally grounded space to share personal experiences and aspirations. Similarly, candidates in the Northern and Rural or MD/PhD streams may undergo interviews tailored to those program goals, offering a chance to discuss their motivations, background, and alignment with each pathway’s mission. These panels are used in conjunction with the rest of the application to determine suitability for the specific pathway and offer space for more narrative, reflective dialogue.

At MedApplications, our expert coaches help you prepare for both interview formats with a personalized, values-driven approach. Through simulated MMI circuits based on past UBC-style scenarios, we help you strengthen your critical thinking, refine your communication, and develop techniques to manage nerves while remaining authentic under pressure. For panel interviews, our team works with you to craft compelling stories and responses that reflect your lived experience and align with the mission and vision of each unique admissions pathway.

Application Timeline

• When do med school applications open? The OAS launches in late June to early July, aligning with the 2025 med school application cycle.
• September 13, 2024 (noon PT): Submit your full application: online form, fees, all North American transcripts, English exam scores (if applicable), BC residency proof, and accommodation requests.
• September 14, 2024: Last accepted MCAT test date.
• October 15, 2024 (11:59 p.m. PT): Deadline for MCAT score release. Also submit all international transcripts and WES/ICES evaluations, if required.
• September–Early December 2024: UBC evaluates complete applications.
• Mid-December 2024: Interview invitations go out. Instructions and forms for the supplemental application are released.
• February 1–2, 2025: Multiple Mini-Interview (MMI) weekend (virtual).
• February 9, 2025: Virtual panel interviews for Northern and Rural applicants.
• February 21, 2025: Supplemental application due including: reference letters, site preferences, and graduate program confirmations .
• May 2025: Admissions decisions are released through your OAS account.

Note: If you are applying to multiple medical schools, it is important to note that UBC’s medical school application timeline differs from other Canadian med school and US med school application timelines. Therefore, we recommend to plan accordingly for multiple applications.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Medical school is a significant financial commitment, and students at UBC should plan ahead for both expected and unexpected costs. For the 2025 cycle, tuition for the UBC MD program is approximately $19,995 per year. Additional educational expenses and ancillary fees bring the estimated first-year total to over $23,800. In third and fourth year, students should also anticipate extra costs related to clinical rotations, travel, and CaRMS interviews. These costs can vary significantly and are best discussed with UBC’s Student Financial Assistance Officer.

To support students through these expenses, UBC offers a variety of bursaries, grants, and scholarships. Bursaries are non-repayable and awarded based on financial need, with the UBC General Bursary Program accepting applications from August 15 to September 15 each year. Additional bursary options such as the UBC Affiliation Bursary Program target students with specific backgrounds or affiliations. Scholarships, which recognize academic excellence, are awarded to roughly 20% of UBC medical students annually, with most distributed automatically based on eligibility. Over $960,000 in Faculty of Medicine awards were disbursed in 2022–2023. Students are also automatically considered for federal and provincial grants when applying for government loans, including funding for those with dependents or permanent disabilities. UBC encourages students to explore external scholarships as well, which are often advertised independently and require direct applications.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does UBC require essays? A: No traditional essays. Instead, you complete the NAQ section to highlight your experiences and reflections.

Q: Can I apply if I haven’t completed my degree? A: Yes, provided you finish 90 credits by the April before application. Many students apply after completing three years of study.

Q: Is the interview virtual or in person? A: All interviews for the 2025 cycle will be held virtually. Ensure you have a stable internet connection and a quiet environment.

Q: How do I choose my preferred site? A: You rank your site preferences in the application; UBC tries to accommodate your first choice but cannot guarantee placement.

Q: What makes a strong NAQ entry? A: A combination of specific outcomes, leadership actions, and personal reflection that aligns with CanMEDS roles. Quality over quantity.

Q: Can international students apply? A: UBC prioritizes BC residents, and unfortunately does not accept international students at this time.

Q: What support exists for rural and Indigenous students? A: Extensive supports include mentorship programs, bursaries, cultural safety training, and community liaison offices.

Q: When do med schools start reviewing applications? A: UBC begins evaluations in September, with interviews in December–February.”

Q: What do med schools look for in applicants? A: Academic readiness, NAQ alignment with CanMEDS roles, and interview performance.

How MedApplications Can Help You Succeed

At MedApplications, our goal is to empower you with the strategies, insights, and personalized feedback that reflect UBC’s values and admissions priorities. We offer:

• Pre-med Consulting: Expert advice on navigating high school and post-secondary university, gaining impactful experiences, and setting you up for a fantastic application.
• NAQ Strategy Sessions and Feedback: Identify your most impactful experiences, craft compelling entries, and practice reflective writing.
• MMI and Panel Intensive Coaching: Simulated stations, tailored feedback, and confidence‑building exercises for virtual interviews.
• Equity Pathway Mentorship: Cultural humility training, identity narrative development, and pathway‑specific interview prep.

Whether you need medical school application help with NAQs, interview prep, or Canadian medical school application strategy, our experts tailor support to UBC’s criteria. Book your one‑on‑one consultation today, and let us guide you through every step of the UBC MDUP admissions journey.

Together, we’ll help you become the socially accountable, compassionate physician UBC seeks to train.