Your Guide to the University of Montreal Faculty of Medicine Admissions

The University of Montreal Faculty of Medicine was founded in 1843 and is a highly ranked medical school in Canada offering its curriculum primarily in French. Its emphasis on active learning and student engagement, along with its Francophone community, differentiates it from other schools, and makes it a desirable place to develop the skills and knowledge required for a medical career.

The University of Montreal Faculty of Medicine has served Quebec for over 170 years; it has evolved alongside the province and was by its history. The UdeM prides itself on being a university that trains and supports the people of Quebec.

UdeM Faculty of Medicine has a strong emphasis on training the next generation of Quebec’s medical professionals, with over a third of all physicians practicing in Quebec having graduated from UdeM.

The Faculty of Medicine offers a four year MD program which trains students at an international level. Like any other Canadian medical school, licensure from this institution opens opportunities across the world.

The Université de Montréal Faculty of Medicine accepted 291 students in the 2018/19 academic year. Of those students, 281 were Quebec residents. Of the 11 remaining seats, nine were granted to Francophone communities in other provinces that have agreements with Quebec, and two were granted to visa students.As an internationally renowned institution, The Université de Montréal Faculty of Medicine places a strong emphasis on education, research, and the improvement in the areas of clinical sciences, basic sciences and health sciences. Its focus on serving local needs also makes it a compelling choice for aspiring Quebecois students.

University of Montreal Medical School Requirements

Students seeking admission to UdeM Faculty of Medicine must fulfill the following requirements:

  • Completed either a four-year bachelor’s degree or three-year CEGEP diploma. Students with a bachelor’s degree will enter directly into the MD program, while CEGEP graduates will enter into a preparatory year. UdeM Faculty of Medicine does not accept incomplete degrees or diplomas.
  • Have Canadian citizenship or permanent residency; or a CAQ. Applicants who are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents must apply for a Certificate of Acceptance of Quebec (CAQ). The CAQ is a student visa specific to the province and is valid for the duration of a student’s study. Note that being admitted as an international student is very difficult – only two international students were admitted in the 2018/19 school year.
  • Be fluent in French. The University of Montreal is entirely a French-speaking school, with emphasis on the Canadian Francophone community. Applicants must present valid examination papers in oral and written fluency during their first year of school. Valid exams include the International French Test and government-run standardized language tests. Be prepared to take these French language examinations.
  • Pass the CASPer exam. The CASPer exam is a test that evaluates students on non-academic criteria like interpersonal skills, decision making, empathy, and ethics.
  • Attend the interview. If an applicant succeeds in meeting the academic and French requirements, they must attend an interview. Questions about an applicant’s professional experience, medical experience, and motivations for studying medicine will be asked during the interview.

The MCAT is not a requirement for UdeM, and neither is the supplementary application typically required for other schools. UdeM mostly considers GPA and French literacy results in their admission decision.

Complete Your Preparatory Year

Students must hold a completed bachelor’s degree in science or the arts, with certain prerequisites completed. These prerequisites include biology, human biology, chemistry, mathematics, and physics.

Students who do not hold a Bachelor’s degree must complete a three-year CEGEP diploma in science for admission. CEGEP graduates will be placed into a preparatory year before beginning the MD program.

The CEGEP is a system unique to the province of Quebec. CEGEP allows students to pursue a technical education after high school to enter the workforce or pursue further education in a university. The system is roughly equivalent to a college diploma in other provinces.

High school graduates must either attain a three-year DEC CEGEP diploma or full university degree for admission. University of Montreal Med School does not accept students with incomplete degrees.After the completion of the preparatory year at UdeM Med School, students enter the four-year MD program directly without reapplying.

Université de Montréal Acceptance Rate

The University of Montreal is easier to get into as a Quebec resident, with the acceptance rate for the MD program being 13%. International students have a 5.3% admission rate, and Canadian out-of-province applicants being at 2.9%.

University of Montreal Faculty of Pharmacy

The University of Montreal Faculty of Pharmacy is one of the largest faculties of its kind in Canada. It offers several undergraduate programs alongside graduate and doctoral degrees. 

The Faculty of Pharmacy offers research-based graduate programs that focus on medication and population health, the discovery of new medicines, pharmacometrics and pharmacotherapy, and other fields.

The Faculty is one of the largest benefactors of research funding in the country, making it an excellent choice for graduate or doctoral candidates.

Research-based graduate programs are more lenient towards non-French speakers, allowing English speakers into their program. PhD candidates are allowed to submit their thesis in English or French.

Tuition Fees for UdeM Medical School

Tuition depends on your status, here’s a breakdown for the 2018/19 year:

  • Quebec Residents: $3,601
  • Out-of-province Residents: $11,192
  • International Visa Applicants: $27,548

Tuition fees at UdeM Medical School are far cheaper than other Canadian medical schools.

5 Reasons to Choose UdeM Medical School

Canadians are lucky to have access to some of the best medical schools in the world. While many may prioritize those in Ontario, there are several reasons why UdeM medical school should be on your radar.

  1. Largest health network in Quebec. The Faculty of Medicine’s integrated health network serves 41% of the entire province or roughly 3.2 million people. This network includes a multitude of health centers, hospitals, institutes, and social service centers. The University of Montreal Med School offers unprecedented clinical opportunities for MD students in the province.
  2. Extensive research opportunity. The Faculty of Medicine receives two-thirds of the more than $500 million in research grants given to the University. The school’s vast medical network allows students to gain clinical experience in general medicine and specialized fields.
  3. Two campuses for medical students. The Faculty of Medicine operates in the main Montreal campus and the Maurice campus in the Trois-Rivieres region. The Maurice campus opened in 2004 and is an extensive modern complex specifically designed for Faculty of Medicine students.
  4. Affordable cost of living. Tuition fees for Quebec residents, out-of-province residents, or international students are amongst the lowest in Canada. Rent prices are also significantly lower than they are in other Canadian cities like Toronto or Vancouver.
  5. Rich culture. Montreal is world-famous for its arts, dining, and music. Taste delicious, authentic poutine or Montreal smoked meat sandwiches. Attend the renowned Montreal Jazz Festival, or visit the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts. There’s always something to see or do in Montreal.

Remember, these are only a few of the reasons why we believe attending medical school at the University of Montreal is the right choice. Montreal is an iconic city teeming with culture, great food, and so much more.

Are You Interested in Attending Med School in Montreal?

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Worried about whether your medical school application will be accepted at the University of Montreal? The MedApplications team can turn your dream into reality. Get in touch with a member of our team today to learn more.

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