Canadian-Friendly American Medical Schools in 2025

Canada’s competitive landscape might make you consider U.S. options. Canadian medical schools routinely reject around 80% of their applicants, leading many hopefuls to look south of the border. Numerous U.S. institutions boast excellent reputations and rigorous education, attracting students from around the globe — including Canada. In this post, you’ll find an updated (2025) overview of U.S. medical schools that welcome Canadian applicants, plus key admissions and financial insights for Canadians eyeing a U.S. MD or DO program.

Which US Medical Schools Are A Good Fit for Canadian Applicants?

While Canada’s high med-school rejection rates push many students to consider alternatives, getting into U.S. medical schools isn’t easy either: in recent cycles, fewer than half of applicants secured a spot. The U.S. also faces a physician shortage, but the surge in interest has kept admission rates tight.

The path is especially steep for international students. Many public schools are funded by state dollars and prioritize applicants who are likely to train and practice in the U.S. As a result, some schools do not accept international applicants. That said, Canadians enjoy a distinct advantage compared to most international candidates: coursework aligns closely with U.S. prerequisites, and several “Canadian-friendly” schools consider Canadians in the same pool as out-of-state U.S. applicants rather than with the broader international pool.

What Is The Average Tuition for Canadian Students at U.S. Medical Schools?

Be prepared for higher costs than in Canada. Typical out-of-state tuition at public U.S. medical schools averages about USD $67,000 per year, and private schools average about USD $71,000 per year. At current exchange rates (August 2025), that’s roughly CAD $93,000–$98,000 per year — often five times the annual tuition at Canadian schools.

Financial aid for Canadian students at U.S. schools is limited. Most federal aid and many scholarships are restricted to U.S. citizens or permanent residents. A few private institutions offer need-based aid to international students, but many schools require proof of full four-year funding up front (often via escrow). Most Canadians rely on bank lines of credit and provincial loans, which may not cover the full cost.

Plan on an upfront tuition commitment approaching CAD $330,000 for four years, excluding living expenses. Interest accrues quickly, and residency salaries (often CAD $60,000–$75,000) can extend repayment timelines compared to training in Canada. Before committing, speak with your provincial loan office, your bank, and each school’s financial aid team to understand the numbers and options.

Admission to U.S. Medical Schools As A Canadian Candidate

Both U.S. and Canadian schools want future physicians who combine academic strength with qualities like empathy, communication, and a commitment to public health. Academically, successful U.S. applicants typically average around a 3.7 GPA and an MCAT near 511.

Where processes differ is in how non-academic factors are evaluated. U.S. schools rely heavily on personal statements, secondary essays, detailed activity descriptions, letters, and panel-style interviews. Strong Canadian applicants pair solid metrics with compelling narratives and experiences — clinical exposure, research, leadership, community impact — and show clear alignment with each school’s mission.

For more information on how to navigate US medical school admission as a Canadian applicant click here.

Which US Medical Schools Welcome Canadian Applicants?

Not all U.S. schools accept Canadians, and policies can change year to year. The schools below are commonly regarded as “Canadian-friendly” either because they evaluate Canadians like out-of-state U.S. applicants or they regularly admit Canadians. Always verify each school’s current policy and requirements.

Canadian-friendly American Medical Schools: Allopathic

Here is a compilation of allopathic institutions in Canada that are welcoming to Canadian applicants. We gathered this information from the AAMC’s Medical School Admissions Requirements (MSAR).

We define “Canadian-friendly” schools in two main ways. Some institutions have informed the AAMC that they assess Canadian applicants similarly to out-of-state US applicants rather than as international candidates. Others consider all applicants equally, regardless of citizenship, and their admission records show they frequently accept Canadian students.

Canadian-friendly American Medical Schools: Osteopathic

Here is a compilation of osteopathic American medical schools welcoming Canadian applicants.

Conclusion

Admission to a U.S. medical school as a Canadian is competitive and costly, but achievable with the right strategy. Focus your school list on Canadian-friendly programs, keep your GPA and MCAT strong, and invest time in crafting thoughtful personal statements and secondaries that highlight your experiences and fit. Do the financial homework early so you know exactly what you’re signing up for.

For continued guidance on MCAT prep and the application process, explore expert resources and consider personalized admissions advising to sharpen your strategy. With clear goals, a realistic plan, and persistence, attending medical school — in Canada or the U.S. — is within reach.

Remember to tune in to Jack Westin‘s MCAT Podcast on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts to gain expert insights, elevate your preparation, and improve your medical school application!

Jack Westin’s team understands the importance of every aspect of the medical school application process. That’s why we offer specialized Medical School Admission Consulting to guide you through this transformative journey.