Special Admissions Pathways for Undergraduate Medicine
In keeping with the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences' Diversity and Social Accountability statements, we seek to increase the diversity of our incoming classes because it is through a diverse Faculty constituency that we are best able to serve our communities and society in scholarship, research, and clinical care. Our class aims to reflect the community around us, and populations that have historically been underrepresented in the medical profession, belonging to under-represented ethnic, cultural, racial groups, sexual minorities, and from all socio-economic backgrounds.
Quebec First Nations and Inuit Faculties of Medicine Program
Quebec First Nations and Inuit Faculties of Medicine Program
The Quebec First Nations and Inuit Faculties of Medicine Program (Programme des facultés de médecine pour les Premières Nations et Inuits au Québec; PFMPNIQ) was established in 2008. Under this program, 10 positions for medical training in any of the four Quebec faculties of medicine are available for eligible applicants. Eligibility requirements:
i) Admissions Criteria:
- The applicant must be a resident of Quebec and a member of the First Nations or Inuit, under the Indian Act (RSC, C1-5) or in the Inuit registry.
- The applicant must have a minimum R-Score of 28 (if applying to the Med-P Qualifying Year) or equivalent university CGPA to apply to the M.D.,C.M. and/or the M.D.,C.M. & Ph.D. program.
- The applicant must meet the educational and basic science requirements, and submit all other supporting documents listed, including proof of French language proficiency and the CASPer test.
Note: Applicants are invited to contact the Undergraduate Medical Admissions Office to learn about options for support or accommodations in meeting the language proficiency requirement.
The 10 spots are available for all of Quebec's faculties of medicine (Université Laval, Université de Montréal, ÎÛÎÛ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ University, and Université de Sherbrooke). The choice of university is based on the candidate's preference and the available spots in the faculties.
ii) Selection Process:
Applicants with First Nations or Inuit status may choose to declare their status. If they declare and confirm their status as a member of the First Nations or Inuit of Quebec on the online application system, they will be considered as part of the regular Quebec contingent (evaluation of application according to the regular selection process for this contingent) as well as part of the First Nations and Inuit contingent. It is thus possible for a candidate's application to be processed for both contingents in parallel. Applicants who elect not to declare their First Nations or Inuit status will be considered in the regular Quebec contingent.
The top ranked candidates are invited to interviews. Candidates invited to the individual interview and applying for consideration in the (PFMPNIQ) pathway are evaluated by Indigenous First Nation, Inuit, and professional members of the medical and university communities.
Candidates in this category with a university degree or whose degree will be conferred by July 31 can apply for the M.D.,C.M. program. The MDCM Admissions Committee may require a preparatory year as a condition of admission. Candidates in this category who have not started university-level studies must apply for the Med-P Qualifying Year. A bachelor's degree is required for application to the joint M.D.,C.M. & Ph.D. program.
iii) Final Selection (PFMPNIQ):
Candidates will have an individual interview weighted at 50% and the Multiple Mini-Interviews (MMIs) weighted at 50%. Offers of admission are based on the combined results of the individual and the Multiple Mini-Interviews (MMIs), within the MDCM or the Med-P cohorts.
Support:
For more information on this program, please contact the First Nations of Quebec and Labrador Health and Social Services Commission program coordinator at . More information is available at .
Canadian Indigenous Pathway
Canadian Indigenous Pathway
The Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences welcomes applications from First Nations, Inuit and Métis applicants. We encourage candidates to self-identify on their application and to contact the Undergraduate Medical Admissions Office if they have any questions about our programs or processes. The Canadian Indigenous Pathway for MDCM is open to Canadian First Nations, Inuit or Métis University level applicants who are not residents of Quebec. This pathway aims to attribute 1 of the 11 out-of-province Canadian seats in the four-year M.D.,C,M, program to a selected eligible candidate.
i) Admissions Criteria:
- The applicant must be a Canadian (non-Quebec) resident, member of First Nations, Inuit or Métis National council-recognized nation, and must submit documentation of formal Indigenous status.
- The applicant must be applying to the M.D.C.M. and/or MD.,C.M./Ph.D. program.
- The applicant must have a GPA of 3.4 on the 4.0 scale. All eligible candidates will move forward to the next step.
- The applicant must meet the educational and basic science requirements, and submit all other supporting documents listed, including proof of French language proficiency and the CASPer test.
Note: Applicants are invited to contact the Undergraduate Medical Admissions Office to learn about options for support or accommodations in meeting the language proficiency requirement.
How to Apply:
Candidates must follow the application process for university-level Canadian residents and indicate in the online application system that they are selecting this pathway. When their application is processed, the personal statement will be added to their online application document checklist, and they must upload it to the Applicant portal using the Indigenous personal statement template found on the Undergraduate Medical Admissions Office website. Candidates are also assessed simultaneously in the general Canadian cohort. Note that Indigenous candidates are not required to self-identify; candidates who prefer not to select this pathway will be assessed in the general Canadian cohort.
Required Identification
Candidates must upload one of the following valid documents to the online application system, Proof of Citizenship or Residency: Federal Certificate of Indian Status card Confirmation of recognition by an Inuit Land claim organization (card or official letter) Membership card recognized by the Métis National Council or the Manitoba Métis Federation.
ii) Selection Process:
Holistic Review: The Indigenous admissions advisory committee then ranks candidates based on a holistic review of the file which includes: Standardized CV, Personal statement, CASPer, and basic science prerequisites. The top ranked candidates are invited to interviews. The Indigenous admissions advisory committee can include the following membership categories: Indigenous Faculty member(s), Indigenous upper-year medical students or residents, an Indigenous Elder, and other faculty members or ÎÛÎÛ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ community members with experience in Indigenous health education, teaching, or other relevant fields.
Candidates in this pathway are also considered for the general Canadian cohort seats simultaneously; Indigenous students admitted in the general cohort.
iii) Final Selection:
Candidates will complete both Multiple Mini-Interviews (MMIs) and an Individual Interview with Indigenous admissions advisory committee members. For candidates recommended by the Indigenous advisory committee, offers will be made based on the performance in the MMIs within the Canadian Indigenous MDCM cohort.
Support
The Indigenous Health Professions Program in the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences facilitates Outreach visits and programs for youth and supports prospective Indigenous applicants to all health professions programs at ÎÛÎÛ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ. Contact the Indigenous Health Professions Program at mcgill.ca/indig-health for information about their services and events!
The Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences offers an Indigenous Health Curriculum to all Medical students, which includes required and elective teaching and clinical opportunities focused on Indigenous healthcare topics. Clinical rotations in Indigenous communities are available for interested students.
Candidates are invited to learn about ÎÛÎÛ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ's First Peoples' House mcgill.ca/fph—a home away from home on campus.
Rural and Small Populations Pathway (RSPP)
Rural and Small Populations Pathway (RSPP)
Quebec-resident university-level applicants who attended public secondary school in rural or small-town areas of Quebec may choose to apply in the Rural and Small Populations Pathway. This pathway reserves two to five seats in the four-year M.D.,C.M. program for selected eligible candidates.
i) Admissions Criteria:
- The applicant must be a resident of Quebec and applying to the M.D.,C.M. and/or M.D.,C.M. & Ph.D. program.
- The applicant should have a CGPA of 3.5 or above to be considered within the competitive range.
- The applicant completed the majority of secondary school (3 of 5 years) in a public secondary school located in an area of Quebec classified as a rural or small population centre by Statistics Canada. Transcripts will be verified for eligibility purposes.
How to Apply:
Candidates must indicate they wish in the RSPP in the online application system and provide the requested details about their secondary school studies. Eligibility for this pathway will be reviewed by the Undergraduate Medical Admissions Office during the file review period and, if eligible, candidates may be asked to upload a copy of their unofficial secondary school transcript. An official transcript will only be required for candidates who receive an RSPP offer of admission.
ii) Selection Process:
All steps of the selection process are the same as for the general Quebec - University level, but applicants in the RSPP are assessed against each other. Candidates in this pathway will also be simultaneously assessed in the general Quebec - University pool and will receive an offer in that cohort if their ranking permits. This allows the next candidate on the RSPP ranking list to receive an RSPP seat.
iii) Final Selection:
Selected candidates will be invited to the Multiple Mini Interviews (MMIs). Offers of admission will be based on the Multiple Mini Interviews (MMI) performance within the RSPP or the Quebec Resident M.D.,C.M. cohort.
Support
The Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences' Social Accountability and Community Engagement Office (SACE) has a mandate to provide support for underrepresented groups, and can provide support to RSPP students through mentorship opportunities with current students from similar backgrounds, career planning discussions, etc. The (SACE) is not involved in the admission or selection process for the M.D.,C.M. program.
For specific questions about admission policies and procedures for the RSPP, please consult the Undergraduate Medical Admissions site.
ÎÛÎÛ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ Black Candidate Pathway
Black Candidate Pathway
This application stream is open to Quebec Resident Med-P (CEGEP level) and Quebec Resident MDCM (University level) candidates who self-identify as Black. There is no limited number of seats for admission. All candidates who apply through the pathway will be simultaneously considered in the general Quebec cohort and may receive an invitation to interview through either pathway.
- The applicant must be a resident of Quebec.
- The applicant must meet the Academic and Non-Academic Excellence Criteria GPA of 3.5 or higher for the (M.D.,C.M. and/or M.D.,C.M. & Ph.D. programs) or R-score of 33.0 or higher for the Med-P Qualifying Year. CASPer and CV scores comparable to applicants in the Quebec applicant pool.
- The applicant must meet the educational and basic science requirements, and submit all other supporting documents listed, including proof of French language proficiency and the CASPer test.
Admission involves a holistic assessment approach that takes into account academic and non-academic criteria as well as life experience. Applicants are invited to submit a personal statement that contextualizes their life experience, and Black community members and health professional admissions file reviewers will review each personal statement. This step in the candidate selection process was developed in conjunction with stakeholder input and is aligned with the CanMeds roles and values used for all admissions processes.
How to Apply:
University-level and CEGEP-level applicants:Indicate that you wish to be considered in the ÎÛÎÛ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ Black Candidate Pathway on the .
ii) Selection Process:
Self-identification and participation in this pathway are optional and can in no way negatively impact the admission decision. Therefore, we hope that candidates will choose to self-identify on their ÎÛÎÛ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ application. To be considered for the pathway, candidates must meet eligibility requirements as above and submit the personal statement and all test and document requirements by the deadlines indicated. They must consult the non-academic criteria and the CV instructions to learn more about the competencies that are important for the Medicine program.
iii) Final Selection:
Candidates will proceed to the Mini Multiple Interviews (MMIs) if they have been endorsed by the file reviewers. Offers of admission will be based on the performance in the MMIs within the Quebec Resident MDCM or Med-P cohorts.
Support
Candidates will have support from the Social Accountability and Community Engagement (SACE) Office during the application process. Email sace.med [at] mcgill.ca for more information about Social Accountability at the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences and to benefit from the community of support for Black candidates.
Candidates from Low Socio-Economic Status Backgrounds (Low SES)
Candidates from Low Socio-Economic Status Backgrounds (Low SES)
The general admissions process for our programs has been designed to be inclusive of candidates from low socio-economic status backgrounds without a specific application pathway. The faculty’s definition of low socio-economic status (low SES) can be found here (www.mcgill.ca/medhealthsci-saceoffice/about/diversity-report).
We are proud to share that our admitted student body has a similar proportion of low-SES students as the overall Quebec population. The MDCM Admissions Committee strongly encourages candidates who meet the criteria to apply.
- CV template and guide are designed to value a broad range of experiences outside of academics, not only those available to people from high-SES backgrounds. Notably, work experience, family caregiving, etc. are pertinent activities. There are no requirements for any specific types of experiences or volunteering, since some activities are not easily accessible to all people based on their individual or family circumstances.
- Basic science prerequisite courses do not expire; candidates would otherwise have to spend time and money to repeat these courses.
- MCAT is not used; preparing for this test can require time and money.
- Low-cost French proficiency testing is available through ÎÛÎÛ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ’s .
- Academic diploma greater flexibility in the length of time to complete the (up to 1 additional year, can include some part-time semesters or breaks) is allowed. This recognizes that candidates from low-SES backgrounds must often balance work or other obligations as they complete their academic requirements.
- Interviews take place online, eliminating the need for costly travel. Candidates without access to the minimum required computer equipment for interviews can contact the Admissions office for assistance.
- Guiding Principles information about our admissions process is transparent and available to all candidates in an equal way.
- ÎÛÎÛ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ University need-based financial aid (apply after admission, details on the Scholarships and Student Aid office webpage)
- For students newly admitted to MDCM: Medicine-specific entrance scholarships based on merit in the admissions process (no application needed) (view the list of scholarships)
- For students newly admitted to the Med-P Qualifying year: centrally administered entrance scholarships (one-year, no application required). Major scholarships (application required) see Entrance scholarships for future undergraduates - ÎÛÎÛ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ University
International Medical Graduates IMG 2 (with Advanced Standing)
International Medical Graduates IMG 2 (with Advanced Standing)
International Medical School Graduates (from a university outside of Canada or the U.S.) who have obtained a recognized medical degree outside of Canada or the United States, and are residents of Quebec are welcome to apply through this pathway. Successful IMG applicants will enter the program at the Transition to Clinical Practice (TCP) component starting in April and will continue into the clerkship and graduate with an M.D.,C.M. degree from ÎÛÎÛ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ. The application deadline is November 1, and the program begins the following April.
- The applicant must be a resident of Quebec.
- The applicant must have obtained the Recognition of a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree from the Collège des médecins du Québec by November 1.
- The applicant must have completed the MCCQE part 1 exam, and one of the NAC-OSCE exams, or be included on the Canadian Medical Register (LMCC designation); and grant the Undergraduate Medical Admissions Office access of their test results via .
- The applicant must provide a Medical Student Performance Record together with an academic transcript.
- The applicant must provide Proof of French language proficiency and/or English language proficiency if required. Please refer to Health Sciences' Language Requirements.
- The applicant must meet the educational and basic science requirements, and submit all other supporting documents listed, including proof of French language proficiency and the CASPer test.
ii) Selection Process:
Applicants who have met the academic and non-academic requirements will receive an invitation to interview if their ranking permits.
iii) Final Selection:
Selected candidates will be invited to the Multiple Mini Interviews (MMIs). Offers of admission will be based on the performance in the MMIs within the Quebec resident IMG (Advanced Standing) cohort.
Applicants who do not meet these conditions of eligibility or are seeking alternative options should contact the Collège des médecins du Québec.
International Medical School Graduates IMG-4
International medical School Graduates IMG-4
International Medical School Graduate applicants (from a university outside of Canada or the U.S.) can be considered for entry into the first year of the program and apply with their medical degree as their basis of admission degree in their residency cohort. This pathway is open to residents of Quebec Canada (non-Quebec), or International residents.
i) Admission Criteria:
- Applicants can be Quebec, Canada (non-Quebec), or International Residents.
- Official transcripts must numerical or letter grades for all course completed. Pre-clinical and clinical performance will be assessed.
- Completion of the MCCQE part 1 exam offered by the Medical Council of Canada is required for file assessment (candidates need to have a passing score in the exam in order to move forward to the selection process).
- The applicant must meet the educational and basic science requirements, and submit all other supporting documents listed, including proof of French language proficiency and the CASPer test.
ii) Selection Process:
Applicants who have met the academic and non-academic requirements will receive an invitation to interview if their ranking permits. An IMG application to the first year of the program (to complete all four years) is not restricted to residents of Quebec. The number of positions available is contingent on the attrition from previous years and will vary. There may be years when no positions are available.
iii) Final Selection:
Selected candidates will be invited to the Multiple Mini Interviews (MMIs). Offers of admission will be based on performance in the MMIs within the Quebec, Canadian, and International MDCM Resident cohorts.
Canadian Armed Forces Pathway
Canadian Armed Forces Pathway
The Canadian Armed Forces pathway (Programme militaire d'études en médecine -PMEM) is open to full time Canadian Armed Forces members who have a minimum of 1 year experience in the military. Applicants must indicate their intention to apply for a position by sending an email to the attention of: admissions.med [at] mcgill.ca and confirming their eligibility with the CAF by contacting the positional mailbox: CFHSAttractionCell-CelluledattractionSSFC [at] forces.gc.ca ( ).
- The applicant must be a Quebec or Canadian (non-Quebec) resident.
- Applicants who are Quebec residents should have a CGPA of 3.5 or above and Canadian (non-Quebec) applicants should have a CGPA of 3.8 or above to be considered in the competitive range.
- The applicant must be a full-time Canadian Armed Forces member who has a minimum of 1 year of experience in the military.
- The applicant must meet the educational and basic science requirements, and submit all other supporting documents listed, including proof of French language proficiency and the CASPer test.
ii) Selection Process:
Candidates must complete the regular competitive selection process for their regular residency cohort. Successful candidates will be considered in the Programme militaire d'études en médecine (PMEM), if they meet all of the following criteria:
a. Their name appears on the final list for the applicant category they are applying to.
b. Their name appears on the final selection list for PMEM.
c. Their name appears on the list the Canadian Armed Forces committee will be financially supporting for the admission cycle in place.
This program is financed by the Canadian Armed Forces and ensures the admission of francophone students to medical programs offered in French. The objective of the program is to increase the number of positions for francophone Family Medicine military students in the years ahead. Students admitted via this cohort need to complete their medical studies and then complete Postgraduate medical training in Family Medicine.
Candidates admitted through the PMEM at ÎÛÎÛ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ are placed only at Campus Outaouais located in Gatineau, QC; if admitted through the regular residency cohort, the usual campus selection process applies. Classroom and clinical instruction at Campus Outaouais are in French. The Canadian Armed Forces only recommends candidates who are competent in French for this cohort.
Candidates can decide not to identify themselves as members of the regular Canadian Armed Forces and decide to apply only in the category for which they are initially admissible.
Please take note that members of the Canadian Reserve and non-Canadian Armed Forces candidates are not admissible to apply to this program. These candidates can apply through our regular admission pathways.
iii) Final Selection:
Selected candidates will be invited to the Multiple Mini Interviews (MMIs). Offers of admission will be based on performance in the MMIs with the Quebec of Canadian MDCM cohort. It is the Quebec Interfaculty Admissions Committee of medicine that will establish the final list of candidates that meet the selection criteria for an offer of admission based on the results obtained after the MEM, the MMI interviews at ÎÛÎÛ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ University; or a combination of the results of both interview sessions (if applicable). Should a candidate receive an offer of admission, the University that will be issuing the offer is based on the following criteria: a) the candidate's choice of campus and b) the available seats at the University at time of offer.
To submit the faculty of medicine preference, candidates must submit an electronic form indicating their selection within the stated deadlines. They will then receive a confirmation email from Sherbrooke University if their candidacy is retained ffor the MEM interviews or the MMI interviews at ÎÛÎÛ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ University.
For additional information on the applicant categories and requirements, candidates are welcome to contact the Undergraduate Medical Admissions Office.
- Undergraduate Medical Admissions Office, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences
- ÎÛÎÛ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ University
- 1010 Sherbrooke Street West, Suite 1230
- Montreal QC H3A 2R7
- Telephone: 514-398-3517
- Fax: 514-398-4631
- Email: admissions.med [at] mcgill.ca
- Website: mcgill.ca/medadmissions