Academic Calendar - 2024
Western University Academic Calendar. - 2024
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MEDICINE (MD) PROGRAM - ADMISSION
Admission Requirements
Application for Admission
Registration Deadline: To apply to the Doctor of Medicine (MD) Program at the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, all applicants must register for an account with the Ontario Medical School Application Service (OMSAS) by October 1, unless October 1 falls on a weekend, in which case the deadline is typically the first business day in October. Online applications are obtained from the OMSAS website, and must be submitted by the stated deadlines. Please refer to the OMSAS website for more information, including “Important Dates”.
Admission Requirements
Please note that the admission policy is reviewed annually and the admission requirements from previous years may not apply. The University reserves the right to review and change the admission requirements at any time, without notice.
The Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry provides an outstanding education within a research-intensive environment, where tomorrow's physicians, dentists and health researchers learn to be socially-responsible leaders in the advancement of human health.
The MD Program runs simultaneously from two campuses: London, Ontario and Windsor, Ontario (at the University of Windsor). Each year a portion of the admitted class will complete all of their academic studies at the Schulich Medicine - Windsor Campus and graduate from Western University. The Windsor Campus is a partnership between Western University, the University of Windsor, and the London and Windsor hospitals. The Windsor campus builds on the strength of clerkship training provided in Windsor through the Schulich Medicine & Dentistry’s Distributed Education program.
Applicants invited for an interview will have an opportunity to indicate their location of preference. When a location reaches its enrollment limit, successful applicants will be offered admission to the available location. All applicants will be processed by the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, and will be subject to the same entry criteria.
Financial Support
Each year over $5 million in scholarships, awards and bursary funding is distributed to assist medical students in greatest financial need. Within Schulich Medicine, there are Schulich Scholarships awarded annually as well as several endowment funds available for disbursement as scholarships/bursaries and awards. In addition, there are other university-based awards issued by Western University, as well as loans through the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP). Through these and other measures, Schulich aspires to have financial considerations never act as a barrier to any student wishing to study Medicine at this school.
Admission Requirements
Enrollment is limited. Admission to the Doctor of Medicine Program is highly competitive and possessing the minimum requirements does not ensure an interview or acceptance. Individuals satisfying the following requirements are eligible to apply for admission to the first year of the program. Note that failure to be aware of the admission requirements does not constitute a ground for appeal. Individuals must satisfy the following requirements to be considered for admission to the first year of the four-year MD program in the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry:
1.Degree Requirements
Applicants must have successfully completed a minimum of three years of a four-year undergraduate degree from a recognized university. They may be in the third year of a four-year degree at the time of application. There is no preference given for the undergraduate program of study and there are no course prerequisites.
Applicants who have earned a degree from a recognized university, may elect to continue in full-time undergraduate studies. Only the first such "special year" taken by the applicant will be considered for determination of GPA. A special year will be considered only if it contains 5.0 courses or equivalent (30 credit hours) taken between September and April. First-year courses, repeat/antirequisite courses, and second-year courses that do not require a first-year prerequisite, are not acceptable in the “special year.”
Applicants who embark on a second undergraduate degree program are eligible to apply having completed only two years of studies in the second four-year undergraduate degree program. In order to be considered for GPA purposes, the second degree must be equivalent to a four-year degree. In this situation, GPA consideration will be based only on the two best years of the second degree program. Course load and course level requirements for the second degree are analogous to the requirements of the first degree.
Graduate students who are completing thesis-based master’s must have completed all requirements for their graduate degree. Final transcripts showing that all requirements for their graduate degree have been completed (or a letter attesting to the same) must be received by OMSAS no later than June 30th.
Applicants who are enrolled in a course-based master’s at the time of application must have completed all requirements by August 15th. A letter of good standing indicating there are no concerns with meeting all requirements of the course-based master’s degree must be received at OMSAS no later than June 30th. Western does not take graduate courses into consideration for the GPA; only undergraduate years are used.
Schulich Medicine will no longer consider applications to the first year of the medical program from individuals who were registered in a Doctor of Medicine Program or equivalent elsewhere.
2. GPA
The GPA minimums are reset each year. Applicants must meet or exceed this threshold in each of two undergraduate years of full-time study (one of which may be the current year).
Full-time study is defined as 5.0 courses or equivalent with 30 or more credit hours. Academic transcripts must show clearly that applicants have met this course load requirement.
To be considered, each year must contain at least 3.0 courses or equivalent whose published academic level is at or above the year of study (for example, in third year, at least 3.0 courses or equivalent must be at the third- or fourth-year level). Please note, only ONE Pass/Fail credit will be permissible in each of the two years being considered for GPA.
Consideration of the 2019-2020 Academic Year Affected by the Covid-19 Pandemic:
If you are presenting two undergraduate years for GPA consideration that do not include the 2019-2020 academic year affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, all of the following must be met:
- You must meet or exceed the minimum GPA in each of your two best undergraduate years of full-time study (one of which may be the current year). Full-time study is defined as five full or equivalent courses (30 credit hours), taken between September and April.
- Each of the two years must contain at least three full-course equivalents (18 credit hours) whose published academic level is at, or above, the year of study.
- Only one full or equivalent pass/fail course (6 credit hours) will be permissible in each of the two years being considered for the GPA.
If you are presenting the 2019-2020 academic year affected by the COVID-19 pandemic as one of your academic years for GPA consideration, all of the following must be met:
- During the 2019-2020 academic year, you must have completed 5 full or equivalent courses (minimum 30 credit hours) taken between September and April of which 3 full-course equivalents (18 credit hours) must have a published academic level at, or above, the year of study.
- The GPA will be calculated on grades from the fall 2019 semester only. Due to the transition of many universities to pass/fail or credit/no credit, grades from the winter 2020 semester and full-year courses from the 2019-20 academic term will not be used in the calculation of GPA in order to ensure a fair assessment for all candidates.
- Only 1.0 equivalent pass/fail course(s) (6 credit hours) will be permissible in the fall 2019 term (September-December). The pass/fail courses(s) must be passed. Discovery Credits (Western students) will be considered within, not in addition to, the 1.0 course pass/fail allowance.
For applicants who have attended other universities on exchange, GPA calculation will be based on the marks achieved at the exchange institution. Official transcripts from the exchange institution must be provided to OMSAS at the time of application. Applicants who have completed their undergraduate studies outside of Canada or the United States should consult the section titled “Foreign courses/Grades.”
3. MCAT
MCAT minimums are reset each year. Applicants must meet or exceed these thresholds in their most recent writing of the MCAT (which must be no more than five years prior to the application deadline).
Only scores from the MCAT test introduced in April 2015 will be considered. Applicants from designated counties in Southwestern Ontario (Grey, Bruce, Huron, Perth, Oxford, Middlesex, Lambton, Chatham-Kent, Elgin and Essex Counties) are afforded some MCAT flexibility wherein the total MCAT score must meet the 50th percentile and each MCAT component score must also individually meet the 50th percentile.
All applicants must arrange for verified results of the revised MCAT to be submitted directly to the Ontario Medical School Application Service (OMSAS).
Additional Non-Academic Requirements
1. Citizenship
Applicants must be Canadian Citizens or Permanent Residents of Canada.
2. Confidential Assessment Form
Any three persons who, in the opinion of the applicant, will give an informed critical assessment will be acceptable as referees.
3. Autobiographical summary
Applicants will be asked to highlight their top activities that showcase certain skillsets important for being a physician. Verifiers for these activities must be provided. It is the applicant’s responsibility to describe appropriate activities, provide accurate verifiers who can attest to their abilities, and ensure that verifiers are aware that they may or may not be contacted by the Admissions Office to provide support and verification of the skills and/or activities any time up to August 31st of the year following submission.
4. Interview
Select applicants will be invited for an interview. Individuals who satisfy the academic requirements as determined by the Admissions Committee each year will have their applications reviewed carefully and will receive consideration for an interview. Interviews are structured, standardized 45-minute interviews with a panel of three: one faculty member/physician, one senior medical student, and one community representative.
Many factors contribute to the final determination of which applicants will be invited for an interview. Achieving the minimum GPA and MCAT scores does not guarantee an invitation to be interviewed.
5. Proficiency in English
The Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry reserves the right to deny admission to any applicant whose facility in written and spoken English is judged to be inadequate.
6. Basic Life Support Training
Applicants are required to complete training in standard first aid and a CPR Basic Rescuer course (CPR-C), and provide valid certification before enrolment in the medical program. It is the responsibility of the student to keep this up to date.
7. Statement on Potential Health Risks and Immunization Requirements
Students in the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry will be required to care for persons with infectious diseases (including Hepatitis B and HIV) should they be assigned to them. Students accepted into the medical program will be sent complete documentation regarding health status policies and immunization requirements. Documentation of immunization and tuberculin status will be required.
8. Police Records Check Including Vulnerable Sector Screening
All medical students will interact with vulnerable populations through the course of their academic programs. In recognition of the requirements of clinical agencies to ensure that medical students do not place vulnerable populations at risk, the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry requires that all students provide, as a condition of their admission into the MD program, a current Police Records check including a Vulnerable Sector (Position) Screening.
For more detailed information, please see the Schulich Medicine & Dentistry Admissions website, or review the Police Check policy for the Undergraduate Medicine program.
Admission and Application Policies
The maximum number of places available in first year is available on the Schulich Medicine & Dentistry Admissions website.
Following the final date for application, an applicant may file any supplementary information relevant to the application with the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, on or before the last day of May in the year following submission of the application.
Applicants may request a review of the decision of the Medicine Admissions Committee, provided that such a request is based upon new and significant information pertinent to the application. This request must be filed with the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, no later than two weeks after the issue of the original decision. The request should contain information not available to the applicant prior to the last Wednesday in May in the year following submission of the application. This request will be passed on to the Appeals Committee whose decision is final.
Health Care Improvement in Southwestern Ontario and Indigenous Communities
As a component of its mandate, Schulich Medicine will give special consideration to applicants who have indicated on their OMSAS application that they are from designated communities in Southwestern Ontario (Grey, Bruce, Huron, Perth, Oxford, Middlesex, Lambton, Chatham-Kent, Elgin, and Essex, Counties) and/or from the Indigenous communities.
Schulich Medicine & Dentistry’s Distributed Education program is a partnership of over 50 communities throughout Southwestern Ontario which provides rural/regional medical education and training experience to undergraduate and postgraduate trainees from the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry.
The clinical clerkship or third year of the medical program is constituted so that all clerks will be expected to spend time outside of London or Windsor in the Distributed Education teaching sites. For those students with a particular interest in community medicine a rural/regional clerkship stream is available. Each year a section of students will complete the majority of the clerkship year in some of Schulich Medicine & Dentistry’s Distributed Education communities. It is important that applicants to the Schulich Medicine MD undergraduate program understand that all students will be mandated to spend at least part of third year away from London or Windsor. There are no exceptions to this policy. By accepting an offer of admission to this program, students are consenting to participate fully in this approach to learning.
The Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry is committed to increasing the number of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit physicians. It has established the Indigenous Admissions Committee to increase the enrollment of Indigenous students in Medicine and to provide Indigenous applicants and students with support and counseling to facilitate their success in medical school. Schulich Medicine has designated seats in each entering class for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit students. Applicants self-identified as Indigenous and one of Canada's First Peoples who wish to be considered for a designated seat must provide official documents of Indigenous status or proof of ancestral Indigenous origin to OMSAS. Such applicants must also provide at the time of application a personal statement describing experiences within Indigenous communities, and additional letters of support from Indigenous communities or organizations.
Applicants will be assessed on a balanced portfolio which includes academic achievements, MCAT scores, letters of support, and a personal statement that provides evidence of long-term involvement in the Indigenous community and the impact of these experiences.
Only in exceptional circumstances will Indigenous applicants with a GPA of less than 3.30 or MCAT score below the 50th percentile be considered for the designated seats. Applicants invited to an interview will be welcomed by an interview panel consisting of an Indigenous physician, Indigenous community member, and senior medical student.
First Nations, Métis, and Inuit applicants and students considering a future career in Medicine are encouraged to contact the Admissions Office at admissions.medicine@schulich.uwo.ca or call 519-661-3744 for further information and counseling.
ACCESS Pathway
The Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry recognizes that some applicants may have faced barriers on their path to applying to medicine, and as part of its commitment to inclusivity and equity, it wishes to mitigate barriers for these applicants, where possible, while ensuring fairness for all applicants.
The ACCESS pathway is for those applicants who have been adversely impacted by circumstances that created a disadvantage. These may include medical, sociocultural, and/or financial barrier(s).
Those who apply through the ACCESS pathway may be considered for MCAT flexibility using the same criteria as set for our Southwestern Ontario stream. The MCAT criteria are re-set annually based on the competitiveness of the applicant pool.
In your application, you must:
- Describe why you are applying in this pathway;
- Provide supporting documentation regarding your barrier;
- Provide a written statement on how you have adapted to and/or overcome your barrier and your potential for success in medical school; and
- For applicants with a medical and/or financial barrier, provide all of the documentation outlined below.
Medical barrier
A medical barrier is defined as a disability and/or life-threatening illness affecting an applicant during their university education. Students with medical barriers are encouraged to apply if they have the skills and abilities to successfully meet the essential requirements of a medical degree. As well, students must have the skills and abilities to ensure their own safety and the safety of the patients they interact with and care for during their medical training. These skills and abilities are outlined in the “Essential Skills and Abilities Required for the Study of Medicine” document approved by the Council of Ontario Faculties of Medicine (COFM).
To be considered for the ACCESS pathway because of a medical barrier, an applicant MUST provide ALL of the following supporting documentation for a reasonable assessment:
- Official documentation on whether accommodations were provided and the nature of these accommodations for writing the MCAT. (If no accommodations were provided for writing the MCAT, please state this to us.)
- Official documentation on whether accommodations were provided and the nature of these accommodations for their university learning. (If no accommodations were provided, please state this to us.)
and
- Official documentation by a licensed professional on how their illness and/or disability impacts/impacted their learning and/or the learning of others (note that although disclosing the name of a diagnosis is not required, the committee will require sufficient information on the impact of the illness and/or disability on your educational experience).
Applicants to Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry who have disabilities and wish to discuss requests for accommodations will be advised to contact Accessible Education at ssd@uwo.ca or 519-661-2147.
Financial barrier
We recognize that many students work part-time. However, to be considered as having a financial barrier, an applicant MUST have been working at least 20 hours per week during each academic year (September to April) for at least 2 academic years, where 1 year is engaged in full-time studies at an appropriate course level and load (as outlined in our GPA requirements).
To be considered for the ACCESS pathway because of a financial barrier, an official letter from the employer(s) must be provided clearly outlining the hours and dates employed as they relate to the above definition of financial barrier.
It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that all relevant documentation is provided.
As is customary with all applications, Schulich Medicine reserves the right to verify supporting documentation. Falsification or misrepresentation of information will result in removal of the application from consideration and will preclude them from being considered in any future applications to the University.
This documentation will be reviewed holistically by a Sub-Committee of the Medicine Admissions Committee. There are no fixed seats or quotas. Those who apply through the ACCESS pathway may be considered for MCAT flexibility using the same criteria as set for our Southwestern Ontario stream annually. Applicants through the ACCESS pathway must meet all other Admission requirements as the Southwestern Ontario stream and general stream applicants. Applying through this pathway does not automatically guarantee granting of MCAT flexibility nor guarantee admission.
Black Applicant Pathway (BAP)
The Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry recognizes that some applicants may have faced barriers on their path to applying to medicine, and as part of its commitment to inclusivity and equity, it wishes to mitigate barriers for these applicants, where possible, while ensuring fairness for all applicants. The BAP was created as a way to nurture a welcoming and inclusive environment for all applicants under-represented within medicine, and therefore is for applicants who self-identify as Black.
To be considered through the BAP, applicants must provide a personal statement as part of the application requirements. This will be a brief statement, less than 500 words, describing their Black experience.
This documentation will be reviewed holistically by a Sub-Committee of the Medicine Admissions Committee. There are no fixed seats or quotas. Those who apply through the BAP may be considered for MCAT flexibility using the same criteria as set for the Southwestern Ontario and ACCESS stream annually. Those who apply through the BAP may be considered for GPA flexibility using the same criteria as set for the Indigenous pathway annually. Applicants through the BAP must meet all other admission requirements as the Southwestern Ontario stream, ACCESS pathway and general stream applicants. Applying through this pathway does not guarantee granting of MCAT and/or GPA flexibility nor guarantee admission.
Interviews for applicants through the BAP will be conducted by panel members who self-identify as Black. If, due to lack of resources available this is not possible, the panel will be comprised of members who identify in other underrepresented, equity deserving groups, preferably with at least one member self-identifying as Black. The panel composition should be representative of current Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry guidelines and given gender considerations.
Medical Military Training Program (MMTP) Pathway
The Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry recognizes that some applicants may have faced barriers on their path to applying to medicine, and as part of its commitment to inclusivity and equity, it wishes to mitigate barriers for these applicants, where possible, while ensuring fairness for all applicants. The Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry also recognizes that there is a critical shortage of medically trained personnel who will serve our Canadian Armed Forces.
The Medical Military Training Program (MMTP) pathway is for those applicants who are current active members of the Canadian Armed Forces for a minimum of 12 months prior to the application deadline.
Those who apply through the MMTP pathway may be considered for MCAT flexibility using the same criteria as set for our Southwestern Ontario stream. The MCAT criteria are re-set annually based on the competitiveness of the applicant pool.
To be eligible for the MMTP pathway, you must:
- Be an active member of the Canadian Armed Forces for a minimum of 12 months prior to the application deadline
- Consent to have verification of your application with the Canadian Armed Forces
- Be eligible and approved to receive funding of your medical school tuition by the Canadian Armed Forces (If you are not approved for funding by the Canadian Armed Forces, you will be considered within the general stream application process and must meet all general stream admissions requirements).
It is your responsibility to ensure that all relevant documentation is provided.
We reserve the right to verify elements of your application. Falsification or misrepresentation of information will result in removal of the application from consideration and may be considered in any future applications to the University.
There is a maximum of 3 supernumerary seats funded by the Canadian Armed Forces for this pathway. Applicants through the MMTP pathway must meet all other Admission requirements as the Southwestern Ontario stream and general stream applicants. Applying through this pathway does not automatically guarantee granting of MCAT flexibility nor guarantee admission.
Kuwait Pathway
Western University wishes to promote the development of International connections and training of International students across Faculties, including the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry. To address this vision, the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry has started International discussions with countries where there already are partnerships with the Postgraduate Medical Education program. One such partnership is with Kuwait, and thus, Schulich Medicine will be offering a Kuwait pathway to allow for undergraduate medical training of their qualified students as future physicians through the allocation of supernumerary seats.
To be eligible for the Kuwait pathway, you must:
- Have Kuwait citizenship
- Not be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada
- Be eligible and approved to receive funding of your medical school tuition by the Kuwait Cultural Bureau (If you are not approved for funding by the Kuwait Cultural Bureau, you will not be considered for a seat).
- Have completed your undergraduate degree within an accredited North American University, where your transcript will clearly outline course load and course levelling.
It is your responsibility to ensure that all relevant documentation is provided.
We reserve the right to verify elements of your application. Falsification or misrepresentation of information will result in removal of the application from consideration and may be considered in any future applications to the University.
There is a maximum of 3 supernumerary seats funded by the Kuwait Cultural Bureau for this pathway. Applicants through the Kuwait pathway must meet all other Admission requirements as the general stream applicants. Applying through this pathway does not automatically guarantee admission.
International Applicant Pathway
The International Applicant Pathway for the MD Program at the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry is a process that provides international learners an opportunity to study medicine at Western University while facilitating cross-cultural learning and fostering global perspectives within MD Program students. Schulich Medicine will be offering undergraduate medical education training to qualified applicants through defined supernumerary seats. There is a maximum number of supernumerary seats open for this Pathway in each academic year. Applicants invited for an interview will have an opportunity to indicate their location of preference. When a location reaches its enrollment limit, successful applicants will be offered admission to the available location. All applicants will be processed by the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, and will be subject to the same entry criteria.
To be eligible for the International Applicant Pathway, an applicant must:
- Have valid citizenship in their home country at the time of application (Note: applicants who have dual citizenship between Canada and another country or have achieved status as a permanent resident (landed immigrant) or citizen of Canada at the time of admission will be automatically entered into the Canadian applicant process.)
- Not be a Canadian citizen or Permanent Resident of Canada
- Have completed or be in the final year of study in the equivalent of a four year undergraduate degree or completed two or more years in a graduate degree at a recognized university equivalent to an accredited Canadian program. Applicants who have completed their undergraduate or graduate degree outside Canada or the United States, must have their final transcript submitted to the World Education Services (WES) on a course-by-course basis
Schulich Medicine reserves the right to deny admission to any applicant whose facility in written and/or spoken English is judged inadequate for medicine studies. The Admissions Office reserves the option to request a candidate demonstrate English language proficiency as:
Applicants are expected to show English language proficiency through pre-existing post-secondary degree studies or successful completion of one of the following assessments:
- The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): minimum overall score and by categories:
- TOEFL Internet-based Test (TOEFL iBT): 100
- Speaking: 26
- Writing: 24
- Reading: 24
- Listening: 22
- The Duolingo English Test: Must score a minimum of 120
Applicants must have completed or be in the final year of study in the equivalent of a four-year undergraduate degree or completed two or more years in a graduate degree at a recognized university equivalent to an accredited Canadian program.
There are no prerequisite courses required for this Pathway.
It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure all relevant documentation is provided to OMSAS for Medicine Admissions.
Schulich Medicine reserves the right to verify all elements of your application. Falsification or misrepresentation of information will result in removal of the application from consideration and will preclude the applicant from being considered in any future applications to the MD Program at Western University.
Applicants through the Schulich Medicine International Applicant Pathway must meet all established admission requirements of the Medicine Admissions general stream applicants.
Applying through this Pathway will require applicants to: (1) undergo the standard selection process for Canadian general stream applicants (2) be granted a visa to study medicine in Canada and (3) meet all standards for Admissions in language, education and documentation.
Support is available for students who require assistance with their visa and documentation through offices in the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University and the University of Windsor.
Combined Programs
1. MD/PhD Program
A maximum of three (3) seats will be set aside each year for applicants to the MD/PhD program.
2. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery/MD/MSc Program
A maximum of one seat will be set aside each year for applicants to the OMFS/MD/MSc program.
Additional Information for Applicants
1. Co-op Programs and Clinical Placements
All undergraduate degree programs that have a co-op or clinical placement component are dealt with on an individual basis. Questions about how this is considered, should be emailed to admissions.medicine@schulich.uwo.ca.
If applicants are enrolled in an Honours-level co-op degree program, their academic course work will be considered as follows:
The two years considered for GPA purposes will be the best two academic years with a full course load (5.0 courses or equivalent). Please note that an “academic year” in this case will consist of the two semesters which combine to complete one of the mandatory “years” of the program (e.g., a student’s third year may consist of courses taken between September-December and May-September, while the student is registered by their university as being a third-year student. Two semesters belonging to different academic years of study will not be considered.
Applicants registered in co-operative programs should submit a separate letter from their Dean or program director that specifies the schedule of their academic and work terms if this information is not clear from their transcript. This letter should be sent directly to the Office of Admissions & Student Affairs, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry.
2. Graduate Students
Candidates enrolled in a Master’s program at the time of application must complete the requirements of the program. Withdrawal from a Master’s program during that year in order to enroll within Schulich Medicine will not be acceptable.
Graduate students completing thesis-based master’s degrees must have completed all requirements for their graduate degree. Final transcripts showing that all requirements for their graduate degree have been completed (or a letter attesting to the same) must be received by OMSAS no later than June 30th.
Applicants who are enrolled in a course-based master’s at the time of application must have completed all requirements by August 15th. A letter of good standing indicating there are no concerns with meeting all requirements of the course-based master’s degree must be received at OMSAS no later than June 30th.
Western does not take graduate courses into consideration for the GPA; only undergraduate years are used. Applicants who currently are enrolled in a master’s program are encouraged to make inquiries about the MD/PhD program.
3. Repeat Courses
Schulich Medicine does not accept repeat courses. If a course is repeated, the course is not counted in the course load for that year, nor is it factored into the GPA calculation for that year. Therefore, if 5.0 courses or equivalent are taken, but one of them is a repeat course, that year will be considered to have less than a full course load and not suitable for GPA calculations.
4. Summer Courses
Summer courses will not be counted in the overall GPA for interview and admission consideration. Summer courses will not be counted as part of the September to April course load.
5. Disability and Admission to Medicine
The Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, in accord with the Ontario Human Rights Code and University Policy, is committed to provision of equal access opportunities to all qualified applicants. To fulfill the requirements of the MD degree and to avoid serious risk to the health and safety of patients/clients, students are required to acquire competency in a wide range of knowledge, skills and abilities. Individuals with special needs are advised to contact the Admissions Office, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, and to carefully review the “Council of Ontario Faculties of Medicine (COFM) Policy Document: Essential Skills and Abilities Required for the Study of Medicine”.
6. Transfer Students
Transfer consideration is restricted to Canadian citizens or Permanent Residents of Canada currently enrolled in a Canadian medical school. Applicants considering transfer must contact the Admissions Office. For detailed information on transfer into the undergraduate Medical program please refer to the Statement on Transfer of Student for Program Studies in UME.
7. Foreign Courses/Grades
Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada who have completed their undergraduate-level university education outside of Canada may apply to the Schulich MD program.
Applicants who have completed their undergraduate education outside of Canada and the United States must have their foreign transcripts assessed by World Education Services (WES). By doing so, WES will convert foreign academic credentials into their Canadian educational equivalents. A course-by-course evaluation along with an overall GPA is required. WES evaluations must be sent directly to OMSAS by WES and must be received by the application deadline.
WES will forward the transcript to OMSAS along with their report. A second copy does not need to be sent to OMSAS or Western. To contact WES visit their website.
8. Candidates from Accredited Degree-Granting Institutions
Candidates with acceptable standing at accredited degree-granting institutions may be considered for admission provided that the content of studies completed is equivalent in content to the courses offered by Western, and to the requirements of the program to which the student has applied. The University will review other candidates on an individual basis. Admission in all cases is competitive.
Applicants who submit false information will be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with Western policy.
return to: Admission
MEDICINE (MD) PROGRAM - ADMISSION
Admission Requirements
Application for Admission
Registration Deadline: To apply to the Doctor of Medicine (MD) Program at the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, all applicants must register for an account with the Ontario Medical School Application Service (OMSAS) by October 1, unless October 1 falls on a weekend, in which case the deadline is typically the first business day in October. Online applications are obtained from the OMSAS website, and must be submitted by the stated deadlines. Please refer to the OMSAS website for more information, including “Important Dates”.
Admission Requirements
Please note that the admission policy is reviewed annually and the admission requirements from previous years may not apply. The University reserves the right to review and change the admission requirements at any time, without notice.
The Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry provides an outstanding education within a research-intensive environment, where tomorrow's physicians, dentists and health researchers learn to be socially-responsible leaders in the advancement of human health.
The MD Program runs simultaneously from two campuses: London, Ontario and Windsor, Ontario (at the University of Windsor). Each year a portion of the admitted class will complete all of their academic studies at the Schulich Medicine - Windsor Campus and graduate from Western University. The Windsor Campus is a partnership between Western University, the University of Windsor, and the London and Windsor hospitals. The Windsor campus builds on the strength of clerkship training provided in Windsor through the Schulich Medicine & Dentistry’s Distributed Education program.
Applicants invited for an interview will have an opportunity to indicate their location of preference. When a location reaches its enrollment limit, successful applicants will be offered admission to the available location. All applicants will be processed by the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, and will be subject to the same entry criteria.
Financial Support
Each year over $5 million in scholarships, awards and bursary funding is distributed to assist medical students in greatest financial need. Within Schulich Medicine, there are Schulich Scholarships awarded annually as well as several endowment funds available for disbursement as scholarships/bursaries and awards. In addition, there are other university-based awards issued by Western University, as well as loans through the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP). Through these and other measures, Schulich aspires to have financial considerations never act as a barrier to any student wishing to study Medicine at this school.
Admission Requirements
Enrollment is limited. Admission to the Doctor of Medicine Program is highly competitive and possessing the minimum requirements does not ensure an interview or acceptance. Individuals satisfying the following requirements are eligible to apply for admission to the first year of the program. Note that failure to be aware of the admission requirements does not constitute a ground for appeal. Individuals must satisfy the following requirements to be considered for admission to the first year of the four-year MD program in the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry:
1.Degree Requirements
Applicants must have successfully completed a minimum of three years of a four-year undergraduate degree from a recognized university. They may be in the third year of a four-year degree at the time of application. There is no preference given for the undergraduate program of study and there are no course prerequisites.
Applicants who have earned a degree from a recognized university, may elect to continue in full-time undergraduate studies. Only the first such "special year" taken by the applicant will be considered for determination of GPA. A special year will be considered only if it contains 5.0 courses or equivalent (30 credit hours) taken between September and April. First-year courses, repeat/antirequisite courses, and second-year courses that do not require a first-year prerequisite, are not acceptable in the “special year.”
Applicants who embark on a second undergraduate degree program are eligible to apply having completed only two years of studies in the second four-year undergraduate degree program. In order to be considered for GPA purposes, the second degree must be equivalent to a four-year degree. In this situation, GPA consideration will be based only on the two best years of the second degree program. Course load and course level requirements for the second degree are analogous to the requirements of the first degree.
Graduate students who are completing thesis-based master’s must have completed all requirements for their graduate degree. Final transcripts showing that all requirements for their graduate degree have been completed (or a letter attesting to the same) must be received by OMSAS no later than June 30th.
Applicants who are enrolled in a course-based master’s at the time of application must have completed all requirements by August 15th. A letter of good standing indicating there are no concerns with meeting all requirements of the course-based master’s degree must be received at OMSAS no later than June 30th. Western does not take graduate courses into consideration for the GPA; only undergraduate years are used.
Schulich Medicine will no longer consider applications to the first year of the medical program from individuals who were registered in a Doctor of Medicine Program or equivalent elsewhere.
2. GPA
The GPA minimums are reset each year. Applicants must meet or exceed this threshold in each of two undergraduate years of full-time study (one of which may be the current year).
Full-time study is defined as 5.0 courses or equivalent with 30 or more credit hours. Academic transcripts must show clearly that applicants have met this course load requirement.
To be considered, each year must contain at least 3.0 courses or equivalent whose published academic level is at or above the year of study (for example, in third year, at least 3.0 courses or equivalent must be at the third- or fourth-year level). Please note, only ONE Pass/Fail credit will be permissible in each of the two years being considered for GPA.
Consideration of the 2019-2020 Academic Year Affected by the Covid-19 Pandemic:
If you are presenting two undergraduate years for GPA consideration that do not include the 2019-2020 academic year affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, all of the following must be met:
- You must meet or exceed the minimum GPA in each of your two best undergraduate years of full-time study (one of which may be the current year). Full-time study is defined as five full or equivalent courses (30 credit hours), taken between September and April.
- Each of the two years must contain at least three full-course equivalents (18 credit hours) whose published academic level is at, or above, the year of study.
- Only one full or equivalent pass/fail course (6 credit hours) will be permissible in each of the two years being considered for the GPA.
If you are presenting the 2019-2020 academic year affected by the COVID-19 pandemic as one of your academic years for GPA consideration, all of the following must be met:
- During the 2019-2020 academic year, you must have completed 5 full or equivalent courses (minimum 30 credit hours) taken between September and April of which 3 full-course equivalents (18 credit hours) must have a published academic level at, or above, the year of study.
- The GPA will be calculated on grades from the fall 2019 semester only. Due to the transition of many universities to pass/fail or credit/no credit, grades from the winter 2020 semester and full-year courses from the 2019-20 academic term will not be used in the calculation of GPA in order to ensure a fair assessment for all candidates.
- Only 1.0 equivalent pass/fail course(s) (6 credit hours) will be permissible in the fall 2019 term (September-December). The pass/fail courses(s) must be passed. Discovery Credits (Western students) will be considered within, not in addition to, the 1.0 course pass/fail allowance.
For applicants who have attended other universities on exchange, GPA calculation will be based on the marks achieved at the exchange institution. Official transcripts from the exchange institution must be provided to OMSAS at the time of application. Applicants who have completed their undergraduate studies outside of Canada or the United States should consult the section titled “Foreign courses/Grades.”
3. MCAT
MCAT minimums are reset each year. Applicants must meet or exceed these thresholds in their most recent writing of the MCAT (which must be no more than five years prior to the application deadline).
Only scores from the MCAT test introduced in April 2015 will be considered. Applicants from designated counties in Southwestern Ontario (Grey, Bruce, Huron, Perth, Oxford, Middlesex, Lambton, Chatham-Kent, Elgin and Essex Counties) are afforded some MCAT flexibility wherein the total MCAT score must meet the 50th percentile and each MCAT component score must also individually meet the 50th percentile.
All applicants must arrange for verified results of the revised MCAT to be submitted directly to the Ontario Medical School Application Service (OMSAS).
Additional Non-Academic Requirements
1. Citizenship
Applicants must be Canadian Citizens or Permanent Residents of Canada.
2. Confidential Assessment Form
Any three persons who, in the opinion of the applicant, will give an informed critical assessment will be acceptable as referees.
3. Autobiographical summary
Applicants will be asked to highlight their top activities that showcase certain skillsets important for being a physician. Verifiers for these activities must be provided. It is the applicant’s responsibility to describe appropriate activities, provide accurate verifiers who can attest to their abilities, and ensure that verifiers are aware that they may or may not be contacted by the Admissions Office to provide support and verification of the skills and/or activities any time up to August 31st of the year following submission.
4. Interview
Select applicants will be invited for an interview. Individuals who satisfy the academic requirements as determined by the Admissions Committee each year will have their applications reviewed carefully and will receive consideration for an interview. Interviews are structured, standardized 45-minute interviews with a panel of three: one faculty member/physician, one senior medical student, and one community representative.
Many factors contribute to the final determination of which applicants will be invited for an interview. Achieving the minimum GPA and MCAT scores does not guarantee an invitation to be interviewed.
5. Proficiency in English
The Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry reserves the right to deny admission to any applicant whose facility in written and spoken English is judged to be inadequate.
6. Basic Life Support Training
Applicants are required to complete training in standard first aid and a CPR Basic Rescuer course (CPR-C), and provide valid certification before enrolment in the medical program. It is the responsibility of the student to keep this up to date.
7. Statement on Potential Health Risks and Immunization Requirements
Students in the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry will be required to care for persons with infectious diseases (including Hepatitis B and HIV) should they be assigned to them. Students accepted into the medical program will be sent complete documentation regarding health status policies and immunization requirements. Documentation of immunization and tuberculin status will be required.
8. Police Records Check Including Vulnerable Sector Screening
All medical students will interact with vulnerable populations through the course of their academic programs. In recognition of the requirements of clinical agencies to ensure that medical students do not place vulnerable populations at risk, the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry requires that all students provide, as a condition of their admission into the MD program, a current Police Records check including a Vulnerable Sector (Position) Screening.
For more detailed information, please see the Schulich Medicine & Dentistry Admissions website, or review the Police Check policy for the Undergraduate Medicine program.
Admission and Application Policies
The maximum number of places available in first year is available on the Schulich Medicine & Dentistry Admissions website.
Following the final date for application, an applicant may file any supplementary information relevant to the application with the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, on or before the last day of May in the year following submission of the application.
Applicants may request a review of the decision of the Medicine Admissions Committee, provided that such a request is based upon new and significant information pertinent to the application. This request must be filed with the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, no later than two weeks after the issue of the original decision. The request should contain information not available to the applicant prior to the last Wednesday in May in the year following submission of the application. This request will be passed on to the Appeals Committee whose decision is final.
Health Care Improvement in Southwestern Ontario and Indigenous Communities
As a component of its mandate, Schulich Medicine will give special consideration to applicants who have indicated on their OMSAS application that they are from designated communities in Southwestern Ontario (Grey, Bruce, Huron, Perth, Oxford, Middlesex, Lambton, Chatham-Kent, Elgin, and Essex, Counties) and/or from the Indigenous communities.
Schulich Medicine & Dentistry’s Distributed Education program is a partnership of over 50 communities throughout Southwestern Ontario which provides rural/regional medical education and training experience to undergraduate and postgraduate trainees from the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry.
The clinical clerkship or third year of the medical program is constituted so that all clerks will be expected to spend time outside of London or Windsor in the Distributed Education teaching sites. For those students with a particular interest in community medicine a rural/regional clerkship stream is available. Each year a section of students will complete the majority of the clerkship year in some of Schulich Medicine & Dentistry’s Distributed Education communities. It is important that applicants to the Schulich Medicine MD undergraduate program understand that all students will be mandated to spend at least part of third year away from London or Windsor. There are no exceptions to this policy. By accepting an offer of admission to this program, students are consenting to participate fully in this approach to learning.
The Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry is committed to increasing the number of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit physicians. It has established the Indigenous Admissions Committee to increase the enrollment of Indigenous students in Medicine and to provide Indigenous applicants and students with support and counseling to facilitate their success in medical school. Schulich Medicine has designated seats in each entering class for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit students. Applicants self-identified as Indigenous and one of Canada's First Peoples who wish to be considered for a designated seat must provide official documents of Indigenous status or proof of ancestral Indigenous origin to OMSAS. Such applicants must also provide at the time of application a personal statement describing experiences within Indigenous communities, and additional letters of support from Indigenous communities or organizations.
Applicants will be assessed on a balanced portfolio which includes academic achievements, MCAT scores, letters of support, and a personal statement that provides evidence of long-term involvement in the Indigenous community and the impact of these experiences.
Only in exceptional circumstances will Indigenous applicants with a GPA of less than 3.30 or MCAT score below the 50th percentile be considered for the designated seats. Applicants invited to an interview will be welcomed by an interview panel consisting of an Indigenous physician, Indigenous community member, and senior medical student.
First Nations, Métis, and Inuit applicants and students considering a future career in Medicine are encouraged to contact the Admissions Office at admissions.medicine@schulich.uwo.ca or call 519-661-3744 for further information and counseling.
ACCESS Pathway
The Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry recognizes that some applicants may have faced barriers on their path to applying to medicine, and as part of its commitment to inclusivity and equity, it wishes to mitigate barriers for these applicants, where possible, while ensuring fairness for all applicants.
The ACCESS pathway is for those applicants who have been adversely impacted by circumstances that created a disadvantage. These may include medical, sociocultural, and/or financial barrier(s).
Those who apply through the ACCESS pathway may be considered for MCAT flexibility using the same criteria as set for our Southwestern Ontario stream. The MCAT criteria are re-set annually based on the competitiveness of the applicant pool.
In your application, you must:
- Describe why you are applying in this pathway;
- Provide supporting documentation regarding your barrier;
- Provide a written statement on how you have adapted to and/or overcome your barrier and your potential for success in medical school; and
- For applicants with a medical and/or financial barrier, provide all of the documentation outlined below.
Medical barrier
A medical barrier is defined as a disability and/or life-threatening illness affecting an applicant during their university education. Students with medical barriers are encouraged to apply if they have the skills and abilities to successfully meet the essential requirements of a medical degree. As well, students must have the skills and abilities to ensure their own safety and the safety of the patients they interact with and care for during their medical training. These skills and abilities are outlined in the “Essential Skills and Abilities Required for the Study of Medicine” document approved by the Council of Ontario Faculties of Medicine (COFM).
To be considered for the ACCESS pathway because of a medical barrier, an applicant MUST provide ALL of the following supporting documentation for a reasonable assessment:
- Official documentation on whether accommodations were provided and the nature of these accommodations for writing the MCAT. (If no accommodations were provided for writing the MCAT, please state this to us.)
- Official documentation on whether accommodations were provided and the nature of these accommodations for their university learning. (If no accommodations were provided, please state this to us.)
and
- Official documentation by a licensed professional on how their illness and/or disability impacts/impacted their learning and/or the learning of others (note that although disclosing the name of a diagnosis is not required, the committee will require sufficient information on the impact of the illness and/or disability on your educational experience).
Applicants to Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry who have disabilities and wish to discuss requests for accommodations will be advised to contact Accessible Education at ssd@uwo.ca or 519-661-2147.
Financial barrier
We recognize that many students work part-time. However, to be considered as having a financial barrier, an applicant MUST have been working at least 20 hours per week during each academic year (September to April) for at least 2 academic years, where 1 year is engaged in full-time studies at an appropriate course level and load (as outlined in our GPA requirements).
To be considered for the ACCESS pathway because of a financial barrier, an official letter from the employer(s) must be provided clearly outlining the hours and dates employed as they relate to the above definition of financial barrier.
It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that all relevant documentation is provided.
As is customary with all applications, Schulich Medicine reserves the right to verify supporting documentation. Falsification or misrepresentation of information will result in removal of the application from consideration and will preclude them from being considered in any future applications to the University.
This documentation will be reviewed holistically by a Sub-Committee of the Medicine Admissions Committee. There are no fixed seats or quotas. Those who apply through the ACCESS pathway may be considered for MCAT flexibility using the same criteria as set for our Southwestern Ontario stream annually. Applicants through the ACCESS pathway must meet all other Admission requirements as the Southwestern Ontario stream and general stream applicants. Applying through this pathway does not automatically guarantee granting of MCAT flexibility nor guarantee admission.
Black Applicant Pathway (BAP)
The Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry recognizes that some applicants may have faced barriers on their path to applying to medicine, and as part of its commitment to inclusivity and equity, it wishes to mitigate barriers for these applicants, where possible, while ensuring fairness for all applicants. The BAP was created as a way to nurture a welcoming and inclusive environment for all applicants under-represented within medicine, and therefore is for applicants who self-identify as Black.
To be considered through the BAP, applicants must provide a personal statement as part of the application requirements. This will be a brief statement, less than 500 words, describing their Black experience.
This documentation will be reviewed holistically by a Sub-Committee of the Medicine Admissions Committee. There are no fixed seats or quotas. Those who apply through the BAP may be considered for MCAT flexibility using the same criteria as set for the Southwestern Ontario and ACCESS stream annually. Those who apply through the BAP may be considered for GPA flexibility using the same criteria as set for the Indigenous pathway annually. Applicants through the BAP must meet all other admission requirements as the Southwestern Ontario stream, ACCESS pathway and general stream applicants. Applying through this pathway does not guarantee granting of MCAT and/or GPA flexibility nor guarantee admission.
Interviews for applicants through the BAP will be conducted by panel members who self-identify as Black. If, due to lack of resources available this is not possible, the panel will be comprised of members who identify in other underrepresented, equity deserving groups, preferably with at least one member self-identifying as Black. The panel composition should be representative of current Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry guidelines and given gender considerations.
Medical Military Training Program (MMTP) Pathway
The Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry recognizes that some applicants may have faced barriers on their path to applying to medicine, and as part of its commitment to inclusivity and equity, it wishes to mitigate barriers for these applicants, where possible, while ensuring fairness for all applicants. The Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry also recognizes that there is a critical shortage of medically trained personnel who will serve our Canadian Armed Forces.
The Medical Military Training Program (MMTP) pathway is for those applicants who are current active members of the Canadian Armed Forces for a minimum of 12 months prior to the application deadline.
Those who apply through the MMTP pathway may be considered for MCAT flexibility using the same criteria as set for our Southwestern Ontario stream. The MCAT criteria are re-set annually based on the competitiveness of the applicant pool.
To be eligible for the MMTP pathway, you must:
- Be an active member of the Canadian Armed Forces for a minimum of 12 months prior to the application deadline
- Consent to have verification of your application with the Canadian Armed Forces
- Be eligible and approved to receive funding of your medical school tuition by the Canadian Armed Forces (If you are not approved for funding by the Canadian Armed Forces, you will be considered within the general stream application process and must meet all general stream admissions requirements).
It is your responsibility to ensure that all relevant documentation is provided.
We reserve the right to verify elements of your application. Falsification or misrepresentation of information will result in removal of the application from consideration and may be considered in any future applications to the University.
There is a maximum of 3 supernumerary seats funded by the Canadian Armed Forces for this pathway. Applicants through the MMTP pathway must meet all other Admission requirements as the Southwestern Ontario stream and general stream applicants. Applying through this pathway does not automatically guarantee granting of MCAT flexibility nor guarantee admission.
Kuwait Pathway
Western University wishes to promote the development of International connections and training of International students across Faculties, including the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry. To address this vision, the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry has started International discussions with countries where there already are partnerships with the Postgraduate Medical Education program. One such partnership is with Kuwait, and thus, Schulich Medicine will be offering a Kuwait pathway to allow for undergraduate medical training of their qualified students as future physicians through the allocation of supernumerary seats.
To be eligible for the Kuwait pathway, you must:
- Have Kuwait citizenship
- Not be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada
- Be eligible and approved to receive funding of your medical school tuition by the Kuwait Cultural Bureau (If you are not approved for funding by the Kuwait Cultural Bureau, you will not be considered for a seat).
- Have completed your undergraduate degree within an accredited North American University, where your transcript will clearly outline course load and course levelling.
It is your responsibility to ensure that all relevant documentation is provided.
We reserve the right to verify elements of your application. Falsification or misrepresentation of information will result in removal of the application from consideration and may be considered in any future applications to the University.
There is a maximum of 3 supernumerary seats funded by the Kuwait Cultural Bureau for this pathway. Applicants through the Kuwait pathway must meet all other Admission requirements as the general stream applicants. Applying through this pathway does not automatically guarantee admission.
International Applicant Pathway
The International Applicant Pathway for the MD Program at the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry is a process that provides international learners an opportunity to study medicine at Western University while facilitating cross-cultural learning and fostering global perspectives within MD Program students. Schulich Medicine will be offering undergraduate medical education training to qualified applicants through defined supernumerary seats. There is a maximum number of supernumerary seats open for this Pathway in each academic year. Applicants invited for an interview will have an opportunity to indicate their location of preference. When a location reaches its enrollment limit, successful applicants will be offered admission to the available location. All applicants will be processed by the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, and will be subject to the same entry criteria.
To be eligible for the International Applicant Pathway, an applicant must:
- Have valid citizenship in their home country at the time of application (Note: applicants who have dual citizenship between Canada and another country or have achieved status as a permanent resident (landed immigrant) or citizen of Canada at the time of admission will be automatically entered into the Canadian applicant process.)
- Not be a Canadian citizen or Permanent Resident of Canada
- Have completed or be in the final year of study in the equivalent of a four year undergraduate degree or completed two or more years in a graduate degree at a recognized university equivalent to an accredited Canadian program. Applicants who have completed their undergraduate or graduate degree outside Canada or the United States, must have their final transcript submitted to the World Education Services (WES) on a course-by-course basis
Schulich Medicine reserves the right to deny admission to any applicant whose facility in written and/or spoken English is judged inadequate for medicine studies. The Admissions Office reserves the option to request a candidate demonstrate English language proficiency as:
Applicants are expected to show English language proficiency through pre-existing post-secondary degree studies or successful completion of one of the following assessments:
- The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): minimum overall score and by categories:
- TOEFL Internet-based Test (TOEFL iBT): 100
- Speaking: 26
- Writing: 24
- Reading: 24
- Listening: 22
- TOEFL Internet-based Test (TOEFL iBT): 100
- The Duolingo English Test: Must score a minimum of 120
Applicants must have completed or be in the final year of study in the equivalent of a four-year undergraduate degree or completed two or more years in a graduate degree at a recognized university equivalent to an accredited Canadian program.
There are no prerequisite courses required for this Pathway.
It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure all relevant documentation is provided to OMSAS for Medicine Admissions.
Schulich Medicine reserves the right to verify all elements of your application. Falsification or misrepresentation of information will result in removal of the application from consideration and will preclude the applicant from being considered in any future applications to the MD Program at Western University.
Applicants through the Schulich Medicine International Applicant Pathway must meet all established admission requirements of the Medicine Admissions general stream applicants.
Applying through this Pathway will require applicants to: (1) undergo the standard selection process for Canadian general stream applicants (2) be granted a visa to study medicine in Canada and (3) meet all standards for Admissions in language, education and documentation.
Support is available for students who require assistance with their visa and documentation through offices in the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University and the University of Windsor.
Combined Programs
1. MD/PhD Program
A maximum of three (3) seats will be set aside each year for applicants to the MD/PhD program.
2. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery/MD/MSc Program
A maximum of one seat will be set aside each year for applicants to the OMFS/MD/MSc program.
Additional Information for Applicants
1. Co-op Programs and Clinical Placements
All undergraduate degree programs that have a co-op or clinical placement component are dealt with on an individual basis. Questions about how this is considered, should be emailed to admissions.medicine@schulich.uwo.ca.
If applicants are enrolled in an Honours-level co-op degree program, their academic course work will be considered as follows:
The two years considered for GPA purposes will be the best two academic years with a full course load (5.0 courses or equivalent). Please note that an “academic year” in this case will consist of the two semesters which combine to complete one of the mandatory “years” of the program (e.g., a student’s third year may consist of courses taken between September-December and May-September, while the student is registered by their university as being a third-year student. Two semesters belonging to different academic years of study will not be considered.
Applicants registered in co-operative programs should submit a separate letter from their Dean or program director that specifies the schedule of their academic and work terms if this information is not clear from their transcript. This letter should be sent directly to the Office of Admissions & Student Affairs, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry.
2. Graduate Students
Candidates enrolled in a Master’s program at the time of application must complete the requirements of the program. Withdrawal from a Master’s program during that year in order to enroll within Schulich Medicine will not be acceptable.
Graduate students completing thesis-based master’s degrees must have completed all requirements for their graduate degree. Final transcripts showing that all requirements for their graduate degree have been completed (or a letter attesting to the same) must be received by OMSAS no later than June 30th.
Applicants who are enrolled in a course-based master’s at the time of application must have completed all requirements by August 15th. A letter of good standing indicating there are no concerns with meeting all requirements of the course-based master’s degree must be received at OMSAS no later than June 30th.
Western does not take graduate courses into consideration for the GPA; only undergraduate years are used. Applicants who currently are enrolled in a master’s program are encouraged to make inquiries about the MD/PhD program.
3. Repeat Courses
Schulich Medicine does not accept repeat courses. If a course is repeated, the course is not counted in the course load for that year, nor is it factored into the GPA calculation for that year. Therefore, if 5.0 courses or equivalent are taken, but one of them is a repeat course, that year will be considered to have less than a full course load and not suitable for GPA calculations.
4. Summer Courses
Summer courses will not be counted in the overall GPA for interview and admission consideration. Summer courses will not be counted as part of the September to April course load.
5. Disability and Admission to Medicine
The Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, in accord with the Ontario Human Rights Code and University Policy, is committed to provision of equal access opportunities to all qualified applicants. To fulfill the requirements of the MD degree and to avoid serious risk to the health and safety of patients/clients, students are required to acquire competency in a wide range of knowledge, skills and abilities. Individuals with special needs are advised to contact the Admissions Office, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, and to carefully review the “Council of Ontario Faculties of Medicine (COFM) Policy Document: Essential Skills and Abilities Required for the Study of Medicine”.
6. Transfer Students
Transfer consideration is restricted to Canadian citizens or Permanent Residents of Canada currently enrolled in a Canadian medical school. Applicants considering transfer must contact the Admissions Office. For detailed information on transfer into the undergraduate Medical program please refer to the Statement on Transfer of Student for Program Studies in UME.
7. Foreign Courses/Grades
Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada who have completed their undergraduate-level university education outside of Canada may apply to the Schulich MD program.
Applicants who have completed their undergraduate education outside of Canada and the United States must have their foreign transcripts assessed by World Education Services (WES). By doing so, WES will convert foreign academic credentials into their Canadian educational equivalents. A course-by-course evaluation along with an overall GPA is required. WES evaluations must be sent directly to OMSAS by WES and must be received by the application deadline.
WES will forward the transcript to OMSAS along with their report. A second copy does not need to be sent to OMSAS or Western. To contact WES visit their website.
8. Candidates from Accredited Degree-Granting Institutions
Candidates with acceptable standing at accredited degree-granting institutions may be considered for admission provided that the content of studies completed is equivalent in content to the courses offered by Western, and to the requirements of the program to which the student has applied. The University will review other candidates on an individual basis. Admission in all cases is competitive.
Applicants who submit false information will be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with Western policy.