
RUSM Medical School for Canadian Applicants
Medical Schools Abroad for Canadian Students
Ross University School of Medicine (RUSM) is one of many accredited medical schools that attract prospective Canadian medical school applicants. Canadian medical students abroad often continue their medical careers in Canada after completing their medical education at RUSM. In addition to being eligible for residency training in Canada and the United States, RUSM graduates may also practice throughout both countries.
The Canadian Student Society offers important information, such as exam preparation, visa requirements, and peer advisement on rotations, to Canadian medical students wishing to practice medicine in Canada as well as provide free workshops to any member of the RUSM community.
Catherine Millar-Burt
millar-burt@rossu.edu
Suji Jeong
sjeong@rossu.edu
CANADIAN STUDENTS AT RUSM
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Canadian students comprised about six percent of the RUSM student body.
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RUSM Canadian students have earned competitive residency spots across Canada, including surgery at the University of Toronto, family medicine at the University of British Columbia, pediatrics at McMaster University, and anesthesiology at the University of Manitoba.
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Canadian students have attained residencies in such disciplines as anesthesiology, emergency medicine, internal medicine, neurology, neuropathology, radiation oncology, and more.
RUSM Medical School Requirements for Canadian Students
As you consider studying abroad for medical school, you may be wondering whether your requirement as a Canadian student differs from other applicants. Thankfully, application steps for all RUSM students are the same. Here are the steps to apply to Ross University School of Medicine:
- Be sure you meet the medical school admissions requirements.
- After taking the MCAT, complete the RUSM online application.
- Send any supplemental documents.
If you’re ready to become a Canadian studying medicine abroad, here is where you can learn more about our application process.
RESIDENCY
We pride ourselves on the accomplishments of our Canadian students. Since 2012, 65 RUSM Canadian students have earned residencies across Canada, and 627 others have earned residencies in the United States.
RUSM RESIDENCY Highlights
Institutions and types of residencies that Canadian students have earned since 2012:
Institution | Residency Type |
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Dalhousie University | Cardiac Surgery Family Medicine |
McMaster University | Emergency Medicine Family Medicine Pediatrics Psychiatry |
Memorial University of Newfoundland | Anatomical Pathology Psychiatry |
Northern Ontario School of Medicine | Family Medicine |
University of Alberta | Family Medicine |
University of British Columbia | Family Medicine Psychiatry |
University of Calgary | Family Medicine |
University of Manitoba | Anesthesiology Emergency Medicine Family Medicine General Surgery Psychiatry |
University of Saskatchewan | Family Medicine General Surgery Psychiatry |
Western University | Family Medicine Internal Medicine Neuropathology Pediatrics Psychiatry |
STUDENT SUPPORT
Students receive the support they need from a support hub dedicated to their success. RUSM offers each student a team of advisors, including clinical and financial aid advisors, writers, and student advocates.
- The RUSM basic sciences curriculum, called Foundations of Medicine, mixes traditional classroom-based learning with clinically relevant hands-on activities. It is designed to prepare students for licensure and practice in the United States or Canada.
- Ross Med is affiliated with 28 teaching hospitals throughout the United States.
RUSM has entered into a partnership agreement with Bishop’s University in Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada. Bishop’s University is an English-language university that offers a selection of more than 100 study programs. The partnership agreement with RUSM allows eligible Canadian students who completed their undergraduate degree at Bishop’s University a pathway to enter the RUSM medical program.
Under this Agreement RUSM will provide certain benefits set forth below to Eligible Individuals who apply to and attend RUSM. “Eligible Individuals” are defined as students who have graduated from Institution within five (5) years and who meet the following qualifications:
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An overall Grade Point Average (or equivalency) of 3.2 or higher;
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A cumulative grade point average of 3.00 or higher in all courses designated as pre-requisites for admission by RUSM;
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No grade below C (or equivalent) in any pre-requisite course designated by RUSM;
- Biology: 1 year (6 lecture credits), including laboratory (BIO 196/BIL 196, BIO 205/BIL 205)
- General Chemistry: 1 year (6 lecture credits), including laboratory (CHM 191/CHL191, CHM 192/CHL 192)
- Organic Chemistry: 1 year (6 lecture credits), including laboratory. Biochemistry can be used to substitute for organic chemistry (CHM 111/CHL 111, CHM 211/CHL 211, BCH 313
- General Physics: 1 year (6 lecture credits), including laboratory. Statistics or Calculus can be substituted for Physics (any two of PHY 191/PHL 193, PHY 193/PHL 193, MAT 191, MAT 192, MAT 197, MAT 198, PHY 101) v. English: 1 year (6 lecture credits), (any two ENG – coded courses or course classified as writing intensive with at least 40% written component as one of the assignments).
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All pre-requisite coursework must have been completed within ten years of the date of student application to RUSM.
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Pre-requisite course substitutions and/or exceptions may be granted at the sole discretion of the RUSM Faculty Admissions Committee.
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A cumulative score of 490 or higher on the MCAT exam, and minimum section scores of:
- 123 or greater for Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems; Page 9 of 10
- 122 or greater for Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems;
- 120 or greater for Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills; and iv. 120 or greater for Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior.
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Must have two Letters of Recommendation, and other minimum admissions requirements required of RUSM’s students as set forth at https://medical.rossu.edu/admissions/admissions-requirements.
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Under extraordinary circumstances, RUSM, in its sole discretion, may consider student applicants whose qualifications fall below the threshold qualifications set forth above.
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Both Parties agree that they will promptly inform the other of any substantive changes in academic requirements, course or programs of study or any other change that may affect this Agreement.
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Except where prohibited by law, RUSM will waive application fees for Eligible Individuals who apply to RUSM.
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RUSM will guarantee an admissions interview for Eligible Individuals, as defined in the Exhibit A, Section B.
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Eligible individuals, as defined in Exhibit A, Section B who apply to RUSM and are accepted, will be evaluated for academic scholarships at the time of admission. Eligible individuals will be provided with information on the availability and criteria for other scholarships within 2 weeks of acceptance.
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RUSM will provide Institution with data identifying alumni who have enrolled or graduated from RUSM and consented to disclosure of such information at least once per year or upon request.
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Academically accepted international or Canadian students (defined as non-U.S. citizens and not having access to FAFSA funding) will receive the following benefits:
- Medical School Scholarships | RUSM School of Medicine (medical.ross.edu) subject to student maintaining Scholarship Eligibility;
- Bishop’s University Partner Scholarship – One-time $7,500 USD awarded for the first semester of enrollment at RUSM;
- In Barbados, partner school students will receive a one-time, first semester housing grant up to a value of $4,040 USD and house at Coverley House or where RUSM can accommodate.
For more information, contact:
Catherine Millar-Burt
Associate Director, Student and University Partnerships
CMillar-Burt@rossu.edu
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For information about the loans, scholarships, and grants available in your province, please visit the Canadian Government’s official website for the Student Assistance Program (SAP).
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Canadian students may be eligible for loans through the Canadian government and/or private loan programs. For more information, please refer to the Financial Planning Guide for Canadian Students[PDF].
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For more information, please call 732-509-3051 or email finaid@rossu.edu.
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Please note that Ross only accepts U.S. currency for payment.
The Canadian Student Society offers important information, such as exam preparation, visa requirements, and peer advisement on rotations, to Canadian medical students wishing to practice medicine in Canada as well as provide free workshops to any member of the RUSM community.
Ross University School of Medicine Canadian Alumni Stories
“I still can’t believe I matched in Canada,” she says. “I am so honored to have been chosen to train at [Western].”

"The rigor of the program is top-notch, and you are exposed to so many different medical scenarios and
cultures—more than you would be at any other school."

"You really focus on your schooling and education, and [Ross] teaches you a real respect for the field. And sometimes, I do miss waking up and wearing shorts every day."

“I took the determination I needed as an athlete, and put it into medicine,” he said. “I’ve got to say I worked pretty hard, but I enjoyed my time; and I enjoyed some of the stuff the island had to offer.”

"The education that I received was top quality, and the professors had our best interests—as well as that of our future patients—at heart."
Checking the Pulse: RUSM Podcast

This episode is entirely dedicated to our Canadian applicants! Meet the Director of Admissions in Canada, Tom Harkness, who covers the differences in the application process, interviews, campus life for Canadian students, clinical rotations and the differences in applying for the US and Canadian residency programs.

The Canadian Student Association at RUSM creates a home away from home, supporting Canadian students, and offers connection through events, shared values and experiences. Prime Minister and Secretary of the organization, Future doctors Radhika Bassi and Gurjot Ravi share their experiences as current students.
TALK TO ADMISSIONS
If you have a question about starting your medical education at Ross University School of Medicine, please contact a member of our Admissions staff.
TUITION & FINANCIAL AID
Medical school tuition can seem like a lot of money, but medical school is a major investment in your future. To help offset the cost, scholarships and financial aid are available to eligible students.
SCHOLARSHIPS
RUSM offers a variety of scholarships and a number of resources on how to earn a scholarship to med school, which can help aspiring doctors offset the cost of their medical education.
START YOUR APPLICATION
Ready to apply to Ross University School of Medicine to earn your Doctor of Medicine (MD) Degree? RUSM offers five easy ways to start or complete your application.