About

Our MD program is designed to ensure that participants graduate with a common foundation of knowledge, skills, values, and attitudes. This general professional education prepares graduates for subsequent education in primary or specialty care areas.


Quick facts
  • 4 year degree. This does not include the 4 year baccalaureate degree required prior to admission to the program. 
  • Full-time program
  • You cannot begin this program directly from high school

What you will learn

The undergraduate medical education program in the College of Medicine is a four-year program leading to the Medical Doctor (MD) degree. Upon earning the MD degree, students are then eligible to apply for postgraduate training in the discipline of their choice.

Years one and two

The first two years of medical education are called pre-clerkship. Students learn basic sciences and how to apply that learning in clinical conditions. They learn how to take medical histories and perform physical exams, first on standardized patients and then on real patients. At the same time, they are introduced to the factors that can affect both people's health and how they function in society. Students have the opportunity to participate in research and earn Global Health Certification.

Years three and four

After pre-clerkship comes clerkship. During year three, which is the first year of clerkship, students put into practice what they have already learned. They participate in clinical rotations and provide patient care both in hospital and in outpatient clinics. Clinical experiences occur not only in Saskatoon, Regina and Prince Albert, but also in rural and remote communities throughout Saskatchewan. In year four, students have further opportunities to experience different fields of medicine by participating in electives in Saskatchewan and at other medical schools throughout Canada. This prepares them for choosing a residency program at the end of year four.

The Course and Program Catalogue has the complete and official listing of required classes and their descriptions for this program.

Why study here?

Saskatoon campus:
Health Sciences Building, University of Saskatchewan

Our Saskatoon campus is in the Health Sciences Building at the University of Saskatchewan. This state of the-art, integrated facility supports and enables collaboration among students, faculty and researchers in all health science disciplines. The building is home to the Leslie and Irene Dubé Health Sciences Library, technology-equipped lecture theatres, classrooms and research laboratories, meeting and breakout rooms, and study and lounge spaces. It also includes the Clinical Learning Resource Centre, a simulation facility for health sciences students. Students also gain experience at Saskatoon's three hospitals.

Regina campus:
Regina General Hospital

Our Regina campus is in the Regina General Hospital with access to hands-on learning and close proximity to the medical community. Residents, in addition to junior and senior medical students, are nearby and there is a low student-to-preceptor ratio. The campus is home to the Health Sciences Learning Centre, Health Sciences Library, technology-equipped classrooms, breakout rooms, study spaces, a student lounge and clinical exam rooms. It is also home to the Dilawri Simulation Centre, a state-of-the-art facility for students to practice medical situations. Students also gain experience at Wascana Rehabilitation Centre and Pasqua Hospital.

Excellence in care

The College of Medicine is committed to incorporating social accountability to direct its clinical activity, advocacy, research and education (CARE) and training activities towards the priority health concerns of local, regional, national and international communities. The college supports a number of programs and initiatives that address community health needs, including Indigenous health, primary health care, urban and rural underserved areas, gender and equity, eco-health, immigrant and refugee health and global health.

Indigenous health electives

Electives in Indigenous health that blend Indigenous and western knowledge are available in year four. These electives give you the opportunity to work in urban or rural settings with knowledge keepers, community members, and clinicians, pending availability at elective sites. You may also go off-site to assist in clinical care in surrounding First Nations communities

Certificate in Global Health

We offer this unique interprofessional program that combines academic courses with intense urban-based service learning experiences in urban underserved community clinics, as well as rural, remote and Indigenous communities in northern Saskatchewan and international communities. Rich in interactive, experiential, and didactic learning opportunities, this was the first undergraduate certificate in global health in Canada.

Student groups

Our college has an exceptionally active student body with leadership from the Student Medical Society of Saskatchewan (SMSS). Some examples of other diverse student groups include: Aboriginal Rural and Remote Health Group Living Well: Physician Wellness Initiative Equity, Diversity and Gender Group. In addition, our Pre-Med Club helps students prepare for all aspects of medical school applications.

Indigenous Students

The College of Medicine is committed to increasing the number of Indigenous physicians in Canada and has developed programs and initiatives to encourage and support Indigenous students, including a mentorship program and through our Pathway Support for Indigenous Students to Pursue Medicine awards.

Careers

Residency and career options

After medical school, graduates enter into a residency program. The College of Medicine offers residency programs in primary or specialty care areas. Residency training varies from two years for certification by the College of Family Physicians of Canada to four to six years for certification by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.

Following successful completion of residency training leads to careers in many diverse fields including the following:

  • Anesthesiology
  • Cardiology
  • Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
  • Clinical Investigation
  • Emergency Medicine
  • Family Medicine
  • General Internal Medicine
  • General Pathology
  • General Surgery
  • Internal Medicine
  • Medical Imaging
  • Nephrology
  • Neurology
  • Neurosurgery
  • Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • Ophthalmology
  • Orthopedic Surgery
  • Pediatrics
  • Physical Medicine and
  • Rehabilitation
  • Public Health and Preventive
  • Medicine
  • Psychiatry
  • Respiratory Medicine
  • Rheumatology

Tuition estimates

Tuition and fees per year

Tuition $20,246
Student fees $1,089
Total $21,335

Tuition estimates reflect a typical amount you could expect to pay per year (2023-2024 rates).
Student fees are used to fund specific student benefits, including health, vision and dental coverage, a bus pass, recreational programs and fitness centre access.

Additional estimates of fees and expenses

Additional Fees or expenses Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4
Student Medical Society Fees 300.00 - - -
College of Physicians & Surgeons Fees 20.00 - - -
MCCQE Part I - - - 1,375.00
CARMs Fee (including travel) - - - 625.00
Criminal Record and Vulnerable Sector Check Fee 75.00 - 75.00 -
Books# 500.00 500.00 500.00 500.00
Electives - - - 9,500.00
Rotations Outside of Home Site 300.00 600.00 1,500.00 1,500.00
Travel+

NOTE: Housing and living expenses are not included in this table.
#Amount is variable depending on the usage of EBooks, library loans, on-line subscriptions, used books, and purchased textbooks.
+Travel expenses are variable and will depend on, for example, the clinical experiences chosen, student interest group involvement, conference attendance and personal travel.

Preparing for Medicine

High school requirements

There are no specific high school requirements for the Medicine program. However, as a four-year baccalaureate degree (any subject area) is required to apply for admission to Medicine, students should consider their degree interests and research the high school prerequisite requirements for the degree to ensure they have taken the required high school courses to complete the university-level courses.

University requirements

  • Read through the Admission information below to see what is needed to be considered for admission.
  • While prerequisite courses are not mandatory, applicants are strongly encouraged to complete equivalent/similar courses (introductory level Biochemistry, Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Statistics, Sociology and Psychology) to ensure readiness for the basic sciences covered in the first two years of the undergraduate medical curriculum and to prepare for the MCAT as well.
  • Beginning in the 2024 application cycle, applicants must have an Indigenous studies prerequisite. For those currently enrolled in an undergraduate program, a 3-credit unit (1/2 year) university-level course with a focus on teaching the historical context and effects of colonialism on Indigenous peoples is required.

Join a Pre-Med Club

The Pre-Med Club helps students prepare for all aspects of medical school applications. They offer a range of preparatory and informative sessions such as mock MCATs, MCAT info sessions, multiple mini interview (MMI) prep groups, a mock MMI, a medical school applications crash course, a volunteer opportunities info session and much more.

  • Saskatoon:  Join the Pre-Med Club by email or via Facebook, U of S Pre Med Club.
  • Regina: Contact them by email or via Facebook, University of Regina Pre-Medicine Club.

Who should apply?

As the only medical school in Saskatchewan, the College of Medicine exists primarily to serve the residents of the province. As such, the vast majority of our seats are reserved for Saskatchewan residents. Our school values diversity and we strive to have an incoming MD class that reflects the diversity of our province.

Our Indigenous Admissions Pathway (IAP) is designed to support self-declared First Nations, Métis, and Inuit students from all over Canada to gain admission to Medicine. Our Diversity and Social Accountability Admissions Program provides applicants who have experienced a challenging socio-economic background an opportunity to enter the College.

Learn all necessary applicant information below.

DSAAP

The Diversity and Social Accountability Admissions Program (DSAAP) considers socioeconomic and other systemic barriers to achieve admission to medical school and takes these factors into account. At the time of application, applicants have the opportunity to complete a completely confidential and voluntary questionnaire that will assess these barriers. Six seats will be allocated to the DSAAP, which will be informed by the completed questionnaire.

Indigenous Admissions Pathway

The College of Medicine Indigenous Admissions Pathway is designed to support the growing number of Indigenous people choosing to becoming doctors in Saskatchewan.

The program helps to navigate the pathways and resources available to Indigenous students as they train to become physicians.

Admission information

The admission information below provides a cursory review. Please ensure you've read the entire Applicant Information document prior to applying. The document contains the official admission policies.

1. Residency and citizenship

You must be a Canadian citizen or have Permanent Resident status by the application deadline of October 1. Additionally, you must have lived in Canada for at least three years of your life prior to August 1 of the year in which admission is being sought. Please note, if your Permanent Resident card expires between the application deadline and August 1 of the year of admission, admission to the College will be conditional upon receipt of an updated valid Permanent Resident card.

Indigenous applicants

The College of Medicine Admissions Office is committed to actively recruiting and supporting Indigenous students into medicine, ensuring the best pathway for Indigenous applicants through the Indigenous Admissions Pathway. An important aspect of this is ensuring that doctors are reflective of the communities who they serve. Diversity and equity strengthen the profession of medicine and the quality of care of patients and improves health outcomes.

One of our very important goals in Admissions is to help bring down barriers and offer opportunities and inspiration to Indigenous students to pursue medicine as a career. We want Indigenous applicants to feel supported and encouraged through the application process. Having a strong Indigenous voice in the College of Medicine and future physician work force of this province is very important as we build truth, reconciliation and relationship with Indigenous patients, families and communities.

2. Application Requirements

  1. COMPUTER-BASED ASSESSMENT FOR SAMPLING PERSONAL CHARACTERISITICS (CASPer®): all applicants are required to complete an online assessment, CASPer®. CASPer is an online situational judgement test that assesses for numerous personal and professional characteristics and it will compliment other tools that we use. You can learn more about the Casper test at the CASPer site at takeCASPer.com
  2. MCAT: you will need to complete the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) before the application deadline and arrange to have all of your scores released to our office during the specified time. See below for more details.
  3. Four year Baccalaureate Degree Completed by April 30 and Awarded Prior to Entry into Medicine: to apply you need to have completed, or be in your last year, of a four year degree program.
  4. Admission average: the minimum admission average is 80%.

NOTE: For complete information regarding the admissions requirements, please review the Applicant Information document.

3. Personal qualities

Personal qualities are assessed by CASPer. Then, if invited to participate, by a Multiple Mini-Interview (MMI) tentatively scheduled for January and a panel interview tentatively scheduled for March. Applicant's attending the interview phase(s) may then have a followed up check of their references. Not all candidates will be invited to the interview phase(s).

Multiple Mini Interview

The 2023 MMI will be held in January.

Panel Interview

The 2023 Panel Interviews will be held in March.

4. Additional requirements

Applicants whose primary language is not English may be required to present proof of proficiency in English.

The MD program tuition is $20,246.00 for the 2023-2024 academic year. Applicants who are offered admission must pay a non-refundable deposit of 10% ($2,025.00) of the tuition by the deadline date of the acceptance of the offer. That is, candidates who withdraw their admission acceptance after paying the fee will forfeit the 10% deposit.

All applicants offered admission will be required to submit a criminal record check including vulnerable sector screening to the College of Medicine by the first day of orientation of the year of entry.

All applicants should familiarize themselves with the Criminal Record Check Policy and Procedures. Results will be shared, including sharing a copy of the documentation, with: (i) the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Saskatchewan and (ii) other medical and/or educational institutions as required. In the event that an applicant is found to be ineligible for an educational license, the offer of admission will be revoked.

Applicants to the College of Medicine will be required to answer the following questions on the application form and provide detailed information for any question(s) answered “Yes”:
  • Have you ever been suspended, disqualified, censured, or had any disciplinary action taken against you as a member of any profession?
  • Have you at any time been (i) subject to allegations of any academic or non-academic offence by a post-secondary institution, (ii) suspended, expelled, required to discontinue, or otherwise disciplined (including being denied readmission) for any academic or non-academic offence by a post-secondary institution, (iii) subject to informal resolution with respect to any academic or non-academic offence by a post-secondary institution, or (iv) cited for any professionalism issues at any time?
  • Have you ever been convicted of a criminal offence (this includes any offence for which pardon has been received)?
  • Have you been arrested or charged with any criminal offence, in Canada or elsewhere?
  • To the best of your current knowledge and belief, are you currently under investigation for possible criminal conduct, in Canada or elsewhere?

If you are a future applicant considering application to the USask College of Medicine and answer "yes" to any of the preceding questions, it is recommended that you contact the Admissions Office to have an informal review of the details of your background completed to determine future possible concerns with regard to admission or licensure as a medical student.

For full details on the Immunization Requirements please view our policy.

MCAT

The AAMC and the Association of Faculties of Medicine in Canada (AFMC) provide a fee assistance program for Canadian examinees who register to test during the 2023 testing year. Canadian examinees who are eligible and qualify, will receive reduced scheduling, rescheduling, and cancellation rates. Learn more about the MCAT Fee Assistance Program for Canadians at aamc.org.

The MCAT must be written prior to September 2, 2023. You must request that all of your MCAT results be released electronically, specifically to the University of Saskatchewan, College of Medicine, via the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) MCAT Test Site. Results must be released to the College of Medicine prior to the October 1, 2023 application deadline.

Please note the following changes will come into effect for the upcoming application cycle (2023 application for 2024 admission to the USask MD Program).

  • minimum required score will be a total score of 492 with minimum section scores of 123 in all sections, except one section may be 122
  • earliest MCAT writing accepted is January 1, 2019
  • latest MCAT writing accepted is September 2, 2023
  • deadline for release of MCAT scores to the USask College of Medicine is October 1, 2023
  • we will use the best score at one sitting

While no prerequisite courses are required for admission, to prepare for the MCAT and to ensure readiness for the concepts covered in the first two years of the undergraduate medical curriculum, applicants are strongly encouraged to complete equivalent/similar courses in the following: introductory level Biochemistry, Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Statistics, Sociology and Psychology.

Registration for the MCAT is online at www.aamc.org/mcat.

Applying

Deadlines: Applications for admission in August 2023 open in August 2022, and the deadline to apply is October 1, 2022.

Note: A non-refundable application fee of $150 CDN is required before your application will be processed. For applicants invited to participate in the Multiple Mini Interview (MMI), there is an additional non-refundable fee of $75.00 which must be paid at the time of accepting the MMI invitation.

Price of a Dream Fee Waiver Program

The Price of a Dream (POD) program was developed by the National POD Team alongside the AFMC and participating universities to address the personal and systemic financial barriers individuals face when applying to medical school. The $150 application fee and the $75 interview fee associated with a medical school application are waived through the POD program for successful applicants. for the upcoming 2023-2024 application cycle to the USask College of Medicine.

For more information, visit:

The application portal is now available for the upcoming 2023/2024 application cycle. Click here to apply. If you have any questions, please feel free to email us.

What to expect once you begin

You may start an application, save it, and return to it any time before the application deadline. Once your application has been submitted, you cannot re-open it to make changes.

Completing the application

Once you have filled out and submitted your application and paid your application fee, you will be able to return to your application to upload your supplemental items (such as transcripts, proof of Permanent Residency, etc.). These are entered in the "Supplemental Items & Documents" tab on your application.

Your application will not be considered complete until you upload all necessary supplemental items outstanding, so it is recommended that you do this right away after initially submitting your application. If you are offered admission, you will be asked to have official copies of some documents (such as transcripts) sent. Instructions will be provided in your admission letter.

Check Application Status

Log in to your account to check your application status. Once you have logged in, you will see "My application" showing in your account, which will display the status of your application.

Changes to your application

If you need to make any other changes to your application that you have already submitted, you need to contact the College of Medicine at med.admissions@usask.ca. If you need to complete or make changes to your application that you started but did not submit, you can log back into your application and complete the changes yourself.

College info

The four-year Doctor of Medicine (MD) is offered by the University of Saskatchewan's College of Medicine.

Established first as the School of Medical Sciences in 1926 and later as the College of Medicine in 1953, the College has a full range of academic programming, including the School of Rehabilitation Science and the Division of Biomedical Sciences. The College of Medicine serves the people of Saskatchewan by producing outstanding clinical practitioners, generating new knowledge and facilitating improved patient outcomes.

Questions?

Emailmed.admissions@usask.ca

Admissions College of Medicine
Box 17, Health Sciences Building
University of Saskatchewan 
107 Wiggins Road, Saskatoon
SK, S7N 5E5