The Faculty of Medicine at Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN), located in St. John's, is the only medical school in the province. It is renowned for its focus on rural and community medicine, with clinical rotations that span the rugged landscapes of Newfoundland and Labrador.
Established: 1967.
Location: 300 Prince Philip Drive, St. John's, NL (Adjacent to the Health Sciences Centre).
Degree Conferred: Doctor of Medicine (MD).
Duration: 4 Years (Postgraduate entry).
Language of Instruction: English.
Accreditation: Fully accredited by CACMS (Canada) and LCME (USA).
Quota: Approximately 80 seats (60 reserved for Newfoundland and Labrador residents).
Eligibility: Admission is restricted to Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents. International students are not eligible for the MD program at MUN.
Health Sciences Centre (HSC): The medical school is physically integrated with the HSC, which includes the adult hospital, the Janeway Children's Hospital, and the H. Bliss Murphy Cancer Centre.
Small Class Sizes: With only 80 students per year, MUN offers one of the most intimate and supportive learning environments in Canada.
Innovative Learning: The curriculum emphasizes early patient contact and community-based learning, starting as early as the first semester.
PEI Campus: MUN recently expanded its program to include a satellite campus in Prince Edward Island (UPEI) to help train doctors for the Maritimes.
Leading tertiary care hospital attached to the institution
MUN's training network, known as Distributed Medical Education (DME), covers the entire province:
Eastern Health (St. John's): The primary hub at the Health Sciences Centre and St. Clare’s Mercy Hospital.
Central Health: Placements in Gander and Grand Falls-Windsor.
Western Health: Based at Corner Brook (Western Memorial Regional Hospital).
Labrador-Grenfell Health: Offers unique, remote clinical experiences in Happy Valley-Goose Bay and Labrador City, focusing on Indigenous and northern health.
State University Affordability
MUN has historically been one of the most affordable medical schools in Canada, though fees have recently adjusted under a new tuition framework.
Annual Tuition (Domestic): Approximately $14,250 CAD per year.
Student Fees: Approx. $1,500 CAD per year (includes transit pass, drug/dental insurance, and student union fees).
Application Fee: $150 CAD.
Incidental Costs: Budget approx. $2,500 for first-year books, medical gear (stethoscopes), and immunizations.
Vibe: One of the oldest and most colorful cities in North America. Known for its steep streets, "jellybean" colored houses, and a world-class folk music scene on George Street.
Transport: Metrobus serves the city; medical students receive a bus pass as part of their fees. A car is often necessary for rural rotations.
Climate: Maritime. Expect foggy, cool summers and snowy, windy winters. It is one of the "weatheriest" cities in Canada.
Safety: Very high. St. John's has a strong sense of community and a low crime rate.
On-Campus Residences:
Burton’s Pond Apartments: Popular for medical and graduate students; offers private bedrooms in 4-bedroom apartments.
Cost: Approx. $2,642 CAD per semester.
Macpherson College: Suite-style living with semi-private washrooms.
Cost: Approx. $2,591 CAD per semester (plus mandatory meal plan for some options).
Mess/Dining:
Mandatory Meal Plans: If staying in Paton/Macpherson College, plans range from $2,640 – $2,770 CAD per semester.
Self-Catering: Students in Burton's Pond or off-campus typically spend $400 – $600 CAD per month on groceries.
Off-Campus: St. John's is relatively affordable. Shared rentals near the hospital range from $700 – $1,200 CAD per month.
Academic: A completed 4-year Bachelor’s degree in any discipline.
GPA: Competitive applicants usually have a 3.8+ (out of 4.0).
Standardized Tests:
MCAT: Mandatory. Scores must be released to MUN by the application deadline (August 2025 for 2026 entry).
CASPer Test: Mandatory online situational judgment test.
Application Focus: MUN looks for a "fit" with the province's needs. The personal statement and references should reflect an interest in rural or community-oriented medicine.
Interview: Selected candidates attend a panel interview (typically in January).
2026 Timeline: The application deadline for the August 2026 intake is August 27, 2025.
Well-equipped Library
Experienced Faculty
Computer Lab
Sports Activities
Heritage Campus