The Faculté de Médecine at Université Laval, located in Quebec City, is the oldest French-language medical school in North America. Established in 1853, it is renowned for its leadership in primary care, social accountability, and extensive research in genomics and public health.
Crucial Language Requirement: Université Laval is a French-language institution. All medical instruction, clinical rotations, and patient interactions are conducted in French. Applicants must demonstrate high proficiency (typically TCF tout public or equivalent) to be considered for admission.
Location: 1050, avenue de la Médecine, Québec, QC G1V 0A6.
Degree Conferred: Doctor of Medicine (M.D.).
Duration: 4 to 5 years (depending on whether a preparatory year is required).
Language of Instruction: French.
Accreditation: Fully accredited by the CACMS (Canada) and recognized by the LCME (USA). Graduates are eligible for medical licensure across North America.
The "Pavillon Ferdinand-Vandry": The heart of the medical school, this building houses high-tech simulation labs, anatomy rooms, and the health sciences library.
Problem-Based Learning (PBL): The curriculum is heavily integrated, using patient-case simulations to teach clinical reasoning from the first year.
Interprofessional Education: Students train alongside future nurses, pharmacists, and physiotherapists to master the collaborative care model common in the Quebec health system.
Leading tertiary care hospital attached to the institution
Université Laval manages one of the largest clinical networks in Quebec, known as the RUISSS Université Laval:
CHU de Québec-Université Laval: This includes five major hospitals (CHUL, L'Hôtel-Dieu, Enfant-Jésus, Saint-Sacrement, and Saint-François d'Assise).
IUCPQ (Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec): A world-renowned center for heart and lung surgery.
Remote Training: The school has a strong mandate for rural medicine; students often complete rotations in Northern Quebec (e.g., James Bay or the Gaspé Peninsula).
State University Affordability
Quebec medical tuition is highly regulated. Fees differ significantly based on residency status.
Quebec Residents: Approx. $4,500 – $5,000 CAD per year.
Canadian (Non-Quebec) Residents: Approx. $13,500 – $15,000 CAD per year.
International Students: Approx. $32,000 – $38,000 CAD per year.
Application Fee: Approx. $100 CAD.
Vibe: A UNESCO World Heritage site known for its European charm, cobblestone streets, and the iconic Château Frontenac.
Cost of Living: One of the most affordable major cities in Canada.
Safety: Consistently ranked as one of the safest cities in North America.
Transport: The RTC (Réseau de transport de la Capitale) provides extensive bus service. Medical students often receive a transit pass included in their ancillary fees.
On-Campus Residences: Université Laval has 2,300 rooms in four halls (e.g., Pavillon Parent, Pavillon Lacerte).
Cost: Very affordable, ranging from $390 to $500 CAD per month.
Tunnel System: All residences are connected to the Medical Faculty via underground tunnels—essential for Quebec’s cold winters.
Mess/Dining: There is no "mandatory" meal plan. The campus features various cafeterias and "Saveurs Campus" outlets. Most students self-cater using communal kitchens in residences.
Food Budget: Approx. $400 – $600 CAD per month.
CASPer Test: Mandatory for all applicants. This situational judgment test is conducted in French.
Eligibility (International): Very few spots are available for international students (often zero in certain years unless a specific agreement exists between your country and Quebec).
Academic Requirements: A high R-Score (for CEGEP students) or a competitive CRU (University score). A bachelor's degree is generally required for university-level applicants.
Interviews: Only top-ranked candidates are invited to the MEM (Mini-entrevues multiples), which are conducted in French.
Well-equipped Library
Experienced Faculty
Computer Lab
Sports Activities
Heritage Campus