University of Ottawa Faculty of Medicine
General Information
The Faculty of Medicine at the University of Ottawa (uOttawa) is uniquely distinguished as the only medical school in North America that offers a medical program in both English and French. Located in the heart of Canada's capital, it is a leader in medical education and research, particularly known for its extensive clinical network and for not requiring the MCAT for admission.
General Info
Established: 1945.
Location: Roger Guindon Hall, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, Ontario.
Degree Awarded: Doctor of Medicine (MD).
Duration: 4 Years (Postgraduate entry).
Language of Instruction: English or French (Applicants choose their stream).
Accreditation: Fully accredited by CACMS (Canada) and LCME (USA).
International Eligibility: Generally, only Canadian citizens and Permanent Residents are eligible to apply to the MD program.
Campus Facilities
Bilingualism: Students can choose to study in the English or French stream. Bilingual students are often given priority in clinical rotations where possible.
e-Curriculum: uOttawa was the first medical school in Canada to implement a comprehensive e-curriculum, integrating technology into all levels of learning.
Structure:
Years 1–2 (Pre-clerkship): Focused on biomedical sciences and physician skill development.
Years 3–4 (Clerkship): 72 weeks of full-time clinical work.
Social Accountability: The school has a strong mandate to serve the community, with specialized pathways for Indigenous students and those from low-socioeconomic backgrounds.
Hospital & Medical Facilities
Leading tertiary care hospital attached to the institution
uOttawa is affiliated with several world-class hospitals and research institutes in the National Capital Region:
The Ottawa Hospital (TOH): One of Canada's largest teaching and research hospitals, with three main campuses (General, Civic, and Riverside).
Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO): A leading pediatric health and research center.
University of Ottawa Heart Institute: Canada's largest and foremost cardiovascular health center.
Hôpital Montfort: Ontario’s French-language academic hospital, essential for students in the French stream.
Bruyère Continuing Care: Focused on aging, rehabilitation, and palliative care.
Fee Structure
State University Affordability
Tuition at uOttawa is competitive for Ontario residents but remains a significant investment.
Annual Tuition (Domestic): Approximately $26,900 CAD per year.
Incidental Fees: Approx. $2,000 CAD per year (includes transit pass, health/dental insurance, and athletic fees).
Application Fee (OMSAS): Approx. $220 CAD base fee + uOttawa-specific fee.
Books & Equipment: Expect to spend $1,500 – $2,500 on initial medical gear (stethoscopes, scrubs) and digital resources.
City Details
Vibe: A clean, safe, and bilingual capital city with a high quality of life. It offers the perfect mix of historic architecture, national museums, and outdoor activities like skating on the Rideau Canal.
Transport: The LRT (Light Rail) and bus network connect the main campus (downtown) to the medical campus (Smyth Rd). Students receive a U-Pass for unlimited travel.
Climate: Cold, snowy winters and warm, humid summers. It is one of the snowiest capitals in the world.
Safety: Very high. Ottawa is consistently ranked as one of the safest major cities in Canada.
Hostel & Mess
On-Campus Residences: Many medical students choose 90 University (Suites) or 45 Mann (Apartments) due to their proximity to transit and privacy.
Cost: Approx. $15,000 – $24,000 CAD for an 8-to-12-month contract.
Dining: While traditional residences require a meal plan (~$7,125/year), apartment-style residents usually self-cater.
Food Budget: Self-catering students typically spend $500 – $700 CAD per month.
Off-Campus: The Alta Vista and Hurdman areas are popular for medical students because they are within walking distance or a short shuttle ride from the Medical School at Roger Guindon Hall.
Miscellaneous
Academic Threshold: Minimum 3 years of full-time undergraduate study.
Minimum GPA: 3.5/4.0 on the OMSAS scale (though the median accepted is usually 3.93+).
NO MCAT REQUIRED: uOttawa is one of the few schools in Canada that does not require the MCAT for admission.
CASPer Test: Mandatory online situational judgment test (completed in the language of the application stream).
Prerequisites: * Biology (6 units), General Chemistry (3 units), Organic Chemistry (3 units), Biochemistry (3 units), Statistics (3 units).
Humanities/Social Sciences (6 units).
Interview: Selected candidates participate in a panel interview (traditionally) or MMIs, assessing maturity, ethics, and communication.
Collage Images Gallery
Facilities & Campus Life
Well-equipped Library
Experienced Faculty
Computer Lab
Sports Activities
Heritage Campus
Frequently Asked Questions
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