On this page applicants will find answers to frequently asked questions regarding admission to the Undergraduate Medical Education (UME) Program (MD Degree).
Is the MCAT required?
What is the average GPA of the students who are admitted to NOSM University’s UME Program?
Is there an age limit for application to NOSM University’s UME Program?
Are there places reserved for students from Northern Ontario in the UME Program?
I am not from Northern Ontario, should I still apply to the UME Program?
NOSM University’s UME Program looks for highly motivated students from a variety of backgrounds, who are self-directed, who will thrive in a small group- based, distributed learning environment, who have a genuine interest in helping us fulfill our mandate and who uphold our values.
The aim is to have class profiles which reflect the demographics of the population of Northern Ontario. It is the intention of NOSM University to maximize the recruitment of students who are from Northern Ontario and/or students who have a strong interest in and aptitude for practising medicine in Northern urban, rural and remote communities. We are also committed to recruiting Indigenous and Francophone students.
We are looking for a concrete, demonstrated interest in living and working in Northern Ontario, and/or other rural, remote or northern urban communities. Volunteer experience, work experience, extracurricular activities and research are all areas one can endeavour to demonstrate this interest. You have the opportunity to outlines these experiences in the autobiographical sketch.
The applications are initially screened and scored based on two (2) components: 1) the GPA and 2) context. It is based upon these two (2) elements that an invitation to interview at NOSM University is extended. Approximately 320 candidates are invited each year.
Should students interested in NOSM University’s UME Program be applying to Laurentian or Lakehead University for their pre-med qualifications?
Is there a limited number of spots available to ‘out-of-province’ applicants?
I attended CEGEP and then finished a degree at a university in Quebec. Am I eligible to apply?
I completed some courses online – will they be included in the GPA calculation?
Does NOSM University’s UME Program accept transfer or international students?
Due to the integrated nature of the curriculum, NOSM University’s UME Program cannot accept transfer students. If you are accepted to the medical school, you must complete the full four (4) years of the medical program.
NOSM University’s UME Program does not accept international students. You must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident (landed immigrant) to be eligible to apply.
My university degree program is a ‘transfer’ or collaborative program that combines community college credits with university degree credits. Will my college course credits be used in the calculation of my GPA for admission to the UME Program?
No, college credits will not be used. NOSM University’s UME Program requires the minimum completion of a four (4) year recognized university undergraduate degree. Only university degree-level course credits are used in the calculation of the GPA. NOSM University recognizes the programming partnership and collaboration that exists between many universities and community colleges.
Applicants whose four (4) year degree is completed through a transfer of credits from a college are required to have completed a minimum of ten (10) full course credits, twenty (20) half course credits or, a combination of at the university degree level at the time you apply.