With medical school in your future, you likely have a laundry list of to-dos running through your mind. As a Canadian resident, one of the most prominent is figuring out how you’ll fund your medical education.
St. George’s University (SGU) welcomes Canadian medical students, offering several avenues for financial support. In the 2021-2022 academic year, more than 90 percent of entering Canadian four-year MD students obtained a scholarship to help cover the cost of their education.* In fact, around $15 million in institutional scholarships was granted to entering Canadian students in the 2021–22 academic year.*
Keep reading as we explore why Canadian students choose to study medicine at SGU, what available scholarships are offered, and more.
Opportunities for Canadian students at St. George’s University
Because there are so few Doctor of Medicine (MD) programs in Canada, it’s become increasingly difficult to secure a seat. “There are a limited number of medical schools in the country—just 17,” notes Jibran Vahidy, SGU’s director of admissions for Canada. “The success rate for getting in is lower than 10 percent for applicants. The increasingly competitive nature of medical school admissions in Canada is the number one reason why students are interested in studying medicine abroad.”
But not all international medical schools will offer the same opportunities. When considering Caribbean medical schools, for example, it’s important to seek out US-centric programs like the MD program at SGU. US-centric international medical schools can offer more pathways toward residency and eventual medical practice than those without stateside affiliates.
SGU students also benefit from the institution’s robust collection of support services. From academic assistance to financial guidance, medical students from across the globe find what they’re looking for at The School of Medicine. “Year after year, Canadians continue to choose St. George’s University,” Vahidy says.
SGU Scholarships for Canadian students
Before reviewing some of the scholarship opportunities you’ll encounter at SGU, it’s helpful to note that the school offers a unique exchange rate lock opportunity for Canadian students. To help ensure that fluctuations in currency rates don’t negatively impact the price of your education, SGU MD students from Canada can have their exchange rate locked for their entire education at the school.
“If the Canadian dollar gets worse, we absorb that difference in tuition cost,” Vahidy explains.
But that’s just one example of SGU’s commitment to offering financial support to its Canadian students. Additionally, there are a number of scholarship opportunities you can pursue as an SGU student. Consider the following examples:
International Peace Bursary
Partial-tuition bursary awards are available to non-US students who demonstrate financial need and are dedicated to the enhancement of medical care systems.
Global Scholars Bursary
Partial-tuition bursary awards are available to non-US students entering the St. George’s University of Grenada School of Medicine/Northumbria University (SGU/NU) four-year MD program. Eligible students must exhibit academic excellence and demonstrate financial need.
The Chancellor’s Circle Legacy of Excellence (CCLOE) Scholarship
SGU students who meet specific academic criteria will be awarded the CCLOE scholarship, which is valued at $120,000 toward one’s medical education. Eligible US and non-US students must have a minimum overall undergraduate GPA of 3.7, a science GPA of at least 3.5, and an MCAT score of 506 or higher. Those who qualify will be identified during the admissions process—no application is needed.
Note: The CCLOE scholarship cannot be combined with other awards through the university.
The Legacy of Excellence (LOE) Scholarship
SGU’s LOE scholarship offers a partial tuition award to students who demonstrate academic excellence in their undergraduate studies. Strong graduate and postbaccalaureate performances will also be taken into consideration. Qualifying students will be identified during the admissions process—no application is needed.
Humanitarian Scholarship
Furthering our commitment to global medicine and humanitarian causes, SGU offers partial-tuition scholarships to incoming medical school students who have demonstrated compassion and commitment to humanitarian causes in their local communities and beyond. Students who have community-based humanitarian experiences within the past five years may qualify. Eligible students will be identified during the admissions process—no application is needed.
Find additional financing options at SGU
Scholarships aren’t the only way SGU offers financial assistance to its Canadian medical students. There are a number of different grants available, for example. Some of these include the Health Professions Grant, the Legacy Grant, and the Sibling Grant.
And if more financial support is needed after securing scholarships and grants, SGU will help eligible students bridge that gap with an institutional loan. After all other financial options have been exhausted, this avenue is available to help cover some of the remaining cost.
SGU is excited to invest in its Canadian medical students. If you’re ready to start your journey, take the next step by visiting sgu.edu/international/Canada.
*Data as of July 2022. Scholarship total represents assistance for the duration of the students’ four-year programs.
