2025 Admissions
Candidates from low socio-economic status backgrounds
The general admissions process for our programs has been designed to be inclusive of candidates from low socio-economic status backgrounds without a specific application pathway. The faculty’s definition of low socio-economic status (low SES) can be found here (www.mcgill.ca/medhealthsci-saceoffice/about/diversity-report).
We are proud to share that our admitted student body has a similar proportion of low-SES students as the overall Quebec population. The MDCM Admissions Committee strongly encourages candidates who meet the criteria to apply.
Here are a few of the admissions accessibility measures created over the years to support low-SES candidates:
- CV template and guide are designed to value a broad range of experiences outside of academics, not only those available to people from high-SES backgrounds. Notably, work experience, family caregiving, etc. are pertinent activities. There are no requirements for any specific types of experiences or volunteering, since some activities are not easily accessible to all people based on their individual or family circumstances.
- Basic science prerequisite courses do not expire; candidates would otherwise have to spend time and money to repeat these courses.
- MCAT is not used; preparing for this test can require time and money.
- Low-cost French proficiency testing is available through McGill’s School of Continuing Studies.
- Academic diploma greater flexibility in the length of time to complete the (up to 1 additional year, can include some part-time semesters or breaks) is allowed. This recognizes that candidates from low-SES backgrounds must often balance work or other obligations as they complete their academic requirements.
- Interviews take place online, eliminating the need for costly travel. Candidates without access to the minimum required computer equipment for interviews can contact the Undergraduate Medical Admissions Office for assistance.
- Guiding Principles Information about our admissions process is transparent and available to all candidates in an equal way.
Once admitted, Financial assistance is available to you through the Scholarships and Student Aid Office. In addition to provincial student aid, students from low-SES backgrounds are eligible for funding from many sources, including:
- McGill University need-based financial aid (apply after admission, details on the Scholarships and Student Aid office webpage).
- For students newly admitted to MDCM: Medicine-specific entrance scholarships based on merit in the admissions process (no application needed) (view the list of scholarships).
- For students newly admitted to the Med-P Qualifying year: centrally administered entrance scholarships (one-year, no application required). Major scholarships (application required) see Entrance scholarships for future undergraduates - McGill University.