Dreaming of becoming a doctor in Ontario? Here’s why you need to plan ahead for 2026.
If you’re a student planning to apply—whether from Ontario, another Canadian province, or abroad—you’ll want to pay close attention to these new policies.
Big changes are on the horizon for the Ontario Medical School Requirements. Ontario’s government is prioritizing local students in a bold move to tackle the province’s doctor shortage.
Here’s what you need to know to stay ahead of these changes.
But what exactly does this mean for you? Here’s 7 things everything you need to know about the upcoming changes.
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Overview of the New Policy
Starting in the fall of 2026, Ontario medical schools will reserve 95% of their seats for Ontario residents, leaving just 5% for students from the rest of Canada.
As for international students? They will be almost entirely excluded from enrolling in medical schools across the province.
Premier Doug Ford emphasized the urgency of the policy: “18% of students from around the world took our kids’ seats and then not even stayed here… That’s just not right.”
This move is paired with the Ontario Learn and Stay grant expansion, which covers tuition and educational costs for students who commit to practicing family medicine in Ontario.
With an investment of $88 million over the next three years, this program is expected to benefit 1,360 eligible students and ultimately provide primary care to an additional 1.36 million people across the province.
Key aspects of the policy include:
- Most medical schools in Ontario Canada’s seats are reserved for Ontario residents.
- 5% of seats are available for students from other Canadian provinces.
- International students are effectively barred from enrolling in Ontario medical schools.
- The Learn and Stay grant will be expanded to support local medical students committed to serving Ontario communities.
Why is Ontario Implementing This Ban?
The new medical schools in Ontario admission requirements are due to the province’s ongoing struggle with a severe shortage of family doctors.
About 2.5 million Ontarians lack access to a family doctor, a number that is expected to double in the coming years.
To tackle this, the government is focusing on training more local doctors, believing that students who study in Ontario are more likely to stay and practice in the province after graduation.
Health Minister Sylvia Jones highlighted the importance of this focus: “Ontario students need to come first because they’re the ones paying taxes to fund these medical programs.”
Moreover, Doug Ford has been vocal about the need to ensure Ontario taxpayers benefit directly from investments in medical education. He argued that international students often take up coveted spots only to return to their home countries upon graduation.
“We’re training more family doctors than ever before, helping them live, learn, and stay in Ontario,” Ford explained.
Implications for International Students
This policy marks is a major international students news because it is a significant roadblock for those hoping to pursue medical education in Ontario.
By 2026, non-Canadian students will be nearly impossible to secure a seat in one of Ontario’s medical schools.
While international students currently occupy only a small percentage of medical school spots—less than 0.3%—this policy further restricts their already limited access.
Key facts international students should consider:
- International students will be almost entirely excluded from Ontario medical schools starting in 2026.
- In 2023, out of 3,833 students enrolled in Ontario’s medical schools, only 10 were international students.
- With more medical schools in Ontario Canada such as the University of British Columbia, also barring international students, aspiring doctors from abroad may need to look to other countries or provinces for opportunities.
Benefits for Ontario Residents
Starting in 2026, almost all undergraduate medical school seats will be reserved for Ontario residents. This change will provide more opportunities for local students who have faced stiff competition from international applicants.
Key benefits include:
- Increased availability of medical school spots for Ontario residents, ensuring more local students gain entry.
- Focus on retaining talent within Ontario, as medical students trained in the province are likelier to stay and practice in local communities.
- Only 5% of seats will be reserved for out-of-province students, reducing competition from other Canadian regions.
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The Learn and Stay Program for Medical Students
Ontario is also expanding its Learn and Stay grant program, which provides full tuition coverage for eligible students.
Here’s how it works:
- $88 million investment over three years to fund medical education for 1,360 undergraduate students who commit to practicing family medicine in Ontario.
- The grant covers tuition, books, supplies, and student equipment.
- Upon graduation, students receiving the grant must commit to serving in any Ontario community as family doctors.
- This expansion will connect 1.36 million Ontarians to primary care providers (Daily Hive, 2023).
Since its introduction in 2023, this grant has supported over 7,500 students, and the expansion aims to strengthen Ontario’s future healthcare workforce.
What is its Impact on Ontario’s Healthcare System?
These changes are expected to impact Ontario’s healthcare system profoundly. Some key outcomes include:
Addressing the family doctor shortage
Currently, 2.5 million Ontarians lack access to a family doctor, which is projected to rise.
Long-term retention of medical talent
These changes help build a sustainable healthcare workforce by encouraging Ontario residents to study and practice in the province.
Improved access to healthcare
The program aims to provide primary care access to over 1.36 million additional patients, helping reduce wait times and healthcare gaps.
Expansion of healthcare teams
The government also focuses on expanding team-based care and connecting patients with doctors, nurse practitioners, and other healthcare professionals.
Timeline and Future Considerations
Here’s what students and healthcare professionals need to know about the timeline for these changes:
- Fall 2026: The new admission policies and the expansion of the Learn and Stay program will officially take effect.
- New medical schools: Ontario will open two new medical schools at Toronto Metropolitan University and York University by 2028, adding over 500 new undergraduate spots and 742 residency positions.
- Future expansions: The province is reviewing the visa trainee program and creating more opportunities for Ontario residents who studied abroad to complete their medical training at home.
These changes signal a long-term commitment to strengthening Ontario’s healthcare system, addressing short-term needs and future demands.
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In Summary: What You Need to Know for 2026
So, what do Ontario’s 2026 medical school changes mean for you?
It’s a golden opportunity for Ontario students: 95% of seats are reserved for residents and expanded tuition grants are available through the Learn and Stay program.
But for international students, it’s a tough blow—medical spots in Ontario will be nearly off-limits.
As the province works to address its doctor shortage, could this be the solution Ontario’s healthcare system needs?
One thing’s for sure: the future of medicine in Ontario just got a lot more local.
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