MCAT Fee Assistance Program for Canadians
The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) and the Association of Faculties of Medicine of Canada (AFMC) are piloting a new fee assistance program for Canadian examinees in financial need who register for the Medical College Admission Test® (MCAT®).
Students interested in the Fee Assistance Program for Canadians can learn more about the eligibility criteria, application process, and deadlines by visiting AFMC's website at https://students-residents.aamc.org/fee-assistance-program/fee-assistance-program-canadian-examinees. AFMC will review applications, determine eligibility for financial assistance and notify awardees.
Ontario Medical School Application Fee Waiver Pilot Program (2021-2022)
If applying to medical school is a significant financial burden to you, consider applying to the Ontario Medical School Application Fee Waiver Pilot Program and save approximately $600. This pilot-program subsidizes the application costs for up to three Ontario medical schools for the 2021-2022 application cycle. This program was collaboratively developed by the Association of Faculties of Medicine of Canada (AFMC), Council of Ontario Faculties of Medicine (COFM), Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC), The Community of Support (COS) and Price of a Dream (POD). Applications open on June 24th and close on August 23rd. You can find more information on eligibility here [https://www.afmcstudentportal.ca/McatFap]. If you have any questions, you can contact AFMC (service@afmcstudentportal.ca) or the POD (mdpriceofadream@gmail.com)
Financial Aid
Federal and provincial governments offer financial aid to students in the form of loans, grants, bursaries, scholarships, fellowships and repayment assistance programs. The McMaster Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships (SFAS) administer these programs on behalf of the various levels of government.
In Ontario, the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities (MTCU) and Canada Student Loans (CSL) offer an integrated Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP). OSAP provides eligible Ontario students with financial aid to help pay for education-related costs such as tuition, books, compulsory fees, transportation and associated living costs. OSAP is intended to supplement a student’s (and family’s) financial resources and contributions towards their education.
In addition, Student Financial Aid and Scholarships and the MD Program provide bursary assistance to students. A bursary is a non-repayable grant for students who demonstrate financial need. It is necessary for students to apply for and receive government loan funding (i.e. OSAP) in order to be considered for bursary assistance.