What does it take to get into medical school these days?

From foundational sciences to digital-first labs, today’s best pre-med programs in Canada offer students comprehensive education designed to set them up for success in medical school, with strong emphasis on focused studies and hands-on experience right from the start.

“Science is like learning a new language – there’s so many new terms that come up and you have to know what they are and what they mean,” says Janine Gray, Associate Dean of the University of Niagara Falls Canada’s (UNF) biomedical sciences program.

With the competition to get into medical schools in Canada higher than ever, students planning to pursue that path have to be even more strategic with their undergraduate degree. Focused programs like biomedical sciences are among the most popular pre-med pathways today, alongside interdisciplinary fields such as health sciences.

These are the top pre-med programs – areas of undergraduate study that will properly prepare you for applications and admission to the best medical schools in Canada.

1. Biomedical Sciences

Best for: Students who want a direct, focused path to medicine – and those interested in alternative or accelerated pathways to medical school.

Biomedical science degrees provide students with a rigorous foundation in human biology, chemistry, and physiology, while also equipping them with essential hands-on training in labs, as well as soft skills such as communication and critical thinking that can improve bedside manner early on.

Biomedical sciences balance scientific knowledge and practical application, providing a strong foundation for pursuing medicine – but students might also choose to pursue other graduate level research, or go straight into biotechnology careers.

The University of Niagara Falls Canada’s (UNF) Honours Bachelor of Science – Biomedical Sciences program is one of Canada’s most recently launched pre-med programs, and already stands out as a program designed to prepare its graduates for competitive med school applications.

With a maximum of 40 students per class and a modern, digital-first curriculum, UNF’s biomedical sciences degree offers an accelerated, tech-enabled pathway to medicine without sacrificing rigour. “Medical school itself is going to focus on things like anatomy, and physiology. It will also look at disease and trauma, as well as how that affects the body,” Gray says.

“Doing an undergraduate program that will give you a baseline or basic level of anatomy and physiology is very important. If you need to understand physiology, you need to understand biology and chemistry as well.”

What sets UNF’s biomedical sciences curriculum apart is its inclusion of multiple communication and clinical skills courses, as well as its immersive virtual-reality (VR) labs where students can explore 3D human bodies and simulate real-world patient scenarios. The VR tech reflects a shift in healthcare training across the industry, where digital fluency is increasingly seen as a must-have. “Gone are the days when you can have someone just lecturing,” Gray says. “We’re making our program interactive from the beginning by introducing digital programs and virtual reality.”

UNF’s biomedical sciences program is also unique because of its partnership pathway with international medical schools. Students are eligible to apply for conditional acceptance into Caribbean medical schools through established partnerships with Saba University School of Medicine and Medical University of the Americas (MUA). If students meet specific academic and experiential requirements, they can transition to med school after their third year, significantly accelerating their education and shortening their time to becoming a doctor.

Explore biomedical sciences degrees and courses.

2. Biology

Best for: Students who want a broad, science-heavy education with flexibility for different career paths.

Biology is a popular program for undergraduate students who value a breadth of post-grad options, interested in applying to medical school but still wanting the option of backup, science-focused career options.

The major typically covers key topics like microbiology, biochemistry, anatomy and physiology – all of which appear on the MCAT and are core to medical school curriculums. “Having a basic biology degree would help a lot,” Gray says.

Many biology programs also provide opportunities to participate in undergraduate research, which can strengthen medical school applications. Those pursuing a biology degree can also supplement their required coursework with electives in psychology, communications, or ethics – all of which are relevant to modern medicine — to make their applications even more competitive.

Beyond the pre-med track, biology’s broad scientific function prepares graduates for roles in fields like biotechnology, environmental science, public health, research, or even science communication.

3. Psychology

Best for: Students interested in mental health, human behaviour, or a holistic view of medicine.

Students looking to apply to medical school may want to consider applying to psychology programs for undergrad, which cover cognitive function and behaviour, developmental psychology, and mental health. Psychology programs also help students develop strong research, writing, and communication skills, which are necessary for medical school.

“As doctors, we need to talk to patients, understand their concerns, and see them as whole people,” says Astha Burande, Director of Education at the Canadian Federation of Medical Students and a third-year student at the University of Alberta’s Faculty of Medicine who majored in biological sciences and psychology in her undergrad prior to medical school. “Psychology helped me build those soft skills that make a difference when you’re practicing medicine.”

Since psychology programs – especially those offered through arts faculties – may include less biology or chemistry teachings, students can strengthen their med school readiness by adding core science courses to their studies via electives. For those who want a more well-rounded academic experience – or are considering psychiatry, pediatrics, or family medicine – psychology can be a smart move. Studying psychology ensures professionals are dually focused on understanding patients’ physical, cognitive, emotional, and behavioural symptoms, allowing them to see patients as whole people.

Explore psychology courses and programs.

4. Kinesiology

Best for: Students interested in physical health, sports medicine, or rehabilitation.

Kinesiology, the study of human movement, is another strong contender for students eyeing medical careers – especially those interested in orthopedics, rheumatology, sports medicine, or physiotherapy. Programs often cover anatomy, biomechanics, and exercise physiology, offering a unique hands-on perspective on how the body functions and heals.

Many kinesiology programs also emphasize practical experiences – including labs, placements, or internships – that give students real-world exposure to patient care. Kinesiology is also one of the most popular undergraduate degrees for students applying directly to physical therapy or occupational therapy programs, though it remains a solid choice for those on the pre-med track as well.

5. Health Sciences

Best for: Students interested in public health, health systems, and preventative care.

Many health sciences programs offer a broad, systems-level view of healthcare, blending biology and chemistry with courses like epidemiology and health policy. Unlike entirely lab-focused degrees, health sciences can appeal to students who want to understand and improve the structures that shape patient outcomes.

“A lot of medical schools are moving away from traditionally requiring biology or chemistry,” Gray says of medical school pre-requisites. “I do think it’s important to have them just to give you one step up and to make life a little easier when you go to medical school,” she cautions.

Some health sciences programs include placements or research opportunities, giving students hands-on experience in public health or health policy. For students drawn to preventative medicine or public health, health sciences can be a smart, socially-conscious starting point.

The big picture: What pre-med qualifications and requirements actually matter

Despite the range of program choices, experts say there’s no universal “best” pre-med program, though certain areas of study can prepare you more than others. Instead, based on your goals in – and beyond – medical school, students should choose the pre-med program that is best for them.

“Choose a degree that you would be happy pursuing no matter if you get into medicine or not,” Burande advises.

“There’s no right or wrong answer when it comes to choosing an undergraduate degree for medical school,” she says. “I’ve seen people from backgrounds in engineering, education, and law. Medical schools value diversity of thought and experience, and they do a great job of bringing everyone to the same foundation once you’re in.”

“It’s [also] very common for people to apply multiple times before they get into med school, and this is very acceptable.”

Strong GPAs, MCAT scores, extracurriculars, and interview prep are crucial for med school applications – meaning it’s arguably most important that you enjoy and excel in your program of choice, rather than studying a program that is aligned to your med school goals but won’t set you up for success personally. Support systems – like smaller class sizes, career services, or built-in pathways to international med schools – can give students a competitive edge.

Programs like UNF’s biomedical sciences degree are designed with this in mind. Its three-semester structure and lower course load per term ensure students can focus, achieve high marks, and avoid burnout while preparing for what’s next, while the focus on leading technology ensures they’re prepared for the new frontier of medicine in med school and beyond.

“We want to teach the students of today to become more digital-focused,” Gray says. “When students leave us, we want to make sure they know how to use these programs and they’re not scared of change in the digital world.”