Frequently Asked Questions
Looking for an all-in-one resource on the admissions process? Check out our Applicant Manual [PDF].
What is the application deadline?
Your application for admission to the 2027 intake must be submitted electronically by October 7, 2026, 3PM PST.
Do you accept international or refugee students?
No, the SFU Stephens Family School of Medicine is only available to Canadian citizens or permanent residents. Proof of citizenship status must be provided at the time of application. If you are a refugee applicant who will not have permanent residency granted by this date, we would encourage you to apply in a future admission cycle.
Can I transfer into the SFU Stephens Family School of Medicine?
No, transfer requests from students at other medical schools will not be considered.
What is the equal probability selection process?
A limited number of applicants will be invited to participate in the multiple mini-interview (MMI) based on academic eligibility, alignment with our social accountability mandate, institutional values, and priority attributes. If the number of eligible and aligned applicants identified in the initial file review is different from the number of available interview spots, we’ll use an equal probability selection process to determine which applicants advance to the MMI.
Can I apply more than once?
We will only consider one application (to one admission option) per student per year. There is no limit on the number of years you may apply.
Can I apply if I have a previous or partial Medical Degree?
Applicants who have started medical education elsewhere must complete their current medical program. Students on leave are expected to return to their original institution.
Individuals who have already completed an MD or equivalent program may apply.
Can I apply if I’m an active military member originally from BC?
We will consider active military members who had > 3 months of BC residency immediately prior to joining the military. However, we require the submission of the following documentation:
- A letter from your commanding officer confirming active duty.
- Proof of BC residency showing an address and dates of residence in British Columbia. For example:
- Utility bills with name, address, dates
- Redacted bank or credit card statements
- Lease/rental agreements
Is a 3-year MD Program as rigorous as a 4-year program?
Yes, a three year program covers the same material and prepares students fully for residency. The key difference is that the 3-year program runs year-round, including summers, to keep instructional time equal. This model is proven and successful at other Canadian schools.
Will the full program be completed in Surrey or will there be any travelling to different sites?
Classroom learning experiences will be completed at the SFU Surrey campus while clinical learning experiences and longitudinal learning will take place across the Fraser Health region. Longitudinal learning involves travelling to the same primary care office every week for all three years, which may require students to travel across cities and municipalities.
In addition to these required learning experiences, students may choose to pursue elective opportunities available across Canada or internationally during Years 2 and 3. Participation in these types of elective experiences is optional and arrangements are to be arranged by the learner.
How many students will be accepted for the August 2027 cohort?
The 2027 cohort will be comprised of 64 students. Future cohort sizes will change as the school grows.
Is there a preference towards applicants who completed their undergraduate degree at SFU?
No, there is no preference given to applicants who previously attended SFU.
Is there any advantage to submitting my application sooner rather than later? Is there rolling admissions?
There is no advantage to submitting your application early. All applications submitted by the deadline will be reviewed in the same manner.
The Academic Requirements say you need certain minimum GPA and/or MCAT scores to apply but also states that scores are not compared among applicants. How are applicants selected? Is it based on personal profiles and statements?
GPA and MCAT scores are used as a threshold to determine academic preparedness. Submitting higher scores will not accrue extra benefit. Eligible applicants will be selected based on alignment with our institutional priorities and desired characteristics as demonstrated through various aspects of the application and an interview process. More details about the selection process are available in the Applicant Manual.
Can we calculate the adjusted GPA before we apply?
Yes, you may calculate your GPA within the ApplyMD application system before submitting your application. You are not required to pay the application fee until you are ready to submit your application. Please see the Applicant Manual for details on how to calculate your adjusted GPA. This manual includes instructions about how to convert grades and how to handle transfer credits.
Do I need to pursue a career in primary care if I complete my medical degree at the SFU Stephens Family School of Medicine?
The SFU Stephens Family School of Medicine is focused on strengthening the primary care system and addressing physician shortages in communities across British Columbia, particularly those that are underserved or underrepresented. As a result, the curriculum, clinical experiences, and educational mission are intentionally designed to prepare physicians for primary care and community-based practice.
While Family Medicine is a cornerstone of primary care, community-based care also includes specialties such as Emergency Medicine, Pediatrics, Psychiatry, Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Applicants do not need to commit to a specific specialty when applying to medical school. However, we believe our program will be particularly well aligned with applicants who are interested in primary care and community-based care. We prioritize applicants who demonstrate interest and aptitude in pursuing this type of medicine.
Admission Streams and Options
Is a Casper test required?
No, we do not require a Casper test.
Is the MCAT required?
The SFU Stephens Family School of Medicine has three admission options: GPA option, MCAT option, and GPA & MCAT option. The MCAT is required for the MCAT option and GPA & MCAT option. If you apply through the GPA option, an MCAT is not required.
Can I apply to more than one admission option? For example, could I apply to both the GPA option and MCAT option?
No, applicants will only be considered through a single admission option. We do not accept multiple applications from one student for the same intake. All applicants will be considered equally across the three admission options; there is no advantage accrued by applying to a particular option. Once you have submitted your application, you cannot change the admission option.
If I achieve a higher GPA or MCAT score than the minimum requirements, what is the benefit to my application?
There is no benefit to applicants who present a higher GPA or MCAT score than the minimums. All applicants who meet the admission GPA and MCAT thresholds will be eligible for admission consideration. No additional benefit is accrued from providing scores higher than the threshold. GPA and MCAT scores are not considered in the selection process after eligibility is established. Other features of the academic transcript (e.g. course selection) may be considered during holistic review of applications.
Can I use multiple transcripts to build my GPA?
No, if you are pursuing a GPA option (GPA only or GPA & MCAT), you must build your GPA from a single four year undergraduate degree. If you have completed multiple undergraduate degrees, you may choose which transcript to use. For GPA options (GPA only or GPA & MCAT), all pre-requisite courses must appear on the transcript you are using to build your GPA. If you are not able to meet the GPA threshold with the transcript demonstrating your pre-requisite course options, you should apply to the MCAT stream, which allows you to use multiple transcripts to demonstrate the pre-requisite courses.
Can I change the GPA/MCAT option I selected for admission?
Once your application is submitted, you can no longer change any aspect, including the academic eligibility option you have selected.
We advise you to ensure that you have thoroughly reviewed all three admission options (GPA, MCAT, and GPA & MCAT combined) prior to submitting an application. Your application will only be reviewed for the option selected.
How do I determine which admission option to choose? GPA vs. MCAT vs. GPA & MCAT Option?
If you qualify for multiple admission options, you may wish to consider the pre-requisite course requirements. Applicants choosing the GPA or GPA & MCAT option must present the pre-requisite courses in a single undergraduate degree, with the exception of the Indigenous content course. MCAT applicants can present courses from outside a single undergraduate degree to demonstrate achievement of the pre-requisite course options. Applicants presenting an MCAT score do not need to provide Life Sciences pre-requisites.
We give no preference or advantage to any eligibility option; they are all equally eligible for further consideration.
What is the difference between applying through the Open Admissions Stream or the Indigenous Admissions Stream?
The Indigenous Admissions Stream will provide culturally safe, supportive, and relational practices throughout the admissions process, a process whereby the Indigenous Admissions Sub-group considers applicants’ strengths and lived experiences in addition to required criteria. Applicants to the Indigenous Admissions Stream must participate in the SFU Indigenous Welcoming Procedure (IWP) and a panel interview. All other requirements are identical between the two streams.
Can I still apply through the Open Admissions Stream if I identify as Indigenous?
Yes, you are welcome to apply through the Open Admissions stream if you choose.
How is Indigenous identity verified or respected during the process?
Please visit the SFU Indigenous Welcoming Procedure webpage, as well as the Applicant Manual section 3.2.3, for more details on the verification process.
Who reviews Indigenous Admissions Stream applications?
The Indigenous Admissions Sub-group is comprised of Indigenous members from the SFU Stephens Family School of Medicine, SFU, and the community. All applications entered through the Indigenous Admissions Stream will be reviewed by the Indigenous Admissions Sub-group. Applicants who are deemed to be a high priority candidate for admission by the Indigenous Admissions Sub-group will be recommended for admission to the school of medicine Admissions Committee.
Can I use the narrative I submitted for the Indigenous Welcoming Procedure (IWP) to meet the one-page narrative requirement outlined in the Indigenous Stream option?
Yes, applicants may use the narrative submitted for the Indigenous Welcoming Procedure to meet the one-page narrative requirement for the Indigenous Stream. Please note that these processes contain two separate submission instructions.
Are there reserved seats or quotas for each admissions stream or academic eligibility path?
No. The SFU Stephens Family School of Medicine does not allocate quotas or reserved seats to the different admission streams (Open and Indigenous), nor to the different academic eligibility options (GPA, MCAT, or GPA & MCAT). All applicants are assessed holistically based on the admissions criteria for their chosen stream and academic eligibility option.
Do applicants applying to the MCAT option need to complete the last 90 units of their primary degree within 4 calendar years or present 30 Upper Division units?
No. Applicants applying under the MCAT option are not required to meet the “90 units within four calendar years” rule or present 30 Upper Division units. However, they must provide proof of completion of a four-year bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) from a recognized post-secondary institution.
This option was intentionally designed to provide flexibility for individuals whose studies may have been interrupted or extended for personal, academic, or professional reasons.
Academic Requirements & Documents: MCAT, Courses
What does 200-level course mean? What are course levels and how do I know if a course I took is considered Upper Division?
At SFU, undergraduate coursework is broken into 100, 200, 300, and 400 levels. Each level is an indicator of first-, second-, third-, and fourth-year coursework.
For example, the GPA option requires at least one of the two required Life Science courses to be 200 level or higher. To satisfy this requirement, you must show completion of a second-year (or higher) Life Science course.
Upper Division refers to the more advanced courses within a degree program. At SFU, these are designated as 300- and 400-level courses.
The upper division reflects the academic level of the course and not the year it was taken. For example, a 200-level course taken in your final year of study is not considered upper division coursework.
To determine upper division coursework, our office will consider the degree program’s structure and the institution’s course numbering convention. Courses required in the first half of the undergraduate degree are generally considered lower division. Courses required in the second half of the undergraduate degree are generally considered upper division.
Is a specific undergraduate degree preferred?
No, there is no preference given to the discipline of your 4-year undergraduate degree or equivalent.
What is a “recognized” post-secondary institution? How do I know if mine is recognized?
We consider a “recognized” undergraduate post-secondary institution to be an institution which has been granted authority to award degrees by the relevant provincial/state or federal government.
Do I need to have completed the last 90 units of my degree since 2022?
No, the "last 90 units in 4 calendar years" GPA requirement refers to the time between when the last unit of the degree was completed and the 90th unit of the degree was completed. We have no requirement for recency of degrees.
I have completed my pre-requisite courses outside of my 4-year undergraduate degree. Can I submit multiple transcripts?
If you are applying via the MCAT option, you may use coursework outside of a single undergraduate degree to meet the pre-requisite course requirements. If you are applying via either GPA or GPA & MCAT option, all pre-requisite courses (with the exception of the Indigenous content course) must be comprised from the single undergraduate degree being used construct your adjusted GPA.
The Indigenous content course pre-requisite must be completed at the time of the application. If the course is completed within the degree, it will count toward the 60 units used to calculate the Adjusted GPA. If completed outside the degree, it will not be included in the Adjusted GPA.
I completed my Bachelor’s degree a few years ago but could not take an Indigenous content course, can I still qualify?
Applicants applying through the MCAT option can show pre-requisite courses in any combination of transcripts.
Applicants applying through the GPA or GPA & MCAT options may complete the Indigenous content pre-requisite either within the undergraduate degree used to calculate the Adjusted GPA or on a separate transcript completed outside that degree. All other pre-requisite courses must be shown on the transcript used to complete the Adjusted GPA.
If the Indigenous content course is completed within the degree, it will count toward the 60 units used to calculate the Adjusted GPA. If completed outside the degree, it will not be included in the Adjusted GPA.
I’ve written the MCAT multiple times, which score will be considered?
If an applicant has taken the test more than once, only the highest score from their first two valid attempts within the past five years will be used. Any additional attempts will not be considered. The five-year eligibility window is calculated based on the application deadline.
A valid attempt is any exam sitting that received a score. Voided attempts are not considered valid and do not count toward the total number of attempts.
How long is the MCAT good for?
MCAT scores must be achieved within five years of application to the SFU Stephens Family School of Medicine. The application due date will be used to calculate the five-year validity window.
What if my total MCAT score meets the total score threshold but one or more of my section scores is lower than set thresholds (or vice versa)? Will I still be considered?
Applicants applying via the MCAT or GPA & MCAT eligibility option must demonstrate at least a 123 in each section, as well as the total score for their selected option (510 or 505). You must meet both the total and individual section score minimums to be eligible for admission. If you present either a total MCAT score or section score lower than the set thresholds, you will be removed from consideration.
I have completed my 4-year bachelor’s degree already, but it took me longer than 4 years to complete the last 90 units. Am I no longer eligible for admission?
The 90 units in 4 calendar years policy is intended to evaluate the readiness of applicants for the rigors of full-time medical study, and to create a standard for the coursework used to establish the Adjusted GPA.
Our admissions process has been designed to broaden access to medical education and create more entry points for talented and qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds. Applicants who do not meet the time requirement for degree completion may apply through the MCAT option. The MCAT has no time to completion or course load requirements.
We recognize applicants may experience challenges meeting academic requirements due to the nature of their undergraduate program. For example, programs which require co-op or practicum terms may not yield 90 graded units in 4 calendar years. In these and other exceptional cases, you may request consideration by submitting a Request for Review of Academic Requirements. This form will be available on the Academic Requirements page of our website during the application period.
I am missing some of the pre-requisites or have taken them but received a grade lower than a B-, but I already completed my bachelor’s degree. Am I no longer eligible?
The SFU School of Medicine admissions process has been designed to broaden access to medical education and create more entry points for talented and qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds. Applicants who did not complete the Humanities/Social Science or Life Science courses in their bachelor's degree that satisfy the pre-requisites or did not receive a grade higher than B- may take courses outside of their degree and apply through the MCAT option.
My academic background doesn’t follow a traditional four-year bachelor’s degree structure or because of co-op, practicum or clinical experiences embedded in my program, I have a number of pass/fail courses. Am I still eligible to apply?
Applicants to the SFU School of Medicine must have completed a four-year undergraduate degree (or an equivalent program) from a recognized institution.
If your credential is not a traditional four-year bachelor’s degree but you believe it is equivalent to this level of study, our committee will review your program to determine whether it meets the equivalency standard. In these cases, you may wish to submit a Request for Review of Academic Requirements. This form will be available on the Academic Requirements page of our website during the application period.
How do I know what to include in the count of my last 90 units within 4 years?
Applicants applying to the GPA or GPA & MCAT options are required to complete the last 90 units of their undergraduate degree within four calendar years.
- Within 4 calendar years refers to the time taken to complete the last 90 units, regardless of when the degree was awarded.
- The last 90 units refer to for-credit courses taken within your single undergraduate degree. This includes pass/fail coursework (e.g. co-op or practicum courses).
- Courses can be completed or in progress to meet this requirement; however, in progress courses cannot be used within the Adjusted GPA calculation and applicants must still meet the degree requirements
We understand that some students may face circumstances that extend their degree completion timeline. Applicants who do not meet the four-year requirement may wish to submit a Request for Review of Academic Requirements. This form will be available on the Academic Requirements page of our website during the application period.
Do pre-requisites need to be taken within the last 90 units?
For GPA and GPA & MCAT options: Pre-requisite courses can come from anytime within the single-undergraduate degree being used for the Adjusted GPA Calculation.
Exception: The Indigenous content course may be completed either within the undergraduate degree used to calculate the Adjusted GPA or on a separate transcript completed outside of that degree. If the course is completed within the degree, it will count toward the 60 units used to calculate the Adjusted GPA. If completed outside the degree, it will not be included in the Adjusted GPA.
For the MCAT option: Pre-requisite courses may be demonstrated through any number or combination of transcripts, including transcripts not leading to a degree, or graduate study transcripts.
I’m unsure whether a specific course fulfills a pre-requisite, can someone review it?
Please refer to the Applicant Manual or the PDFs linked on our Academic Requirements page for guidance on determining what courses might meet this requirement. Applicants who have attended institutions in British Columbia can use the BC Transfer Guide to find evaluated transferrable courses from their home institution to fulfill this requirement.
The Undergraduate Medical Admissions Office will also accept courses where the title and calendar copy describes topics related to the relevant pre-requisite. However, the Office cannot assess course pre-requisites prior to application submission. A determination of whether a course satisfies the requirement will be made during the file review process.
Do I need to submit my AP or IB transcripts to satisfy the pre-requisite course requirements?
IB or AP coursework cannot be used to satisfy pre-requisites or to calculate the adjusted GPA.
Pre-requisite courses, including those used to meet the Humanities and Social Sciences requirement, must be completed at a post-secondary institution and appear with grades on that institution’s transcript.
Accordingly, no IB or AP transcript is required.
Will the University of Alberta’s “Indigenous Canada” online course meet the Indigenous course requirement?
The SFU Stephens Family School of Medicine requires proof of completion of a 3-unit (or equivalent) university-level for-credit Indigenous content course. This includes online or self-paced courses, if they qualify for university credit. If you did not receive credit on a university transcript, it cannot be used towards this requirement.
Is there a minimum requirement on how many courses or units we need to take during a semester?
No. We do not have a requirement on how many courses or units students must take in a semester during their undergraduate degree. For applicants applying to our GPA and GPA & MCAT options, the last 90 units must be completed within a 4 calendar year period.
Would it be acceptable if my undergraduate degree took five years to complete, as long as I completed my last 90 units within four calendar years?
Yes. Our academic requirements were intentionally designed to allow flexibility for students who may need to pause their studies after their first year. As long as your last 90 units were completed within a four-year period, you will meet this requirement.
Refer to the Applicant Manual to assist you in counting the last 90 units within 4 calendar years.
If the admissions team determines that one of my selected courses does not meet the pre-requisites, will I be asked to submit different courses, or will my application be disqualified?
Applicants are responsible for ensuring that the courses they select accurately meet the stated pre-requisite requirements. If an applicant selects courses that do not meet the pre-requisites, they will be deemed ineligible for further consideration. To maintain fairness and consistency, we are unable to make course substitutions after the application has been submitted.
If I take an Indigenous content course, can it count for both the Indigenous requirement and the Humanities requirement?
Yes, if your course also qualifies as a Humanities or Social Sciences course, you can use it to fulfill both requirements. There is an option in our application system to copy that course into that particular pre-requisite.
Would a graduate-level Indigenous content course meet the pre-requisite requirement?
Yes, a completed graduate level course would meet the pre-requisite requirement. This course would need to be completed by the time of submission.
Can a language course be used to fulfill the Humanities or Social Science pre-requisite?
Please review Appendix B of the Applicant Manual for guidance on pre-requisite course content. Linguistics and English Literature courses will fulfill the requirement, but a second language course will not.
Resources
Want all the details about the program or applying? Look at our:
Non-Academic Requirements
How do I prove my BC or territorial residency?
Our school considers residency as marked through current enrolment in the provincial or territorial health insurance plan. For BC applicants, this means enrolment in the BC Medical Services Plan as signified by possession of a valid photo version of the BC Services Card.
During the submission of your application, you will be asked to upload a file containing both the front and back of your BC Services Card or territorial equivalent.
The MD Admissions Office may request further information or documentation regarding an applicant’s BC or territorial residency at any point during the application process. Holistic file review will consider the applicant’s demonstrated connection to BC or territorial communities.
Note: Falsely claiming BC or territorial residency status may negatively impact your application to the MD Program.
My BC Services Card has expired, and I’m waiting for my renewal, but it may not arrive before the application deadline. What should I do? Are there alternatives to show proof of residency?
We will not accept interim documentation. If you are in the process of renewing your BC Services Card, wait until the official card arrives before uploading your proof of residency. Please provide yourself with sufficient time to renew your services card and submit it by the document deadline. Late submissions will not be accepted.
Why is admission open to residents of Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut?
Currently, there are no medical schools in the territories. Because residents of these territories have no local option for medical education, we join many other medical schools in considering territorial residents as “in province” applicants. Healthcare access can be challenging in many parts of the territories and we welcome the opportunity to improve healthcare access by training territorial residents.
Will SFU make seats available in the Open Stream for out-of-province applicants?
We anticipate that a small number of seats will be made available to out-of-province applicants in the future, as our cohort increases.
If I completed my undergraduate degree outside of BC but I currently reside in BC, am I eligible to apply?
Yes, if you are enrolled in the BC Medical Services Plan (with possession of a valid photo BC Services Card) you are eligible to apply.
If I live outside of BC and plan on moving to BC to complete this program, am I eligible to apply?
Open Admissions Stream: If you are not actively enrolled in the provincial/territorial health insurance plan in BC, Nunavut, Yukon or Northwest Territories at the time of application, you are not eligible to apply.
Indigenous Admissions Stream: We welcome applications from qualified Indigenous applicants (First Nations, Metis and Inuit) from across Canada. Applicants in this stream must provide documentation of Indigenous background via the SFU Indigenous Welcoming Procedure.
What happens if you cannot reach my verifier? How will I know?
The applicant controls sending requests to verifiers and through the ApplyMD application system; SFU does not do this independently. Verification requests will be sent from med_mdadmissions@sfu.ca. You may wish to suggest that your verifiers add this email address to their safelist to ensure requests are received.
When the verifier has submitted the required information, your ApplyMD portal will populate a “date received” confirmation. The applicant will not have access to the information submitted by the verifier, they will only see whether or not the reference has been submitted.
If it is close to the deadline, we would recommend following up with your verifier to ensure they complete the required information on time. Applications that are missing verifications by the application deadline will be removed from consideration.
Do I need to provide character references with my application?
Employment and community involvement verifiers must complete their forms before the application deadline in October for your application to be considered complete.
Only the applicants invited to the multiple mini-interview (MMI) will be asked to complete five (5) character references. Character references are not required with the initial application submission.
Will I be able to edit my employment or community involvement information after my verifiers complete their verification?
No. The application form is designed to prevent applicants from editing information that has already been verified. The reason that we ask for verifiers to view and confirm employment and community involvement information is to attest to the veracity and completeness of that information. A form which allows the applicant to change the information after it has been verified would defeat the purpose of verification. Please finalize the information you wish to enter before sending it to your verifiers.
Is it beneficial to have different people as verifiers and references? Is there any disadvantage to having someone verify a community/work experience and also later provide a character reference?
There is no disadvantage to having the same person serve as both a verifier and a reference, as long as they can speak accurately to the information required in each section. However, applicants are encouraged to choose individuals who can best represent different aspects of their experiences and character, as a variety of perspectives helps provide a fuller picture of your background and strengths.
Please note that in Cycle 2, references are not required until the interview stage of the application. References are asked to provide different information than employment or community involvement verifiers.
Are employment and community involvement valued equally?
Our application is designed to elicit information about your experiences. We recognize that applicants come from diverse backgrounds and life circumstances, and that meaningful contributions can take many forms.
In the application, you must provide at least one (1) community involvement and one (1) employment role. Optionally, you may add up to four (4) additional entries of any mixture of employment or community experiences. Please use the experiences that best reflect your personal journey and commitments.
If I volunteer with different organizations for different groups with the same characteristics, can I group these into one “community involvement” entry?
This is a difficult question to answer without specific information. Community involvement recognizes belonging and contributions to an identifiable community. The verifier listed for each entry will need to verify all contributions described in that entry. For some constellations of involvement this may be possible; others may need to be entered separately. We encourage you to prioritize quality and meaningful engagements over quantity or many hours of engagement. The requirement of one (and the option of up to 4 additional) communities is our way of encouraging you to tell us something about yourself by highlighting the most meaningful communities you belong to.
Are we able to include employment experiences for which we were paid but for which we did not receive T4s on our application?
We are looking for formal employment or work experience. If your contract-based or self-employment work was formalized to the extent that appropriate tax documentation exists (e.g. a T2125, T5018, T1204), these activities would be eligible. Paid co-op work terms can also be used in this case.
Informal activities that are paid in cash without a formal employment structure are ineligible for the employment experience category.
Activities which occurred outside of Canada and did not receive Canadian tax documentation are also eligible, provided that they were formal employment experiences of the type that would receive tax documentation in the country they were performed.
Will someone with limited work experience be disadvantaged compared to an applicant that has several work experiences?
Our admissions process is holistic, which means we’re interested in understanding who you are beyond your academics. While some applicants may have formal work experience, others gain meaningful experience through volunteering, community involvement, or other activities.
We value the depth of your engagement, the impact of your contributions, and what you’ve learned from those experiences. Be sure to include experiences that best demonstrate your commitment and growth.
Can activities be included that I am no longer a part of, or that happened many years ago?
There is also no time limit to these activities, so if you feel you are still recognized as a member or contributor to those communities you could list older activities. There is also the option to input an End Date for your community entry to indicate when you were actively involved with this community.
How fluent do I need to be in the additional languages I include in my application?
You will need to be conversationally fluent with enough proficiency to participate in everyday conversations on a range of topics, including work, education, or social settings, without significant difficulty. This implies a comfortable ability to understand and communicate in spoken interactions. This corresponds to a level B2 in the Common European Framework of References for Languages. You may wish to consult the CEFR's description of spoken language use for a detailed description of conversational fluency.
If you indicate conversational fluency in a language, you may be asked to complete a portion of the multiple mini-interview (MMI) in that language. Do not list fluency in any languages you would feel uncomfortable answering an MMI station in.
I am currently enrolled in a PhD program. Do I need to complete this program before starting medical school?
If you are currently enrolled in a post-graduate program, you must complete these studies before starting medical school. Please be prepared to send documentation of successful completion of your studies by June 30 of the year you will begin medical school. A letter from your program director or department chair is sufficient until final transcripts are available.
GPA and GPA & MCAT Options:
Grades achieved in an undergraduate bachelor’s degree or undergraduate courses taken to fulfill pre-requisites will be considered in the assessment of academic eligibility via GPA. Any post-graduate work will not be included in the evaluation of GPA, although when reviewers holistically assess your file, they will consider information included in these transcripts.
MCAT Option:
You are permitted to use some of your post-graduate course work to fulfill course pre-requisites requirements. Final determinations will be made during the file review process.
What happens if I make a mistake in entering my academic coursework for GPA calculation? Can I update the courses used for evaluation after submission?
No, once you have submitted your application, you can no longer edit your GPA calculation or any other application component.
We recommend you begin your application as soon as possible to allow time for entering your courses and selecting which courses will be used for your adjusted GPA calculation.
I was graded on the 4.00 scale – how do I convert my GPA to a 4.33 grading scale?
SFU Stephens Family School of Medicine calculates the adjusted GPA using the grade information reported on official transcripts and applies SFU’s Standard Grading System. Where percentage grades are reported, they are converted using the school’s published percentage-to-grade scale.
Where only letter grades are reported, the corresponding letter-grade value is used. No additional adjustments are applied.
The application portal automatically calculates an adjusted GPA based on the courses selected by the applicant. The conversion table below is provided to help applicants understand how their percentage or letter grades convert to SFU’s 4.33 scale and estimate their adjusted GPA before applying.
Applicants are responsible for selecting the courses to be included in the adjusted GPA calculation in accordance with the stated requirements. The adjusted GPA displayed in the application portal may be reviewed and verified by the Admissions Office using official transcripts.
I was assigned both letter and percentage on my transcripts – which one do I use?
Within the transcript entry section of the application, you will be asked to input both the letter and percentage grades you were awarded.
I experienced personal hardship or extenuating circumstances during the course of my undergraduate studies and do not meet the required GPA threshold. Does SFU offer retroactive accommodation for any reason?
SFU does not offer retroactive accommodation for GPA. Applicants should address their concerns with the institution or credential evaluation organization (for example, WES) for the score or credential they wish to appeal. In pursuit of an accessible admissions process, we have created three options to demonstrate your academic eligibility. If you experienced hardship during your undergraduate studies to the extent you are not able to meet the GPA threshold, you may consider applying via the MCAT option.
What is an Adjusted GPA?
Rather than looking at a cumulative GPA, the SFU Stephens School of Medicine identifies academic eligibility via an Adjusted GPA calculation. Applicants assemble their own adjusted GPA from one undergraduate degree. This allows some flexibility for applicants to select the courses they wish to be used for their evaluation.
Please see Section 4.2.5 of the Applicant Manual for details on how to construct an Adjusted GPA.
I received a Pass/Fail grade for a course, can this be used towards admission? What if it was part of pandemic-related grading changes (Spring/Summer 2020)?
Courses that do not receive a numeric or letter grade convertible to a 4.33 grade scale cannot be used in GPA calculation. This includes courses graded as pass/fail* or complete/incomplete.
*2020 Pass/Fail courses: As an exception to pass/fail grading during the COVID-19 pandemic, pass (P) grades from 2020 may be used to satisfy pre-requisite courses but will not be used in the GPA evaluation. Applicants who took the SFU approved alternative section of INDG 101 during the 2026 Summer session and received a pass (P) grade may also use this course to fulfill the Indigenous content course requirement.
How do I enter a course in the Transcript Entry section that exceeds the maximum units available in the ApplyMD portal?
Enter the course as two separate entries. If you are using the course to calculate your Adjusted GPA, you must ensure the total units of the course are included in the calculation.
I have multiple undergraduate degrees. Can I use courses from both for the Adjusted GPA and/or pre-requisite courses?
GPA and GPA & MCAT Options: No, you must select one undergraduate degree to use for the Adjusted GPA calculation. All pre-requisites* must come from within the degree selected.
*Applicants applying through the GPA or GPA & MCAT options may complete the Indigenous content pre-requisite either within the undergraduate degree used to calculate the Adjusted GPA or on a separate transcript completed outside that degree.
If the course is completed within the degree, it will count toward the 60 units used to calculate the Adjusted GPA. If completed outside the degree, it will not be included in the Adjusted GPA.
MCAT Option: Yes, your pre-requisite courses can come from any combination of post-secondary work (undergraduate or graduate studies).
I completed a second degree that was under 120 units or less than 4 years, can I use this to apply?
Applicants who do not meet the 120 unit, four-year undergraduate degree requirement within their second degree and want to use this degree to apply should submit a Request for Review of Academic Requirements. This form will be available on the Academic Requirement page of our website during the application period.
If we only have 29 upper division units but are due to complete the 30 for the adjusted GPA, can we still apply?
If you do not meet the requirements for the adjusted GPA (or do not yet meet the requirements) you may apply through the MCAT option. All 30 upper-division units must be fully completed to be included in your GPA calculation. In-progress or future courses cannot be used toward the 30 upper-division credit requirement. Do not enter any in-progress or future courses in the transcript entry section of your application.
What is the difference between the Transcript Entry and the Adjusted GPA tabs in the application portal? Should I input all coursework I've taken?
On the Transcript Entry page of the application, you must enter all courses from the single four-year undergraduate degree you are using to apply to the MD program. This applies to all applicants, regardless of admission option.
For those choosing a GPA-relevant option, the next part of the application will prompt you to select the courses from your transcript you wish to use to calculate your GPA. The GPA is a 60-unit adjusted GPA calculated using your pre-requisite courses and the remaining units selected from the last 90 units of your degree. This must include at least 30 units of upper division course work.
How should I enter transfer credits on the Transcript Entry page?
If transfer credit was awarded towards your undergraduate degree, please enter your transfer credits as the courses appear on your original institution’s transcript.
For the GPA option, if we have taken the MCAT is it considered or looked at?
No. If you apply through the GPA- option, we will not ask for your AAMC ID and therefore we will not review your MCAT if you have taken one. If you wish us to review your MCAT score, you should choose a different eligibility option (MCAT or GPA & MCAT).
Do the grades after graduation or after submission count towards the adjusted GPA?
Your Adjusted GPA calculation is constructed from the single undergraduate degree that you are using to apply for admission. If you are applying during the final year of your undergraduate program, you may only use courses that are complete at the time of application for your GPA calculation. Your final courses (incomplete at the time of application) will not be considered. However, if you receive an offer of admission, you must submit your final transcripts to demonstrate that you have completed your degree.
If you did an exchange during your undergraduate degree, do those grades count?
If your exchange credit was used toward the completion of your undergraduate degree, and this is reflected on your transcript, you may include those courses in your evaluation. Transcripts are required from both your home institution and your exchange institution. The transcript from your degree-granting institution will be used to verify that the exchange credit was applied to your degree, while the exchange transcript will be used to verify the grades earned.
For the adjusted GPA calculation, does it have to equal exactly 60 units, or could it be slightly over or under?
There is some flexibility in the Adjusted GPA calculation. It can be slightly over 60 units, but it cannot be fewer than 60 units.
Can pass/fail or completion courses count towards the “last 90 units”?
Pass/fail courses count towards the 90 units, but only graded units are used in calculating the adjusted GPA. Courses that are marked as Complete, Pass, or that do not receive a letter or numeric grade cannot be included in the Adjusted GPA calculation.
If a large portion of your degree is graded on a Complete/Pass basis preventing you from calculating an Adjusted GPA, you may wish to submit a Request for Review of Academic Requirements. This form will be available on the Academic Requirements page of our website during the application period.
Do I need to enter courses I repeated in the Transcript Entry tab of the application portal?
Please enter courses as they appear on your transcript. If your repeat attempts appear on your transcript, please include them with the applicable units and grades.
When do I need to submit supporting documents?
All transcripts and required application documentation must be received by the School of Medicine Admissions office by 3PM PT on October 7, 2026. Any documentation received after this date will not be considered for your application.
To complete your application, we require one (1) official transcript from each post-secondary institution you have attended. This includes institutions where you are currently enrolled and do not have a final grade(s) available; you will need to provide a transcript showing your current enrollment.
If you are offered admission, the deadline to accept will be communicated in your offer letter and all other post-acceptance documentation deadlines will be listed within the ApplyMD portal.
What if my documentation arrives after the deadline? What if the circumstances were outside of my control?
Your application will be removed from consideration. The document deadline is firm to allow for the completion of a time-sensitive review process.
I applied for the last cycle and have already submitted my transcripts to your offices. Do I need to submit them again?
Official transcripts must be sent every year that you apply. Transcripts submitted for a previous cycle cannot be used for the current cycle. If you are unable meet this requirement, please refer to section 6.9.2 of the Applicant Manual.
What documentation is required if I took coursework, or completed an undergraduate degree, outside of Canada?
Applicants who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents who have completed a degree outside of Canada may apply to the SFU Stephens Family School of Medicine.
Applicants who have attended a post-secondary institution outside of Canada or the United States for more than one semester will be required to submit either:
- A World Education Services (WES) course-by-course evaluation or
- An International Credential Evaluation Services (ICES) Comprehensive report.
Applicants wishing to include courses from these institutions in their Adjusted GPA calculation or to fulfill pre-requisite course requirements must provide such an evaluation regardless of the length of enrollment.
Applicants who have attended a post-secondary institution in the United States may be required to submit a World Education Services (WES) course-by-course evaluation or an International Credential Evaluation Services (ICES) Comprehensive report on a case-by-case basis. Applicants who completed their studies in the United States must consult with the School of Medicine Admissions Office to determine whether an external evaluation will be required.
Applicants are responsible for paying all fees for such evaluations, upgrades, as well as making arrangements with WES or ICES to send and receive their documents.
Internationally educated applicants with documents in languages other than English must have all transcripts officially translated into English.
What is the deadline for submission of MCAT score?
If you are selecting an admission option that requires the MCAT, the score must be sent by AAMC to our office by the document deadline October 7, 2026 at 3:00 PM PST.
Please note that you must both provide your AAMC ID in the ApplyMD portal as well as release your score to SFU through the AAMC online system by the deadline.
You may wish to review the MCAT schedule for 2026 for options that will meet our deadline.
Can my transcripts arrive before my application is submitted?
Yes, your transcripts can be sent to our office at any time during the application cycle, even if your application has not yet been submitted. We will accept documents for admission from when our application opens until the application/document deadline – October 7, 2026 at 3:00PM PT.
In order for your transcripts to be associated with your application, please ensure that your Academic History section is complete.
How will I know when you’ve received my transcripts?
Applicants may check the status of their transcripts on the Status tab of the ApplyMD application portal.
The ApplyMD portal may not indicate the immediate receipt of transcripts due to the volume of documents the Admissions Office receives. Please allow for approximately ten business days from the arrival of your document to our email or mailing address for your document status to be updated.
In order for your transcripts to be associated with your application, please ensure that your Academic History section is complete.
Please note, transcripts must be sent to the SFU Stephens Family School of Medicine directly, and we do not accept transcripts sent to other offices at SFU.
Why am I required to input my coursework and grades in the application if you have my transcripts?
All courses for the admission requirements and adjusted GPA calculation must be entered into our database for use in evaluating your application. We use an adjusted GPA calculation and empower you to select the courses you wish to be counted in your GPA. Entering your transcript information and calculating your GPA allows you to ensure you meet the GPA threshold and/or have clearly identified relevant pre-requisite courses. The courses you input into your application will be verified using your official transcript. If students are found to have falsified any grade information, they will be removed from consideration.
I am a current/former SFU student. Are my transcripts automatically sent to you?
SFU students who received a 9-digit SFU Student Number are not required to submit an official SFU transcript.
If you have previously attended SFU, please ensure to indicate this on your application under the “Other Information” section of the application. You must include your SFU Student ID number in order for our office to receive your transcript.
If you attended SFU as a Continuing Studies applicant, you must request for your transcript through their request form.
Are we required to enter courses that are “in progress” in the Transcript Entry section?
No, only courses with final grades showing on the transcript should be entered.
Are we required to upload courses “in progress” on the Transcript section?
No, only graded courses should be entered.
Can I drop my transcript off in person?
If your institution does not send electronic transcripts, you can drop off an official sealed transcript using the School of Medicine Dropbox, located next to the SFU Surrey Registrar and Information Services desk:
SFU – Surrey
250 – 13450 102 Avenue
Surrey, BC, V3T 0A3
Official mailed transcripts can also be addressed to:
SFU – Surrey, Stephens Family School of Medicine
250-13450 102 Avenue
Surrey, BC V3T 0A3
We also accept transcripts via MyCreds. Please select SFU Stephens Family School of Medicine as the recipient and include both your date of birth and the email you used in the ApplyMD portal.
Please note transcripts must be sent to the SFU Stephens Family School of Medicine directly, and we do not accept transcripts sent to other offices at SFU.
I missed the deadline to submit a document for my application. Can I still submit?
No, all applications missing required documentation will be cancelled following their deadline for submission. Document deadlines are firm.
When are MMIS?
The MMI for 2027 will occur in person on March 13 & 14 at the SFU Burnaby campus Applicants selected for the multi mini-interviews (MMI) will be notified via email and on the application portal. Interview invitees will be able to schedule their interview date/time through their ApplyMD portal.
What if I have a conflict with the MMI date offered?
In-person attendance at the MMI is mandatory. If you’re unable to attend the scheduled interview dates, you will be removed from consideration. If you have an emergency reason for a day-of absence (e.g. illness), you will be accommodated in the next MMI date if possible. If you have an emergency reason for a day-of absence on the last MMI day, you will be removed from further consideration.
I missed the deadline to accept and schedule my interview as I did not see the email. Can I still accept?
No, if you did not accept and schedule your interview by the deadline provided, you will be removed from consideration. You will not be eligible to accept after the deadline as your MMI interview seat will have be given to another applicant.
How long is the MMI?
During the 2025-2026 cycle the MMI consists of 8 stations and 2 rest stations, each lasting 8 minutes in duration, with a two-minute transition and reading time. We expect similar timing will be used this year.
The MMI begins with a short gathering of applicants, welcome to the school, and instructions before applicants transition to their MMI circuit. Applicants should expect to be at SFU for approximately 3 hours to complete their MMI. More details will be provided in the interview invitation.
What kinds of questions will be asked in the MMI?
Each station begins with a prompt that the applicant will see when they arrive at the station, before they enter the room. The prompt will provide a directed question for the applicant to begin answering. The interviewers are prepared with standardized follow-up questions and applicants should leave room for the interviewers to ask those questions.
The stations cover a variety of topics, which may include but are not limited to:
- Communication
- Collaboration
- Critical Thinking
- Ethical Decision Making
- Awareness of Social Health Issues in Canada, and
- Personal Qualities
The MMI stations will not ask medical questions or test scientific knowledge. Applicants should be prepared to discuss any information included in their application. Applicants indicating fluency in a language other than English should be prepared to complete a station in any language they indicated fluency in.
How do I prepare for the MMI?
There are many free, open access resources for MMI preparation. There are also many for-profit resources and consultants who claim to offer assistance preparing for the MMI. The SFU Stephens Family School of Medicine cautions applicants about reliance on these tools. Instead, we offer the following advice.
- Organize your thoughts before you begin and clearly articulate your ideas.
- Answer the question directly and leave room for the interviewer to ask follow-up questions.
- Share personal experiences or anecdotes where relevant, but don’t look for opportunities to provide tangential personal information or to list achievements, unless the station explicitly asks for this.
- One of our desired attributes is an ability to respond to challenges; we are looking for applicants who respond to the challenges posed by the MMI stations with an open mind, rather than attempting to steer the conversation to a topic they would prefer to discuss.
- Answer truthfully, authentically, and share your own perspective. We want to get to know you, not the MMI advice manual you found online. It is okay to take a stand and defend that idea, if it is one you truly believe in.
- Practice thinking on your feet and communicating complex ideas to people who don’t share a common frame of reference with you. You can expect to meet MMI interviewers from a range of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. This is an opportunity to demonstrate your ability to build rapport and communicate across difference.
Is there financial support for travel to the MMI?
Limited travel assistance will also be available to support applicants invited to participate in the multiple mini-Interviews (MMI). Additional information will be provided at the time interview invitations are issued.
What does the character reference entail and how long should references anticipate it taking to complete? Do they need to provide letters?
Your character references will be asked to complete a short questionnaire. It should take approximately 10 minutes. They also have the option to save their progress and come back to the questionnaire if they do not complete it in one sitting. Please notify your references in advance that you have listed them as a reference and to expect an email from med_mdadmissions@sfu.ca. It may also be helpful to let them know that they will not be asked to provide a reference letter.
Who should I pick as a character reference?
We encourage you to select character references who know you well from an educational, professional or extracurricular perspective. They may not be relatives, friends or family friends.
How do I update, add, or change items in my application?
You can update the information within your application at any time prior to submission.
However, once your application has been submitted, no further changes can be made. Please ensure to review your application carefully prior to submission.
When are offers made?
Offers of admission will be made in May, via the ApplyMD portal. The offer letter will include the deadline to accept the offer of admission. Once the deadline to accept has passed or if you decline the offer, new offers will be made to other students on a rolling basis until all spaces have been filled.
How does the waitlist work? Can I find out what position I am in on the waitlist?
First-round offers of admission will be made from our final ranked list of applicants. If any offers are declined or are not accepted by the deadline, we will continue to make offers from our waitlist until all spaces are full.
When all spaces are full, remaining waitlisted applications will receive an update in their ApplyMD portal and via email.
We will not disclose an applicant’s position on the waitlist.
How do I find out why I was removed from consideration?
We will not provide individual feedback about admissions decisions. You will learn when you have been removed from consideration via the ApplyMD portal, but no reason will be provided. The ApplyMD portal will be updated periodically throughout the process at specific milestones:
- Application completed
- Interview invitation issued/not-issued
- Offer/Waitlist/Decline
We encourage you to check the portal regularly for status updates. Due to the anticipated high volume of applications, the Admissions Office is not able to provide individual updates or feedback regarding the status of your application.
I was denied. Can my application be reconsidered?
You may only appeal admissions decisions on the following grounds:
- Incorrect application of our school’s admissions policies;
- Denial of natural justice and due process, which potentially altered the outcome of the decision, such as procedural errors, reasonable apprehension of bias or denial of procedural fairness
- Factual errors that may have altered the outcome of the decision, such as relying on incorrect, incomplete or irrelevant information.
This does not include if you entered information incorrectly.
Appeals will not be considered if you do not satisfy our school’s admission requirements, such as completion of course pre-requisites. If you have experienced extenuating circumstances during the course of your previous studies that impacted your ability to meet the eligibility requirements, you should address your concerns with the institution granting the grade, score or credential you wish to appeal.
For further details, please refer to the SFU Stephens Family School of Medicine Faculty Rule on Admissions Appeals [PDF].
I received an offer of admission but I am no longer able to attend. Can I defer?
Newly admitted students may request a one (1) year deferral of admission in exceptional cases. Deferrals are only considered for unforeseen hardships or extraordinary circumstances.
Deferrals will not be considered for:
- Supporting the completion of other studies
- Supporting professional or personal development
- Indecision on medicine as a career
- Application to or attendance at another medical school.
If you’re requesting a deferral, you must do so in writing to the Admissions Office within two (2) weeks of receiving your offer of admission.
If you’re granted a deferral you must confirm your attendance by April 30 of the year your (deferred) program begins. You’ll then follow the curriculum in place for that cohort and must meet any new requirements for incoming students.
Please see the SFU SoM Guideline for Admissions Deferral [PDF] for more details.
Seats in the medical school are limited. If you have accepted an offer of admission and no longer plan to join the program, we ask that you contact our offices as soon as possible so that the seat can be offered to another applicant.
How do I update, add, or change items in my application?
You can update the information within your application at any time prior to submission.
However, once your application has been submitted, no further changes can be made. Please ensure to review your application carefully prior to submission.
Resources
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