Frequently Asked Questions
How can I maximize my chances on obtaining a residency spot at the University of Manitoba?
Applying for postgraduate training is extremely competitive; therefore, it is important for you to be as competitive as possible. Some things that may help you during this process include:
- Obtaining a clinical elective experience within Canada
- Obtaining the highest possible score on the Medical Council of Canada Evaluating Exam (MCCEE) or the Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Exam Part 1 (MCCQE1) and the National Assessment Collaboration (NAC)
- Having good reference letters
- Having a professional resume and a strong personal letter
Remember, applying for residency is like applying for a job. With only a certain number of positions available, you want to keep in mind what makes you the ideal candidate for the job.
As an International Medical Graduate, am I eligible to apply for the first iteration of the CaRMS match?
International Medical Graduates must meet the following criteria to apply for the first iteration of the CaRMS match:
- Be a graduate from a medical school listed with the World Directory of Medical Schools (World Directory) published by the Foundation for the Advancement of International Medical Education and Research (FAIMER) and the World Federation for Medical Education (WFME).
- Be a citizen or permanent resident of Canada (notarized proof required)
- Obtain a pass mark on the Medical Council of Canada Evaluating Exam (MCCEE) or the Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Exam Part 1 (MCCQE1) and the National Assessment Collaboration (NAC)
Manitoba provincial requirements also include English language proficiency based IELTS with an overall score of 7 with no individual score less than 7. TOEFL and IELTS will be considered valid for two years from the date taken.
More detailed information is available on the CaRMS website
Can I apply to the Canadian Residency Match Service (CaRMS) and the National Residency Matching Program (NRMP) at the same time?
Yes. Applicants may register with both matches and apply to Canadian and U.S. programs with the understanding that the CaRMS match is run before the NRMP match. If matched to an R-1 position through CaRMS, the applicant will automatically and without notification be withdrawn from the NRMP. It is the applicant’s responsibility to inform CaRMS in writing if (s)he has applied to both CaRMS and NRMP.
More information is available on the CaRMS website.
Are medical students who are enrolled in a medical school other than the University of Manitoba eligible to apply for clinical elective opportunities at the University of Manitoba?
The University of Manitoba Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, Max Rady College of Medicine, Undergraduate Medical Education Office, accepts applications from a limited number of visiting medical students who are enrolled in medical schools other than the University of Manitoba. Students must be registered or entering their final clerkship year at the time of the elective.
An application form and detailed information about the process is available on the University of Manitoba’s website.
How would I apply for a clinical elective at the University of Manitoba?
An application form and detailed information about the process can be obtained from the University of Manitoba’s website.
The electives program administrator must receive applications and supporting documents four (4) months prior to the requested start date of the elective. Applications from a visiting student will not be accepted more than nine (9) months prior to the start of the elective. It is important to note that partial applications will not be processed.
Is there an application deadline when applying for clinical electives at the University of Manitoba?
Applications must be received by the electives program administrator four (4) months prior to the requested start date of the elective. Applications from a visiting student will not be accepted more than nine (9) months prior to the requested start date.
Can medical students who are enrolled in a medical school other than the University of Manitoba apply to do a core rotation at the University of Manitoba?
No. The opportunity to do core rotations is not available to medical students studying outside of the University of Manitoba.
Can visiting medical students apply for observership opportunities at the University of Manitoba?
The University of Manitoba Rady Faculty of Medicine, Max Rady College of Medicine, Undergraduate Medical Education program does not arrange for or support requests for observerships.
Are medical students enrolled in a medical school outside of Canada required to complete exams prior to applying to CaRMS?
Applicants who are attending or have graduated from an international medical school listed with the World Directory of Medical Schools (World Directory) published by the Foundation for the Advancement of International Medical Education and Research (FAIMER) and the World Federation for Medical Education (WFME), must also have:
1.Written and passed or scheduled to write the Medical Council of Canada’s Evaluating Exam (MCCEE) or the Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Exam Part 1 (MCCQE1); OR Some provinces, like Manitoba, also require the National Assessment Collaboration (NAC) exam.
Information about both of these exams is available on the Medical Council of Canada’s website.
Can I transfer from my current medical school to the University of Manitoba medical school?
No. The opportunity for transferring does not exist at the University of Manitoba.
I have successfully completed the United States Medical Licensing Exam (USMLE). Will this increase my chances of matching in Manitoba?
No. The USMLE is a requirement for the National Residency Match Program (NRMP) and not a requirement for the Canadian Residency Matching Service (CaRMS).