Changes to Prerequisite Courses for the UBC Doctor of Medicine (MD) Program
The UBC Faculty of Medicine is updating the prerequisite course requirements for the Doctor of Medicine (MD) Undergraduate Program. As part of our commitment to Truth and Reconciliation and the UBC Indigenous Strategic Plan, we are introducing a new Indigenous Studies course requirement.
This change will be introduced gradually over the next few application cycles.
2026–2027 Application Cycle
Applicants must complete either:
- Two English courses, or
- One English course and one Indigenous Studies course
Applicants will indicate which courses they plan to use to meet this requirement when they submit their application.
- All prerequisite courses must be graded.
- Courses must be completed by April 30, 2027.
- Courses may still be in progress at the time of application, but must be finished by the deadline.
2027–2028 Application Cycle
Applicants must complete either:
- Two English courses, or
- One English course and one Indigenous Studies course
Important changes for this cycle:
- All prerequisite courses must be graded.
- Courses must be completed by April 30, 2027. Starting in 2027/2028, prerequisite courses must be completed by April 30 of the year of application.
- All prerequisite courses must be completed before applying. Applications from individuals who are still finishing prerequisite courses will not be considered.
2028–2029 Application Cycle and Future Years
Applicants must complete:
- One English course, and
- One Indigenous Studies course
Additional requirements:
- All prerequisite courses must be graded.
- Courses must be completed by April 30 of the year you apply.
- All prerequisites must be completed before applying. Applications from individuals who are still finishing prerequisite courses will not be considered.
Please note that in all years, all students must also meet the English language competency requirement for learning at the University of British Columbia. This is a separate requirement from the MD Admissions English prerequisite requirement. Please see the “UBC’s English Language Competency Requirement” section on the Admission Requirements page for more information. Note: the February 15 deadline listed on the UBC English language competency requirement page does not apply to MD Admissions.
For more information on these changes, and to see lists of English and Indigenous Studies courses that meet these requirements, please visit the Prerequisites section of the Admission Requirements page.