Orientation for future students

The Faculty of Medicine’s Francophone Affairs offers virtual sessions for Francophone high school students, from Canada, interested in studying in French at the Faculty of Medicine. Bring us your questions about our programs, the admission process, career opportunities and more!

Need some guidance?

Making the move from high school to university is an exciting time in your life. Francophone Affairs is here to help make your academic journey at the Faculty of Medicine a reality! We offer orientation services to help you make an informed decision. 

We can help you :

• Learn the differences between our programs: Get detailed explanations of our various health programs to find the best fit for your goals.
• Choose the right program for you: Receive recommendations to make the best choice that aligns with your interests and career aspirations.
• Know the prerequisites and admissions process: Be informed about the prerequisites and steps to follow for each program so you can be fully prepared.  
• Explore career opportunities: Discover the career opportunities available in each of these fields, and the paths that our programs can lead to. 

Ready for an appointment with us?

Book an appointment with one of our recruitment officers.

All times shown are local Ottawa time. To convert to your own time zone, use a time zone converter. 

How to apply for a program

For more information on admission requirements, visit the Admissions (medicine) page or Admissions (pharmacy) page to find out about prerequisites, deadlines and application steps. 

You are a francophone student from outside of Quebec or Ontario and wish to study in French? Apply through the Consortium national de formation en santé (CNFS)!

The mandate of the Consortium national de formation en santé (CNFS) is to provide members of Canada’s Francophone minority communities with greater access to post-secondary education programs leading to practice in healthcare professions, including medical studies. These students are admitted over and above the Ministry’s quota set by the Government of Ontario for the University of Ottawa’s Faculty of Medicine.

Note : This pathway is only available to candidates who apply to the Francophone stream.

To apply, you need to:

• Ensure you meet the admission requirements
• Complete the online application on the Ontario Medical Schools Application Service (OMSAS)
• Pay the application fees and institutional levy
• Send a letter of introduction to the Faculty of Medicine informing us that you are an eligible applicant under the CNFS and that your application has been submitted to the Ontario Medical School Application Service (OMSAS)

More information on the CNFS program (available in French only)

CNFS Benefits

• Reserved places for students from the Atlantic, West and Territories
• A medical education program offered in French
• A bilingual environment
• An innovative program where technology is an integral part of the training
• A financial support to return for certain practical internships at home

The Consortium national de formation en santé (CNFS) – Volet Université d’Ottawa also offers financial support for travel expenses to CNFS candidates who are invited to admission interviews. CNFS candidates receive an email detailing the process for submitting a reimbursement request. 

For more information, please visit the CNFS website (available in French only)

Stories that speak

Wondering what the CNFS program is really like? Discover the journeys, highlights, and advice from our students and graduates.

Dive into the admissions process: What you need to know to succeed!?

Preparing to apply to the Faculty of Medicine is a big undertaking that takes time and preparation. Here is some information that will give you an idea of what to expect during the selection process and later in your career.

Why choose a career in medicine?

• You like helping others.
• You want to support your community and society in general.
• You are looking for a career that will give you life-long learning.
• You enjoy research and discovery.
• You are a leader.

Why choose the University of Ottawa?

• We are the only medical school in Canada to offer two streams of medical education – one French and one English – as well as an Indigenous program.
• We are affiliated with several world-renowned hospitals and research institutes, in both French and English.
• We offer training opportunities abroad in Francophonie (Benin, France).
• We offer a generous scholarship program.
• We believe in the importance of research, and we offer interesting research opportunities.
• The city of Ottawa offers a bilingual and multicultural environment with all the charms of a small town combined with those of a capital city.

How can I apply?

The earliest you can apply is after your second year of full-time study. We advise you to review the admission requirements as soon as you begin your bachelor’s degree program in order to be ready in time to submit your application. The following links can help you on your way and provide valuable information to prepare you for medical school and your future career as a physician:

• Faculty of Medicine selection process
• Career in medicine (TFO)
• Essential Skills and Abilites Required for Entry to a Medical Degree Program (COFM)
• Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada