The BSAP is an optional application pathway for applicants who self-identify as Black and:

• African;
• Caribbean;
• North American; or
• Multiracial students, who have and identify with their Black ancestry.

This application program aims to increase and support Black medical student representation at the University of Ottawa. The BSAP does not have a designated quota for admission. It reflects the Faculty of Medicine’s strong commitment to diversity.

To be considered in this program, you must:

1. meet the general admission requirements (academic and non-academic);
2. follow the general application and selection processes;
3. self-identify as Black and select the BSAP in your OMSAS application; and
4. provide a letter of intent highlighting why you have chosen to apply through this program. Your letter must be 500 words (or less) and must be submitted via the OMSAS application.

If you are a current member of the Canadian Armed Forces (Regular Force) and interested in the Military Medical Training Program (MMTP), you can obtain more information by consulting the Specialist Officer Training Plans page on the Director Military Careers Policy and Grievances’ intranet website.

To apply through the MMTP, you must:

1. be a current member of the Regular Force of the CAF;
2. meet the general admission requirements (academic and non-academic);
   • The Admissions Committee may grant flexibility for prerequisites when a combination of training and occupational experience warrants it.
3. complete the OMSAS application and follow the general application and selection processes as all other applicants.

For additional information regarding the MMTP application process, contact your local Personnel Selection Office.

You must email the Canadian Forces Health Services (CFHS) Attraction Cell to provide notice of intent to apply to the MMTP and to keep the Attraction staff officer informed of the status of your medical school application. Additional information regarding medical officer recruitment, roles, responsibilities and prospective military service in CFHS may also be obtained by emailing the CFHS Attraction Cell.

Note: This pathway is only offered to candidates applying in the French stream.

Each year, 8 seats are reserved for eligible French-speaking candidates from outside of Ontario and Quebec.

Through the mandate of the Consortium national de formation en santé (CNFS) [French link], Francophone minority students in Canada who originate from provinces other than Ontario and Quebec have access to postsecondary studies leading to practise in the health care field. We admit these students over and above the quota set by the Government of Ontario for our Faculty.

To apply through the CNFS program, you must:

1. be a student whose home province (permanent address for more than 5 years) is not Ontario nor Quebec;
2. choose French as your language of instruction (no option of changing language stream);
3. meet the general admission requirements (academic and non-academic);
4. follow the general application and selection processes;
5. send an introduction letter directly to the Faculty of Medicine to indicate that you applied for admission with the CNFS through OMSAS. You must email your letter to the Admissions Office.

For more information, please visit the CNFS website.

The Government of Nunavut admissions pathway was created to respond specifically to the underrepresentation of Inuit and Nunavummiut physicians in the Nunavut health care workforce. As part of this pathway, the Government of Nunavut will fully fund a minimum of one position for a Nunavummiut student. This pathway does not have a designated quota for admission.

To apply through this pathway, you must:

1. meet the general admission requirements (academic and non-academic) with the following 2 exceptions:
   1. The Casper test is not required for candidates who qualify under the Government of Nunavut Pathway.
   2. The cGPA will be calculated based on the candidates’ best 3 years of full-time university studies (both undergraduate and graduate studies);
2. follow the general application and selection processes;
3. submit the additional documents.

All eligible applicants are entitled to apply for support from the Government of Nunavut to assist with travel and application costs.

IMPORTANT: Candidates that qualify either as Nunavut Inuit or Nunavut non-Inuit should note that a Return of Service Agreement is expected.

For more information on financial support, eligibility as a Nunavut resident or return of service, email Dr. Francois de Wet. Applicants who do not qualify as Nunavut residents and did not write the Casper will not be considered for admission.

The Government of Nunavut Admissions has 2 pathways for admission:

1. Nunavut Inuit students

You must submit the following additional documents with your OMSAS application:

1. A letter of intent (250 words or less) highlighting why you have chosen to apply through this pathway. Specifically, this letter should include:
   1. a request for consideration under this alternative admission process;
   2. a description of your connection to the community;
   3. details on your academic and personal background; and
   4. an explanation of your reasons and motivation for wishing to become a physician.
2. A letter of recommendation from a community organization, educational institution, Inuit organization or hamlet that affirms your connection to the community.
3. A certified copy of an Inuit enrollment card issued by Nunavut, as per the University of Ottawa’s policy on Eligibility for Focused Admissions, Scholarships and Bursaries for First Nations, Inuit and Métis people.

Nunavut Inuit applicants are eligible for enhanced application support and, if admitted, for additional ongoing educational support through Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. and Makigiaqta Inuit Training Corporation. Email the Makigiaqta Inuit Training Corporation for more information.

NOTE: We highly recommend that you contact the Indigenous Program Coordinator prior to submitting your application to confirm the validity of your proof of indigenous ancestry

2. Nunavummiut (non-Inuit) students

You must submit the following additional documents with your OMSAS application:

1. A letter of intent (250 words or less) highlighting why you have chosen to apply through this stream. Specifically, this letter should include:
   1. a request for consideration under this alternative admission process;
   2. a description of your connection to the Nunavut community, as well as your status as a resident of the Territory;
   3. details on your academic and personal background; and
   4. an explanation of your reasons and motivation for wishing to become a physician, including how you intend to give back to the Nunavut community.

Successful Nunavummiut students may be eligible for financial support for educational needs through the Government of Nunavut.

We have established a dedicated selection process for candidates of Indigenous ancestry as part of our mission to improve access to better health care for First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples and to better serve society’s needs.

Each year, up to 7 seats are reserved for eligible applicants.

To be considered under the Indigenous Program pathway, you must:

1. meet the general admission requirements (academic and non-academic) with the following 2 exceptions:
   1. The Casper test is not required for candidates who qualify under the Indigenous Program Pathway.
   2. The cGPA will be calculated based on the candidates’ best 3 years of full-time university studies (both undergraduate and graduate studies);
2. follow the general application and selection processes;
3. submit the additional required documents.

Documents required for Indigenous candidates

The following additional documents must be submitted directly to the Ontario Medical School Application Service (OMSAS), along with transcripts and academic documents by the OMSAS deadline:

• Proof of Indigenous ancestry, as per the University of Ottawa Eligibility for Focused Admissions, Scholarships and Bursaries for First Nations, Inuit and Métis people.
• A letter that includes the following:
  • A declaration of Indigenous ancestry with specific information about your First Nation, Treaty, community or organizational affiliation.
  • A request for consideration under the alternate admissions process.
  • Details on your academic and personal background.
  • An explanation of your reasons and motivation for wishing to become a physician.
• A letter of recommendation from your First Nation, Band Council, Tribal Council, Treaty organization, or your community or organizational affiliation.

NOTE: Some applications for proof of Indigenous ancestry may take 6 to 12 months or more to process. We highly recommend that you contact the Indigenous Program Coordinator prior to submitting your application to confirm the validity of your proof of indigenous ancestry. Applicants who do not have a valid proof of indigenous ancestry and did not write the Casper will not be considered for admission.

Each year, 4 seats are reserved for eligible applicants. Those admitted to this program will graduate with both an MD and a PhD degree at the end of 7 years of study.

The University of Ottawa Faculty of Medicine is revitalizing the MD/PhD program. Students will now complete their PhD and then their MD, rather than complete their PhD between their pre-clerkship and clerkship years. This will provide a better and more focused learning experience.

For more information, please see the MD/PhD Website.

In the spirit of social accountability and responsibility, and to devise appropriate strategic objectives and commit the necessary resources to address the current socioeconomic disparity in medical school admission, we have created 2 low socioeconomic status (LSES) reserved seats.

This initiative is a first step in an attempt to decrease barriers, offer fairness and provide all candidates with equal access opportunity.

To apply through this initiative, you must:

1. meet the general admission requirements (academic and non-academic);
2. follow the general application and selection processes;
3. have had a yearly total parental/legal guardian pre-tax income (when you were in Grade 11 and Grade 12) equal to or less than $60,000 as per Canadian Revenue Agency (CRA) data (line 150 on the income tax return);
4. compute the average gross parental/legal guardian income when you were in Grade 11 and Grade 12;
   1. Each parental/legal guardian’s notice of assessment issued by the CRA for that period needs to be provided at the time of OMSAS application submission. These notices of assessment may be obtained through the CRA.
5. submit the Social Accountability Initiative Form [PDF].

Note

• If you are applying to another pathway, you may also be a potential candidate for the Social Accountability Initiative.
• All submitted information and documentation must be true and verifiable. Any false information will result in the application for the Social Accountability candidacy and medical school admission being denied.
• If you completed high school in Quebec, you must provide the additional financial documents for when you were in Secondary 4 and 5.
• All documents are due by the OMSAS application deadline, no exceptions will be made for late submissions.

FAQ

Why should I apply to the Social Accountability Initiative? What is the general process?

Application for the Social Accountability Initiative is voluntary. Once the Social Accountability application is reviewed and accepted by the Admissions Office, LSES eligibility is confirmed. Candidates will then compete for the 2 reserved seats. Academic and non-academic file review for these seats is identical to the other general admissions. Note that if we have numerous qualifying candidates after both academic and non-academic file reviews, they are also considered for regular stream seats.

What happens to my application if I do not qualify for the Social Accountability Initiative?

If you do not qualify for the reserved seats, your application will be processed as a general application.

What if I can’t get my parents’ notice of assessment/proof of income statement?

The Social Accountability Initiative pathway requires disclosure of financial information for your living parents. Unless they are deceased, parental information is required regardless of your age, tax filing status (dependent or independent), marital status, parent(s) country of residence, or your parent’s willingness to provide financial information.

What if my parents’ name does not appear on the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) tax form?

You must contact the CRA  (1-800-959-8281) and speak to a representative to obtain the complete form.

Where can I get a notice of assessment?

To obtain a notice of assessment, individuals must use Canada Revenue Agency’s My Account service. They may access the service directly by visiting their website: Notice of assessment.

What if my parents do not live in Canada? How do I declare their income?

If your parents live outside of Canada, you may include a note to this effect as part of an explanatory letter to be submitted with your application. Satisfactory proof of income is still required and must be declared in Canadian dollars.

Would I be eligible to apply through the Social Accountability Initiative given my status as a Crown Ward of The Children’s Aid Society?

Similarly to financial aid and government assistance, individuals falling under the Children’s Aid Society or other Child and Family Service Agency are not required to submit financial information. They are required to submit a letter from that organization attesting of such situation for that time period.

How many years of the appropriate proof of income documents should I submit?

You are required to submit 3 years’ worth of appropriate documents. Example: If you began, Grade 11 in September 2012 and ended in June 2013, then started Grade 12 in September 2013 up to June 2014, you should submit documents for years 2012, 2013, and 2014.

If you are from Quebec, you must provide income documents for the years during which you were in Secondary 4 and 5.

I came to Canada as a refugee, having lost all connection with my family. What documents should I provide as proof?

If you declare yourself independent, then a proof of non-contributing parents such as an affidavit signed by the parents, yourself and a notable source (lawyer, government official, notary, notice of decision from Immigration and Refugee Board) is required and must be submitted with your application.

Where should I send my low socioeconomic status (LSES) documents?

All LSES documents must be submitted no later than the OMSAS application deadline, via the Secure Application Messaging (SAM) tool.

To better respond to the needs of the population we serve, approximately 50% of the seats are reserved for regional candidates (from Ottawa and surrounding areas).

A regional candidate is defined as a Canadian citizen or permanent resident (landed immigrant) who completed high school in one of the following areas:

The postal code of your home address when you attended high school will be used to determine your residency status.

If you did not attend high school in one of the areas stated above but wish to be considered as a regional candidate, submit a letter providing your rationale. This document must be uploaded through SAM when submitting your application through OMSAS.