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

• African;
• Caribbean;
• North American; or
• of mixed origin, 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.

Members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) can submit their application through the Military Medical Training Program (MMTP). Further information is available in the Specialist Officer Training 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. The application fees and institutional levy will apply, and you must follow the same method of payment as all other applicants.

For additional information regarding medical officer recruitment, roles, responsibilities and prospective military service in health services, we strongly encourage you to send an email to: [email protected].

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), Francophone minority students in Canada who originate from provinces other than Ontario and Quebec have access to postsecondary studies leading to practise in the healthcare 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 stream was created to respond specifically to the underrepresentation of Inuit and Nunavummiut physicians in the Nunavut health care workforce. As part of this stream, the Government of Nunavut will fully fund a minimum of one position for a Nunavummiut student. This stream does not have a designated quota for admission.

To apply through this program, you must:

1. meet the general admission requirements (academic and non-academic);
2. follow the general application and selection processes;
3. submit the additional required documents (see below).

All eligible applicants are entitled to apply for support from the Government of Nunavut to assist with travel and application costs. Email Dr. Francois de Wet for more information.

The Government of Nunavut Admissions Stream 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 stream. Specifically, this letter should include:
   • a request for consideration under this alternative admission process;
   • a description of your connection to the community;
   • details on your academic and personal background; and
   • 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 enrolment 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 [PDF].

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.

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:
   • a request for consideration under this alternative admission process;
   • a description of your connection to the Nunavut community, as well as your status as a resident of the Territory;
   • details on your academic and personal background; and
   • 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.

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

To be considered, you must:

1. meet the general admission requirements (academic and non-academic);
2. follow the general application and selection processes;
3. submit the additional required documents (see below).

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 academic regulation
• 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.

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. 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, the University of Ottawa has created 2 low socioeconomic status 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;
   • 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 the Indigenous Program or the MD/PhD Program, 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 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 at the following number 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 aids 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.