Medical

Medical and health sciences funding supports students of medicine, nursing, pharmacy and allied health professions. Funders include provincial health departments, pharmaceutical companies, hospital groups and foundations, and many ask you to work in the public sector for a period after you qualify.

These degrees are long and expensive, and the number of places is limited. Funders therefore tend to look for applicants who have already secured a place or have a realistic chance of getting one. Some health bursaries are also linked to a particular province, which helps fill vacancies in rural and under-served areas.

What funders usually ask for:

• Very strong marks, with Mathematics or Life Sciences and Physical Sciences for most programmes.
• Acceptance, or a realistic prospect of acceptance, into a health sciences degree.
• A willingness to complete a service period in the public health system.
• Sometimes residence in the province that offers the award.

Read the service obligation closely, since it affects where you work after you qualify. Our medical and health sciences guide lists more opportunities and explains the career routes.