Ontario to Restrict International Students from Medical Schools Beginning in 2026

In a significant policy shift, the Ontario government announced that it will largely restrict international students from enrolling in medical schools starting in the fall of 2026. This decision, unveiled by Premier Doug Ford and Health Minister Sylvia Jones, aims to prioritize local residents in medical education while simultaneously addressing the province’s critical shortage of family doctors.

Under the forthcoming legislation, a minimum of 95% of medical school seats will be allocated for students residing in Ontario, with the remaining 5% reserved for applicants from other provinces. Currently, approximately 88% of all medical school placements in Ontario are already occupied by residents, indicating that this change represents a minor adjustment in enrolment demographics.

While the new rules will limit the number of international students, officials clarified that this is not a total ban. If any spots remain unfilled after local recruitment, medical schools will still have the option to accept international applicants.

To support the development of family medicine in Ontario, the provincial government is expanding its “Learn and Stay” program. This initiative will cover tuition and related educational expenses for over 1,000 students willing to commit to serving as family doctors in the province, aiming to increase patient access to primary care. With a projected cost of $88 million, the program seeks to benefit approximately 1,360 undergraduate students, thereby enhancing access to family doctors for an estimated 1.36 million Ontarians.

The pressing need for more family physicians in Ontario is underscored by alarming statistics from the Ontario Medical Association, which reports that about 2.5 million residents currently lack a family doctor—a figure anticipated to nearly double in the coming years. A recent study by the Canadian Institute for Health Information revealed that 12% of Ontarians do not have a family doctor, a situation that has persisted during the Ford government’s time in office.

In a bid to address this healthcare crisis, the province recently appointed former federal Liberal health minister Jane Philpott to a new position focused on ensuring that every Ontarian has access to primary care within five years. “She’s going to be on the ground fixing that gap,” Premier Ford emphasized, underscoring the government’s commitment to healthcare reform.

Additionally, the Ontario government is enhancing its health teams model, which connects patients with clinics offering comprehensive services, including primary care, nurse practitioners, and mental health support. This approach aims to streamline access to healthcare resources and improve patient outcomes across the province.

In a further step to safeguard the interests of local students, the province is reviewing its visa trainee program that currently trains international students sponsored by foreign governments. This move is designed to bolster the educational opportunities available for Ontario students.

Ford also expressed his support for current medical students, many of whom were present during his announcement at an Oshawa hospital. He acknowledged the financial burdens faced by these students, stating, “I’m trying to backdate this for a year or two because I’m sure some of you have debt from medical school.” Turning to Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy, he quipped, “Can you hear that, Mr. Moneybags?”