Overview
NOSM University is Canada's first independent medical university, created to train health professionals for Northern Ontario.
It began in 2005 as the Northern Ontario School of Medicine, a joint initiative hosted by Laurentian University in Sudbury and Lakehead University in Thunder Bay, and became a standalone degree-granting university in 2022. Its mandate is social accountability: addressing physician shortages and health inequities across northern, rural, remote, Indigenous, and Francophone communities, with teaching distributed across hospitals, clinics, and community sites throughout the region.
Faculty are organized into three academic divisions: Clinical Sciences, Human Sciences, and Medical Sciences. The four-year Doctor of Medicine program currently holds 92 seats and admits through General, Indigenous, Francophone, Black, and Military Medical Training Program streams; applicants must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents, hold a four-year undergraduate degree in any discipline, and present at least a 3.0 GPA on the 4.0 scale, with selection strongly weighted toward Northern Ontario and other underserved communities.
Beyond the MD, NOSM University delivers postgraduate residency training including a large distributed Family Medicine program, a CAMPEP-accredited Medical Physics Residency Education Program in Sudbury and Thunder Bay, a 46-week Dietetic Practicum Program, a flexible online Master of Medical Studies open to international students in its course-based option, and the Physician Assistant program offered with the University of Toronto and the Michener Institute through the Consortium of PA Education.
Location & Contact
NOSM University's campus location, postal address, and admissions contact channels are below.
Academic Details
NOSM University's academic profile in numbers is listed below.
Faculties & Divisions
Each of NOSM University's faculties and its subject areas are listed below.
Clinical Sciences (Division) Faculty details available
Specialisations & Subjects
No specified subjects listed.
Human Sciences (Division) Faculty details available
Specialisations & Subjects
No specified subjects listed.
Medical Sciences (Division) Faculty details available
Specialisations & Subjects
No specified subjects listed.
Programs Offered
Search and filter NOSM University's available programmes by degree level.
6 programmes on record. Compare these on the programs page All programs in Canada
Bachelor's Degree 1 programme
Professional Doctorate 1 programme
Postgraduate Certificate 2 programmes
Postgraduate Diploma 1 programme
Scholarships in Canada
These scholarships are open to students studying in Canada and may apply to programmes at NOSM University.
How to apply to NOSM University
A short guide to applying to NOSM University — five steps.
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1
Find a programme that fits your goals
NOSM University's catalogue includes 6 programmes. Browse by level, identify candidates matching your prior qualifications, and note their entry requirements for the next step.
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2
Confirm you meet the requirements
Entry requirements vary by programme and degree level. Verify academic minimums, language tests (if international), and any additional documents required for NOSM University's admissions process.
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3
Assemble your application package
Typical documents include academic transcripts, identity proof (passport or national ID), language proficiency test scores, a personal statement or motivation letter, and recommendation letters. International applicants should account for translation and notarisation time.
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4
Submit your application
Submit your completed application through NOSM University's official website at www.nosm.ca. Most institutions use an online portal — register an account, complete the application form, and upload your prepared documents. Keep copies of all submissions and confirmation receipts.
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5
Contact admissions and follow up
Follow up to confirm your application was received and is being processed. Reach the institution by email at admissions@nosm.ca. Admissions teams may request interviews or additional documents — respond promptly to keep your application active.
Frequently Asked Questions about NOSM University
A short Q&A covering NOSM University's essentials — founding, location, and structure.
When was NOSM University founded?
NOSM University was established in 2005 (approximately 21 years ago).
In which city is NOSM University?
NOSM University is based in Greater Sudbury, Canada.
How do I find NOSM University online?
You can find NOSM University online at www.nosm.ca.
Top-Ranked Universities in Canada
These are the most highly ranked universities in Canada. Putting NOSM University alongside them gives a clearer picture of where it sits in the national academic landscape, especially when reputation matters for credential portability.
Faculties at nearby universities
Also in Greater Sudbury: universities located close to NOSM University.
Where Else to Study Medicine
Other institutions in Canada teaching Medicine are listed below for comparison with NOSM University.
Universities Compared with NOSM University
The institutions below are of a similar academic scale to NOSM University.
Studying in Canada: guides and resources
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