• Defining "direct entry"
• Why choose a direct entry program?
• Direct entry to medicine
• Direct entry to veterinary medicine
• Direct entry to pharmacy
• Direct entry to optometry
• Direct entry to dentistry
• Direct entry to law
• Things to watch for when considering direct entry

"Direct entry" refers to a post-secondary education route allowing high school graduates to immediately begin advanced or professional training without first completing an undergraduate degree. Direct entry options vary by region and even program area, so here's a guide to direct entry — what direct entry means for Canadian high school grads, and how choosing a direct entry program could help you accelerate program completion timelines and get you onto the career ladder more quickly.

Defining "direct entry"

Direct entry programs (sometimes called "first-entry") integrate undergraduate education with professional training, letting high school graduates pursue professional studies right away. Direct entry is more common outside North America: in the United Kingdom, Europe, and Australia, it's common to start a professional program — like medicine, dentistry, law, pharmacy, optometry, veterinary studies, etc. — right after high school. In Canada and the USA, these programs typically require undergraduate study before pursuing them.

In practice, direct entry programs often pair "pre-clinical" or "foundational" coursework with professional training. Still, the usual program completion time for direct entry programs is faster than the Canadian equivalents. Students in direct-entry programs cover the same material on an accelerated timeframe.

Why choose a direct entry program?

The main reason to choose a direct entry program abroad is to get your career started sooner. Often, completing your education in a shorter time frame means earning certifications more quickly, putting you in a position to launch your career much earlier than your peers!

Of course, studying abroad has its own advantages, including personal development and expanded networking opportunities. Direct entry just lets you get a jump on things if you're a serious, committed student, eager to step into your future!

Direct entry to medicine

If you're eager to become a doctor, medical school is in your future. Different regions handle direct-entry medicine in different ways. Here's a quick rundown of the basics for direct entry medicine:

• Canada and the USA: No real direct entry to medical studies. Students typically complete an undergraduate degree before moving onto med school.
• United Kingdom: 5- and 6-year programs, with competitive entry requirements. No MCAT is required for direct entry. Graduates usually earn an MBBS degree, which is comparable to an MD.
• Europe: Countries like Ireland, Hungary, Cyprus, and others, offer English-taught programs for international students. Typically 5-6 years for medical programs. Comparable, or lower, costs compared to Canadian schools.
• the Caribbean: Usually 5-year programs, which often don't require an MCAT. Accreditation and cost varies by school, so do plenty of research up front.
• Australia and New Zealand: Some Australian schools offer direct-entry medicine, with 5- or 6-year programs. New Zealand doesn't offer direct entry for medicine.

Explore medical and health programs in Canada and beyond on SchoolFinder.

Direct entry to veterinary medicine

Veterinary medicine is in strong demand in many parts of the world. Canada has relatively few veterinary schools, so studying abroad is common for vets-to-be.

• Canada and the USA: Graduate entry only. Students complete a bachelor's degree before applying to veterinary school.
• United Kingdom: Veterinary schools accept students directly from high school. Programs are usually 5 years long.
• Europe: Some countries offer direct entry out of high school, with instruction in English, like Hungary and the Netherlands. Programs are typically 5 years.
• the Caribbean: Some Caribbean schools offer veterinary medicine, with 5-year pathways for high school graduates.
• Australia and New Zealand: Like the UK, many schools allow high school grads into 5-year programs. A popular choice for Canadians.

Explore veterinary medicine programs in Canada and beyond on SchoolFinder.

Direct entry to pharmacy

Pharmaceutical specialists and pharmacists play an integral role in healthcare systems. Here's how studies in pharmacy vary across jurisdictions:

• Canada and the USA: Often requires 2 years of undergraduate study followed by 4 years of graduate school. Some schools, like MCPHS, offer direct-entry PharmD programs for high school grads.
• United Kingdom: 4-year MPharm program open to high school graduates. After the MPharm, complete a year of paid foundation / internship training before licensing exam.
• Europe: 5-year MPharm degrees are common to universities across Europe, often taught in English.
• the Caribbean: Not a major hub for pharmacy education for international students.
• Australia and New Zealand: Like the UK, 4-year MPharm degrees are popular in Australia. New Zealand offers 2-year MPharms that require a completed undergraduate degree.

Explore pharmacy programs in Canada and beyond on SchoolFinder.

Direct entry to optometry

See the world in a new light! Studying abroad is common for students interested in optometry, as Canada has relatively few programs in this field.

• Canada and the USA: Optometry is generally pursued after completing a 3 or 4-year bachelor's degree.
• United Kingdom: Allows direct entry for 3 or 4 year programs, followed by a year of clinical training.
• Europe: Some countries offer optometry training in English, with 4- or 5-year options for high school graduates.
• the Caribbean: Not a major hub for optometry education for international students.
• Australia and New Zealand: Australia allows direct entry into undergraduate and combined (bachelor + master's) programs in optometry. New Zealand also offers 5-year direct entry programs.

Explore optometry programs in Canada and beyond on SchoolFinder.

Direct entry to dentistry

Direct-entry dentistry is a popular choice abroad for students who want to start their careers sooner. Here's a quick rundown on dentistry across different regions:

• Canada and the USA: Typically requires 2 to 4 years of undergraduate study before 4 years of dental school.
• United Kingdom: 5-year undergraduate dental programs for high school grads. Direct entry is common.
• Europe: 5-6 year dentistry degrees for high school graduates are common. Some schools teach international students in English.
• the Caribbean: Not a major hub for dental education for international students.
• Australia and New Zealand: 5-year direct entry dentistry programs for international students are common in both Australia and New Zealand.

Explore dentistry programs in Canada and beyond on SchoolFinder.

Direct entry to law

Lawyers run the world — or just about. Law school is a popular choice for many career paths, not just practicing attorneys. If you're interested in an education in law, different regions handle direct entry differently.

• Canada and the USA: No direct entry options in English. Most students complete a bachelor's degree, then write the LSAT and apply to a 3-year law school. (In Quebec, CEGEP students have a slightly different path.)
• United Kingdom: Apply to law studies directly after high school. Canadian students can get an LLB after just 3 years of study instead of 7. A popular choice for Canadians!
• Europe: Depends on country; often a 3-5 year LLB or local equivalent, and in some cases, an integrated bachelor + master of law. Not all countries offer law education in English.
• the Caribbean: Few schools in the Caribbean offer law training for international students.
• Australia and New Zealand: Some Australian universities have a direct entry model similar to the United Kingdom, while others offer graduate entry only. No LSAT is required for undergraduate law.

Explore law programs in Canada and beyond on SchoolFinder.

What should I watch for when considering a direct entry program?

There are two major things to think about when considering a direct entry program abroad: cost and certifications and timelines.

• Cost: Most jurisdictions assess international students at a higher tuition level than domestic students, meaning your degree may be more expensive year-over-year than staying in Canada.
• Certifications and timelines: In most cases, you'll need to complete one or more licensing or certification exams when you return to Canada before beginning professional practice. Depending on your requirements, and official organizations' timelines, this process could take many months to complete, offsetting some of the initial gains from pursuing a direct entry program.

Both of these factors vary depending on your school, program, and unique circumstances, so consider them guidelines to be aware of as you plan for your education.

Every year, thousands of Canadian students choose direct entry programs abroad, in all sorts of fields, for all sorts of reasons! If you're a driven, dedicated student, ready for whatever the future has in store, you may flourish in a direct entry program. Whatever you choose, we wish you the best of luck!