What is the uOttawa early-phase MMI language rule?

The University of Ottawa requires you to complete the early-phase MMI in the language of instruction you chose at application. Acuity states that failure to complete it in the correct language will result in disqualification of your application. An English-stream applicant tests in English, a French-stream applicant tests in French, and each language interview must be on a separate date.

What does the rule mean in practice?

Check your application language stream before you book. If your stream is French, the French early-phase MMI is the one to schedule, and every response is recorded in French. Arvin Ardakani treats this as a pre-booking checklist item, because it is a mistake that cannot be repaired after the sitting.

What about applying to Queen’s too?

Acuity states Queen’s accepts only the English early-phase MMI. If your Ottawa stream is French, you therefore need two sittings on separate dates. See The Queen’s early-phase MMI.

Does the language rule continue after the early phase?

Ottawa states the interview is conducted in the language of instruction selected, and that proficiency in it is carefully assessed. Read Ottawa medicine interview format for the panel.

What happens after the early-phase MMI?

The early-phase MMI for 2027 entry ran on 16, 18 and 19 October 2026, and Acuity has not posted dates for the next cycle. At Ottawa, interview invitations come from a rank-order list built from CGPA, early-phase MMI score and Autobiographical Sketch score, and interviews are typically held between February and March: a semi-structured panel interview of about 40 minutes. For that stage, read the Ottawa medicine interview format and see the Interview program. Applying next cycle? Everything on this page still applies: applicants are contacted in early October, shortly after the OMSAS deadline.

Related: Ottawa medicine interview format, Early-phase MMI dates, The Queen’s early-phase MMI. Arvin Ardakani marks recorded answers personally and mentors applicants at every step through ExperienceMED, with direct WhatsApp access: book an interview session.