Simon Fraser admits 48 medical students

Simon Fraser University opened its new medical school in Surrey on August 5 and welcomed its first class of 48 students, launching British Columbia’s newest physician-training program. The inaugural intake drew 1,864 applications for August 2026 entry, according to the university and CBC. The school is starting in interim space at SFU Surrey Central while a permanent facility is built nearby. The program is designed as a three-year, year-round medical degree with a stated focus on community-based primary care. ### How selective was the first intake? SFU’s admissions data show 1,864 total applications, with 1,697 deemed complete and academically eligible for review. The school invited 205 applicants to interview for the August 2026 intake, and 48 students were ultimately admitted to the first class. SFU said it would publish additional information about the admitted class later in the summer in a way that protects applicant privacy. (cbc.ca) CBC reported the 48-seat class was the university’s first cohort at the new medical school. The numbers underscore that demand was high even before the program had graduated any students. ### Why is the class starting with 48 seats? The British Columbia government said the first cohort would begin with 48 students in 2026, and SFU has said the school plans to grow over time. A June university announcement said the program is expected to expand to 120 students by 2035. (sfu.ca) Dr. David Price, dean of the SFU Stephens Family School of Medicine, said in the provincial release that welcoming the first students was “a moment of tremendous pride and excitement” for the school. (cbc.ca) The government said the broader aim is to train more doctors in British Columbia as the province faces physician shortages and pressure on access to primary care. ### What is different about the program SFU is launching? (news.gov.bc.ca) SFU said the medical degree will run for three years on a year-round schedule, including summer study. The university says that structure allows students to graduate one year earlier than traditional four-year programs. The school’s public materials say it is seeking applicants committed to equitable, community-based primary health care, including service to underserved populations. (news.gov.bc.ca) The Surrey campus page says the first students are studying at the SFU Surrey Central building, described as the interim home of the medical school. The permanent site is planned for Surrey City Centre, adjacent to the SFU Surrey campus and Surrey Central SkyTrain Station. ### Why is Surrey central to the rollout? The British Columbia government said in October 2025 that the new school was the first new medical school in Western Canada in nearly 60 years. (cbc.ca) Premier David Eby said at the time that the project would help make Surrey “a hub of innovative and high-quality health care.” CBC previously reported that the program was intended to help add more family doctors in the province. (sfu.ca) The school’s current materials continue to emphasize primary care and community-based training as core parts of the model. ### What happens next for the school? August 2026 marks the start of teaching for SFU’s first medical cohort, with orientation beginning this week in Surrey. The university and provincial government have said the permanent medical school building is expected to be completed in 2030. (news.gov.bc.ca) SFU has also said the program is planned to grow from 48 students in the inaugural class to 120 students by 2035. (news.gov.bc.ca) (cbc.ca)