St Mary’s University London offers three things most established UK medical schools cannot: entry into a first-of-its-kind MBBS cohort with no legacy competition, clinical placements starting in year one rather than later years, and tuition that is competitive with other English-speaking countries offering UK-recognised medical training. The School of Medicine, part of St Mary’s University since 1850, welcomes its first international MBBS cohort in September 2026, as part of a program undergoing GMC review. Details on entry requirements, faculty, and what makes this school different are below.

The Challenge: Demand for UK Medical Seats

Many students who plan to study medicine in UK find that established medical schools are extremely competitive to enter  especially for international students.

A new medical school changes that. St Mary’s University London’s School of Medicine, part of a university that has operated since 1850, has not yet developed the oversubscribed track record that limits access at older institutions. That absence of a long queue is itself part of the answer to why a student would choose it.

Why Choose St Mary’s University London for Medicine

These factors set this program apart from established alternatives:

• A first-of-its-kind cohort. Students entering in September 2026 join the school’s inaugural MBBS intake rather than competing within a large, established applicant pool.
• Earlier clinical exposure. Placements in NHS and community clinical settings begin in year one, before most traditional medical education systems introduce clinical work.
• Competitive cost. Tuition and living costs are competitive with those in other English-speaking countries offering UK-recognised medical training.
• Real-world experience, fast: St Mary’s University London medicine graduates begin clinical training earlier across hospitals, clinics, hospices, charities, and the wider health sector, building hands-on skills for modern medical practice.
• Medicine with impact: The program emphasizes work in diverse communities, reflecting the university’s focus on social justice and inclusion.
• A supportive community: Small-group teaching supports individual guidance throughout the course.

St Mary’s University London MBBS Program

The St Mary’s University MBBS program is based in Twickenham, London. The School of Medicine was recently established, with its first cohort of MBBS students beginning in September 2026. Applications are currently open only to international (non-UK) students.

Key facts for students considering medicine at St Mary’s University London:

• Duration: five-year MBBS full-time program
• Curriculum: following the regulations of the General Medical Council (GMC); Clinical placements begin in year one and take place across NHS and community settings.
• Leadership: Founding Executive Dean Professor Sonia Kumar is a GP with more than 20 years of clinical and academic experience, including roles at Imperial College London, King’s College London, and the University of Leeds.
• Facilities: A purpose-built School of Medicine with an Integrated Skills and Simulation Centre
• Recognition: St Mary’s University medicine rankings include Top 10 for Teaching Quality; Teaching Excellence Framework 2023, Gold for student experience
• Entry requirements: An IB score of 36, with 6 in three Higher Level subjects, one of which must be Chemistry or Biology

Accreditation note: As a newly established medical school, St Mary’s is working with the General Medical Council toward full accreditation. The GMC reviews the program annually as the first cohort progresses through to graduation. This is standard practice for new UK medical schools and does not affect enrolment. Accreditation outcomes remain subject to country-specific and institutional requirements, so students should treat current status as evolving rather than fixed.

Before Applying

Students who plan to study medicine at St Mary’s University should confirm the entrance procedure, application deadlines, and accreditation status directly.

Next Step

Application details, current entry requirements, and cohort timelines for St Mary’s University School of Medicine change as the program develops.

Qadri International tracks these updates directly and helps students confirm eligibility, prepare required documentation, and understand each stage before committing. Contact Qadri International for current guidance on applying to study medicine in UK.