St. George’s, University of London Medical School Review: Rankings, Entry Requirements, and Canadian Insights
🎓 Introduction
St. George’s is the UK’s only university dedicated entirely to health and medical sciences — and it shows. Based in South London and integrated into a working hospital, it offers hands-on clinical training from day one. For Canadian students looking for practical experience and strong NHS exposure, it’s a solid choice.
🏥 Learning by Doing
St. George’s isn’t about sitting in a lecture hall all day — you’ll get into the hospital from the start.
🩺 Years 1–2: Case-based learning + weekly clinical and communication skills sessions
🚑 Year 3: Full immersion in hospital and community environments
👶 Year 4: Rotations in core specialties like paeds, psych, OBGYN, and geriatrics
🎓 Year 5: Final prep for practice with senior clinical attachments
It’s hands-on, applied learning — perfect if you want to feel like a real med student early on.
🌍 A Name That Employers Know
St. George’s has a strong name among NHS professionals — especially for its clinically prepared graduates.
One of the UK’s few hospital-based med schools
Strong graduate outcomes and respected among London’s NHS trusts
Focused exclusively on medicine and health-related courses
It’s not about hype — it’s about getting you ready for the job.
📊 UCAT Is the Gatekeeper
St. George’s is one of the most UCAT-dependent medical schools in the UK.
You’ll need a UCAT score of at least 2600–2700 to stay competitive
No personal statement or reference scoring in selection
Canadian applicants should aim for 90%+ in Grade 12 Chem, Bio, and a third academic subject
🔑 Tip: If you don’t hit the UCAT cut-off, your application doesn’t progress. Prep seriously.
🗣️ What Students Say
“St. George’s is not in a prime location in London, and from what I saw, is limited in financial resources. However, the college is accomplishing a lot with what it has.”
– Visitor reflection in a campus blog
“The program sounded a lot like our developmental education programs… I liked the idea of having ‘lab’ rooms reserved for student groups to work on their case‑based assignments.”
– Visitor commenting on the supportive learning environment
🧑🎓 Student Societies & Support at St. George’s
Though smaller than many London universities, St. George’s offers a focused, close-knit community — and its societies reflect the diversity of students studying healthcare today.
Whether you're looking for spiritual connection, cultural familiarity, or academic support, here are some key groups on campus:
🌙 Faith-Based Societies
St. George’s Islamic Society – Daily prayer spaces, Jummah, spiritual talks, charity campaigns, and Ramadan iftars
Christian Union (CU) – Bible studies, community events, and mission trips
Jewish Society (JSoc) – Cultural observances, social meetups, and interfaith collaborations
Hindu Society – Aarti nights, festival celebrations like Diwali, and cultural socials
Sikh Society – Langar events, sewa (service) projects, and community outreach
Buddhist Society – Meditation sessions and discussion circles
Catholic Society – Mass attendance coordination and retreats
Secular & Humanist Group – Safe spaces for discussion and debate for non-religious students
🌍 Cultural & Regional Societies
Afro-Caribbean Society (ACS) – Events, socials, and mentoring focused on Black student empowerment
South Asian Society (SAS) – Showcases, Eid and Diwali celebrations, and language socials
Arab Society – Food nights, cultural celebrations, and support networks
Pakistani and Bangladeshi Societies – Community events, faith–culture crossovers, and socials
International Students Society – A place for overseas students, including Canadians, to meet and share experiences
🩺 Academic & Medical Societies
St. George’s Students’ Union (SGSU) – Runs sports, medic socials, and exam revision support
Surgical Society, NeuroSoc, and Paeds Society – Career-specific events and workshops
Women in Healthcare – Promoting equality and leadership for women in medicine
Global Brigades & Medsin – Public health and volunteering opportunities abroad
🏳️🌈 LGBTQ+ and Inclusion Groups
St. George’s LGBTQ+ Society – Safe spaces, support, and advocacy
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Committee (EDI) – Student-led initiatives promoting inclusivity across campus
Mental Health & Wellbeing Society – Workshops, peer support, and open forums
At St. George’s, even though the campus is smaller, the support systems are broad. Whether you’re praying between lectures, planning a cultural night, or just looking for your people — there’s space for everyone.
🚇 What It’s Like Living Here
Tooting might not show up on every London travel guide, but for med students, it’s a gem.
You're surrounded by real people, real communities, and some of the best budget food in the city
You’ll walk from lecture to ward in minutes
Public transport is solid — with easy connections to central London
Rent’s still high (this is London, after all), but cheaper than King’s or UCL zones
It’s a quieter kind of student life — but one that gives you space to breathe.
🇨🇦 Canadian Applicant Tip
St. George’s is a great option for Canadian students who are confident in their UCAT prep. Aim for 2600+, and make sure your Grade 12 marks are 90%+ in Chem, Bio, and another subject. The school won’t consider your personal statement during shortlisting — it’s all about scores.
Apply via UCAS by October 15.
🧭 Final Thoughts
For Canadian students with strong UCAT prep and solid science grades, St. George’s offers a streamlined, no-frills path to becoming a doctor. It’s competitive, it’s hands-on, and it’s refreshingly direct — perfect for students who want to get stuck into real clinical work from the start.
– Malik Ulch
