The Simon Fraser University school of medicine is accepting applications for its first class of future doctors, marking the launch of the first new medical school in Western Canada in nearly 60 years.

Designed specifically to address B.C.’s urgent need for primary-care physicians, the Province says the new school will begin instruction at an interim location in August 2026. A location in Surrey City Centre has been secured for the permanent school.

The first class of 48 medical students will begin their studies at the interim location, the SFU Surrey campus. Students will receive ongoing clinical training, starting in the second month of their studies and continuing throughout their three-year program. Students will work directly with patients in community-based offices, clinics and hospitals throughout B.C.

Students accepted into the first 48-student class can expect to hear if they are accepted in May or June 2026. The cohort is expected to increase every year until it reaches 120 students by 2035.

The anticipated capital cost of the permanent school is approximately $520 million, shared between the Province and SFU. Construction is on track to begin in late 2026, with the permanent school expected to be ready for students in fall 2030.