SGU and Hilton College Establish Medical Education Pathway for South African Students
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, 2026 — St. George’s University (SGU) School of Medicine in Grenada, West Indies, has established an academic affiliation with Hilton College, one of South Africa’s leading independent schools, to create new opportunities for students seeking careers in medicine.
The partnership will provide eligible Hilton College students with access to admissions pathways into SGU’s Doctor of Medicine (MD) programme, scholarship opportunities and dedicated academic guidance as they transition from secondary school to medical education.
The affiliation comes as competition for medical school places in South Africa remains high. With only 10 medical schools in the country, aspiring doctors face limited opportunities to secure admission. The new partnership therefore offers students an additional route to pursue medical education internationally.
Students who complete their secondary education and meet SGU’s admission requirements may be eligible to apply for the university’s five-year MD track. Successful applicants can begin their studies at SGU’s campus in Grenada or at Northumbria University in Newcastle, United Kingdom, through SGU’s longstanding partnership with the institution.
In addition, eligible Hilton College students may receive dedicated admissions support, guaranteed interviews for admission consideration and opportunities to be considered for partial merit-based scholarships at SGU.
Students enrolled in SGU’s MD programmes also have access to clinical training through a network of more than 75 affiliated hospitals and health centres across the United States and United Kingdom. The placements provide hands-on experience in patient care while helping students develop the clinical knowledge, professionalism and practical skills needed to pursue careers in medicine.
Lily Phommarack, Associate Director of International Academic Affiliations at St. George’s University, said the partnership would expand opportunities for South African students aspiring to become doctors.
“Hilton College has a longstanding reputation for academic excellence and developing students who are prepared to succeed in globally competitive environments,” Phommarack said.
She added that the affiliation would give aspiring physicians access to international medical education pathways, scholarship opportunities and dedicated guidance as they prepare for careers in medicine.
James Webb, Head of Futures at Hilton College, said the partnership would strengthen the support available to students considering medical careers abroad.
“At Hilton College, we are committed to ensuring that students have access to high-quality guidance as they explore future academic and professional opportunities,” Webb said.
He added that the collaboration would give students greater insight into the journey to becoming a doctor while connecting them with an institution whose graduates practise medicine around the world.
Founded in 1872, Hilton College is recognised for academic excellence, leadership development and its record of preparing students for admission to leading universities worldwide. Through its university guidance and career counselling programmes, the school supports students pursuing competitive fields, including medicine, science and healthcare.
The affiliation expands those opportunities by providing Hilton College students with a potential pathway to a globally recognised medical education and an international career in medicine.
For South African students, the pathway could also provide an opportunity to return and pursue professional practice in the country. SGU’s recognition by the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) provides eligible graduates with a potential route towards registration, subject to meeting all applicable regulatory and professional requirements.
As demand for medical education and healthcare professionals continues, the partnership between SGU and Hilton College is expected to give students another option as they plan their academic and professional futures in medicine.
