Are you interested in applying for Medical Programs in the Caribbean and want to explore all the best Caribbean Medical Schools options? We’ve compiled the top 24 Caribbean Medical Schools that have been accredited by external bodies and are recognized worldwide. Continue reading to know more about Caribbean Medical Schools.
Why Choose the Caribbean for Medicine?
Choosing the Caribbean for Medicine, is a wise thing to do or not? Studying at Caribbean Medical Schools comes with more pros than cons. Those applicants who would usually apply to Medical Schools in the US or Canada and don’t receive acceptance ultimately resort to Caribbean Medical Schools.
However, that does not mean that Caribbean Medical Schools are always the second or third option for Medical Students. Below we’ve mentioned some pros for you to go through, access, and evaluate whether Caribbean Medical Schools is your future gateway or not:
4 Pros of Caribbean Medical Schools
- Education in Caribbean Medical Schools:
Most Medical Schools in the Caribbean Region claim to provide education and curriculum up to the standards of the US Medical Programs. We can all agree that can’t be true in each case because it’s tough to beat the high-quality medical education that the US offers. Nevertheless, several Caribbean Medical Schools offer good education such as St. George University or Ross University.
- Acceptance in Caribbean Medical Schools:
The Medical Schools in the Caribbean region tend to accept candidates with normal MCAT or High School scores as compared to the US or Canada. Their Eligibility Criteria aren’t too high or even too low.
- Training Opportunities:
If the Medical School is accredited by a renowned body, rotations in the Clinical Sciences Years to the US, Canada, or the UK pave a route for clinical training in these years from the best countries’ medical education.
- Affordability:
Several Medical Schools in the Caribbean offer Medical Education at a reasonable cost of attendance, as compared to the US or adjoining areas.
- The beauty of the Caribbean:
If you’re someone who’s fond of astounding and peaceful places, the Caribbean would welcome you with warmth.
Top 24 Caribbean Medical Schools
Below are the 24 best Caribbean Medical Schools out of 80 Medical Schools in the Caribbean:
#1 St. George University:
St. George University, Faculty of Medicine is a private medical school, one of the best Medical Schools in the Caribbean Region, and is accredited and approved by various external bodies.
Location:
West Indies, Grenada
Academic Programs at SGU:
School of Medicine; MD programs from 4-7 years, School of Veterinary Medicine; DVM programs from 4-7 years, School of Graduate Studies, School of Arts and Sciences.
Scholarships and Aid at SGU:
They have Scholarships and Financial Aid available according to every Academic Program.
Tuition Fee at SGU:
St. George is an expensive medical school and the tuition fees vary according to each Academic Program.
Admission Requirements at SGU:
MCAT is required.
Check out the Scholarships and Aid and Tuition fees here.
#2 American University of the Caribbean, School of Medicine:
AUCmed is a private medical school that is amongst the best medical schools in the Caribbean region and is accredited and approved by the Accreditation Commission on Colleges of Medicine (ACCM).
Location:
Cupecoy, Sint Maarten
Academic Program at AUCmed:
MD Program is designed to compose medical students to practice in the US and other countries.
Scholarships and Aid at AUCmed:
Scholarships are offered on the basis of academic excellence or other distinctions. Student loan programs and medical financial aid is offered. Check it out here.
Tuition Fees at AUCmed:
Medical Sciences tuition costs and Clinical Sciences tuition costs discrete. You can view them here.
Admission Requirements at AUCmed:
MCAT is necessary and English Proficiency Certificate as well. Get to know more about the requirements here.
#3 American University of Antigua:
American University of Antigua, College of Medicine is an International Private Medical School, the third-best medical school in the Caribbean region, and is accredited by the Caribbean Accreditation Authority for Education in Medicine and other Health Professionals. (CAAM-HP)
Location:
Osbourn, Antigua & Barbuda
Academic Programs at AUAmed:
MD programs and Clinical Sciences are offered at the American University of Antigua.
Scholarships and Aid at AUAmed:
Scholarships and Grants are offered to students with exceptional academic records. Various types of Financial Aids are offered which you can view here.
Tuition Fees at AUAmed:
You can check out the Cost of Attendance here.
Admission Requirements at AUAmed:
MCAT scores are compulsory so are the TOEFL and IELTS scores. View the other requirements here.
#4 Saba University School of Medicine
Location:
The Bottom, Caribbean Netherlands
Saba University School of Medicine is a private university that is globally recognized, welcomes international students, and is accredited by the Accreditation Organisation of the Netherlands and Flanders (NVAO).
Academic Programs at Saba:
They offer Basic Sciences and Clinical Medicine.
Scholarships and Aid at Saba:
There is financial aid US and Financial aid in Canada both of which you can view here. Scholarship opportunities from both US and Canada are proposed here.
Tuition Fees at Saba:
The tuition fee at Saba is relatively lower than the above-mentioned Medical Schools. Get all the necessary Financial Information here.
Admission Requirements at Saba:
The MCAT score is required for English Proficiency. Check the other basic requirements here.
#5 Medical University of the Americas:
Location:
Charlestown, Nevis
Medical University of the Americas curriculum is based on a system-based approach which is also followed in US Medical Schools. The university is accredited by the National Committee on Foreign Medical Education and Accreditation (NCFMEA).
Academic Programs at MUA:
Provides Basic Sciences, Clinical Sciences, and Gateway Medical Program.
Scholarships and Aid at MUA:
They offer public and private financial aid options to assist the medical students at MUA. Scholarships are granted on several criteria that you can view here.
Tuition Fees at MUA:
The tuition fees range up to $24350 according to different attributes. View their financial information here.
Admission Requirements at MUA:
MCAT and English Proficiency Certificates are compulsory for admission at MUA. You can check out the other requirements here.
#6 Caribbean Medical University
Caribbean Medical University is an internationally recognized university that enrolls less students for small group classes and is accredited by the World Directory of Medical Schools and Educational Commission of Foreign Medical Graduates.
Location:
Willemstad, Curacao.
Academic Programs at CMU:
Offers a Premedical program and The MD Program. Get to know more about it here.
Scholarships and Aid at CMU:
Provides Student Loans. Scholarships are granted to students who are in need of Financial Assistance or on the basis of Academic Excellence.
Tuition Fees at CMU:
Basic Sciences has an economical tuition fee of $5,900 and Clinical Sciences is $8900.
Admission Requirements at CMU:
No MCAT is required. Secondary School Diplomas are required and IELTS or TOEFL. Other requirements can be viewed here.
#7 Trinity School of Medicine
Trinity School of Medicine is a private institution that has a faculty of experienced professional US Med Schools Deans and is accredited by St. Vincent and Grenadines Authority, CAAM-HP.
Location:
Ribishi, St. Vincent & Grenadines.
Academic Programs at Trinity:
Offers MD program and Biomedical Sciences.
Scholarships and Aid at Trinity:
US and Canadian Loans are available for students to opt for. Various kinds of Scholarships and Grants are provided which you can check out here.
Tuition Fees at Trinity:
The total tuition fee for both the Basic Science years and Clinical Science years is $157,500. View the breakdown of the fee structure here.
Admission Requirements at Trinity:
The MCAT score is compulsory for admission. Check out the other requirements here.
#8 University of Medical and Health Sciences
University of Medical and Health Sciences is a private institution that offers world-class medical teaching provisions and is accredited and recognized by ACCM and NCFMEA respectively.
Location:
Camps, St. Kitts & Nevis
Academic Programs at UMHS:
Offers Basic Science and Clinical Programs.
Scholarships and Aid at UMHS:
There is Financial ARP Aid and Student Loans that one can avail. Scholarships are offered on the basis of Merit and Academic excellence.
Tuition Fees at UMHS:
The Fees are affordable. You can view their fee structure here.
Admission Requirements at UMHS:
For admission; a letter of recommendation and MCAT is required.
#9 American University of Integrative Sciences
American University of Integrative Sciences is a private university that claims to train physicians who aim to practice as a physician in the US or Canada, according to the standards of US Medical Schools. The University is accredited by the World Health Organisation (WHO) on the list of World Directory of Medical Schools.
Location:
Cole Bay, Sint Maarten.
Academic Programs at AUIS:
They offer a Bachelor of Medical Sciences, MD program, Clinical Program, and Advanced Clinical Medicine.
Scholarships and Aid at AUIS:
A variety of Scholarships are offered at AUIS which you can go through here.
Tuition Fees at AUIS:
The total MD Programs Tuition fee is $116,100. View the breakdown here.
Admission Requirements:
No MCAT is required but the English Proficiency is compulsory. Check out their other requirements.
#10 All Saints University School of Medicine
All Saints University School of Medicine is a private institution that is frequently listed among the primary care Medical Schools and is accredited by The Accreditation Committee on College of Medicine (ACCM).
Location:
Roseau, Dominica
Academic Programs at All Saints University:
Offers MD degree program, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and Ph.D. in Life Sciences.
Scholarships and Aid at All Saints University:
Provides a Canada Student Loan as well as a Scholarship opportunity. Check the requirements here.
Tuition Fees at All Saints University:
The University is an affordable option for Med Students. You can view their tuition fees here.
Admission Requirements:
MCAT scores add an advantage to the admission process. No entrance exam is conducted.
#11 International American University College of Medicine
International American University College of Medicine is a private University that affirms to provide a curriculum similar to the US Medical Schools and is accredited by the Government of St. Lucia and recognized by the Educational Commission of Foreign Medical Graduates.
Location:
St. Lucia
Academic Programs at IAU:
Provides MD Program; Basic Sciences and Clinical Sciences.
Scholarships and Aid at IAU:
The University grants a variety of Scholarships which you can check out here. It also provides Financial Aid and Loans.
Tuition Fees at IAU:
The collective tuition fee for Basic Science and Clinical Science years is $13,500. View the Non-Academic Fee here.
Admission Requirements at IAU:
The MCAT score is recommended. High School Diploma and 2 Letters of Recommendation are compulsory. Go through the other requirements here.
#12 Avalon University School of Medicine
Avalon University School of Medicine is a private medical school that is accredited under CAAM-HP and ACCM. Their integrated curriculum is designed pro efficiently to produce the best physicians.
Location:
Willemstad, Curacao.
Academic Programs at AvalonU:
Offers PreMed Program and MD program; Basic Sciences and Clinical Sciences.
Scholarships and Aid at AvalonU:
Provides Student Loans and Scholarships according to the Academic Programs. Check them here.
Tuition Fees at AvalonU:
They claim to offer affordable fees. You can check their Fee structure here.
Admission Requirements at AvalonU:
MCAT isn’t required but personal statements or English Proficiency is compulsory.
#13 St Martinus University
St. Martinus University is a private medical college that has been approved by WHO and the Government of Netherlands Antilles. It offers a well-tailored curriculum to prepare medical students to become efficient physicians.
Location:
Willemstad, Curacao
Academic Programs at Martinus:
Offers MD programs and Pre-Medical Programs.
Scholarships and Aid at Martinus:
Financial Aid is provided to anyone in need of assistance and Scholarships are categorized according to Basic Sciences and Clinical Sciences.
Tuition Fees at Martinus:
The tuition fees are lower as compared to many Medical Schools listed above. Check out their fee structure here.
Admission Requirements at Martinus:
A personal Statement and Letter of Recommendation are required.
#14 Bridgetown International University
Bridgetown University is a private university that is highly respected in Barbados due to its high dedication to providing the best quality education. It is enlisted by the World Directory of Medical School.
Location:
Bridgetown, Barbados
Academic Programs at BIU:
Offers Pre-Med Programs and MD Programs; Basic Sciences and Clinical Rotations Programs.
Scholarships and Aid at BIU:
Provides Financial Aid to students who need it.
Tuition Fee at BIU:
The Fee for all 5 years is around $20,000.
Academic Requirements:
No MCAT is required. High School Diploma should be submitted. Check the other requirements here.
#15 Ponce Health Sciences University
Ponce Health Sciences University is a private institution that is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MS-CHE) and is licensed by the Puerto Rico Council of Education.
Location:
Ponce, Puerto Rico
Academic Programs at PSM:
It offers MD Programs, Ph.D. in Biochemical Sciences and Clinical Psychology, Bachelors in Nursing, and Masters.
Scholarships and Aid at PSM:
Provides Financial Aid and Loans for students seeking it. Get to know more about it here.
Tuition Fees at PSM:
The Cost of Attendance for all programs is different. You can check the fee for your desired program here.
Admission Requirements at PSM:
High School Diploma or GED, Personal Statement, and English Proficiency are required.
#16 University of Puerto Rico, Medical Sciences Campus
University of Puerto Rico Medical Science Campus is a public university and is accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME)
Location:
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Academic Programs at UPR:
Offers MD programs; Basic Science and Clinical Programs, Biomedical Science Programs, and Residency Training Programs.
Scholarships and Aid at UPR:
The student can get financial assistance on the cost of tuition and books.
Tuition Fees at UPR:
The Tuition Fee is approximately up to $14,000.
Admission Requirements at UPR:
High School Diploma and English Spanish Proficiency are required. Check out the other requirements here.
#17 San Juan Bautista School of Medicine
San Juan Bautista School of Medicine is a Private Medical School and is licensed by the Puerto Rico Council on Education and is accredited by MSC-HE.
Location:
Caguas, Puerto Rico
Academic Programs at SJBSM:
Offers MD programs; Biomedical Sciences and Clinical Sciences and Nursing Program.
Scholarships and Aid at SJBSM:
Financial Aid is granted to those students who require assistance.
Tuition Fees at SJBSM:
The tuition fees at San Juan Bautista are relatively higher than the affordable schools. Check out the fee structure here.
Admission Requirements at SJBSM:
No MCAT is required but Spanish and English Proficiency is compulsory.
#18 St. Matthews University (SMU)
St. Matthews University is a private university that is accredited by the ACCM and is recognized by the United States Department of Education.
Location:
West Bay, Cayman Islands.
Academic Programs at St Matthews:
Offers degrees in MD Program and Veterinary Program.
Scholarships and Aid at St Matthews:
It provides various types of scholarships such as US Academic Scholarships or Canadian Scholarships and Student Loans such as US Loans and Canada Loans.
Tuition Fees at St Matthew’s:
The tuition fee varies per semester according to the Basic Sciences and Clinical Programs
You can view the Scholarships, Student Loans, and Fee Structure here.
Admission Requirement at St Matthew’s:
MCAT and English Proficiency are required.
#19 Ross University
Ross University School of Medicine is a private Medical School that is accredited by the CAAM-HP and is approved by four US states. It strives to foster the personal and professional development of the medical students for them to become well-trained physicians.
Location:
Barbados
Academic Programs at Ross University:
Offers MD Program; Medical and Clinical Sciences.
Scholarships and Aid at Ross University:
Ross University is a firm supporter of accessible medical education and so provides student loans and scholarships on the basis of merit. Get to know more about it here.
Tuition Fees at Ross University:
The Tuition fee is calculated per semester. Check out the Fee Structure here.
Admission Requirements at Ross University:
The MCAT score is compulsory for admission. You can view the other requirements here.
#20 Victoria University of Barbados
Victoria University is a well-recognized Caribbean Medical School that is recognized by the World Directory of Medical Schools and has designed a modern, innovative curriculum for Medical Students to prosper as physicians in the future.
Location:
Warrens Park, Barbados.
Academic Program at VUBmed:
Offers Basic Sciences, Pre Medical Program, and Clinical Sciences.
Scholarships and Aid at VUBmed:
It provides Scholarships based on Merit and Academic Excellence.
Tuition Fees at VUBmed:
If you’re looking for affordable university options, this is one of them. The tuition fee per semester varies from $6000 up to $10,000.
Academic Requirements at VUBmed:
High School diploma is required.
#21 University of West Indies Faculty of Medicine
The University of West Indies is a public medical school, the only institution amongst the Caribbean Medical Schools to provide a problem-based learning system. The University is accredited by the University Council of Jamaica.
Location:
Kingston, Jamaica
Academic Programs at UWI:
Offers MD Program, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Veterinary, Optometry, and Nursing.
Scholarships and Aid at UWI:
It offers financial aid to its medical students.
Tuition Fees at UWI:
The Tuition Fees of Bachelors Program are approximate up to $12,000.
Admission Requirements at UWI:
MCAT isn’t required but High School Diploma is to be submitted for getting admission.
#22 GeorgeTown American University
Georgetown American University is a private medical school that is accredited by ECFMG and licensed by the National Accreditation Council of Guyana.
Location:
Georgetown, Guyana.
Academic Programs at GAU:
Offers MD Programs, Pre Medical Sciences, Pre Clinical, and Clinical Sciences.
Scholarships and Aid at GAU:
GAU grants scholarships, interest-free monthly payments, or student loans to which medical students can avail themselves.
Tuition Fees at GAU:
The tuition fees of all the programs mentioned above vary from $11,000 up to $19,500.
Admission Requirements at GAU:
High School Diploma and English Proficiency are required.
#23 Escuela Latinoamericana de Medicina
Escuela Latinoamericana de Medicina is a public medical school, globally recognized, and is accredited by the Ministry of Salud Publica, Cuba.
Location:
La Habana, Cuba
Academic Programs at ELAM:
Offers Premedical program and MD Program all in Spanish.
Scholarships at ELAM:
It offers scholarships that can waive off full tuition fees but under certain conditions.
Tuition Fees at ELAM:
Not mentioned.
Admission Requirements:
Spanish and English Proficiency and High school diploma are compulsory for admission.
#24 Universidad Central del Este Escuela de Medicina
Universidad Central del Este Escuela is a private medical school and is recognized through the Presidential Decree.
Location:
San Pedro, Dominican Republic
Academic Programs at UCE:
Offers MD programs, Dentistry, Pharmaceutics etc and all the programs are taught in Spanish.
Scholarships and Aid at UCE:
The University offers financial aid and scholarships on the basis of merit and financial need.
Tuition Fees at UCE:
The Tuition fee for local students is around $2500 and for international students approximately $10,000.
Admission Requirements at UCE:
Spanish Proficiency is compulsory for submission.
2 Cons of Caribbean Medical Schools:
- Low Acceptance Criteria in Caribbean Medical Schools:
Since their acceptance criteria is low even candidates who are ineligible get accepted in Caribbean Medical Schools. This causes poor USMLE scores, low residency acceptance in various countries.
- Competition in Caribbean Medical Schools:
The competition is really high because the residency options in the Caribbean Region are quite limited and to compensate for that, you need to be excellent in your academics so that if you’re looking into settling in the US or Canada, you are accepted in their Medical Health Cares for residency programs.
However, the residency match rates are improving with time so this con might turn to a pro in the near future.
3 Tips to Remember when applying in Caribbean Schools:
- Accreditation:
Check if the Medical School is accredited or not. This is really important as this helps to determine whether the university is providing quality education or not.
- English Proficiency:
Several universities don’t demand for MCAT scores but almost all of the universities require English Proficiency Certificates so you need to attempt IELTS or TOEFL and get good marks to get admission.
- Scholarship or Aid:
Apply for the scholarship or financial assistance right after you get accepted in any Caribbean Medical School. You could avail the opportunity to study in a good Medical School at a lower cost of attendance.
Takeaway:
Your right decision will lead you to a prosperous future. You need to thoroughly check all the universities that have been mentioned above in the Caribbean Medical Schools list and opt for the one that fits you the best.
