15 top caribbean medical schools

15 Top Caribbean Medical Schools | Admission and Tuition

These top 15 Caribbean Medical Schools are the best you need to seek for admission and other tuition fee information. The reason and why it is placed in our listing for the year is also included in this work.

However, Caribbean medical schools are usually grouped into two categories: regional and offshore. Moreover, these medical schools train students to practice in the country or region where the school is located.

Above all, Offshore medical schools in the Caribbean primarily train students from the United States and Canada who intend to return home for residency and clinical practice after graduation.

If you are planning a career in medicine, then choosing the right medical school is essential.

This will decide the level of your education and may also influence your future career options.

Therefore, deciding which medical schools to apply for is something into which you should put some serious consideration, and you should make your decision carefully. You must consider all the options and weigh up the pros and cons of each. 

Related Post: 15 easiest medical schools to get into| cost and tuition

About Caribbean Medical Schools

There are more than 60 medical schools in the Caribbean, choosing where to apply can be a daunting task.

As a future medical student, your goal is to find the ideal solution for you. These schools have been proven to offer the best medical education in the Caribbean.

If you intend to attend a medical school in the Caribbean, there are some excellent options available.

The important factors to consider are whether the university is accredited, with which organizations they are registered or approved. Moreover, whether the course offered will allow you to practice medicine in the United States.

Other factors to consider include the content of the programs offered, the clinical rotation options, and the campus lifestyle

Notwithstanding, selecting the right Caribbean Medical University is one of the key steps in your premedical journey.

Be sure to determine the number of medical schools to apply, where to apply, and conduct a thorough search in each institution.

Also, check the admission requirements at Caribbean medical institutions before requesting so you can make the right decision.

Is The School Accredited?

Being accredited means that a recognized external accreditation agency has visited and evaluated the medical school and has found that the quality of education, administration, and facilities meet accreditation standards.

Also, keep in mind that having a letter from the government and its inclusion in a directory of medical schools (for example, FAIMER IMED, WHO Avicenna, WDOMS) is not the same as being accredited.

This is because WHO, FAIMER, ECFMG, NBME, NRMP are not accreditation bodies.

However, some Caribbean medical schools have full accreditation, while others have “provisionally accreditation”.

Furthermore, these schools get accreditation temporarily, pending certain conditions that must be met before the next site visit, after which they may or may not receive full accreditation.

Why Caribbean Medical Schools?

Attending a Caribbean medical school is an excellent option for students who want to become qualified doctors and serve the world in many ways.

Medical schools in the Caribbean not only offer quality medical education, advanced clinical training, reduced tuition fees, higher acceptance rates.

They also have high graduation success rates, besides, allow you to pursue a lucrative career in the difficult medical field.

If you are considering whether attending a med school in the Caribbean is a good idea, you’ll find something that will help you here.

One of the favorable factors is that Caribbean Medical Schools are quite liberal when it comes to awarding admissions.

The average GPA and MCAT of U.S medical school matriculants are 3.6 and 31. The average GPA and MCAT for matriculants at Caribbean schools are much much lower.

Also, Caribbean schools offer second chances to students who have little to no shot at a US MD or DO school.

Another advantage is that many Caribbean schools allow you to apply their school at any time of the year and matriculate later on.

This allows you to start medical school at any time without having to wait for another session.

On the contrary, going to Caribbean medical schools can be time-sapping.

This is because you are not so sure you’ll graduate and acquire a medical degree.

Another reason is that you are limited in your ability to enroll for residency.

If you want to specialize in a certain area of medicine say; urology, neurology, pediatrics, gynecology, or any other one, you may never really get to get a residency in that area.

It is also important to note that unless you do a residency, you will not be able to practice as a doctor. So you know exactly what you want and you can now go for it.

How to Pay for the Medical Schools

Medical school is expensive. There is no question about that and unarguably, Caribbean medical schools are more expensive compared to going to USA medical school.

However, you can find student aid opportunities that can help you to pass through the Caribbean medical school of your choice.

Prospective doctors looking to attend Caribbean medical schools can find financial aid programs, scholarships that can support them in paying fully or partially for their tuition and fees.

Conversely, if you are considering a Caribbean medical school, it won’t be a bad idea reaching out to someone who has been through the process. That will help greatly

Requirements for Applying Caribbean Medical Schools

However, The accredited Caribbean medical schools have the same basic requirements as U.S. MD and DO medical schools:

  • 8 Semester Hours (One Year)
    • Inorganic (General) Chemistry
    • General Biology or Zoology
    • Physics
    • Organic Chemistry
  • Varies
    • Mathematics
    • English

Top 15 Caribbean Medical Schools

American University of Antigua

Many people consider the American University of Antigua the top medical school in the Caribbean and it ranks consistently highly in lists of the best medical schools.

It is CAAM-HP accredited, which means that students studying at this university are accredited to practice medicine in the United States. 

The university is also listed with WFME and NCFMEA. It is both California and New York approved, and graduates of the American University of Antigua are entitled to obtain licenses to practice medicine in all 50 states.

Furthermore, students can enjoy studying medicine in a beautiful setting and will have access to state-of-the-art facilities and a high-tech laboratory suite.

The AUA Medical Program provides students with training to become world-class physicians.

State-of-the-art facilities, distinguished faculty, and excellent clinical experience prepare graduates to practice medicine in the United States and Canada.

Acceptance rate: 7%

Tuition: $20,500

USMLE Pass Rate: 93%

American University of the Caribbean (AUC)

One of the best options is the American University of the Caribbean, which is an ACCM accredited establishment. It is also registered with WFME and NCFMEA, and the university is both California and New York approved.

Those who graduate from this university can apply for licensed to practice medicine in all 50 states of the United States.

Also, This medical school offers international learning experiences and a diverse learning community with an emphasis on engagement and social accountability.

On the other hand, the mission of the American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine (AUC) is to train tomorrow’s physicians, whose service to their communities and their patients is enhanced by international learning experiences, a diverse learning community, and an emphasis on social accountability and engagement.

Acceptance rate: About 7%

Tuition: $22,454

USMLE Pass Rate: 94%

Medical University of the Americas (MUA)

Accredited by the ACCM, the Medical University of the Americas is considered one of the top medical schools in the Caribbean.

hey offer a systems-based U.S. curriculum and only admit small classes to improve the learning experience.

The university is both New York and California approve and registered with WFME and NCFMEA. Those who graduate can apply for licenses to practice medicine in all 50 states.

However, with its establishment over 20 years ago, subsequently, the Medical University of the Americas adheres to a philosophy of education that believes students are best-taught medicine in small classes.

With one-on-one instruction, and with a commitment to providing education on par with U.S. and Canadian medical schools.

Acceptance rate: Admission runs through the 3 semesters

Tuition: $15,850

USMLE Pass Rate: 99%

Ross University

Ross University School of Medicine Founded in 1978, Ross University School of Medicine has been providing students with the foundation they need to pursue successful careers in medicine for over 40 years.

The Ross medical school experience is “Dedita Scientiae Medendi” dedicated to the science of healing and we are proud of our rich tradition of preparing students for their life’s work as physicians.

The university has an impressive 94 percent first-time pass rate and graduates are eligible for licenses to practice medicine in 50 states.

This university is accredited by CAAM-HP and is also California and New York approved.

The university is located in Bridgetown, Barbados, so students can combine their high-level education with the experience of Barbadian life.

Ross University has links with universities and hospitals in nine states in the United States, so it can offer clinical rotation positions.

They also boast of a rich tradition of preparing students for their life’s work as physicians.

Acceptance rate: About 7%

Tuition: $23,240

USMLE Pass Rate: 96%

Saba University

Saba University School of Medicine offers residency placements across Canada and the United States. They boast a 100 percent USMLE Step I first-time pass rate and a modern curriculum.

Those who complete their studies at this university can go on to practice medicine in all 50 states. It is registered with NCFMEA and WFME and it is a California and New York approved medical school.

Saba University School of Medicine is one of the world’s leading international medical schools, with a more than 20-year history of educating outstanding physicians.

Also, Saba students earn top residencies at medical centers across the U.S. and Canada.

Acceptance rate: About 7%

Tuition: $17,850

USMLE Pass Rate: 100%

Residency rate: 94%

St. George’s University (SGU)

St. George’s University offers a wide range of courses in addition to its medical degrees. These include veterinary medicine, arts, sciences, and graduate studies. However, they are best known for their medical school programs.

Located on Grenada, this university opened its doors in 1976 when it was a school of medicine only.

Also, It is accredited by CAAM-Hp. Registered with WFME and NCFMEA, and it is both California and New York approved. Graduates can go on to practice medicine in 50 states.

With its establishment as an independent School of Medicine in 1976, St. George’s University, the Premier Choice in Caribbean Medical Schools, has become a top center of international education, drawing students and faculty from 140 countries to the island of Grenada.

The University’s over 20,000 graduates include physicians, veterinarians, scientists, and public health and business professionals across the world.

Acceptance rate: About 7%

Tuition: $31,560(clinical); $17,500(Pre-Clinical)

USMLE Pass Rate: 96%

Residency: About 950 US residencies

St. Matthew’s University (SMU)

St. Matthew’s University is a success-oriented university that provides quality education to its students. It is located on the beautiful island of Grand Cayman

It is accredited by ACCM and it is registered with WFME and NCFMEA. The university is also New York approved. Unfortunately, this university is not California approved.

Therefore, Providing quality, affordable medical, and veterinary education with its focus on the success of students is the foundation of St. Matthew’s University.

With its location on the beautiful and safe Caribbean island, Grand Cayman, SMU has more than 2000 graduates with their MD and DVM degrees.

Furthermore, these graduates have earned residencies and/or permanent licensure in nearly every state in the U.S., Canada, and numerous other countries.

Acceptance rate: About 7%

Tuition: $19,400.00

USMLE Pass Rate: 97%

Trinity School of Medicine (TSOM)

Trinity School of Medicine offers the US medical school experience in the amazing setting of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

The fully accredited program involves hands-on clinical experience followed by a transition to the United States for clinical clerkships and the opportunity to sit the U.S. board examinations.

This university is accredited by CAAM-HP and registered with NCFMEA and WFME.

Trinity School of Medicine is a rigorous Caribbean medical school for students who value personal attention and faculty support within a smaller, focused learning environment.

Furthermore, Trinity students spend two years engaged in a hands-on, comprehensive study including immediate and regular clinical experience in the school’s St. Vincent and the Grenadines campus.

Also, after two years of basic sciences, students transition to the U.S. for clinical clerkships and the U.S. board exams as they prepare for residency and licensure in the U.S. and Canada.

Acceptance rate: About 7%

Tuition: $14,200 per term

USMLE Pass Rate: 93%

Residency rate: 84%

Attrition rate: less than 13%

University of Medicine and Health Sciences (UMHS)

Located on the island of St. Kitts, the University of Medicine and Health Sciences is dedicated to training world-class physicians. This university is accredited by the ACCM and is registered with WFME and NCFMEA.

There is the option to become a residential student or to live off-site. Students can enjoy campus life as there is a close student community, lots of sports and recreation facilities, and a range of clubs and organizations.

UMHS is a state-of-the-art medical school located on the beautiful Caribbean island of St. Kitts.

This Caribbean medical school has a unique mission of catering to the individual needs of their students and achieving excellence through small class sizes, high student retention, and tremendous outcomes.

Also, this mission permeates everything they do as they help students to reach their dreams of becoming a doctor. It is also one of the best Caribbean medical schools.

Acceptance rate: About 7%

Tuition: $13,700

USMLE Pass Rate: 94%

Xavier University

Xavier University is one of the few universities that is accredited by both CAAM-HP and ACCM. It is registered with NCFMEA and WFME.

They have a 96 percent USMLE first-time passing rate and offer clinical rotations in the United States.

The university website says that students can enjoy an environment like no other for their studies because the university is located on the hot and beautiful island of Aruba.

In addition to the medical degrees on offer, this university offers international pre-med programs and post-graduate programs.

This is one of the best Caribbean medical schools. Xavier University School of Medicine (XUSOM) was founded in 2004 and is chartered by the government of Aruba with authorization by the Ministry of Education of Aruba.

Also, the offer system-based courses taught by distinguished doctors from the U.S. who are committed to teaching.

Furthermore, academics are their number 1 priority for students, and also, Xavier provides a positive environment for students to expand their knowledge and gain the most from their education.

Acceptance rate: About 7%

Tuition: $11,500

USMLE Pass Rate: 94%

Avalon University

Avalon University School of Medicine is a private medical school located in Willemstad, Curacao, in the Caribbean.

AUSOM confers upon its graduates the Doctor of Medicine degree. Administrative offices for the university are located in Youngstown, Ohio.

The mission of Avalon University School of Medicine is to prepare competent physicians who can serve communities locally and around the world.

Also, Avalon graduates are committed to patient safety and public health while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and ethical behavior required for medical practice.

Acceptance rate: About 7%

Tuition: $4,500/Semester

USMLE Pass Rate: 96%

All Saints University

All Saints University School of Medicine, Dominica is a private medical school located in the Caribbean.

The schools’ campus is in Roseau, Dominica, and is administered from Toronto, Ontario. There is also an office in Chicago, Illinois

All Saints University is committed to providing high-quality education leading to a Doctor of Medicine (MD) Degree at very affordable fees.

The University strives to produce broadly and thoroughly educated graduates who realize that the medical profession is not simply a trade to be learned but that it denotes a sense of social responsibility.

Besides, All Saints University seeks applicants with a demonstrated strong drive and desire to succeed and who can focus on the compassionate and the humanitarian aspects of the medical profession.

Acceptance rate: About 7%

Tuition: $4995 per semester

USMLE Pass Rate: high

St. James School of Medicine (SJSM) 

Saint James School of Medicine is a private, international medical school with two basic science campuses, one in the British Overseas Territory of Anguilla, and the other in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, it is considered one school with two campuses.

Saint James School of Medicine is an international medical school with two campuses on the Caribbean islands of Anguilla and St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Here, students study Basic Sciences at one of the Caribbean campuses then study Clinical Sciences through a clinical rotation program at affiliated hospitals in the US.

It is also one of the top, accredited, medical schools in the Caribbean.

To graduate from the MD program at Saint James School of Medicine, you will need to demonstrate your proficiency in medical research. A strong research project will strengthen your residency application.

Acceptance rate: About 7%

Tuition: $6,350 per semester

USMLE Pass Rate: 96.7%

International American University (IAU) 

International American University is a private, for-profit university of higher learning offering programs through both distance education and classroom instruction.

The University started operations in 2005 in Los Angeles, as the Management Institute of America, Inc.

Founded in 2003, international American University is located in the heart of the Caribbean Islands, in the Southern Districts, Vieux Fox, St Lucia West Indies.

The university is also chartered and authorized by the government of St Lucia to confer various undergraduate and postgraduate degrees including the Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree.

Also, they offer a state-of-the-art curriculum in medical education, using the latest technology and teaching methods, based on the US model, and is delivered by a team of expert faculty.

Acceptance rate: About 9%

Tuition: $7,500 per semester

USMLE Pass Rate: high

Spartan Health Sciences University

Spartan Health Sciences University is a private, for-profit medical school located in Vieux Fort, St. Lucia, in the Caribbean.

However, Spartan confers upon its graduates the Doctor of Medicine degree. Spartan graduates can practice medicine in 46 US states

With Education at Spartan University, you can earn a degree in Medicine and Nursing and get the license to practice in the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, and other parts of the world.

Thus, they have over 35 years of experience in medical education with a highly qualified and dedicated faculty.

Also, there is student-to-student academic assistance, one-to-one, Professor student assistance, and a very diverse student population. Also, the school has a peaceful, tranquil, and secure learning environment.

Acceptance rate: About 7%

Tuition: U.S. $6,250 per semester

USMLE Pass Rate: high

Related Post:

Scroll to Top