Top Caribbean Medical Schools (2025) - Rankings and Fees

Applying to medical schools in the Caribbean can help U.S. students get a high-quality education. In this article, we’ll cover the top Caribbean med schools, the benefits and considerations of studying medicine in the Caribbean, what to look for when applying to Caribbean medical school, and more.

The Best Caribbean Medical Schools 

Here are the best Caribbean medical schools and the requirements to gain admission.

*These medical schools don't publish data on acceptance rates. The acceptance rate listed is based on admission statistics of closely ranked nearby universities with similar research profiles that publish acceptance rate figures.

** These medical schools don’t publish data on acceptance rates, so this is not an official figure, but a reasoned approximation based on class size and peer school comparisons.

1. St. George’s University in Grenada

St. George’s University (SGU) has a worldwide reputation for medical education. The university is located in the West Indies and was established in 1976. The St. George medical school emphasizes easing the physician shortage in the U.S. SGU is a proudly international school, with students from over 140 countries. 

SGU is one of the few schools in the Caribbean recognized by the U.S.Department of Education to administer student loans for qualified U.S. students. SGU has also provided many students with scholarships to ease financial stress.

St. George’s University is accredited by the Grenada Medical and Dental Council (GMDC). The U.S. National Committee on Foreign Medical Education and Accreditation (NCFMEA) recognizes the GMDC, which has determined its standards are comparable to U.S. medical accreditation standards. 

The World Federation for Medical Education (WFME) also recognizes GMDC. In January 2023, SGU’s School of Medicine was re-approved by the New York State Department of Education for a full seven-year term through 2029, permitting clinical clerkships in New York. SGU also holds approvals from other U.S. state bodies to facilitate clinical training in the U.S.

Admission Requirements & Application Process

To apply to St. George’s University, you can use the SGU application or AMCAS. It also has a transfer request form for SGU applicants. You must have completed, or be in, the final year of college to be admitted.

An application to SGU requires: 

• Standardized test scores
• Official transcripts
• Letters of recommendation
• Mandatory prerequisite courses

After an initial review of your application and test scores, selected students move on to the interview. If accepted after interviewing, ensure you sign and submit an Acknowledgment of Admission and pay your tuition deposit. 

Here’s a brief overview of some significant information about SGU:

SGU Acceptance Rate

SGU does not release acceptance rate data. However, the approximate acceptance rate based on class size and peer school comparisons is ~54%.

SGU Tuition and Living Costs

Here is a complete breakdown of the tuition & fees for SGU.

For the MD program at SGU, the total direct costs are $437,792, and the total indirect costs are $143,635. This means students can expect to pay $581,427 for their entire MD education at SGU.

2. American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine in St. Maarten

The American University of the Caribbean (AUC) is an international school in St. Maarten that offers a U.S. medical curriculum. AUC aims to create a tight-knit community of international students with small class sizes and dedicated staff.

AUC is accredited by the Accreditation Commission on Colleges of Medicine (ACCM). Students at AUC may also qualify for U.S. financial aid due to NCFMEA approval. 

AUC students can take the USMLE because the school is accredited. Test-takers must first register with the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG). AUC has an impressive 81% USMLE Step 1 first-time pass rate.

Admission Requirements & Application Process

The AUC application requirements include a bachelor’s or equivalent degree in any discipline, though a science background is strongly preferred. Students must take prerequisite courses, including:

• Two semesters (8 credit hours), including labs for each of the following:
  
  • General Biology
  • General Chemistry
  • Organic Chemistry or Biochemistry
• One semester of
  
  • General Physics, Calculus, or Statistics

To apply to AUC, you must submit: 

• MCAT scores
• CV
• Letters of recommendation
• Personal statement
• Transcripts
• IELTS or TOEFL test scores if English isn’t your first language

All required documents must be submitted with an online application form, which can be found on their website. AUC start dates fall in September, January, May, and August.

Here are some statistics to help you know what to expect when applying.

AUC Acceptance Rate

AUC does not release acceptance rate data. However, it has a student-to-faculty ratio of 4:1 and emphasizes small class sizes. The approximate acceptance rate based on available data is ~52%.

AUC Tuition and Living Costs

Here is a complete breakdown of tuition at the American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine.

Here is a complete breakdown of additional fees at the American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine.

3. Saba University School of Medicine in The Bottom, Caribbean Netherlands

Saba University School of Medicine (SABA) was founded in 1992 and is an accredited school with an impressive 98% USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 CK first-time pass rates over the last year. The Accreditation Organization of the Netherlands and Flanders (NVAO) accredits SABA.

SABA has also been approved by California, New York, and Florida officials. Due to its accreditation, SABA graduates can complete the requisite licensing examinations in Canada, Puerto Rico, and all 50 U.S. states. 

SABA is also approved for U.S. Federal Student Aid programs, making it one of the select international schools U.S. citizens can attend while receiving federal loans.

The university has had plenty of success placing students in residencies. As of today, more than 3,000 SABA graduates practice medicine in North America.

Admission Requirements & Application Process

SABA’s admissions requirements include completing at least three years of undergraduate studies and all prerequisite courses, most of which center around science and mathematics. Here are the course prerequisites for SABA:

• General Biology: One academic year with a laboratory component; applicants may take a half-year general biology course instead of a biology-related course. Important biology topics include genetics, embryology, cell and molecular biology, and comparative anatomy.
• General Chemistry: One academic year with a laboratory component.
• Organic Chemistry: One academic year with a laboratory component; applicants may take a half-year of Biochemistry instead of Organic Chemistry. 
• English: One year of college-level English literature or composition. Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in writing, reading, and oral communication.

The MCAT is a requirement for U.S. applicants and is optional for Canadian applicants. 

SABA applicants should have at least 50 hours of direct patient care experience, which can come from:

• Volunteering experience
• Shadowing experience
• Interning experience 
• Working at a medical facility

To apply to SABA medical school, you must submit an online application, pay the admission fee, and submit all required documents. The required documents are: 

• Transcripts
• Personal statement, 
• Letters of recommendation
• Photos
• MCAT scores
• TOEFL scores, if applicable

Applicants must speak English fluently; if English isn’t your first language, a TOEFL score is required.

SABA Acceptance Rate

SABA does not release acceptance rate data. However, class sizes comprise 40 to 60 students. The approximate acceptance rate based on available data is ~40%.

SABA Tuition and Living Costs

Here is a comprehensive overview of the tuition & fees at Saba University School of Medicine.

Students can expect to pay about $291,000 for the full MD program at Saba University School of Medicine.

4. Ross University School of Medicine in Barbados

The Ross University School of Medicine (RUSM) is an impressive international school in Two Mile Hill, Barbados. The campus is home to a state-of-the-art medical and anatomical imaging laboratory and simulation center.

RUSM is accredited by the Caribbean Accreditation Authority for Education in Medicine and other Health Professions (CAAM-HP). This accreditation means applicants are eligible for the U.S. Federal Direct Student Loan Program.

RUSM attracts intelligent students, evidenced by the first-time USMLE pass rate of 83% over five years. RUSM also has an impressive 96% first-time residency attainment rate, and 558 graduates secured residencies in 2024.

Unlike other Caribbean schools, RUSM is U.S. Title IV Funding eligible and has awarded over $50 million in scholarships and grants since 2020. Students who attend RUSM’s open-house events and later enroll may qualify for a one-time grant of $2,500 USD for their first semester tuition.

Admission Requirements & Application Process

RUSM’s admissions requirements include completing a bachelor’s degree or higher. Students must also complete the following prerequisite courses:

• General (Inorganic) Chemistry: Must complete two semesters (totalling 8 credit hours), including lab work
• Organic Chemistry: Requires two semesters (8 credit hours) with associated labs
• Biology or Zoology: Two semesters (8 credit hours) with lab components are necessary
• Physics: At least one semester (4 credit hours) with a lab
• Mathematics: One semester of college-level math (3 credit hours), with a preference for calculus or statistics
• English: Two semesters (6 credit hours).
  
  • For Canadian students, this requirement can be met by any of the following:
    
    • Two semesters of university-level humanities where written essays accounted for at least 40% of the final grade
    • Completion of International Baccalaureate (IB) English
    • Completion of Advanced Placement (AP) English

Your cumulative college GPA is required for review. If you meet the admissions requirements, you can proceed with your application. Applicants must submit:

• An online application
• Transcripts
• Letters of recommendation (two minimum)
• MCAT scores
• A foreign transcript evaluation, if applicable

You’ll be contacted to set up an interview if RUSM wants you to continue in the admissions process. Afterward, if you receive a letter of acceptance, you can choose to begin classes in September, January, or May.

*The average GPAs and MCAT scores reflect data from the September 2022, January 2023, and May 2023 cohorts. More recent statistics may vary, but Ross University School of Medicine has not publicly released updated figures.

RUSM Acceptance Rate

RUSM does not release acceptance rate data. However, they mention that the school has a student-to-faculty ratio of 15:1 with over 45 full-time faculty. That means an estimated 675 students are admitted each year. The approximate acceptance rate based on available data is ~54%.

RUSM Tuition and Living Costs

Here is the complete breakdown of tuition & fees at Ross University School of Medicine.

5. Medical University of the Americas (MUA)

The Medical University of the Americas is located in Nevis and is an accredited medical school by the Accreditation Commission on Colleges of Medicine. 

MUA is the most affordable Caribbean medical school in the US Federal Financial Aid program and provides extensive student support, world-class faculty, and generous scholarships of up to $90,000.

MUA’s stats are impressive, with a first-time USMLE Step 1 pass rate of 85% over two years and a 94% residency placement rate over three years.

Admission Requirements & Application Process

Applicants must use the Common Application to apply to MUA. Interestingly, MUA is a sister school of SABA, meaning applicants can apply to both schools simultaneously.

MUA’s course prerequisites include:

• General Biology: One full year of coursework with lab experience is required. If needed, half of the general biology requirement can be fulfilled by a related biology course. Additional classes in subjects like genetics, embryology, cell and molecular biology, or comparative anatomy are recommended.‍
• General Chemistry: One full year of chemistry, including lab work, is required.‍
• Organic Chemistry: Also requires a full academic year with a lab component.‍
• English: One year of college-level English in either literature or composition. Applicants must show strong reading, writing, and speaking skills.

Applicants can also complete MUA’s 8-month Pre-medical Master’s Program if they lack some or all of the prerequisite courses. 

To apply for the MD program at MUA, applicants must submit the following:

• MCAT scores
• Official transcript(s) from each college, university, and/or professional school attended
• Two letters of recommendation
• Personal statement (500 words or fewer)

Applicants must also complete an interview to be considered for admission. Applicants can use the interview for the admissions evaluation for SABA and St. Matthew’s University.

MUA Acceptance Rate

MUA does not release acceptance rate data. However, the school has a student-to-faculty ratio of 5:1 with 37 published faculty members. That means an estimated 185 students are admitted each year. The approximate acceptance rate based on available data is ~35%.

MUA Tuition and Living Costs

Here is a comprehensive overview of tuition & fees at Medical University of the Americas.

6. American University of Antigua (AUA)

Located in the eastern Caribbean, the American University of Antigua is yet another great option for medical school in the Caribbean. AUA is accredited by the Caribbean Accreditation Authority for Education in Medicine and other Health Professions (CAAM-HP). Graduates can practice in the US, UK, Canada, and other countries. 

With a growing emphasis on minority representation and racial diversity in medicine, AUA puts forth well-prepared graduates to work in the medical field. AUA has an impressive first-time pass rate of 97% for USMLE Step 1 and a first-time pass rate of 94% for the USMLE Step 2 CK.

Admission Requirements & Application Process

MUA’s admissions requirements include a minimum of 90 credit hours of college coursework. While a bachelor's degree is not mandatory, it is strongly recommended. It’s also recommended that you take these courses:

• General Biology I & II (with labs)
• General Chemistry I & II (with labs)
• Organic Chemistry I & II (with labs)
• Physics I (with lab)
• English I
• Mathematics (Calculus or Statistics)

Once you’re ready to start your application to AUA’s MD program, you’ll need to gather these materials: 

• Resume/CV
• Transcripts
• Personal statement
• Two letters of recommendation
• Criminal background check 

Here is more information regarding the American University of Antigua.

AUA Acceptance Rate

AUA does not release acceptance rate data. However, the school has a student-to-faculty ratio of 10:1 with over 490 published faculty members. That means an estimated 4,830 students are admitted each year. The approximate acceptance rate based on available data is ~67%.

AUA Tuition and Living Costs

Here is a complete breakdown of the tuition & fees at American University of Antigua.

What to Look for When Choosing a Caribbean Medical School

Here is what to look for when choosing a Caribbean medical school: 

• Reputation: An international medical school with a poor reputation can make it harder to match in a U.S. residency. Sometimes, a school can have a poor reputation by accepting low-performing students who aren’t ready for medical school.
• Accreditation: Attending an accredited medical school means that the school has met the national standards for offering a medical degree. If the school isn’t accredited, you may not be eligible to pursue graduate medical education in the U.S. and have difficulty finding a residency.
• Residency Placement Rate: Applicants should aim for schools with higher residency placement rates to ensure an easier transition into residency post-graduation.
• Caribbean Medical School Cost: Applicants should factor in essential costs beyond tuition, which include travel, rent, food, and more.
• USMLE Pass Rates: Caribbean medical school USMLE pass rates are often lower than U.S. medical school pass rates.
• Access to Loans and Funding: Applicants should have access to federal loans. Most Caribbean medical schools have funding specifically for international students.

Decide which schools to apply to based on what they offer. If you’re still unsure, consider some professional help for Caribbean medical schools. Our experts can create a list of schools perfectly aligned with your profile and goals.

FAQs

1. Are Caribbean Medical Schools Good?

Yes, Caribbean medical schools are a good option for an MD degree. Top schools like St. George’s University, Ross University, and American University of the Caribbean are accredited and offer clinical rotations in the U.S., with graduates eligible for residency placement.

2. Are Caribbean Med Schools Easy to Get Into? 

Yes, the barriers to entry into Caribbean medical schools are fewer than those in U.S. medical schools. However, applicants must still achieve stellar grades and perform well on the USMLE to increase their chances of admission.

3. What Are the Big Four Caribbean Medical Schools?

The Big Four Caribbean medical schools include: 

• St. George’s University
• American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine
• Saba University School of Medicine
• Ross University School of Medicine

4. Is Caribbean Medical School Cheaper Than in the U.S.?

Yes, on average, tuition and living expenses are cheaper at Caribbean medical schools than at U.S. medical schools. However, Caribbean medical school tuition and fees can vary significantly between schools.

5. Do Top Caribbean Med Schools Have Good Match Rates?

Yes, top Caribbean medical schools have excellent residency match rates. Institutions like St. George’s University and Ross University report match rates around 90% or higher for eligible graduates, but success often depends on exam scores, clinical performance, and specialty choice.

6. Do Caribbean Medical Schools Make Good Doctors?

Yes, graduates of Caribbean medical schools can become excellent doctors, especially those who attend well-accredited programs, excel on licensing exams, and complete strong U.S. residencies. While these schools often accept students with lower GPAs or MCAT scores, dedicated graduates who perform well clinically and academically go on to practice successfully across the U.S. and abroad.

7. Are Caribbean Medical Schools Accredited? 

Yes, many Caribbean medical schools are accredited, but not all. Top programs like St. George’s University, Ross University, and American University of the Caribbean are accredited by recognized bodies such as the Grenada Medical and Dental Council (GMDC) and are approved for U.S. federal loans and clinical training.

8. When Do You Need to Apply to Caribbean Medical Schools?

For many Caribbean medical schools, you can apply year-round because they offer several start dates:

• SGU: January, April, or August start dates
• AUC: January, May, or September start dates
• SABA: January, May, or September start dates
• RUSM: January, May, or September start dates

9. Do any Caribbean Medical Schools Take Transfer Students?

Yes, most Caribbean medical schools accept transfer students. However, transfer students may have to submit different documents and materials than regular applicants, so look into this before applying.

Is a Caribbean Medical School Right For You?

Attending one of the best Caribbean medical schools can seem like a dream come true to students who yearn for a life on the beach. If you hope to study in the Caribbean, thoroughly research every school you’re interested in. 

When researching, accreditation reputation, residency match rates, and USMLE pass rates are top priorities. If you can afford the trip, we recommend touring some Caribbean campuses before accepting an admission offer. Keep researching, and good luck!

Dr. Jonathan Preminger was the original author of this article. Snippets of his work may remain.