Pursuing a medical degree in the Caribbean has become a popular path for students who either want an alternative to Canadian or U.S. medical schools or seek a more accessible admissions route. However, selecting the right Caribbean school is critical due to differences in accreditation, USMLE success rates, residency placement, and tuition costs.

This guide lists key Caribbean medical schools along with their application components and requirements.

​

What to Look for in a Caribbean Medical School

• Accreditation: Must be accredited by agencies recognized by the World Federation for Medical Education (WFME) or ECFMG.

• USMLE Pass Rates: High Step 1 and Step 2 pass rates indicate strong academic support.

• Residency Match Rates: Schools with strong U.S./Canadian match statistics are ideal.

• Clinical Rotations: Ensure the school has rotations in the U.S. or Canada.

• Student Support: Strong academic advising, exam prep, and residency coaching are a plus.

 

List of Well-Known Caribbean Medical Schools (with Requirements)

 

St. George’s University (SGU) – Grenada

• Degree Offered: MD

• Accreditation: CAAM-HP, WFME-recognized

• Application Components:

  • Online application

  • Official transcripts

  • MCAT (strongly recommended; required for U.S. citizens/permanent residents)

  • Letters of recommendation (2+)

  • Personal statement

  • Resume/CV

• Additional Info:

  • Avg. GPA: 3.4–3.5

  • Avg. MCAT: 496–504

  • U.S. clinical rotations available

 

American University of the Caribbean (AUC) – Sint Maarten

• Degree Offered: MD

• Accreditation: ACCM (recognized by WFME)

• Application Components:

  • Online application

  • Bachelor’s degree (science courses preferred)

  • MCAT (required for U.S. applicants)

  • Letters of recommendation (minimum 2)

  • Personal statement

• Additional Info:

  • Avg. GPA: 3.3–3.5

  • Avg. MCAT: ~500

  • U.S. rotations through partner hospitals

 

Ross University School of Medicine – Barbados

• Degree Offered: MD

• Accreditation: CAAM-HP, ACCM (WFME-aligned)

• Application Components:

  • Completed application form

  • Official transcripts

  • Personal statement

  • MCAT (required for U.S. citizens)

  • 2 letters of recommendation

• Additional Info:

  • Avg. GPA: 3.2–3.4

  • Avg. MCAT: 492–500

  • U.S. clinical rotation network

 

Saba University School of Medicine – Saba Island (Netherlands Antilles)

• Degree Offered: MD

• Accreditation: NVAO (Dutch agency, WFME-compliant)

• Application Components:

  • Online application

  • Bachelor’s degree with strong science background

  • MCAT (recommended)

  • 2 letters of recommendation

  • Personal statement

• Additional Info:

  • Avg. GPA: 3.3–3.5

  • Small class sizes, strong Step 1 pass rates

 

American University of Antigua (AUA)

• Degree Offered: MD

• Accreditation: CAAM-HP, approved by NYSED

• Application Components:

  • Online application

  • Transcripts

  • Personal statement

  • Letters of recommendation (2+)

  • MCAT (required for U.S. applicants)

• Additional Info:

  • U.S. clinical rotations

  • Partnerships with U.S. hospitals

 

University of Medicine and Health Sciences (UMHS) – St. Kitts

• Degree Offered: MD

• Accreditation: ACCM, WFME-aligned

• Application Components:

  • Online application

  • Bachelor’s degree

  • MCAT (preferred)

  • 2 letters of recommendation

  • Resume

• Additional Info:

  • Rolling admissions

  • Competitive tuition and small class sizes

​

Application Timeline (General)

• Rolling Admissions: Most Caribbean schools have 3 entry points per year (Jan, May, Sept)

• Recommended Timeline:

  • Apply 9–12 months in advance

  • Take MCAT early (spring/fall the year prior)

  • Request transcripts and letters by early spring

 

Annual Tuition (USD) Comparison (2025–2026)​

• St. George's University: $75,000

• Ross University: $70,000

• AUC: $65,000

• Saba: $50,000

• AUA: $55,000

• UMHS: $47,000

​

Residency Match Rates (2024 Data- US/CANADA)​

• St. George's University: ~93% (US); ~60% (Canada)*

• Ross University: ~91% (US); ~50% (Canada)*

• AUC: ~92% (US); ~40% (Canada)*

• Saba: ~94% (US); ~70% (Canada)*

• AUA: ~88% (US); ~30% (Canada)*

• UMHS: ~80% (US); <20% (Canada)*

​

Integration with Canadian Return-to-Service Pathways

Several Canadian provinces offer Return of Service Agreements (ROSAs) for internationally trained graduates, including from Caribbean schools. These generally require:

• Successful completion of Canadian licensing exams (MCCQE Part I/II, NAC OSCE)

• Acceptance into a Canadian residency through CaRMS (IMG stream)

• A service commitment in an underserved region (2–5 years typical)

​

Final Tips

• Always confirm WFME-recognized accreditation

• Ask about U.S. and Canadian residency match data

• Inquire about student support for USMLE prep

• Speak with alumni and current students

​