Caribbean medical schools are less competitive than most US medical programs, providing opportunities for medical students who struggle to secure spots in US institutions. Many US students consider a Caribbean MD program if their MCAT scores or GPA are below average.
Plus, tropical climates and rolling admissions policies certainly don’t hurt.
Some of these programs have a lot to offer (such as varied start dates throughout the year), but there can be significant drawbacks if you don’t know how to choose a program that aligns with your future career goals.
The MedSchoolCoach advising team chose the top 6 institutions where you can get a medical degree and enjoy all the Caribbean has to offer.
We identified the top Caribbean medical schools by selecting those that:
Plus, we answer the questions our students ask most often when considering moving to the Caribbean for med school.
St. George’s University, established in 1976, is a leading Caribbean medical college. Known for its rigorous academic programs, it attracts students from around the world.
The university’s state-of-the-art facilities, experienced faculty, and strong emphasis on clinical training for competitive specialties contribute to its reputation as one of the best international medical schools in the Caribbean.
SGU graduates have a 95% Match rate, on par with many US-based medical programs.
Saba University School of Medicine, established in 1992, offers a comprehensive medical education designed as an alternative to traditional US institutions. They boast a 98% first-time USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 pass rate and a 97% Match rate for US and Canadian residency students.
Saba is laser-focused on small class sizes to allow personalized attention for every student, with an incredible 7:1 staff-to-student ratio. This medical program is also one of the few non-US med schools that still qualifies for US and Canadian financial aid.
Ross University was founded in 1978 and is renowned for its global reputation and extensive network of clinical sites. They have strong affiliations with U.S. hospitals, making it a preferred choice for many aspiring physicians.
This medical program emphasizes hands-on learning — first-year med students often get their first clinical experience within the first month of attendance. Ross has an 89% first-time USMLE Step 1 pass rate and a 98% residency Match record.
Established in 1978, the American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine (AUC-Med) has a very respectable 97% Match rate for graduates, including many who go on to become Chief Resident. They also boast an 88.5% pass rate for first-time USMLE Step 1 attempts.
AUC prioritizes partnerships with teaching hospitals throughout the world (including opportunities in the US, UK, Dominican Republic, India, Uganda, Vietnam, and Zimbabwe). They also offer a second location in the UK, offering students the chance to study in several countries over the course of their medical education.
Some AUC students may qualify for financial aid in the US and Canada.
Founded in 2004, the American University of Antigua offers many scholarship and grant options to incoming students. It’s affiliated with more than 40 teaching hospitals throughout the US, Canada, UK, and India.
AUA has a remarkably cutting-edge facility so students can learn techniques on the forefront of modern medicine. It also partners with Florida International University so that students have the option to complete their core clinical rotations in Florida, rather than Antigua.
Their USMLE Step 1 pass rate is 89%. 2023 graduates matched to over 175 residency programs, although no figures are available to determine the exact Match rate for AUA.
The Medical University of the Americas was founded in 1998. Its 96% Match rate, 95% first-time USMLE Step 1 pass rate, and small class sizes (7:1 student-to-faculty ratio) make it an attractive option for a Caribbean college of medicine.
MUA is the most affordable on the MedSchoolCoach list at less than $20,000 per semester. This institution also offers multiple BS/MD programs for high school students interested in pursuing a medical career or those with associate degrees.
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