Looking to pursue a medical career in Canada but planning to study abroad? Many Canadian students are choosing Caribbean medical schools due to their accessible entry requirements and high-quality training. However, not all Caribbean medical schools are created equal. This article examines 10 Caribbean medical schools accredited in Canada, evaluating them based on their eligibility for licensure in Canada, accreditation recognition, and the best options for practicing in Canada after graduation.
Medical Schools in the Caribbean Accredited in Canada
Comparison Table
Medical School | Eligibility for Licensure in Canada | Accreditation Recognition in Canada | Best Option for Practicing in Canada |
---|---|---|---|
St. George’s University (SGU) | âś… Excellent | âś… GMDC (WFME-recognized) | âś… Strong residency match rate |
Ross University School of Medicine | âś… Excellent | âś… CAAM-HP (WFME-recognized) | âś… Strong alumni network |
American University of the Caribbean (AUC) | âś… Excellent | âś… ACCM (WFME-recognized) | âś… High USMLE pass rate |
Saba University School of Medicine | âś… Excellent | âś… NVAO (Netherlands) | âś… High residency success in Canada |
Medical University of the Americas (MUA) | âś… Good | âś… ACCM (WFME-recognized) | âś… Competitive with strong exam prep |
St. Matthew’s University | ✅ Good | ✅ ACCM (WFME-recognized) | ✅ Canadian grads practicing in Canada |
Trinity School of Medicine | âś… Good | âś… CAAM-HP (WFME-recognized) | âś… Canadian licensure prep support |
International American University (IAU) | ✅ Fair | ✅ WFME-recognized | ⚠️ Lesser-known, limited success data |
UMHS, St. Kitts | âś… Good | âś… ACCM (WFME-recognized) | âś… Canadian support and exam prep |
All Saints University, Dominica | ✅ Fair | ⚠️ Limited; in progress | ⚠️ Challenging but possible |
1. St. George’s University (SGU), Grenada
Course Offered: SGU offers a 4-year MD program and a 5-year MD pathway for students entering with fewer prerequisites. Their curriculum integrates clinical skills from the beginning and includes hospital rotations in the US, UK, and Canada.
What Makes the School Stand Out: SGU has established strong affiliations with over 70 hospitals in the United States and the United Kingdom. It boasts a large international student body and provides global exposure through partnerships and electives.
Eligibility for Licensure in Canada: SGU graduates are eligible to take the Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Examination (MCCQE) and have a good history of matching into Canadian residency programs via CaRMS.
Accreditation Recognition in Canada: SGU is accredited by the Grenada Medical and Dental Council (GMDC), which is recognized by the World Federation for Medical Education (WFME). This aligns with Canadian licensure requirements.
Best Options for Practicing in Canada After Graduation: SGU has a consistent record of Canadian graduates returning home and matching into residency programs. It has a dedicated Canadian student support system.
Admission Requirements: Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree with pre-med coursework in biology, chemistry, and physics. MCAT scores are required.
How to Get Enrolled: Apply online through SGU’s official website. Canadian applicants have dedicated admissions advisors and financial aid options.
2. Ross University School of Medicine, Barbados
Course Offered: Ross offers a 4-year MD program with early clinical exposure and rotations in the US and affiliated hospitals.
What Makes the School Stand Out: Relocated to Barbados in 2019, Ross provides a state-of-the-art campus and small class sizes, offering personalized education.
Eligibility for Licensure in Canada: Ross graduates are eligible to apply for the MCCQE and have successfully matched into Canadian residencies in recent years.
Accreditation Recognition in Canada: Ross is accredited by the Caribbean Accreditation Authority for Education in Medicine and other Health Professions (CAAM-HP), which is recognized by WFME.
Best Options for Practicing in Canada After Graduation: Strong match success rates, support for Canadian exams, and alumni networks provide good pathways for practicing in Canada.
Admission Requirements: Requires a bachelor’s degree with science prerequisites. MCAT is required. Emphasis on GPA and interview performance.
How to Get Enrolled: Applications are accepted via the Ross website. Canadian applicants are supported by a dedicated admissions team.
3. American University of the Caribbean (AUC), Sint Maarten
Course Offered: AUC offers a US-modeled 4-year MD program with integrated clinical skills and rotations in the US and UK.
What Makes the School Stand Out: AUC provides small class sizes, diverse faculty, and a strong emphasis on student wellness and success.
Eligibility for Licensure in Canada: AUC grads can take the MCCQE and are eligible to apply for Canadian residencies. Several alumni have successfully returned to Canada.
Accreditation Recognition in Canada: Accredited by Accreditation Commission on Colleges of Medicine (ACCM), which is WFME-recognized.
Best Options for Practicing in Canada After Graduation: Strong academic support and a high USMLE pass rate make AUC a viable option for Canadian practice.
Admission Requirements: Requires completion of an undergraduate degree with prerequisite sciences and MCAT.
How to Get Enrolled: Apply online with transcripts, MCAT scores, a personal statement, and an interview.
Read Also: 4 Top Caribbean Medical Schools Accredited In All US
4. Saba University School of Medicine, Saba
Course Offered: Saba offers a 4-year MD program focused on US and Canadian standards of medical education.
What Makes the School Stand Out: Known for its high USMLE Step 1 pass rate and small class sizes, Saba offers a focused and rigorous academic environment.
Eligibility for Licensure in Canada: Saba graduates are eligible to apply for the MCCQE and participate in the CaRMS process.
Accreditation Recognition in Canada: Accredited by NVAO (Netherlands) and listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools.
Best Options for Practicing in Canada After Graduation: Many Canadian students choose Saba due to its history of successful residency placements in Canada.
Admission Requirements: Requires a bachelor’s degree and MCAT. Strong emphasis on academic performance and interview.
How to Get Enrolled: Apply online and submit all required academic and test documents.
5. Medical University of the Americas (MUA), Nevis
Course Offered: MUA offers a 4-year MD program that follows a US-style curriculum with rotations in the US and Canada.
What Makes the School Stand Out: MUA offers a low student-to-faculty ratio and personalized academic support.
Eligibility for Licensure in Canada: Graduates are eligible to take the MCCQE and apply for CaRMS. MUA has produced several Canadian physicians.
Accreditation Recognition in Canada: Accredited by ACCM, recognized by WFME.
Best Options for Practicing in Canada After Graduation: With proper exam performance and planning, MUA students have matched into Canadian residencies.
Admission Requirements: Bachelor’s degree with pre-med requirements and MCAT.
How to Get Enrolled: Submit an online application with transcripts, MCAT scores, and recommendation letters.
6. St. Matthew’s University, Cayman Islands
Course Offered: Offers a 4-year MD program, closely modeled on US and Canadian curricula.
What Makes the School Stand Out: Focuses on affordability, academic excellence, and international student support.
Eligibility for Licensure in Canada: Students are eligible for MCCQE and often pursue residencies in North America.
Accreditation Recognition in Canada: Accredited by ACCM (WFME recognized).
Best Options for Practicing in Canada After Graduation: While less popular than SGU or Ross, St. Matthew’s has Canadian graduates now practicing in Canada.
Admission Requirements: Requires a bachelor’s degree, MCAT, and academic references.
How to Get Enrolled: The application process is online, with supporting documents and an interview.
7. Trinity School of Medicine, St. Vincent
Course Offered: Trinity offers a 4-year MD program, including early clinical exposure.
What Makes the School Stand Out: Known for its supportive faculty and early hands-on clinical experience.
Eligibility for Licensure in Canada: Eligible for MCCQE and CaRMS. Canadian students have successfully returned.
Accreditation Recognition in Canada: Accredited by CAAM-HP, WFME-recognized.
Best Options for Practicing in Canada After Graduation: Dedicated support for Canadian board exams enhances chances of returning to practice.
Admission Requirements: Bachelor’s degree, MCAT, and strong science background.
How to Get Enrolled: Submit an online application, recommendation letters, and attend an interview.
8. International American University (IAU), St. Lucia
Course Offered: Offers a 4-year MD program focused on North American standards.
What Makes the School Stand Out: Offers integrated digital learning tools and a modular curriculum.
Eligibility for Licensure in Canada: Graduates are eligible to take the MCCQE.
Accreditation Recognition in Canada: Accredited by the Government of St. Lucia and recognized by ECFMG and WFME.
Best Options for Practicing in Canada After Graduation: Though less well-known, some graduates have succeeded in Canadian residencies.
Admission Requirements: Requires a bachelor’s degree and MCAT.
How to Get Enrolled: Apply through the university portal with all documents and complete an interview.
Read Also: Do Caribbean Medical Schools Give MD?
9. University of Medicine and Health Sciences (UMHS), St. Kitts
Course Offered: 4-year MD program with early clinical integration.
What Makes the School Stand Out: High USMLE pass rates and a personalized learning environment.
Eligibility for Licensure in Canada: Eligible to sit for MCCQE and apply for Canadian residencies.
Accreditation Recognition in Canada: Accredited by ACCM and recognized by WFME.
Best Options for Practicing in Canada After Graduation: Offers CaRMS application support and exam prep for Canadian students.
Admission Requirements: Bachelor’s degree and MCAT required.
How to Get Enrolled: Online application with interview and academic evaluation.
10. All Saints University School of Medicine, Dominica
Course Offered: Offers both 4-year and 5-year MD programs.
What Makes the School Stand Out: Affordable tuition and flexible intake make it attractive for international students.
Eligibility for Licensure in Canada: Eligible for MCCQE. However, match success is more limited.
Accreditation Recognition in Canada: Listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools; seeking broader accreditation.
Read Also: 9 Advantages of Studying Medicine in the Caribbean
Best Options for Practicing in Canada After Graduation: Students face more challenges, but with strong performance, success is possible.
Admission Requirements: Completion of pre-med coursework and MCAT.
How to Get Enrolled: Apply online with academic credentials and pass an interview.
Final Thoughts
When considering a Caribbean medical school as a Canadian student, it’s essential to prioritize schools with recognized accreditation, strong clinical rotation opportunities, and a history of successful residency matches in Canada. This guide to 10 medical schools in the Caribbean accredited in Canada provides a comprehensive overview to help you make an informed choice for your medical education and future career.
Discover more from KEREHOMES - International Student Admissions and Scholarships
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.