Have you ever imagined getting a world-class medical education while living in a tropical paradise? Although it sounds like fiction, it’s completely possible - welcome to the world of graduate entry medicine in the Caribbean.

While the crystal-clear waters and sandy beaches paint an idealistic tropical atmosphere that many students would appreciate, there’s much more that awaits you in the Caribbean. 

The region has emerged as a promising destination for aspiring healthcare professionals. 

The beauty of it all is that regardless of whether you hold a degree and seek a career change or have recently completed high school, the Caribbean offers options that cater to everyone. 

So why might the Caribbean, under the mantra of 'Sun, Sea & Study Medicine,' be your ideal destination for pursuing graduate entry in medicine? Let's delve into the top reasons.

What Is Graduate Entry Medicine?

Graduate Entry Medicine (similar to Access Course) is a streamlined pathway towards earning a Medical Degree for students who have already completed a Science or Health-related Bachelor programme. The graduate entry course in Caribbean Universities is typically 4-year long. 

In case you need a better foundation before you apply to the graduate entry programme, you could opt for a Pre-Med course.

The graduate pathway for medicine combines comprehensive academic learning with hands-on practical training, ensuring students acquire both the theoretical knowledge and clinical skills needed to succeed in the field of medicine. 

Top 4 Reasons to Apply for a Graduate Entry Medicine Course in the Caribbean?

The Caribbean region is quickly turning into a fascinating hub offering high-end MD programmes.  

An increasing number of international students opt for Caribbean Medical Universities as their preferred destination for pursuing a graduate entry MD. Here are some of the most compelling reasons that have influenced their choice:

Flexible Admission Criteria

The Caribbean medical schools often have flexible entry requirements, and applicants are not required to pass entrance examinations. Instead, their BSc or BHSc diplomas are taken into consideration when assessing eligibility for grad entry courses. 

Cumulative GPA & individual interviews are the main application assessment criteria for those who wish to sign up for a Pre-Med course. 

This creates opportunities for a wider pool of candidates and gives more students the chance to fulfil their dreams of becoming sought-after medical professionals.

Affordable Tuition Fees

In general, the Caribbean Graduate Entry courses are well-priced and could be a stretch for the budget of a few international applicants. However, here’s where Medlink Students step in. 

Thanks to established collaborations with Caribbean Universities, we are able to offer highly competitive annual rates to the students who apply with us. For more tuition fee-related details, you can visit the specific university pages: 

• Richmond Gabriel University College Of Medicine (RGU)
• Bay University - School of Medicine in Aruba 

Valuable Clinical Experience 

Students are currently assigned clinical rotations in North American Hospitals; however, they are also given the opportunity to participate in a life-changing clinical experience programme called Students without Borders. 

The essence of this project consists in presenting young medical professionals with the opportunity to really make a difference in developing countries. Visiting clinical centres in regions with high poverty index and disease burdens could both be a challenge and an invaluable opportunity to enhance their knowledge, skills and experience. 

It is also possible for the students to carry out their clinical rotations in a country of their choosing, including their home country. All they need to do is pass the first year of medical education (MD1) and notify their university in advance which country they would like to do their clinical training in. Rotation access depends on cohort size and hospital space. If the tuition fees in the selected country exceed your university's tuition, then students will have to cover the discrepancy.

Exposure to a Variety of Cultures and Patients

In the Caribbean, medical students enjoy a multicultural experience. This diversity offers a unique perspective on health and illness, enhancing understanding of patient needs across cultures.

The ability to provide patient-centred care is an increasingly valued skill in the medical field. By offering rich cultural exposure, the Caribbean Grad Entry Universities effectively equip the next generation of doctors to meet the unique demands of a diverse range of patients they will encounter throughout their medical careers.

The Top Caribbean Universities Offering Grad Entry Programme in Medicine

Richmond Gabriel University College Of Medicine is set on the serene island of Saint Vincent, which is part of the 32-island nation of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. This medical school also offers a 4-year graduate entry medicine programme, as well as a 16-month pre-med course (which can be taken online).

Bay University - School of Medicine on the Dutch island of Aruba stands out for its commitment to excellence. The university offers a 4-year graduate entry MD programme, as well as a 2-year Pre-Med course designed for high-school graduates. The preparatory course can be taken entirely online.

Recognised Excellence of the Graduate Medicine Programme at Caribbean Universities

Richmond Gabriel University is accredited by the Government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and is internationally recognised by the General Medical Council in the UK (GMC), the Medical Council of Canada (MCC), the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), and several other prestigious establishments. RGU is also listed in WDOMS - Richmond Gabriel University.

The Bay University of Aruba has achieved 'Deemed Status,' the highest form of accreditation in the Caribbean region, which stands out for excellence in medical education. 

The medical school of Bay University also boasts international recognition from several reputable bodies, which further attests to the high-quality education it provides. It is also listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS) - Bay University School of Medicine, a list by the World Health Organisation (WHO) that consists of only accredited medical schools.

Fantastic Career Prospects for Alumni from Caribbean Universities

The Caribbean medical universities meet all the standards set by the General Medical Council (GMC criteria), making it possible for its graduates to obtain a medical license in the United Kingdom and Richmond Gabriel University College of Medicine has already produced several successful doctors in the UK.

As a constituent member of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Aruba also holds the status of being one of the European Union's overseas countries and territories (OCT). This unique position enables Aruba to maintain strong cultural and economic ties with both the European Union and the United States, which can provide incredible opportunities for graduates of Bay University.

Barbados and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines are members of several prestigious communities, including the Commonwealth of Nations, and the Caribbean Community, with the goal of fostering regional collaboration and encouraging economic, social, and cultural growth.

As such, these island nations have great ties not only with other Caribbean countries but with Europe and USA as well. These collaborative relationships can give graduates from these countries the opportunity to secure their career prospects from early on in their careers.

Furthermore, the Caribbean medical universities maintain close relationships with a number of prestigious establishments and ACGME-accredited university hospitals in the UK, USA, Canada, India, Pakistan, Nigeria, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Nepal, and many more. This will not only look great on your resume but will also help you find career opportunities in the medical field upon graduation.

Exclusive Tuition Fee Scholarships

As you might know, Grad Entry courses in the Caribbean can be on the more expensive side, but this is not the case with these universities because:

Medlink Students is proud to announce that we have partnered with Richmond Gabriel University, and Bay University School of Medicine. As a result, we can provide exclusive scholarships to students who apply with us:

• Pre-med foundation year - as little as $9000 for the whole course (down from ~$20,800)
• MD programme (4 years) - as low as $9000 per year (down from ~$21,600 annually for years 1&2 and ~$35,000 for years 3&4)

In order to get access to these exclusive scholarships, you have to apply to one of the above-mentioned Medical Universities in the Caribbean through Medlink Students.

The scholarships will be granted to students after an evaluation of past academic results. For scholarship eligibility details, please contact one of our expert advisors.

Incredible Student Experience in the Caribbean

There’s a reason the Caribbean islands are often described as paradise on Earth. For students, it’s a place where academic pursuits meet a relaxing island lifestyle, creating an educational experience like no other. The warm, welcoming local culture, breathtaking landscapes, and abundance of recreational activities make the Caribbean a paradise for those seeking a balanced and enriching student life.

You Can Make a Difference as a Student

The medical universities in the Caribbean have a strong network of international partners which gives students a rich choice of destinations for clinical rotations. Apart from the usual popular destinations like the USA and Canada, students are presented with the opportunity to practice in a developing country where they can make an actual difference and improve the lives of communities in need.

The initiative is called Medical Students without Borders (MSWB) and is aimed at promoting health awareness and compassion among aspiring doctors. MSWB aims at shaping not just skilled medical practitioners but compassionate leaders that are ready to make a global impact.

Learn More about The Grad Entry Programme in The Caribbean

The Caribbean provides a unique, enriching, and fast-track opportunity to get a recognized MD. The tropical environment, high-quality education, multicultural exposure, and opportunities to make a difference worldwide create an unparalleled experience for aspiring medical professionals.

Reach out to us if you wish to remove the veil of uncertainty and have all your questions answered. Applying for a grad entry programme is a huge step, so make sure you have all the information you need to make an educated choice. The Medlink Students team always has inside info for you and will guide you through the application process smoothly.