The Top Islands for Studying Medicine

Tanning on an exotic beach while sipping a drink with an umbrella is a luxury not everyone thinks they have time for. But what if it were your everyday life while studying at a top medical school?

We’ve prepared a list of the top islands for studying medicine, where you will not only fulfil your dreams of becoming a successful doctor, but the journey to getting there will be nothing short of a novel.

The key takeaways of this blog are:

• The top islands to study medicine include Antigua & Barbuda, Barbados, Saint Vincent & the Grenadines, Curacao, Cyprus, Malta, and, of course, the United Kingdom and Ireland.
• These islands offer an enjoyable student experience with friendly people, affordable prices, and stunning natural beauty.
• Each of these islands has top medical schools that offer high-quality medical education, state-of-the-art facilities, and excellent career opportunities.

Please note that all living costs mentioned in this blog are accurate as of November 2024 but are subject to change.

Antigua & Barbuda

Antigua & Barbuda is a twin-island nation in the heart of the Caribbean, which is known for its stunning beaches, clear waters, and warm tropical climate. 

Antigua, the larger of the two islands, is famous for its lively atmosphere and its "365 beaches," one for every day of the year. Meanwhile, the smaller sister island of Barbuda offers a peaceful retreat just a short ferry ride away.

Living costs in Antigua & Barbuda are affordable, especially compared to the U.S. and destinations in Western Europe. This makes it a great destination for students trying to get a high-quality medical education without breaking the bank. A single studio apartment in the capital, St. John’s, can cost around €600 per month, while day-to-day expenses, such as groceries and dining out, cost about the same.

But Antigua & Barbuda are much more than just a pleasant destination; the country is also home to one of the best medical schools in the region:

University of Health Sciences School of Medicine

Established in 1982, the University of Health Sciences Antigua (UHSA) is a leading medical school dedicated to training skilled, compassionate and competent medical professionals. The university has what many consider an ideal learning environment: modern facilities, small class sizes, and a student-centred approach that ensures personalised attention from the faculty. 

Graduates from UHSA have gone on to secure residencies and positions in esteemed hospitals and clinics across the globe, particularly in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. 

Тhe university is dedicated to providing high-quality medical education that is both affordable and accessible, and on top of that, Medlink Students offers exclusive scholarship opportunities to any student who applies to the University of Health Sciences Antigua through us. 

Want to see if you qualify for a scholarship at UHSA? Feel free to sign up for a free consultation with one of our academic advisors, who can help you kickstart your medical journey.

Barbados

Barbados is known as a tropical paradise thanks to its many clean and beautiful sandy beaches, lush Caribbean rainforests, and crystal-clear waters. The locals, often referred to as Bajans (BAY-jun), make the stay equally worthwhile. They are known for their friendly and hospitable nature and are generally easygoing people who live at their own relaxed pace.

Thanks to the wealth of the island nation, locals and students alike enjoy a high standard of life, which comes with a reasonable price tag. For instance, renting a single studio apartment costs about €850 in the capital, Bridgetown, with more affordable options also available.

What makes Barbados truly exceptional for studying medicine is its robust healthcare infrastructure and the presence of Ross University - one of the “Big 4” Caribbean medical schools. Combined with the island’s reputation as a safe and welcoming destination, students here can become exceptional doctors while enjoying a fulfilling and relaxing student experience.

Ross University School of Medicine

The Ross University School of Medicine (RUSM) has been “Dedicated to the Science of Healing” (Dedita Scientiae Medendi, university motto) since 1978. It is known for providing outstanding medical education that attracts students from all over the world.

RUSM has garnered an incredible reputation as being among the top 4 Caribbean medical schools, with over 15,000 alumni practising all across North America, Europe, and the Caribbean. In fact, the medical school has such a strong track record of successful graduates that 98% of students attained residency on their 1st try in 2023-2024.

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) consists of a chain of 32 islands, all of which are worth visiting thanks to their abundant natural beauty. The island nation is known for its colourful festivals, showcasing the nation's rich cultural heritage and traditions.

The best thing is that you’ll be able to enjoy them like a local, thanks to the genuine smiles and hospitality you will be greeted with from the moment you step foot in the island nation. A perk of living in SVG is that you can maintain a high quality of life with a price tag of around €700 to €1,150 per month, depending on your respective lifestyle.

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is one of the best destinations that combines world-class medical training with the irresistible charm of island life.

Curacao

An incredibly unique island country, Curacao is a Dutch constituent that features a blend of European and Caribbean cultures. More than just an attractive tourist destination, it is a thriving and well-established country with one of the highest standards of living in the Caribbean.

From its charming and colourful Dutch buildings to its incredible natural landscape, Curacao has a bit of everything. One significant advantage of studying medicine in Curaçao is that there is little to no language barrier, as English and Spanish are both widely spoken.

Despite the European standards of living, expenses are still on the affordable side, and you can expect to spend around €900-€1,000 per month (not including rent). 

Curaçao stands out as a top destination for studying medicine, thanks to its extensive medical education ecosystem. The island is home to respected medical universities, which offer comprehensive curricula and extensive clinical training that prepares graduates to succeed on a global scale.

Richmond Gabriel University

Richmond Gabriel University (RGU) is a private university established in 2011 in SVG that has quickly gained a reputation as a respected medical university. RGU has also recently opened a second campus in Curacao.

Since its founding, RGU has welcomed thousands of students who have gone on to become successful healthcare professionals in the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States, and numerous other countries across Eurasia, Africa, and the Caribbean.

Cyprus

Referred to as a “Golden-green leaf thrown into the sea”, Cyprus is a gorgeous destination that combines Mediterranean, Greek and Turkish cultures, depending on which part of the island you’re on. One of the great aspects of studying medicine on the island is that the locals speak English very well, and you won’t need to worry about any language barriers.

Cyprus is known for its safety,  thanks to the local culture and respect for individuals. This makes it a relaxing destination where anyone can enjoy a little peace of mind, and students can concentrate on their studies.

Costs are slightly higher than the rest of the islands on this list, but still affordable. For instance, rent typically costs around €600 per month, while everyday expenses, such as entertainment, food, and utilities, are around €800 per month. 

Cyprus stands out as an excellent destination for medical education thanks to its modern infrastructure and internationally recognised medical programmes. The island is home to prestigious universities renowned for offering globally recognised degrees, such as:

The University of Nicosia Medical School

Founded in 1980, the University of Nicosia hosts over 12,000 students from more than 70 countries. Its main goal is to achieve and maintain the highest quality of teaching, research, community service, and patient care.

The curriculum here is designed according to international standards with a focus on preparing students to succeed in a global healthcare environment. While studying at the University of Nicosia, you will develop a strong theoretical foundation while getting plenty of clinical training with actual patients under the supervision of seasoned professionals. This approach ensures that graduates can become successful doctors, researchers, teachers, and administrators.

The university also boasts 3 modern dormitories considered some of the best in Europe, where staying feels like living in a 5-star hotel.

Malta

Many students consider Malta to be an, if not the ideal, destination to study medicine,  thanks to the mild Mediterranean climate, beautiful architecture and globally accredited medicine programmes. The island’s compact size, excellent public transport, and Schengen membership make it easy to explore Malta and even neighbouring countries like Italy and Greece during breaks.

While studying in Malta, students generally spend between €900 - €1,050 per month, but that number can be reduced to about €800 if you rent a shared room at the MediCampus Europeo housing. 

MediCampus Europeo

Founded in 1995, MediCampus Europeo (MCE) is a state-of-the-art medical school that is franchised and regulated by the renowned Trakia University in Bulgaria. This means that MCE delivers medical education and diplomas in Malta, but upon graduation, students obtain an internationally recognised degree awarded by Trakia University.

The Faculty of Medicine has all the finest amenities and incorporates all types of advanced teaching technology into the curriculum. However, teaching is carried out in a beautiful historic campus with traditional architecture. It even features a cool James Bond-type Olympic-sized pool.

The British Isles

A list of islands worth visiting is only complete with a mention of the British Isles. Both the UK and Ireland are popular destinations for medical students, thanks to their decades-old tradition of delivering medical education.

The UK

The UK is renowned for its high-quality education, with universities several high-ranking destinations. While the reputation speaks for itself, studying medicine in the UK comes with several perks, such as opportunities to work with patients from diverse backgrounds and a variety of pathway options.

However, due to its popularity, it has become increasingly more difficult and expensive to study medicine in the UK. 

Ireland

Ireland is known for its friendly atmosphere, welcoming culture, and high standard of living, making it an attractive destination for international students. And just like in the UK, graduates from Irish medical schools consistently secure residencies throughout the UK, Europe, and North America.

However, much like the UK, there is a very limited amount of seats available for studying medicine, and the competition for each spot is absolutely fierce.