Myths vs. Facts about Studying Medicine at Caribbean Medical Schools

Some aspiring medical students may hesitate to apply for medical schools in the Caribbean for various reasons, but are these concerns legitimate, or are they based merely on myths and misconceptions? Here are some myths that we have debunked about what it entails to study medicine in the Caribbean.

Myth: Medical degrees earned through Caribbean medical schools are not recognized in the United States or Canada.

Fact: Many medical schools in the Caribbean are accredited. Accreditation ensures that students who graduate from an international medical university are qualified to practice as physicians in the United States and Canada. For medical schools in the Caribbean, the most reputable agency that offers accreditation is the Caribbean Accreditation Authority for Education in Medicine and other Health Professions (CAAM-HP). The American University of Barbados (AUB), School of Medicine is accredited by the CAAM-HP and is listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools, making its graduates eligible to write licensing exams such as the USMLE or the M to practice in the U.S. and Canada. 

Myth: Tuition fees are extremely high in Caribbean medical schools.

Fact: How much does medical school actually cost? The average tuition for studying at a medical school in Canada ranges from CAD $4000 to over $18,000 per year, depending on which province you study in. These estimates are for Canadian citizens only, and fees can be much higher for international students. As for the United States, the median cost of four years of medical school is over US $250,000 for public schools, and almost US $350,000 for private schools. In comparison, the cost of studying in the Caribbean, such as at the AUB, School of Medicine, is just over US $40,000 for a five-year program. In addition, the AUB, School of Medicine offers several scholarships for international students based on merit and academic performance, as well as financial aid for Canadian students. The AUB, School of Medicine also accepts student loans issued through the Canadian government, making studying medicine in the Caribbean an affordable option.

Myth: It is unsafe to study in the Caribbean.

Fact: Barbados is one of the safest countries in the Caribbean, and has been given the highest rank of all Caribbean countries in the United Nations Human Development Report, an index measuring health, education, and income. The American University of Barbados (AUB), School of Medicine, offers a safe and high-quality environment for its students to receive a holistic academic experience.

Myth: You must complete a Bachelor’s degree in order to get admission into a Caribbean medical school.

Fact: Many medical schools offer pre-medical programs. These are programs into which students can be admitted without having completed a Bachelor’s degree. The advantages of a pre-medical program are numerous, including the opportunity to fast-track out of high school and a seamless transition into a medical program.