You’re a Canadian who wants to become a doctor – but you’re not confident pursuing the domestic education path. Maybe your MCAT score or GPA is low, hurting your chances of getting into the competitive Canadian medical schools, or you’re trying to fast-track your education. So, you’re considering applying to Caribbean medical schools. But which of these institutions are best suited for Canadians – especially those who want a chance of doing their residency or ultimately working in Canada?
Becoming a doctor in Canada is highly competitive, with limited medical school spots and a growing shortage of healthcare professionals – RBC projects a shortfall of 44,000 physicians by 2028, with family doctors accounting for 72 percent of the deficit. For aspiring doctors who can’t secure admission locally, Caribbean medical schools offer an alternative, often with lower GPA requirements and, in many cases, no MCAT requirement for Canadian students.
The Caribbean schools known as the “Big Four” – St. George’s University, Saba University, American University of the Caribbean, and Ross University – are known for their accreditation, U.S. federal loan eligibility, and strong clinical affiliations in the U.S. That said, while these schools can improve residency prospects in the U.S., Canadians seeking to return home have to consider which institutions have the best partnerships with Canadian teaching hospitals and clinical sites, as well as being eligible for federal and provincial student loans.
And, despite Canada’s doctor shortage, international medical graduates (IMGs) can face challenges securing residency. Students should carefully weigh their options and review the pathways to licensure for those who have completed their medical education abroad. Caribbean medical schools also have higher attrition rates than Canadian medical schools, and while their reported exam pass and match rates are strong, internal requirements for practice exams help improve these figures. Focusing on what matters to Canadian applicants, CourseCompare’s ranking evaluates factors such as student-to-faculty ratios, Canadian university partnerships and clinical affiliations, and eligibility for Canadian student loans, rather than match rates.
Read on to discover which Caribbean medical schools offer the best opportunities for Canadians pursuing a career as a doctor.
CourseCompare’s annual school rankings are determined using a process that considers several core metrics and principles. Read more about our methodology here.
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Saba University School of Medicine (SUSOM)
Located on the small island of Saba, Saba University’s MD program emphasizes small class sizes, personalized attention, and hands-on training.
Founded in 1992, the school is accredited by the Accreditation Organization of the Netherlands and Flanders (NVAO) and is recognized by the World Federation of Medical Education. Students can practice medicine in Canada, the U.S., and U.K. upon successful completion of licensing exams.
Saba is approved by the Canadian Ministry of Education, providing most students the ability to receive Canadian federal and provincial loans and grants.
What You’ll Learn
The four-year Doctor of Medicine (MD) program at Saba University School of Medicine, designed by U.S.-trained faculty, offers a comprehensive and systems-based curriculum aimed at building a strong foundation in medical knowledge and clinical skills. The program starts with a focused study of basic science during the first five semesters (two years) on Saba’s campus.
In the second half of the program, students transition to clinical training at affiliated hospitals in Canada and the U.S. Students work directly with physicians and hospital staff, gaining hands-on experience in physical exams, history taking, case presentations, and lab analysis. They also attend workshops, conferences, and grand rounds.
Saba University School of Medicine has developed strong relationships with Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME)-approved teaching hospitals across the U.S. and university-affiliated hospitals in Canada.
The program offers three flexible start dates in September, January, and May.
What Sets the Medical School Apart
Saba University is known for prioritizing small class sizes for individualized guidance. A typical basic science class has 40 to 60 students – a fraction of many other medical schools in the Caribbean – which allows for close student-teacher interaction. The school also has a 7:1 student-to-faculty ratio.
The school offers a unique partnership with the University of Niagara Falls Canada (UNF). Through the pre-med pathway, students in the UNF Honours Bachelor of Science (HBSc) in Biomedical Sciences program can enter Saba’s MD program after their third undergraduate year, enabling students to earn their HBSc and MD degrees more efficiently. Saba has admissions partnerships with five more Canadian post-secondary institutions, including Thompson Rivers University, University of Waterloo, and University of Windsor.
Saba University claims that it has been among the most successful international medical schools in placing Canadian students into residences in Canada, listing 10 elective sites and 14 universities in Canada among its 300+ North American affiliated clinical sites. Canadian students are eligible to participate in both the Canadian Residency Matching Service (CaRMS) and the U.S. National Resident Matching Program (NRMP).
Admission Requirements
- Canadian applicants are expected to have a minimum of three years of undergraduate studies or equivalent hours from an accredited college or university, with preference given to those who have completed a bachelor’s degree or higher. Prerequisite courses are required.
- Official transcript(s) from each college, university and/or professional school attended.
- Two letters of recommendation.
- A personal statement (500 words).
- Canadian students are not required to submit MCAT scores, but it is recommended to still do so.
Locations
Island of Saba, Caribbean Netherlands
St. George's University School of Medicine
Founded in 1976, St. George’s University (SGU) School of Medicine in Grenada is one of the most well-known international medical schools, with over 15,000 alumni practicing globally. SGU attracts students and faculty from over 150 countries, offering a rigorous curriculum and diverse clinical training opportunities. SGU has built relationships with hospitals and clinical centres worldwide, including in Canada, providing students with opportunities to gain international experience and work with diverse populations.
The MD program is accredited by the Grenada Medical and Dental Council (GMDC), which is recognized by the World Federal of Medical Education (WFME) and the U.S. National Committee on Foreign Medical Education and Accreditation (NCFMEA). SGU is approved by the Canadian Ministry of Education, entitling most students to the ability to receive Canadian federal and provincial loans and grants.
What You’ll Learn
SGU offers a systems-based curriculum that integrates foundational sciences with practical, hands-on learning supported by technologies like virtual reality and sonography.
The four-year MD program begins with two years focused on basic sciences, incorporating laboratory experience and small group problem-based learning. Early clinical exposure is provided at the General Hospital in Grenada, allowing students to apply their knowledge in a real-world setting. Students also have the option to complete one year of preclinical sciences and/or the first year of basic sciences in the U.K., as part of SGU/Northumbria University’s four-year MD program.
The final two years of the program are centred on clinical sciences, with training opportunities at over 75 affiliated hospitals and clinical centres in the U.S., U.K., Canada, and Grenada. This clinical training emphasizes responsibility, maturity, and compassion in the development of professional excellence.
The School of Medicine offers flexible start dates in August, January, and April.
What Sets the Medical School Apart
SGU is known for its strong reputation in international medical education and high residency match rate. For the 11th consecutive year, SGU has secured more U.S. residency positions than any medical school in the world, with more than 940 in 2024, making SGU the largest provider of new doctors to the U.S. healthcare system. As of October 2024, SGU has placed 203 Canadian graduates into Canadian residencies, across 13 Canadian elective sites.
For fourth-year students, SGU’s network of affiliated hospitals and clinics includes more than a dozen Canadian elective sites, primarily in Ontario and British Columbia. Since 2020, more than 200 SGU students have participated in elective rotations in Canada. Elective specialities include pediatrics, ophthalmology, OB/GYN, dermatology, cardiology, and neurology.
Additionally, SGU offers dual degree options such as the MD/Master of Public Health (MPH) program, which prepares students for a career in public health, and the MD/Master of Science (MSc) dual degree program for students interested in original, thesis-oriented research. The MSc program is supported by the Windward Islands Research and Education Foundation (WINDREF), a non-profit organization located on campus.
Medical school students also have access to research opportunities through the Medical Student Research Institute (MSRI), which pairs students with faculty members who have expertise that aligns with their interests.
SGU has admissions partnerships with 10 Canadian universities, colleges, and private institutions, including George Brown College, Seneca Polytechnic, Ontario Tech University, Kwantlen Polytechnic University, Wilfrid Laurier University, Trent University, University of the Fraser Valley, and McMaster University’s W. Booth School of Engineering Practice and Technology.
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, with specific undergraduate coursework required.
- Canadians are not required but encouraged to submit an MCAT score.
Locations
Grenada
Medical University of the Americas (MUA)
Founded over 25 years ago, Medical University of the Americas (MUA) is located in Nevis, part of the Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis. The school is known for its small class sizes and boasts a 5:1 student-to-faculty ratio. This ensures that students receive personalized support and can engage with a strong curriculum that is on par with Canadian and U.S. medical schools.
The university is accredited by the Accreditation Commission on Colleges of Medicine (ACCM), which is recognized by the World Federal of Medical Education. Students are eligible to practice in Canada, the U.S., and the U.K. MUA is approved by the Canadian Ministry of Education, providing most students the ability to receive Canadian federal and provincial loans and grants.
What You’ll Learn
The four-year MD program at MUA offers a comprehensive curriculum that provides students with a solid foundation in medical sciences and hands-on clinical experience.
The initial two years take a rigorous, well-rounded approach to the core sciences. Students benefit from small class sizes and an integrated, systems-based curriculum that mirrors the structure of training at top U.S. medical schools. Early clinical exposure at a nearby island hospital further enhances their learning.
In the final two years, students complete clinical rotations at MUA’s affiliated teaching hospitals. MUA has an extensive clinical program in conjunction with ACGME-approved teaching hospitals throughout the U.S. and Canada. In addition to core teaching sites, MUA has affiliations with more than 60 hospitals where students can do their elective rotations.
What Sets the Medical School Apart
MUA has years of experience securing clinical rotations for Canadians across the country, primarily during the elective phase of their education, which the school notes is directly applicable to their future service in Canada. MUA has also built a strong reputation among international medical schools for placing Canadian students into residencies in Canada. Canadian students are eligible to participate in both the U.S. National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) and the Canadian Residency Matching Service (CaRMS).
MUA’s small class sizes are another differentiator. At the core of MUA’s educational philosophy is the belief that small class sizes, with significant student-teacher interaction, is fundamental to the student experience. MUA faculty also maintain a flexible open-door policy and make themselves available to students whenever needed.
Affordability makes MUA an appealing choice for Canadian students, who are able to pay tuition and fees in Canadian dollars.
Through MUA’s pre-med pathway, students enrolled in the Honours Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences (HBSc) degree at the University of Niagara Falls Canada can seamlessly transition to MUA’s MD program after completing 90 credits. This pathway allows students to save an entire year’s worth of undergraduate costs and accelerate their journey to becoming a practicing physician.
MUA has admissions partnerships with seven more Canadian public and private institutions, including Thompson Rivers University, University of Waterloo, and University of Windsor.
Admission Requirements
- Prerequisite courses including general biology, general chemistry and organic chemistry (one academic year with laboratory component), and one year of college English literature or composition.
- Official transcripts from each college, university and/or professional school attended.
- Two letters of recommendation.
- Personal statement (under 500 words).
Locations
Nevis, Saint Kitts and Nevis
American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine (AUC)
Founded in 1978, the American University of the Caribbean (AUC) School of Medicine is one of the oldest medical schools in the Caribbean. It offers an MD program with a curriculum modelled on U.S. medical schools and prepares students to practice in Canada, the U.S., and U.K.
In addition to its Saint Maarten campus, AUC operates a campus Preston, U.K. Non-U.S. students can choose to study at either the Saint Maarten campus or at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) campus in Preston.
AUC is listed in the World Health Organization’s verified registry of medical education providers and is accredited by the Accreditation Commission on Colleges of Medicine (ACCM). AUC is approved by the Canadian Ministry of Education, providing most students the ability to receive Canadian federal and provincial loans and grants.
Flexible start dates are available in September, January, and May.
What You’ll Learn
The first two years in the MD program focus on medical sciences through a U.S.-modelled curriculum, blending classroom study, simulation exercises, and community service. This integrated approach connects medical and clinical sciences from day one, using an organ systems-based method that develops critical thinking and hands-on skills.
In semesters three to five, students begin clinical training at the local Saint Maarten Medical Center (SMMC), where they gain hands-on experience in various specialities, hospital wards, emergency room, and operating theatre. Students also have opportunities to participate in community health screenings and research projects.
During years three and four, students complete clinical rotations at AUC’s affiliated clinical sites in the U.S. and U.K. (17 in the U.S. and 7 in the U.K.) These rotations include core clerkships and electives, where students perform medical histories, physical exams, lab evaluations, diagnose cases, and assist with procedures. The school is not affiliated with any hospitals or clinical centres in Canada.
What Sets the Medical School Apart
AUC is a well-recognized Caribbean medical school. It has partnership pathways with four Canadian universities: Bishop’s University, Thompson Rivers University, Wilfrid Laurier University, and University of Waterloo.
AUC offers a global education, with opportunities that extend beyond the traditional medical school experience. Through its collaboration with Nuvance Health, AUC’s Global Health elective, students have the opportunity to complete a six-week clinical rotation in one of six countries: Vietnam, India, Dominican Republic, Uganda, Thailand, or Zimbabwe. This unique opportunity provides students with exposure to healthcare systems that differ from their own, broadening their horizons and providing them with a deeper understanding of diverse healthcare systems.
Additionally, AUC’s U.K. track offers non-U.S. students the chance to study at its U.K. campus in Preston for the first two years of the program. The next two years involve clinical and elective rotations at U.S. and U.K. hospitals.
Students at AUC can also pursue research interests under faculty members beginning in the second semester and can present their work at international meetings.
Admission Requirements
- A bachelor’s degree with a strong science background is preferred.
- Two semesters (eight credit hours) including labs for general biology, general chemistry and organic chemistry or biochemistry. One semester of general physics, calculus, or statistics.
- English language medical school requirement.
- Educational and employment history.
- Supporting documents for medical school.
- Transcripts.
- Canadian students are not required to submit MCAT scores but are strongly encouraged to do so.
Locations
Sint Maarten, and Preston, U.K.
Ross University School of Medicine (Ross Med)
Founded in 1978, Ross University School of Medicine in Barbados offers a Doctor of Medicine (MD) program with a strong emphasis on hands-on learning and early clinical exposure. Within weeks of starting, first-year medical students gain clinical experience in simulation labs and training alongside physicians.
The School of Medicine is accredited by the Caribbean Accreditation Authority for Education in Medicine and other Health Professions (CAAM-HP). Graduates are eligible to apply for licensure in all Canada, the U.S., and Puerto Rico. Ross Med is approved by the Canadian Ministry of Education, providing most students the ability to receive Canadian federal and provincial loans and grants.
Three flexible start dates are offered in September, January, and May.
What You’ll Learn
The curriculum at Ross University is designed to prepare graduates to practice in Canada and the U.S. and is modelled after American medical schools. The first two years of the program focuses on medical sciences coursework, teaching students how the physiological, anatomical, and biochemical processes of each organ system work together. Starting in the first semester, students engage in hands-on training and experiences that apply classroom learning to real-world practice in a variety of healthcare settings.
During years three and four, students complete clinical rotations within Ross University’s network of over 25 affiliate hospitals in the U.S. Students receive instruction in the major medical specialties and gain hands-on experience with patients.
What Sets the Medical School Apart
Ross University is a recognized name in Caribbean medical education. Its focus on early hands-on learning allows students to gain valuable experience caring for patients in the community from the beginning. The school has a partnership pathway with Bishop’s University in Quebec.
The university’s Simulation Institute provides students with an immersive, hands-on environment focused on practical skills, patient-centred care, and real-time feedback during the first two years of the program. The Stimulation Institute, which is accredited by the Society for Simulation in Healthcare, features advanced simulation tools, an outpatient clinic, multi-purpose procedure rooms, and classrooms and laboratory space. This early exposure to clinical scenarios ensures students are well-prepared for high-quality patient care when they transition to clinical rotations.
While many med students often move from city to city to complete clinical training at different hospitals, Ross Med students have the unique option to remain in one location throughout their clinical education, reducing the hassles and expenses of relocating for rotations. The school also offers a Return Home program, which features a limited number of core clinical rotations at five regional affiliate hospitals in the U.S. Students whose home communities are within a certain radius of these hospitals have the chance to complete their rotations closer to home, strengthening ties with local healthcare providers and communities. (Applicants from the Greater Toronto Area and Windsor, Ont. may be eligible for the Return Home program at the Pontiac, Michigan location.)
Ross does not list any official elective sites within Canada, though students have secured residencies in the country in previous years. Since 2012, 65 Canadian students have earned residencies in Canada, while 627 have earned residencies in the U.S.
Admission Requirements
- GPA scores (there is no minimum score).
- Official transcript(s) of a bachelor degree or higher from each college and/or professional school attended.
- At least two official letters of recommendations.
- Canadian students are not required to submit MCAT scores but are strongly encouraged to do so.
Locations
Barbados
University of Medicine and Health Sciences (UMHS)
Founded in 2007, the University of Medicine and Health Science (UMHS) is located in Basseterre, Saint Kitts. The school has small class and lab sizes, strong faculty support, and state-of-the-facilities, with more than $100 million invested over the last 10 years. It has a 7:1 student-to-faculty ratio.
UMHS is accredited by the Accreditation Commission on Colleges of Medicine (ACCM) and recognized by the National Committee on Foreign Medical Education and Accreditation (NCFMEA).
What You’ll Learn
The first half of the overall MD program, the basic science program is completed during semesters 1-4 at the Saint Kitts campus. The curriculum uses problem-based learning, emphasizes clinical correlations, and provides a thorough understanding of the basic biomedical sciences.
The fifth semester takes place at UMHS’s campus in Portland, Maine. Students work in the classroom and in local clinical settings in Portland, including hospitals and outpatient clinics. The semester also includes an intensive USMLE Step 1 preparation course from UMHS partner, Kaplan Medical. After passing USMLE Step 1, students transition to core clinical rotations for 48 weeks at one of the school’s affiliated hospitals in the U.S. and Canada. The final 30 weeks of the program consist of elective rotations, where students explore specialities that align with their interests.
What Sets the Medical School Apart
The modern classrooms at UMHS are conducive to both large- and small-group instruction with a focus on problem-based learning, though the school’s small student to faculty ratio facilitates more personal education experiences. The school has an 11,000-sq.-ft technologically advanced anatomy lab that the school says is comparable to the best laboratories in the U.S. It also has a 24-bed virtual hospital ward that uses human simulators.
UMHS boasts considerably lower tuition costs compared to other foreign medical schools. In addition, it offers financial aid that can cover the full cost of tuition.
The school has a partnership pathway with Trent University.
Admission Requirements
- One-year prerequisite courses including inorganic or general chemistry (with labs), organic chemistry (with labs), general biology or zoology (with labs), physics (with b) and English; as well as one-semester courses physics (with lab) and calculus or statistics (one semester).
- Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.
- Letters of recommendation.
- Canadian students are not required to submit MCAT stores, but it is recommended to still do so.
Locations
Basseterre, Saint Kitts
Trinity School of Medicine
Located in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinity School of Medicine (also referred to as Trinity Medical Sciences University) offers an MD program that emphasizes early clinical exposure and small class sizes. The program blends rigorous academics with hands-on clinical training, preparing students for the global medical landscape. With an 8:1 student to professor ratio, there is a strong emphasis on personalized attention and innovative teaching methods, which fosters a collaborative and supportive learning environment.
Founded in 2008, Trinity’s accreditation with the Caribbean Accreditation Authority for Education in Medicine and Other Health Professions (CAAM-HP) qualifies its graduates to participate in the Canadian and U.S. residency match processes and to become licensed to practice in any U.S. state or Canadian province. Additionally, the curriculum is based on Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) standards and earns recognition from the World Federation of Medical Education (WFME).
Trinity is recognized by the Government of Canada as a Designated Educational Institution, meaning students can obtain Canadian student loans (federal and provincial) to help cover the cost of tuition.
What You’ll Learn
At Trinity School of Medicine, students begin with a solid foundation in the basic sciences during the first 16 months. This period integrates rigorous academic coursework and clinical experiences, reinforcing students’ understanding of medical concepts through practical application. The curriculum follows a new spiral model, meaning key concepts are revisited and expanded upon throughout the program. The spiral curriculum is delivered through a combination of traditional lectures, interactive simulations, and hands-on clinical experiences. These early clinical experiences take place at Milton Cato Memorial Hospital and clinics in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
After this period, students transition to the U.S. for clinical rotations, which can be completed at a single location at one of Trinity’s affiliated hospitals and clinics. This eliminates the need to move between cities or wait for rotation slots to open, while ensuring there are no gaps in students’ clinical training. Students undergo 48 weeks of core rotations in various medical specialities, followed by 27 weeks of elective rotations. Trinity is not affiliated with any hospital or clinical centres in Canada.
What Sets the Medical School Apart
Trinity’s medical program stands out for its small class sizes and personalized, supportive environment designed to create close connections with professors and collaboration among students.
A strong feature of the program is the Step Prep Integrated Systems Review in term five, a comprehensive, seven-week program designed to prepare students for the USMLE Step 1 exam. Students have access to expert guidance and top-tier resources to enhance their exam preparation, including hospital staff and medical simulation labs.
Another key differentiator is the opportunity for students to collaborate with the Rotary Club of Saint Vincent in a Village Doctor initiative. Healthcare specialists and volunteers travel to areas within Saint Vincent and the Grenadines that are medically underserved to conduct clinics and provide medication. The program gives students the chance to make a meaningful difference in the community, while gaining invaluable experience in global health.
Trinity also boasts the “fastest timelines in the Caribbean,” allowing students to complete the first four terms of science courses in just 16 months.
The school has partnership pathways with four Canadian universities: Algoma University, Athabasca University, Lakehead University, and Trent University.
Admission Requirements
- A minimum of 90 semester hours (or international equivalent) and the completion of prerequisite courses.
- Two letters of recommendation.
- Transcripts.
Locations
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Avalon University School of Medicine (AUSOM)
Located in Curaçao, Avalon University School of Medicine (AUSOM) provides a U.S.-modelled medical program designed to prepare students to become well-rounded practicing physicians in Canada, the U.S., and around the world. The school takes an integrated approach to medical education, where each component builds upon the other to ensure comprehensive learning and success. AUSOM credits this approach to significant improvements on its NBME Shelf Exams and Clinical Comprehensive Science Exams (CCSE).
AUSOM is accredited by both the Caribbean Accreditation Authority for Medicine and Other Health Professionals (CAAM-HP) and the Accreditation Commission on Colleges of Medicine (ACCM). AUSOM students are eligible for Canadian student aid loans from Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP), Student Aid BC, and Student Aid Alberta.
Three semester start dates are offered in September, January, and May.
What You’ll Learn
AUSOM offers two distinct tracks in its MD program: regular and accelerated. The regular medical program is designed for students to thoroughly grasp the basic science coursework over six semesters, while the accelerated program condenses it to five semesters. Applicants in the accelerated program must have a minimum MCAT score of 480 or higher, and a GPA above 3.0. The regular program is suitable for those with MCAT scores below 480 or have not taken MCAT, and GPAs under 3.0. In both programs, the final semester is focused on preparation for the USMLE Step 1 exam, and upon successful completion, students move on to clinical rotations.
AUSOM students have the opportunity to complete their clinical rotations in Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME)-accredited teaching hospitals in the U.S. With hospital affiliations in Chicago, Phoenix, and Beckley West Virginia, students gain valuable clinical experience in a variety of settings. The school is not affiliated with any hospital or clinical centres in Canada.
What Sets the Medical School Apart
Avalon University School of Medicine prides itself on being one of the most affordable accredited medical schools in the Caribbean, and is covered by provincial student loans in Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia.
Another differentiator is the school’s class sizes – averaging about 30 students, with a student-to-faculty ratio of 10:1 – which allows students to receive a more personalized education. Additionally, the availability of both a regular and an accelerated MD program gives students flexibility in how quickly they want to complete their coursework and transition to clinical rotations.
Admission Requirements
- Personal statement.
- Resume.
- Official transcripts from each college/university or professional school attended.
- Two letters of recommendation.
- Candidates who have taken MD courses at an allopathic or osteopathic school are required to submit a dean’s letter in addition to transcripts from those institutions.
Locations
Curaçao
Editorial Team