The islands have some world-class med schools recognized by the local government and international medical bodies alike. The universities in the Caribbean are known for providing quality medical programs at a reasonable cost compared to countries like India, UK, the USA, etc.
There are over 50 medical schools in the Caribbean Islands offering medical programs in English. These institutes witness a major population of international students from around the globe.
The selection process at the Caribbean medical universities is a bit straightforward and less stringent than in India. Here, the universities analyze the student’s overall competence than focusing on just one aspect (entrance exam).
Studying in the Caribbean is rapidly becoming a prospective path for more and more medical students. The universities are globally recognized and known for providing hands-on training, giving students a competitive advantage against a typical Indian private medical school.
Why Study MBBS in Caribbean?
There are plenty of reasons why an Indian student should opt for medical schools in the Caribbean to pursue MBBS overseas. In the past few years, the medical education system at the Caribbean Islands has shown major development.
There are plenty of offshore medical universities that train students from India, the United States, Canada; who intend to go back home to continue with their clinical practice and residency after graduating. Once graduated, Indian students can easily start their medical career in India after clearing the MCI screening tests.
Medical universities of the Caribbean Islands offer degrees approved by international medical bodies like the Medical Council of India, the World Directory of Medical Schools, the World Health Organization, and more.
The best part? The admission policy at Caribbean medical universities is easy, and there’s no requirement for English Language Proficiency Tests. Also, the medical universities in the Caribbean Islands have accelerated study programs, excellent student-teacher ratio and an affordable fee structure.
Faculty for Medicine in Caribbean
Below mentioned is a complete list of faculty at medical colleges in Caribbean:
- Department of Anatomy
- Department of Pathology
- Department of Biochemistry
- Department of Pharmacology
- Department of Microbiology
- Department of Clinical Sciences
- Department of Pathology
- Department of Physiology
Top Universities for MBBS Caribbean
Spartan Health Sciences University
Established in 1980, Spartan Health Sciences University is one of the oldest institutions for MBBS in the Caribbean islands. It is a multi-million dollar complex with continuously evolving technologies.
The university is WHO recognized with classes taught in English to all international students. An exceptional staff, quality training programs, and an affordable tuition fee make this a perfect destination for an Indian student who wants to pursue MBBS overseas.
- Course: MD (Equivalent to MBBS in India)
- Duration: 4 Years
- Accreditation & Recognition: WHO, IMED, FAIMER, & ECFMG
- Medium of Instruction: English
Career Scope after MBBS from Caribbean
Pursuing MBBS in the Caribbean Islands is an ideal choice for Indian students. There are several options a student can opt for after graduating from a top medical university in the Caribbean Islands:
Practice Medicine in India
After completing the MD degree (equivalent to MBBS in India) from the Caribbean Islands, a student can come to India and start his/her medical career. All a student will require is to appear for the FMGE/MCI Screening Test. Once qualified, the student is eligible to register permanently with the Medical Council of India and start practice at any medical institution, hospital, or nursing home in India.
Start Private Practice
Another career option after completing an MD degree from the Caribbean Islands is to start a private practice. After graduating, the student can come to India and start a hospital, nursing home, or clinic. It is another popular option among Indian students doing MBBS abroad.
Settle in the Caribbean
Some Indian students also find it suitable to settle in the Caribbean Islands after becoming an MMD (Physician). One can choose to pursue post-graduation from Caribbean universities and work towards settling down.
Move to a Different Country
Another popular option for a student is to choose a country where he/she wish to practice and give the licensing exam (also, a language proficiency exam, if required).
Syllabus
The syllabus of Basic Sciences includes:
- Anatomy I and II
- Medical Physiology I and II
- Histology
- Doctor/Patient Relationship and Medical Ethics
- Biochemistry I and II
- Microbiology I and II
- Neuroanatomy I and II
- Public Health & Epidemiology
- Medical Pharmacology I and II
- Pathology I and II
- Behavioural Science I and II
- Introduction to Clinical Medicine I and II
- Physical Diagnosis
- Essentials of Clinical Sciences
The Clinical phase requires basic clerkships, including:
- Internal Medicine
- Obstetrics & Gynecology
- General Medicine Surgery
- Surgical Subspecialties
- Paediatrics
- Family Medicine
- Psychiatry
- Radiology
- Clinical Pathology
Note: Surgical specialities must include min 3 or max 5 from the following electives:
- Anesthesiology
- Neurosurgery
- Ophthalmology
- Otorhinolaryngology
- Orthopaedic Surgery
- Pediatric Surgery
- Plastic Surgery
- Thoracic Surgery
- Vascular Surgery
- Urology
- Emergency Medicine
- Trauma
Admission Procedure
Eligibility Criteria
To study MBBS in the Caribbean, a student must fulfil the following criteria:
- NEET Qualification scorecard
- An Aggregate of 50% marks in 12th with Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and English as compulsory subjects
- 10+2 qualification mark sheet & certificate from a recognized board
- The age of the student must be at least 17 or older on or before 31st December of the admission year
Document Required
Mentioned below is the list of documents required to study MBBS in Caribbean:
- High school completion certificate
- High school academic transcript/mark sheet
- English proficiency test certificate
- Photocopy of a valid passport
- Health certificate
- 6-10 passport sized photographs
Cost of Living
| COST HEADS | AVERAGE COST |
|---|---|
| Restaurants | |
| Meal – Inexpensive Restaurant | $ 5.68 |
| McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal) | $ 4.54 |
| Cappuccino (regular) | $ 1.27 |
| Coke/Pepsi – 0.33 liter bottle | $ 0.57 |
| Water (1.5 liter bottle) | $ 0.50 |
| Markets | |
| Milk – 1 litre | $ 1.02 |
| White Bread – 500g | $ 0.62 |
| Rice – 1kg | $ 1.18 |
| Eggs – 12 pieces | $ 1.38 |
| Cheese – 1kg | $ 7.68 |
| Chicken – 1kg | $ 3.90 |
| Fruits (apple, banana, orange etc.) – cost per kg | $ 1.11 |
| Vegetables (tomato, potato, onion, lettuce etc.) – cost per kg | $ 0.79 |
| Transportation | |
| One-way Ticket (Local Transport) | $ 0.30 |
| Monthly Pass (Regular Price) | $ 12.30 |
| Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) | $ 1.89 |
| Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff) | $ 0.27 |
| Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) | $ 3.78 |
| Gasoline (1 liter) | $ 1.06 |
| Utilities & accomodation | |
| Basic expenses (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85 sq. m. apartment | $ 107.69 |
| Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local – 1min | $ 0.04 |
| Internet (monthly charges for 60 Mbps broadband) | $ 6.06 |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre | $ 384.61 |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre | $ 259.09 |
| Sports & Leisure | |
| Fitness Club – monthly | $ 21.12 |
| Cinema – 1 seat | $ 4.54 |
| Clothing & Shoes | |
| 1 Pair of Jeans (known international brand) | $ 61.00 |
| Dress from a branded store | $ 44.14 |
| Sports/Casual shoes (Mid-Range) – 1 pair | $ 91.32 |
| Formal shoes – 1 pair | $ 102.42 |
Visa Process
Mentioned below are the Student Visa Application Requirements for the Caribbean:
- A copy of a valid passport
- H-1 and H-2 application forms and paid application fee receipt
- 4 passport-size photographs
- Educational certificates
- Proof of financial resources
- A copy of the birth certificate
- Letter of support (for students under 18 years of age)
- Criminal record certificate or a police verification certificate of character from home country (where the student has lived for at least six months and more).
Services Provided By DookEdu
Below are some of the ways we can help you get into your dream medical university in the Caribbean.
Admission Assistance
We assist you by giving expert tips on filling out your university form with information so that you can crack your admission process with ease.
Visa Guidance
We also provide you with end-to-end guidance so that you can get your study visa. We aim at making the process seamless and hassle-free for you. All you need is to pack your bag and reach the airport.
Travel & Accommodation
We are one of the pioneers of the travel industry in India. So, whether it is booking air tickets or finding accommodation at the best affordable rate, you can rely on us.
Local Help
Our contacts at the local level in the Caribbean enable us to deliver you the best local assistance and guidance you need.
Post Course Consultancy
Once you complete your course, we provide you with post-course training and career guidance.
General Information About Caribbean
About the country
The Caribbean Islands comprise the Caribbean sea, different Islands, and the coastal areas surrounding the region. The islands have a large area that extends from the southern coast of the US to the northern coast of South America.
Currency
The currency of the Caribbean is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar ($).
Languages
There are six languages spoken throughout the Caribbean.
- English
- Spanish
- French
- Dutch
- Haitian Creole
- Papiamento
Population
The population of the Caribbean is 4.44 crores.
Security and Safety
Caribbean islands are a safe destination for travellers and students alike. According to a few statistics, violent crime rarely affects the population or the tourists. Apart from a few cities, the rest of the islands are a safe and fun place for vacations.
Still, there are a few precautions that one can take, like not leaving belongings in the open, avoid flashing jewellery or expensive possessions, avoid going out alone during nights, etc.
Transport
There is more than one way of travelling in the Caribbean islands. Apart from the ferries and flights that can help you hop islands, there are other modes of transportation as well that can help you move within those islands.
Minibuses
Minibuses are the commonly used mode of public transportation in the islands. This paratransit mode has several local variants amongst different islands. This public transport is privately owned and used heavily by the locals. The rides cost less in these minibuses compared to buses.
Buses
State-owned companies provide bus services alongside the paratransit modes. These companies get subsidized by the government resulting in a low fare.
The buses have fixed routes and make stops at fixed points, unlike taxis and minibuses.
Taxis
Taxis are available all across the Caribbean islands. They are among the most reliable mode of transportation, especially if you want to reach your hotel/accommodation from the airport.
Car Rental
There are several car & scooter rental agencies to help you find a ride. One would only require a temporary driving license to rent an automobile as a visitor. Just make sure to drive on the left side of the road.
Culture
They say colourful is just one way to describe Caribbean culture. Every cultural aspect in the lives of Caribbean people is the result of cross-influence or transculturation. A blend of African, English, Carib, Dutch and French cultures is visible on the islands.
A heavy influence of European trends can be seen in the early artworks of the Caribbean painters, which has flourished since the early 20th century. Written in Spanish, French, English, and Creole, the Caribbean literature reflects the island’s position in the world and the Caribbean nature of life’s perspective.
Annual carnival celebrations hold high regard in the Caribbean culture. Traditionally the celebration takes place on Ash Wednesday or the days that lead up to Lent. Also, Barbados celebrates the last Sugar Canes’ delivery. It’s called ‘Crop Over’ or ‘Sweet Summer Festival’ held in August.
Weather
The Caribbean has a tropical climate that contributes to year-round hot to warm weather. The island sees a couple of wet seasons per year. The temperature and the rainfall may vary with the elevation. The country also witnesses a dry season from January to April.
The best part? The sea in this island country is warm all year. Travellers can take advantage of the climate situation of the Caribbean and take adventures through the Tet Paul and the Pitons nature trails, swim with the stingrays, hike through the tropical wilderness, go night diving under a full moon, swim with the pigs, and so much more.
Travel Time From India
It takes an average time of 22 hours to reach India to the Caribbean.
Time Difference From India
The time difference between India and the Caribbean is 9.5 hours.
For example, if it is 5:30 am in India, it‘d be 8:00 pm in the Caribbean.