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Located in: Caribbean
The American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine (AUC) is a private medical school located in Sint Maarten, in the Dutch Caribbean. It was established in 1978 and has since become 1 of the most well-established Caribbean medical schools.
AUC has built a strong reputation for training highly competent doctors who go on to secure residency placements and practise medicine internationally. The university has trained more than 8,500 alumni who are now working as doctors in the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, and beyond.
Thanks to the university’s high quality medical education, extensive clinical preparation, and international career opportunities, AUC has become an exceptional destination for students who want a globally recognised route into medicine.
1 of AUC’s biggest strengths is the flexibility of its study pathways. Rather than offering a single fixed route, students can choose from several options depending on their academic background, experience, and long-term career goals.
AUC School of Medicine offers several routes into medicine, including:
It is a graduate entry degree designed for students who already hold a Bachelor's degree. This programme follows a US-style curriculum covering 5 semesters of Basic Medical Sciences followed by 2 years of clinical rotations at affiliated teaching hospitals across the US and UK.
The 4-year MD is available through 3 pathways
It offers a full undergraduate programme for high school graduates. The programme is available exclusively through the UK Pathway. This course combines an undergraduate BSc in Medical Sciences completed in the UK at the University of Wolverhampton or the University of Lancashire that leads into AUC's full MD curriculum.
AUC also welcomes student transfers from other medical schools into the programme.
The American University of the Caribbean tuition fees are as follows:
Please note that there’s a administrative fee and health insurance per semester during the Medical Sciences phase. During Clinical Rotations, there’s a administrative fee and health insurance fee per semester.
The same administrative fees and health insurance apply from Year 3 onward.
AUC's 4-year Doctor of Medicine programme is a graduate-entry degree with a US-style curriculum that prepares students for medical licensure and residency placement in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and internationally. The entire programme is taught in English and lasts 4 years, divided into 2 phases: the Basic Medical Sciences phase and the Clinical Sciences phase.Â
The Basic Medical Sciences module spans 5 semesters and covers foundational medical theory through a systems-based approach. It is carried out at the AUC medical school St Maarten campus. Each course brings together anatomy, physiology, pathology, pharmacology, and clinical skills into a single unified framework that connects scientific knowledge and real-world patient care from the very beginning.
Before moving to the clinical phase, students are required to take and pass the USMLE Step 1 examination, which is mandatory for US medical licensure.
The Clinical Sciences phase consists of 80 weeks of hands-on patient care at AUC's network of 24 affiliated teaching hospitals throughout the United States and the United Kingdom. Students rotate through core specialities and elective rotations in subspecialties and global health.
AUC also offers dedicated support programmes, including:
The 4-year MD programme accepts new students 3 times per year in January, May, and September through rolling admissions.
The St. Maarten Pathway is open to US citizens, US permanent residents, and international students from around the world. Students on this pathway complete the Basic Medical Sciences phase on AUC's campus in Cupecoy, on the Dutch Caribbean island of Sint Maarten.
The Sint Maarten campus is a high-tech, well-equipped learning environment with modern lecture halls, simulation laboratories, and clinical skills facilities. AUC deliberately keeps its class sizes small, ensuring that students receive direct, personalised attention from their professors throughout their studies.Â
After successfully completing the Basic Medical Sciences curriculum and passing USMLE Step 1, students move on to the Clinical Sciences phase. This phase consists of 80 weeks of clinical and elective rotations at AUC's network of 16 US-affiliated teaching hospitals and 8 UK clinical sites.
Students who choose to complete their clinical years in the UK gain experience in the NHS, which can be a strong start for a career in the United Kingdom.
The UK Pathway is designed specifically for non-US citizens and provides a route to earning an MD degree entirely within the United Kingdom without the need to relocate to the Caribbean for the Basic Sciences phase. Students on this pathway complete their full Basic Medical Sciences curriculum at AUC's UK programme site, hosted on the campus of the University of Lancashire in Preston, Lancashire, England.
The curriculum delivered in Preston is identical to that delivered in Sint Maarten, ensuring the same exceptional academic standards regardless of location. AUC's UK Track has quickly established an impressive track record with a 97% first-time residency attainment rate. This makes it a genuinely competitive pathway for doctors who want a career in the UK.
Following the Basic Sciences phase in Preston, students complete their Clinical Sciences phase at AUC's affiliated hospital network, with options in both the United States and the United Kingdom. Students who complete their clinical training in the UK get experience in NHS hospitals.
Graduates of AUC's UK Pathway MD programme are eligible to sit the PLAB test and obtain GMC registration without requiring an individual assessment, which is a significant advantage for those planning to practise in the UK.
The MBBS to MD Pathway is designed for qualified doctors who hold a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree from an accredited university and want to earn an internationally recognised Doctor of Medicine (MD). This pathway is available at both the Sint Maarten campus and the UK
Eligible students are admitted with advanced standing, meaning that prior medical training is taken into account when determining the point of entry into the AUC curriculum. The Admissions Committee reviews each application individually to determine the most appropriate entry level.
All MBBS to MD students must complete a minimum of 2 years of medical education at AUC, with the latest possible entry point being Semester 5 of the Basic Medical Sciences phase.Â
The 6-year BSc to MD Programme is an undergraduate-entry pathway created for students who have just graduated high school. The programme is available exclusively to non-US citizens and is based entirely in the United Kingdom, making it an excellent option for UK-based students or international students who wish to study in England.
Students can complete the 2-year undergraduate BSc component of the programme through either of AUC’s UK partner universities: the University of Wolverhampton or at the University of Lancashire. After completing this phase, students move on to AUC's full 4-year MD curriculum.
Students who opt for this pathway begin by completing an accelerated 2-year BSc (Hons) in Medical Sciences at either university. Upon successful completion, students move on to AUC’s MD track at Preston, where they complete the University of Lancashire’s Postgraduate Diploma in International Medical Sciences.
Students who completed their BSc in Medical Sciences with a score of 2:1 or above can skip semester 1 of the MD programme. This means that you can graduate from the BSc to MD programme in 5 and a half years, rather than the full 6 years.
As part of the curriculum, students must take and pass USMLE Step 1 before proceeding to the Clinical Sciences phase. Clinical rotations are then completed at AUC's affiliated teaching hospitals in the US or UK.
Upon graduation, students receive the same internationally recognised Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree as all other AUC graduates, enabling them to pursue licensure and residency in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and other countries worldwide.
Not sure which pathway is right for you? Medlink Students offers free consultations with our academic advisors to help you make an informed decision on which route is best for you, based on your grades and goals.Â
Book your free consultation here.
AUC operates a rolling admissions policy with 3 intake periods per year: January, May, and September. Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis, and we recommend applying as early as possible to maximise your chances of securing a place in your preferred intake.
There is no entry exam, and every pathway has its own admission requirements, which are as follows:
There is no minimum GPA requirement for the 4-year American University of the Caribbean Doctor of Medicine programme, instead the requirements are:
Additionally, students need to submit a personal statement, 2 letters of recommendation, and a CV.
For both Wolverhampton and Lancashire BSc Medical Sciences routes, the entry requirements are:
In addition to the standard application requirements listed above, MBBS to MD applicants must:
Not sure if you qualify? Sign up for a free consultation with our academic advisors and we will check your eligibility to study at the American University of the Caribbean.
Upon graduating from AUC, students receive an internationally recognised Doctor of Medicine degree that grants eligibility for licensure in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and many other countries around the world.
AUC's academic environment is built around 2 core values: high-quality education and an exceptional learning experience.
The medical school maintains intentionally small class sizes to ensure that every student receives personalised attention from faculty, can ask questions freely, and builds genuine relationships with their professors and peers. Alumni consistently highlight the supportive atmosphere at AUC as 1 of the things that sets it apart.
The systems-based curriculum makes a logical connection between basic sciences and clinical application from the very beginning of the programme, making it much easier to understand and remember the learning material. Rather than going through each subject in isolation, AUC's modules go through anatomy, physiology, pathology, pharmacology, and clinical reasoning within an organ-system framework to mimic the way a practising physician thinks and works.
Assessment is also transparent and fair. It is done via multiple-choice examinations, written assessments, clinical performance assessments, and objective structured clinical examinations (OSCEs).
The AUC med school has also partnered with Google Cloud to offer Year 4 students access to AI certification training as part of their clinical education. This allows AUC's graduates to have certified knowledge and skills on applying artificial intelligence in modern medical practice, a source of major breakthroughs in recent years.
The 80 weeks of clinical training at AUC are divided into:
Core Clerkships consisting of 42 weeks of training in the following medical disciplines:
Elective Rotations consisting of 38 weeks of training, the following specialities and subspecialities:Â
AUC also supports students who wish to participate in medical research by offering independent research electives that can be completed alongside the standard curriculum. These electives are open to students in good academic standing and allow them to initiate or participate in research with mentorship from the AUC faculty.
Students can also join the Scholarly Activities and Research Committee (SARC), which works alongside the Student Government Association to sponsor the Student Research Symposium each semester, where students can present work such as clinical cases, biomedical sciences, social sciences, and medical technology projects.
All AUC med school students, regardless of which programme pathway they follow, have the option to complete their clinical rotations at AUC's extensive network of affiliated teaching hospitals. In total, AUC maintains partnerships with:
Connecticut
Florida
Illinois
Louisiana
Maryland
Michigan
New York
AUC students on the Sint Maarten campus can choose between furnished on-campus accommodation and nearby off-campus housing. The campus dorm charges per semester for a single room and per semester for a double room.
UK Track students study at the University of Lancashire in Preston, 1 of the most affordable student cities in the UK. Here, student accommodation costs between per week for standard rooms and per week for catered options.
Sint Maarten is a beautiful dual-nationality Caribbean island, divided between the Dutch southern side (Sint Maarten) and the French northern side (Saint-Martin). AUC's campus is located in Cupecoy on the Dutch side of the island, just a short distance away from some of the Caribbean's most stunning beaches, restaurants, and local amenities.
Sint Maarten is also 1 of the most cosmopolitan islands in the entire Caribbean, with a population from over 100 nationalities. English is widely spoken across the island, so you don't have to worry about language barriers.Â
All in all, Sint Maarten offers a genuinely unique student experience, thanks to:
Sint Maarten is home to many stunning beaches, all with a different kind of atmosphere. After a week of lectures, you can enjoy the busy Maho Beach, known for its low-flying aircraft or the quieter spots such as Dawn Beach and Simpson Bay.
Princess Juliana International Airport in Sint Maarten is well connected to major cities in the United States and Europe, which makes it easy for students to travel home during holiday breaks. For students who want to explore around the Caribbean, Sint Maarten is very well connected and you can visit neighbouring islands during your free time.
Sint Maarten has an excellent reputation for food and dining, with available French, Dutch, and Caribbean cuisine. The island has a very active social scene, with plenty of restaurants, bars, and events throughout the year. Also, the relaxed and welcoming atmosphere on the island creates an environment where students feel comfortable, safe, and at home.
Students studying in Sint Maarten can enjoy a truly high standard of living. For living expenses you can expect to spend around:Â
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Preston not only has a long history as a university city, but it also has a large and active student community, excellent transport links, and all the facilities you would expect from a well-established university city. But living in Preston comes with several other advantages as well:
Preston is 1 of the most affordable student cities in the UK, with significantly lower rents and day-to-day costs compared to London, Manchester, or Edinburgh. The city is well connected by public transport, and excellent rail connections make it easy to travel around the UK.
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The University of Lancashire’s Preston campus and the city itself are full of restaurants, cafes, sports facilities, clubs, and more. The city also has a growing arts and cultural scene and plenty of outdoor spots and parks, where you can catch a breather.
Preston is very close to some of England's most spectacular countryside. The Lake District National Park is less than an hour's drive away, and the Yorkshire Dales and Forest of Bowland are also easily reachable, perfect for hiking and cycling.
Diversity and inclusion are core values of the American University of the Caribbean. The university welcomes students from over 85 countries, and at both the Sint Maarten campus and the UK programme site in Preston, students from all faiths, cultures, and backgrounds are welcomed and supported.
On the island of Sint Maarten, you can find churches, an Islamic centre and a Chabad. You also have access to cuisine from all over the world, including vegetarian, vegan, halal and kosher food.Â
Although a bit different from living in the Caribbean, Preston is also very inclusive and welcoming and has churches, mosques, and temples to make sure students can practise their faith freely. For food, you can find just as many vegetarian, vegan, halal and kosher options.
The American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine is an outstanding option for students looking for a flexible and globally recognised pathway to becoming a doctor. AUC’s diversity of programmes makes sure students have a viable route, regardless of whether they are a graduate looking to study in the Caribbean, an international student pursuing a 4-year or 6-year programme in the UK, or a qualified doctor wanting to fasttrack and MD.
With a 97% first-time residency attainment rate, more than 8,500 alumni practising internationally, and policies that genuinely put students first, AUC offers an impeccable destination for studying medicine.
Apply for AUC through Medlink Students to receive expert guidance at every stage of the admissions process. Our team has in-depth knowledge of AUC's curriculum, pathways, and requirements, and we will make sure you submit the strongest possible application to maximise your chances of getting accepted.Book a free consultation with our academic advisors to get a free evaluation if you meet the requirements.
Yes, AUC is accredited by the Accreditation Commission on Colleges of Medicine (ACCM), which is the official accreditor for Sint Maarten, the same standard used by the US National Committee on Foreign Medical Education and Accreditation (NCFMEA). In addition, AUC graduates are eligible for both the PLAB test and the USMLE for UK and US licensure, respectively
AUC operates a rolling admissions policy with 3 start dates per year in January, May, and September.
The cost of studying at AUC depends on which programme pathway you choose. For the 4-year MD programme, tuition fees are the same regardless of whether you study in Sint Maarten or the UK:
For the 6-year BSc to MD programme, the first 2 years are completed in the UK and are priced in GBP: £11,750 per year for UK students and £21,000 per year for international students. From Year 3 onward, the fees follow the same structure as the 4-year MD programme above, with the same additional fees applying.
For the 4-year MD programme, you will need a Bachelor's degree from an accredited university, 2 semesters of General Biology and General Chemistry with lab work, and 1 semester of Organic Chemistry or Biochemistry. There is no minimum GPA requirement, but you will need to submit MCAT scores or equivalent.
For the 6-year BSc to MD programme, the requirements are BBB at A-level, GCSE English and Maths, and 1 or 2 science A-levels, depending on the partner university.
MCAT scores are required for US citizens and US permanent residents. Non-US applicants are not required to take the MCAT, but are encouraged to submit results from their country's equivalent medical admissions test, such as the UCAT for UK students, NEET for students from India, or GAMSAT for Australian students. Please note that AUC will not consider MCAT or UCAT scores more than 5 years old.
AUC's admissions can also approve non-US applications without a formal admissions test on a case-by-case basis.
Yes, you can study at AUC without a Bachelor’s degree through the 6-year BSc to MD pathway in the UK. Students complete a 2-year BSc (Hons) in Medical Sciences at either the University of Wolverhampton or the University of Lancashire in Preston, before progressing into AUC's MD curriculum. If students complete their BSc in Medical Sciences with a grade of 2:1, they can skip semester 1 of the Medical Sciences phase of the MD and graduate in 5 and a half years.
Both pathways lead to the same AUC Doctor of Medicine degree and follow the same US-style curriculum, the main difference is the location. Additionally, the AUC medical school St Maarten campus pathway is open to US citizens, US permanent residents, and international students, while the UK Pathway is available exclusively to non-US citizens. Both pathways progress to the same clinical sciences phase at AUC's affiliated hospitals in the US or UK.
Yes. Graduates of AUC are eligible to sit the PLAB (Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board) test and obtain GMC registration. Students who complete their clinical rotations at one of AUC's 8 UK-affiliated hospital teaching sites gain direct NHS experience, which can be a significant advantage for a UK medical career.
AUC has a 97% first-time residency attainment rate for graduates over the last 3 academic years, which is comparable to top accredited US and Canadian medical schools. AUC's UK Track has also achieved a 97% first-time residency attainment rate.
The MBBS to MD Pathway is for qualified doctors who hold an MBBS degree from an accredited university and want to convert their qualification to an internationally recognised Doctor of Medicine (MD). Eligible students are admitted with advanced standing, which means that their prior medical training is taken into account when determining their entry point into the AUC curriculum. The pathway is available at both the Sint Maarten campus and the UK programme site.
Yes, AUC welcomes transfer applicants from other accredited medical schools. Each transfer application is reviewed individually by the admissions committee to determine the most appropriate point of entry into the curriculum. If you are currently enrolled at another medical school and considering a transfer, contact Medlink Students for personalised guidance on transfer options and eligibility.
