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Located in: Caribbean
University motto: “Knowledge for life”
The American University of Barbados (AUB) is a private medical school located in Wildey, Saint Michael, on the Caribbean Commonwealth island of Barbados. The university was founded in 2011 and is fully accredited by the Caribbean Accreditation Authority for Education in Medicine and other Health Professions (CAAM-HP), ensuring that its medical programmes meet the highest international standards.
The school offers 2 internationally recognised MD programmes that combine comprehensive theoretical learning with practical, hands-on training. As part of the curriculum, students at AUB gain clinical experience through rotations at top hospitals in the United States and the Caribbean.
AUB prides itself on providing high-quality medical education that equips students with the necessary knowledge and skills for successful careers in medicine worldwide.
The American University of Barbados offers the following programmes:
Transfers at the American University of Barbados are accepted and considered on a case-by-case basis. To be eligible for a transfer, applicants must have attended another accredited medical school and provide official transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement.
The tuition fees for the MD programmes at the American University of Barbados are structured by programme phase and are charged per semester.
The admission requirements at The American University of Barbados School of Medicine for each of the MD programmes are:
Please note that AUB operates on a rolling admissions basis, and applicants can apply at any time during the year. However, there is only a limited number of spots for each cohort, so applying as early as possible will maximise your chances of getting accepted.
Admission to AUB is very competitive, due to the medical school’s prestigious standing and limited number of seats available each year. With its strong international recognition and reputation for training skilled medical professionals, AUB attracts students from all over the world, making a well-prepared application essential for success. A stand-out application includes a strong CV, 2 recommendations and notarised and legalised academic documents. But there’s no need to worry because our experienced admissions team is here to guide you through every step of the application process and give you the best chance of success. With us by your side, you can forget about the struggle of applying on your own and concentrate on your medical studies ahead of you.
AUB uses an innovative, interdisciplinary “Layered Learning” curriculum systematically demonstrates how theoretical concepts and clinical skills connect across both basic and clinical sciences.This not only promotes critical thinking over isolated memorisation, but also ensures that students develop both the theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed for a successful career in medicine across the world.
AUB further accomplishes this by using intentionally small class sizes to facilitate personalised attention, active learning and direct interaction with the teaching faculty. Additionally, the campus is equipped with state-of-the-art educational technology, including interactive 3D animations, simulations, and computer-based evaluation platforms, to deepen medical understanding and develop clinical skills before moving on to training with real patients.
Afterwards, students move on to get hands-on experience in hospitals and clinics throughout the Caribbean and the United States. AUB’s curriculum is designed to align with the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) standards, ensuring that students are well-prepared for medical licensure in the United States.
For students looking to become doctors in the UK, AUB fulfils all GMC criteria. The medical school has several graduates who have successfully registered with the GMC and become practising doctors in the UK.
The 4-Year MD Programme at AUB focuses on Basic Sciences and Clinical Sciences, offering a streamlined path for students who are ready to kickstart their medical education.
In the 1st phase (Basic Sciences - 5 semesters), students undertake an intensive Basic Sciences curriculum that covers key subjects to build the foundational knowledge needed to understand the complexities of human health. This includes:
In the 2nd phase (Clinical Sciences - 8 semesters), students gain hands-on experience through clinical rotations. These clinical placements allow students to apply their theoretical knowledge in real-world healthcare settings, ensuring they are well-prepared for medical licensure exams and practice.
Core rotations at this phase include:
After going through these, students can choose from 34 elective rotations for a total of 24 extra weeks of clinical rotations.
The 5½-Year MD Programme at AUB is designed for students who have completed secondary school and wish to pursue a career in medicine. This programme provides a comprehensive educational experience, beginning with a Pre-Medical phase (4 semesters) that prepares students for the main programme.
During this phase, students study the essential subjects to build a strong base for medical studies, including:
After completing this step, students move on to the main 4-year MD course.
1 of the standout features of AUB is its on-campus medical clinic, which gives students the opportunity to interact with patients and healthcare professionals from the beginning of their medical education.
Upon entering the Clinical Sciences Phase, students begin their rotations at one of AUB’s affiliated hospitals in the United States or the Caribbean, which include:
At the core of the world-class medical education at the American University of Barbados is its modern campus that incorporates the latest technological developments into its curriculum, including:
3D medical animations that simplify complex anatomy and physiology by visually depicting dynamic body systems.
3D Anatomy model, Anatomage™ table and manikins for tactile, kinesthetic learning with scoring software to let students practise examinations and emergency procedures on lifelike manikins and animated models.
Medical simulation games with gamified scenarios ranging from basic patient evaluations to emergency interventions and simulated surgeries, training reflexes and decision-making in a low-risk, immersive environment.
Medico Skills, an in-house computer-based evaluation platform where students practise and self-assess clinical procedures at their own pace to sharpen their skills through immediate, data-driven feedback.
CARE (Computer-Aided Revision and Evaluation), an app-based revision system that turns daily lesson reviews into interactive quizzes to help students shift their knowledge into long-term memory through spaced and interactive practice.
Research at AUB is an essential component of the student experience. The medical school provides students with opportunities to engage in research activities that enhance their understanding of medical sciences, which also includes independent clinical research electives.
The university publishes its own peer-reviewed journal, Era's Journal of Medical Research (EJMR), which serves as a platform for students and faculty to contribute to the advancement of medical knowledge. AUB also actively promotes research initiatives through events such as the Annual Research Open Day, where students present their research findings and engage in discussions with peers and faculty.
Barbados is a prosperous island nation with 1 of the highest standards of living in the Caribbean.
The island is equipped with modern infrastructure, reliable healthcare and a stable, English-speaking society with strong international links. As a member of the Commonwealth of Nations, Barbados and students studying here benefit from educational and cultural exchanges with the UK and other member states.
The island nation is also a founding member of CARICOM (Caribbean Community), through which students can benefit from international collaborations on regional health, research and student-mobility initiatives. Barbados is also a WTO (World Trade Organisation) member, which helps ensure an open, trade-friendly economy, making Barbados both a thriving and well-connected place to live and study. This also includes:
Beautiful beaches and nature
The AUB campus in Wildey, Saint Michael, is just a short walk from several beautiful beaches and coastal trails, absolutely perfect for a quick swim or sunset walk between classes. Whether you want to go snorkelling in the crystal-clear waters of Carlisle Bay or go hiking through forests of mahogany and almond trees along the Maxwell Coast Road, there’s always something fun and exciting within reach.
Culture and community
Barbados is renowned for its warm and friendly locals, who are known for their hospitality and welcoming nature. Students at AUB quickly become part of the island's multicultural community, with many opportunities to engage with local traditions, culture, and people. The university regularly hosts events, celebrations, and festivals to give students the chance to learn about Barbadian life and make memories for a lifetime.
Festivals and events
The island regularly hosts festivals and cultural events throughout the year, including the Crop Over Festival, the Oistins Fish Festival, local Christmas and New Year Celebrations, and much more.
High quality of Life
Barbados offers a high quality of life at a reasonable cost, especially compared to studying in the US. On average, students can expect to spend between per month (including rent). Of course, this depends on your respective lifestyle and choice of accommodation.
Diversity is celebrated in Barbados, and students from all backgrounds, nationalities and faiths are welcomed with open arms. This is especially true for the American University of Barbados, as they pride themselves on the diverse and inclusive student body they have.
To ensure that all students and residents can practise their beliefs freely, Barbados has a variety of places of worship, including mosques, churches, and a restored historic synagogue. This is also true for the food scene on the island, where everyone can find something to eat based on their dietary needs. This includes halal, kosher, vegetarian and vegan options.
Best of all, Barbados is known for its low crime rates and peaceful environment, making it a safe and ideal destination for students and visiting parents.
Applying to AUB through Medlink Students gives students access to exclusive benefits and expert guidance throughout the application process. This includes the complete support package of the Student Success Programme, a comprehensive, all-in-1 support programme offering personalised tutoring, career workshops, mentorship and wellbeing services to guide you from your very first lecture right through to graduation and beyond.
With Medlink Students, you’ll have all the tools and support you need to succeed at the American University of Barbados. Start your application today with a free consultation with our expert academic advisors to learn more about how we can help you achieve your dream of becoming a doctor.
The American University of Barbados School of Medicine is located in Wildey, Saint Michael, Barbados.
The AUB tuition fees depend on the programme phase as follows:
Yes, you can transfer to the American University of Barbados School of Medicine. Transfers are considered on a case-by-case basis for applicants who have attended another accredited medical school and provide official transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement.
Yes, all programmes at AUB School of Medicine are completely in English. English is the official language of Barbados.
AUB operates on a rolling admissions basis, which lets students apply at any time during the year. However, the seats are limited, and it's recommended to submit applications as early as possible to maximise their chances of getting accepted.
The American University of Barbados is accredited and internationally recognised. Graduates from AUB have gone on to become doctors in the US, UK, Europe, and more.
There is no entrance exam to study medicine at the American University of Barbados School of Medicine.
Yes, AUB offers a 5½-year MD programme for students who have completed high school. This programme includes a Pre-Medical phase, followed by the standard 4-year MD course.
Clinical rotations are conducted in a variety of hospitals across the United States and the Caribbean.
All international students must obtain a Barbados Student Visa (Form H-2) before arrival. For it, you’ll need a letter of acceptance from AUB, a copy of your passport, evidence of sufficient funds for tuition and living expenses, and a police certificate of character.
If this sounds like a bit much for you, there’s no need to worry, because Medlink Students provides full Visa support when you apply with us.
