| Course Level: | Bachelor's | |
|---|---|---|
| Course Duration: | 6 Years | |
| Course Language: | English | |
| Required Degree | Class 12th | |
Location: Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands (British Overseas Territory)
Founded: 1997
Programs Offered:
Doctor of Medicine (MD) program
Basic Sciences (Years 1–2, completed in Grand Cayman)
Clinical Sciences (Years 3–4, completed in affiliated hospitals, mainly in the U.S.)
Language of Instruction: English
Accreditation:
Accredited by the Accreditation Commission on Colleges of Medicine (ACCM)
Recognized by the World Directory of Medical Schools
Graduates are eligible to write USMLE exams (United States) and MCCQE (Canada), subject to specific licensing requirements
St. Matthew’s attracts a number of Canadian and U.S. students who plan to return to their home countries for residency and medical practice.
Graduates must pass the Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Exams (MCCQE) and complete residency in Canada to become licensed physicians there.
It is considered a "non-Canadian international medical school", and thus returning to practice in Canada can be competitive and requires planning.
Bachelor’s degree or 90 credit hours of undergraduate coursework (science focus preferred)
MCAT recommended (may be required for some applicants)
English proficiency for non-native speakers
Duration: Approximately 4 years
Divided into two main phases:
Basic Sciences – 5 semesters (first 2 years), taught on the Grand Cayman campus
Clinical Sciences (Clerkships) – 6 semesters (last 2 years), completed at affiliated hospitals in the U.S. and Canada
Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, Pathology, Microbiology
Clinical rotations include Internal Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics, Psychiatry, Family Medicine, and OB/GYN
Students who have not completed the required undergraduate coursework for direct entry into the MD program
1 to 2 years, depending on the student’s prior academic background
General Biology, General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Physics, English, and Mathematics
The language of instruction is English
The MD program prepares students for USMLE (United States) and MCCQE (Canada) licensing exams
Clinical rotations are arranged in teaching hospitals in the U.S. and sometimes Canada
Program Name |
Duration |
Tuition Fees Per Year (USD) |
|---|---|---|
|
Pre-Medical Program |
1 to 2 years |
~$18,490 per year |
All courses are taught in English.
No additional language test is required if your previous education was in English. Otherwise, proof of English proficiency (e.g., TOEFL/IELTS) may be needed.
Bachelor's degree or at least 90 undergraduate credit hours (with science prerequisites like Biology, Chemistry, Physics)
MCAT recommended (especially for U.S. and Canadian applicants)
Transcripts, letters of recommendation, personal statement, and interview
Students will need to obtain a student visa for the Cayman Islands, which the university assists with after admission.
A passport is required, and international students must maintain full-time enrollment.
Tuition ranges from ~$18,000 to $26,000 USD per year, depending on the program phase.
Additional costs: housing, travel, health insurance, books, and living expenses.
Final two years of the MD program are completed in affiliated teaching hospitals in the U.S. (and sometimes Canada), subject to visa eligibility.
Students planning to return to Canada or other countries must:
Pass USMLE or MCCQE exams
Apply for residency through competitive matching systems (e.g., CaRMS in Canada)
Meet licensing requirements of their medical regulatory authority
Doctor of Medicine (MD): For students with a bachelor’s degree or 90+ credit hours.
Pre-Medical Program: For students who need to complete prerequisites before entering the MD program.
Bachelor’s degree or at least 90 undergraduate credit hours
Science prerequisites: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, English
MCAT (recommended, may be required for U.S./Canadian applicants)
English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS if English is not your first language)
High school diploma or equivalent with strong performance in sciences
Official academic transcripts
MCAT scores (if available)
Personal statement
Resume or CV
Two letters of recommendation
Proof of English proficiency (if required)
Passport copy
Apply directly through the St. Matthew’s University website
Pay the non-refundable application fee (usually around $75 USD)
If your application is shortlisted, you'll be invited to a virtual interview with the admissions committee to discuss your academic goals, motivation for medicine, and suitability for the program.
After review, you'll receive a formal offer of admission via email.
If accepted, you will also receive guidance on:
Visa process for the Cayman Islands
Housing options
Required immunizations and health insurance
Pay the seat deposit to secure your place (usually $500–$1,000 USD)
Finalize documents and prepare for relocation (if required)
St. Matthew’s offers three intakes per year for both the MD and Pre-Medical programs:
January
May
September
This flexible admission cycle allows students to begin their medical education without waiting an entire year.
Academic Requirements:
A bachelor’s degree or at least 90 credit hours of undergraduate coursework
Completion of key science prerequisites:
Biology with lab
General Chemistry with lab
Organic Chemistry with lab
Physics
English/English Literature
Standardized Tests:
MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) is recommended, and often required for U.S. and Canadian applicants
Other Requirements:
Personal statement
Letters of recommendation
Resume/CV
Interview (online)
Proof of English proficiency if your education was not in English (e.g., IELTS or TOEFL)
Academic Requirements:
High school diploma or equivalent
Strong performance in science and math subjects
Purpose:
Designed for students who do not yet meet the science prerequisites for the MD program
Usually 1 to 2 years long, depending on prior academic background
TOEFL: Minimum score of 550 (paper-based) or 80 (internet-based)
IELTS: Minimum overall band of 6.5
Exemption available for applicants from English-speaking countries or with English-medium education
Scholarship Name |
Eligibility Criteria |
Benefit |
Application Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Canadian Student Scholarship |
Canadian citizens/permanent residents with strong academics |
Up to $18,000 USD total |
Automatically considered upon application |
|
Academic Merit Scholarship |
High GPA and MCAT score; outstanding academic background |
Up to $15,000 USD total |
Submit transcripts and MCAT scores |
|
Veterans & Active Duty Scholarship |
U.S. military veterans or active-duty personnel |
Variable – partial tuition support |
Proof of military status |
|
Alumni Family Scholarship |
Family member of a St. Matthew’s graduate |
Up to $2,000 USD |
Proof of relation to alumnus |
|
Graduate Entry Scholarship |
Applicants with advanced degrees (e.g., MSc, PhD) |
Up to $10,000 USD total |
Provide transcripts of prior degrees |
|
Pre-Med to MD Scholarship |
Students completing Pre-Med at St. Matthew’s and advancing to MD |
Up to $5,000 USD |
Automatic upon transition to MD program |
Facility |
Availability |
Details |
Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Academic Campus |
Yes |
Located in Grand Cayman; includes classrooms, labs, library, study areas |
Included in tuition |
|
Student Housing (Off-Campus) |
Yes (University-arranged apartments nearby) |
Fully furnished apartments; shared or private options available |
~$3,000–$4,000 per semester |
|
Housing Features |
Yes |
Includes kitchen, internet, laundry, utilities |
Usually included in rent |
|
Meal Plans |
No |
Students prepare their own meals in apartment kitchens |
(~$150–$300/month) |
|
Transportation |
Limited university shuttles available |
Many students walk or bike to campus |
Minimal (if living near campus) |
|
Recreational Facilities |
Limited (off-campus options available) |
Students use local gyms, beaches, and island amenities |
Personal expense |
Medical education is rigorous, with a structured curriculum centered around small class sizes, hands-on lab work, and close faculty interaction.
Students spend the first two years in Basic Sciences on the Cayman campus, followed by clinical rotations in the U.S. and sometimes Canada.
Students come from across the world, especially Canada, the U.S., the Caribbean, and Asia.
A collaborative culture is encouraged, and peer support is common in study groups and exam prep sessions.
The campus offers modern classrooms, labs, a library, and study areas.
Although smaller than traditional university campuses, it is designed to support focused medical learning.
Student organizations include the Student Government Association, Canadian Student Association, and various medical interest groups (e.g., surgery, pediatrics, global health).
Activities include guest lectures, wellness events, health fairs, and community service.
Grand Cayman offers a relaxing environment with beaches, snorkeling, and outdoor sports.
Students often balance study with weekend activities like hiking, diving, and beach outings.
Island living is relatively safe and English-speaking, making it accessible for international students.
Academic support, counseling, and housing assistance are available.
Faculty members are approachable and invested in student success.
Graduates participate in the U.S. National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) and the Canadian Residency Matching Service (CaRMS).
Many students match into residencies in the United States across specialties such as internal medicine, family medicine, pediatrics, and psychiatry.
Canadian students may face a more competitive process to return home, but some successfully match into Canadian residencies after completing exams like the MCCQE.
The curriculum is designed to prepare students for the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Steps 1 and 2.
Passing USMLE Step 1 is crucial for obtaining a clinical rotation placement and residency match in the U.S.
The last two years of the MD program involve clinical rotations in affiliated teaching hospitals across the U.S. (and occasionally Canada), offering real-world experience.
These rotations are critical for gaining letters of recommendation and building a residency application.
The university provides advising for residency applications, including personal statement help, interview preparation, and timeline guidance.
There is no job placement service post-residency.
Estimated Acceptance Rate: Around 40% to 60%
This is significantly more accessible than Canadian or U.S. medical schools, which often have acceptance rates below 10%.
Admissions Approach:
Emphasizes holistic review — academic history, personal motivation, letters of recommendation, and interview performance
MCAT is recommended but not always required
Offers a Pre-Medical Program for students who do not meet direct MD entry requirements
As an offshore medical school, St. Matthew’s provides an alternative path for students who may not gain entry into highly competitive North American programs
Focuses on producing licensed physicians eligible for USMLE and MCCQE
Designed to serve international students, especially from Canada, the U.S., and the Caribbean
Official Name: St. Matthew’s University School of Medicine
Campus Address:
St. Matthew’s University
Lime Tree Bay Avenue
Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands
P.O. Box 32323
KY1-1209
