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MBBS

Course Level: Bachelor's
Course Duration: 6 Years
Course Language: English
Required Degree Class 12th

About University

About St. Matthew's University School of Medicine, Canada
 

Key Information about St. Matthew’s University School of Medicine:

  • 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

For Canadian Students:

  • 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.

Admissions Overview:

  • 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

Study in Canada


Course Programs at St. Matthew's University School of Medicine, Canada
 

1. Doctor of Medicine (MD) Program

Structure:

  • 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

Curriculum Highlights:

  • Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, Pathology, Microbiology

  • Clinical rotations include Internal Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics, Psychiatry, Family Medicine, and OB/GYN

2. Pre-Medical Program

Who It’s For:

  • Students who have not completed the required undergraduate coursework for direct entry into the MD program

Duration:

  • 1 to 2 years, depending on the student’s prior academic background

Subjects Covered:

  • General Biology, General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Physics, English, and Mathematics

Special Notes:

  • 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

Universities in Canada


Bachelor Course Programs at St. Matthew's University School of Medicine, Canada 
 

Program Name

Duration

Tuition Fees Per Year (USD)

Pre-Medical Program

1 to 2 years

~$18,490 per year

 

M.Arch (Master of Architecture) in Canada


St. Matthew's University School of Medicine, Canada for International Students
 

Key Information for International Students:

1. Language of Instruction

  • 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.

2. Admission Requirements

  • 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

3. Visa and Immigration

  • 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.

4. Tuition and Fees

  • 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.

5. Clinical Rotations

  • Final two years of the MD program are completed in affiliated teaching hospitals in the U.S. (and sometimes Canada), subject to visa eligibility.

6. Returning to Home Country

  • 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


Admission Process of St. Matthew's University School of Medicine, Canada
 

1. Choose a Program

  • 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.

2. Meet Admission Requirements

For 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)

For the Pre-Med Program:

  • High school diploma or equivalent with strong performance in sciences

3. Prepare Required Documents

  • Official academic transcripts

  • MCAT scores (if available)

  • Personal statement

  • Resume or CV

  • Two letters of recommendation

  • Proof of English proficiency (if required)

  • Passport copy

4. Submit Online Application

  • Apply directly through the St. Matthew’s University website

  • Pay the non-refundable application fee (usually around $75 USD)

5. Interview

  • 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.

6. Admission Decision

  • 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

7. Enrollment and Deposit

  • Pay the seat deposit to secure your place (usually $500–$1,000 USD)

  • Finalize documents and prepare for relocation (if required)


Intake And Eligibility of St. Matthew's University School of Medicine, Canada
 

Intake Periods

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.

Eligibility Criteria

1. Doctor of Medicine (MD) Program

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)

2. Pre-Medical Program

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

English Language Requirements (for Non-Native Speakers)

  • 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 Available at St. Matthew's University School of Medicine, Canada
 

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


St. Matthew's University School of Medicine, Canada Campus & Accommodation Facilities
 

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


Students Life at St. Matthew's University School of Medicine, Canada
 

Key Aspects of Student Life at St. Matthew’s:

1. Academic Focus

  • 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.

2. Community and Diversity

  • 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.

3. Campus Life

  • 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.

4. Extracurricular Activities

  • 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.

5. Island Lifestyle

  • 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.

6. Support Services

  • Academic support, counseling, and housing assistance are available.

  • Faculty members are approachable and invested in student success.


Placements in St. Matthew's University School of Medicine, Canada
 

Key Facts About Residency Placements at St. Matthew’s:

1. Residency Match 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.

2. USMLE Preparation

  • 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.

3. Clinical Rotations

  • 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.

4. Career Support

  • The university provides advising for residency applications, including personal statement help, interview preparation, and timeline guidance.

  • There is no job placement service post-residency.


Acceptance Rate of St. Matthew's University School of Medicine, Canada
 

Estimated Acceptance Insights:

  • 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

Why the Rate Is Higher:

  • 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


Campus Location of St. Matthew's University School of Medicine, Canada
 

Campus Location Details:

  • 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

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