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Caribbean Medical University stands as a prominent institution among Caribbean medical schools, having been established by the Caribbean Medical University Foundation and officially registered on the island of Curacao. The university enjoys the backing of the Government of Curacao.
With a distinctive vision, the university aims to equip students for advanced medical training in ACGME-accredited American teaching hospitals. To achieve this, the university has adopted a U.S. standard curriculum that mirrors the esteemed approach of North American LCME/AAMC colleges of medicine. This curriculum focuses on cultivating Higher Order Thinking Skills, encompassing knowledge, comprehension, application, analysis, synthesis, and evaluation—attributes crucially assessed in USMLE Step I exams, moving beyond mere factual memorization.
Caribbean Medical University is actively shaping a novel paradigm of medical education, one poised to amplify the university’s capacity to catalyze transformative change in healthcare. This innovative outlook integrates cross-disciplinary teaching methods, groundbreaking technologies, and progressive strategies to elevate training in both foundational science and clinical proficiencies across the medical school syllabus. Furthermore, the university aspires to deepen students’ grasp of academic medicine, fostering a generation of physicians prepared to influence the trajectory of their future careers and make enduring contributions to the field.
Caribbean Medical University presents several distinctive advantages when weighed against its counterparts in the realm of medical education—a set of considerations that may guide prospective students’ deliberations prior to reaching a final decision. While the institution acknowledges the journey ahead in attaining an impeccable status, it remains resolute in its commitment to expedite the realization of its aspirations, earning trust and renown in the process.
For Caribbean Medical University, empty assurances hold no appeal. Instead, the institution opts to showcase tangible progress, inviting individuals to acquaint themselves with the current advantages it offers:
In charting its trajectory, Caribbean Medical University forgoes mere assertions, opting to present tangible achievements that substantiate its commitment to cultivating exceptional medical professionals.
The island of Curacao emerges as a premier destination for medical education within the Caribbean, situated in the southern expanse of the Caribbean Sea adjacent to Venezuela’s northwest coast. Notably, it stands as the largest and most renowned among the trio of ABC islands—Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao—functioning as an autonomous entity within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The vibrant Willemstad serves as its capital.
Celebrated for its vibrant coral reefs, Curacao beckons scuba diving enthusiasts to its depths, presenting an exceptional haven for underwater exploration. The island’s southern coastline boasts an array of sought-after diving sites. Distinguished by its distinctive geography, the sea floor dramatically descends just a stone’s throw from the shore, permitting access to the reefs without requiring maritime transport. A tapestry of bays and inlets lines the Curacao coast, many of which are apt for secure anchoring.
Frequent visitors to the island often echo the sentiment that a solitary trip doesn’t suffice to fully indulge in all that Curacao offers. Upon subsequent visits, the refrain remains, albeit with an appended observation: “It is the warmth and friendliness of the people” that draws them back year after year. True to this sentiment, Curacao extends beyond its scenic charm. An effervescent nightlife, captivating attractions, and a constellation of world-class eateries augment the experience. As newcomers step onto the island, they arrive as visitors; as they depart, they are embraced as cherished friends.
Curacao, situated in the southern part of the Caribbean Sea between Aruba and Bonaire, stands as the largest and most populous island among the ABC islands. Positioned approximately 35 miles off Venezuela’s northern coast and 800 miles north of the Equator, the island stretches across 38 miles in length and ranges from 2 to 8 miles in width. The southwestern leeward coast is adorned with stunning beaches, while its geographic coordinates place it within the Atlantic Standard Time Zone, an hour ahead of U.S. Eastern Standard Time, aligning with Eastern Daylight Time.
Curacao observes the Atlantic Standard Time year-round, akin to Eastern Daylight Savings Time. The time difference between European Time and Curacao Time amounts to either 5 or 6 hours, contingent on the observance of Summer or Winter time.
With a population exceeding 170,000, Curacao boasts a diverse demographic, predominantly of African or mixed African and European heritage. A rich tapestry of over 50 distinct ethnic backgrounds contributes to the island’s international character. While Papiamentu is the native tongue, Curacaoans exhibit multilingual prowess, fluent in English, Dutch, and Spanish from their third-grade schooling onward.
Shielded from the hurricane belt, Curacao enjoys a sun-soaked and arid climate, with annual rainfall averaging merely 22 inches. The rainy season, confined to November and December, scarcely interrupts the prevailing sunshine. Despite the consistent brilliance of the sun, the trade winds lend an island-wide cooling effect, maintaining an average temperature of around 86 degrees Fahrenheit (30 Celsius).
Major airlines including American Airlines, Avianca Airlines, Insel-Air, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Servivensa Airlines, Aeropostal, and Air Jamaica serve Curacao. Flight durations from select cities are approximately 2.5 hours from Miami and 6 hours from Chicago.
For U.S. citizens, a valid passport and return ticket within six months suffice, while most other nationals necessitate a passport and valid return ticket within four months. Curacao’s Immigration Department orchestrates the application process for a student resident permit, facilitating extended stays beyond three months. However, students are precluded from employment on the island under a student visa.
Curacao adheres to the North American voltage standard of 110 volts AC. Consequently, European appliances designed for 220 volts are generally incompatible, unless equipped with a converter.
Banks operate from Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The airport bank maintains hours from Monday through Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and on Sundays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Several bank branches provide ATMs dispensing U.S. dollars, a currency widely accepted on the island. Travelers Checks and major Credit Cards are universally recognized, with Debit Cards functional at large retail establishments. The national currency, the Netherlands Antillean guilder (also known as the florin), is pegged to the U.S. dollar at a stable exchange rate.
Direct dialing from Curacao employs the international circuit code 00, followed by the country code, area code, and the number. The island’s international telephone country code is 5999, with 011-5999 serving as the code to dial Curacao from the U.S. International calling cards are widely accessible. Internet service is affordably provided by local providers.
Famed for its safety, Curacao remains a secure Caribbean destination, although isolated incidents may occur. Prudence dictates safeguarding valuables on the beach or in rentals. Adhering to sun safety is vital, particularly between 10 AM and 3 PM. Protective measures like sunscreen, sunglasses, hats, and beach cover-ups are advised. To counter sunburn, ample hydration, cooling baths, Aloe Vera-infused lotions, and rest are recommended. Sunstroke, particularly concerning children, the overweight, and the elderly, can be identified by symptoms like dizziness, fever, headaches, and nausea.
While Curacao is comparatively less humid than other Caribbean islands, mosquitoes may pose a concern during the rainy season and at night. Repellents are accessible at pharmacies and supermarkets. The island is free from malaria and similar tropical illnesses, eliminating the need for vaccinations. Upholding high hygiene standards, Curacao rarely experiences gastro-intestinal complaints. Minor ailments can be managed with standard US and European over-the-counter medications available at local pharmacies, known as “Botika’s.”
Several medical centers grace the island, with the St. Elisabeth Hospital leading in modernity and equipment within the region. Accessible within a 20-minute radius from virtually any point on the island, it stands as a testament to Curacao’s commitment to health care excellence.
Admission procedures to the Caribbean medical school are subject to variation across different institutions. The Admissions Department functions as the primary resource for guiding interested individuals through the process of applying to the medical school.
The institution’s official website offers a comprehensive guide, outlining step-by-step details of the admission procedure. This includes an in-depth overview of eligibility criteria, specific requirements, mandatory submissions, and application protocols. Prospective students are encouraged to make use of the provided contact information, which encompasses mailing addresses, email support, telephone assistance, and live support services. This facilitates direct communication with the Admissions Department for addressing queries or apprehensions regarding enrollment.
As an aspiring medical student, candidates seek an educational institution that fosters their journey towards achieving a Doctor of Medicine Diploma. Caribbean Medical University stands as a dedicated establishment committed to equipping students to successfully navigate the USMLE exams and ultimately attain eligibility to practice medicine.
The application process for medical school transcends the mere completion of an application form; it’s a comprehensive and involved journey. It commences far earlier than the submission of an application and encompasses prerequisites completion, consultations with pre-med advisors and committees, MCAT examination, exemplary performance in pre-med coursework, and active participation in extracurricular activities.
Within the admissions framework, applications are assessed in a rolling manner, with the Admissions Department consistently evaluating submissions. Invitations for interviews and eventual placement offers in the incoming classes are extended in tandem with this procedure. The selection process operates on a first-come-first-serve basis, implying that available slots in the classes are gradually filled as the committee conducts interviews and extends offers. The dynamic nature of this process is notable; with each week of interviews, the available positions decrease due to incoming offers, while the number of applications keeps increasing. As such, early application submission is a strategic move to enhance one’s prospects of securing acceptance, given the progressively competitive landscape.
Provision of Official Transcripts:
Academic Transcripts from non-U.S./Canadian Schools:
High/Secondary School Transcripts:
Caribbean Medical University offers a range of scholarships through its Institutional Aid Programs. Students who believe they can demonstrate financial need and/or academic excellence, and meet the specified criteria, are encouraged to apply for these scholarships. While an applicant’s submission may be considered for multiple programs, typically, a recipient will be granted only one type of scholarship.
Tuition scholarships are provided to eligible members of each scholarship group, with recipients receiving a rebate of up to 50% of their tuition. Full cost of attendance awards are not available. To enable students to plan for their financial responsibilities associated with attending Caribbean Medical University School of Medicine, most applications and awards are processed prior to the student’s enrollment in the program or for the entire program duration.
The selection of scholarship recipients is overseen by CMU’s Committees and Departments, following guidelines established by the Office of Financial Aid. Award decisions take into account academic excellence, family financial need, fund availability from the school, and adherence to scholarship-specific criteria. All awards are intended to offset tuition costs and are directly credited to students’ accounts each term by the Office of Student Finances.
This award is aimed at prospective students who have showcased remarkable academic achievements before their acceptance into Caribbean Medical University School of Medicine or have achieved strong scores on the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT).
All admitted applicants who meet the award’s criteria are automatically considered; a separate application is not required. Recipients will be notified about a month before the semester’s start date, provided that funds are available for that semester. Applying early enhances the likelihood of approval. The Admission Excellence Award cannot be deferred to another semester.
Several tuition scholarships are offered each semester to students who have demonstrated academic excellence during their studies in Curacao. Awardees must also align with the high moral and ethical standards outlined in the Student Honor Code. The final decision regarding these scholarships is made by the Dean of the Premedical Program and the Dean of Basic Science.
Dedicated to the Dean of Clinical Science, a prominent figure in medical education, these partial tuition scholarships are granted to students who have excelled in the Clinical Science Program. Eligibility is based on high scores in USMLE Step 1 or outstanding achievements during the program.
Caribbean Medical University offers support to Curacao’s educational growth by providing opportunities for low-income Antillean citizens to study medicine. This scholarship awards five full scholarships per semester. Applicants must be accepted by the Office of Admissions and approved by the Financial Aid Office. The scholarship covers full tuition and administrative fees. Curacao students not meeting the scholarship requirements are offered a discounted tuition rate of 50%.
This scholarship is granted each semester to a current or former member of the Student Government Association (SGA) who has participated in extracurricular activities, community service, or the development of Caribbean Medical University School of Medicine. Applicants should have been associated with SGA for at least one full semester.
Educational Background Requirement:
High/Secondary School Diploma and Official Transcripts
Language Proficiency Requirement:
TOEFL: Minimum score of 60 or IELTS: Minimum score of 6.0 (if applicable)
Credit Hours Requirement:
A minimum of 90 credit hours of college-level courses
Educational Background Requirement:
Bachelor’s degree or at least 90 credit hours of accredited undergraduate studies
Additional Considerations:
MCAT scores (optional)
TOEFL: Minimum score of 60 or IELTS: Minimum score of 6.0 (if applicable)
Studies in Social Science taken into consideration
GPA and Qualification:
Strong letters of recommendation for lower GPA scores
Preferential consideration for satisfactory MCAT scores or bachelor’s degree
Interview Possibility:
Personal interview may be requested at the discretion of the Admissions Committee
Evaluation Requirement:
Submission of an evaluation report for U.S. equivalence and GPA
Translation required if transcripts are not in English
Type of Evaluation Report:
General evaluation report and GPA for High/Secondary Schools, IB Programs, or equivalent
Course-by-course evaluation and GPA for colleges or universities, or equivalent
Medical College Admission Test (MCAT):
Optional, but highly encouraged
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL):
Minimum score of 60
International English Language Testing System (IELTS):
Minimum score requirement
Review and Evaluation:
Review of applications from countries with comparable educational standards to the US
Educational Requirement:
Successful completion of secondary school (12 years post-kindergarten)
Language Proficiency Requirement:
TOEFL or IELTS for non-English native speakers
Information:
Transfer student requirements available on the dedicated transfer student information page
The Caribbean Medical University (CMU) has designed its tuition structure to be “student-friendly,” aiming to make the pursuit of a medical career more affordable for every interested student. Tuition and fees for medical school are required to be paid before the commencement of each trimester. Additionally, other school-related fees are expected to be paid within 30 days of the invoice date. All students who pay tuition and fees are entitled to access university services and facilities, including Library Services and Computer Rooms, among other education-related services. It is mandatory for all students to settle the required fees.
The provided table outlines the specific details of Caribbean Medical University’s tuition, fees, and other expenses per trimester, spanning a duration of four months unless stated otherwise.
Additional Rotation Fees: If rotations exceed the regular weekly amounts, additional charges per week will apply.
Caribbean Medical University (CMU) places the well-being and needs of its students at the forefront, striving to offer a holistic experience that extends beyond medical education. The university provides a range of campus services to ensure a smooth transition into medical school, foster a fulfilling student experience, and promote academic success.
Seamless Computing Facilities CMU recognizes the importance of technology in modern education. The campus is equipped with various computers that students can readily use. These computers are seamlessly connected to the campus’s local area network and benefit from a dedicated 200Mbps internet connection. Additionally, students have the convenience of accessing the internet through their own devices via the campus WiFi network. Upon acceptance, every student is granted a CMU e-mail address, and comprehensive instructions are provided in the Orientation Guide to aid in network and e-mail account access.
Empowering Library Services The CMU Library stands as an invaluable educational resource, housing a diverse collection of medical books, dictionaries, and manuals. More than a repository of knowledge, the library also serves as a haven for focused study. Open from 8 am to 5 pm on weekdays (excluding holidays), the library is designed to facilitate easy access to its comprehensive collection. Whether students seek essential medical references or a tranquil space for study, the library fulfills these needs admirably.
Vibrant Student Cafeteria The student cafeteria stands as a dynamic hub of social interactions at CMU. It’s not merely a place to grab a meal; it’s a communal space where students gather, engage, and unwind. Offering homemade lunches to students on meal plans or for individual purchase, the cafeteria operates from 8 am to 5 pm. Beyond nourishing the body, this space fosters a sense of camaraderie among students.
Guidance from Housing Advisors The transition to university life often involves adapting to new living arrangements. CMU recognizes this challenge and appoints a dedicated Residence Assistant to assist students in settling into the dormitory. Beyond the dorm, the Residence Assistant offers information about local community services and facilities. For those seeking changes in roommates, rooms, or units, the Residence Assistant is there to support and facilitate these transitions, ensuring that students feel comfortable and secure in their living environments.
Tailored Academic Advising Academic success is a cornerstone of CMU’s mission, and the university goes to great lengths to provide personalized academic advising. A qualified advisor from the Office of the Dean of Students is available to offer counseling services. Whether students are facing challenges related to studying, test-taking, emotional well-being, or personal relationships, the advisor offers confidential and compassionate guidance. Moreover, CMU’s commitment to academic excellence extends to its faculty members. Professors are easily accessible outside classroom hours, welcoming students for individual consultations during their posted office hours.
Caribbean Medical University isn’t just a place of medical learning; it’s a vibrant community that nurtures students’ holistic growth. The campus services provided by CMU are strategically designed to empower students, ensuring their academic journey is enriched with resources, support, and opportunities for personal and professional development. From cutting-edge technology to a nurturing library, communal dining, and dedicated advisors, CMU’s campus life is a holistic experience that fosters success, well-being, and lifelong connections.
During the first semester, students are encouraged to reside in university dormitories to gain insight into island life and make informed housing choices.
These apartments are situated within a 20-minute walk from the main campus, with a school shuttle available for transportation between the dorms and campus.
The fully furnished one and two-bedroom units include study desks, chairs, kitchen appliances, and private bathrooms. Each unit is air-conditioned, equipped with High-Speed Wired Internet, and has dining/living areas.
Dorm Rates for Students:
Dorm Rates for Guests:
For reservations or information, contact the office via phone or email.
Rent is due in advance each semester and covers utilities, such as electricity, water, A/C, TV, Internet, and monthly room cleaning. Students need to provide their own bed sheets (twin size) and routers for wireless Internet.
Monthly private apartment prices range from $300 to $600, depending on proximity to the campus and amenities. A one-month security deposit, usually equivalent to a monthly rent, is required for all apartments.
A list of off-campus accommodations can be obtained from the housing department in Curacao. Other methods of finding housing include word of mouth, bulletin boards at school, and local real estate agencies.
When choosing housing, consider factors such as the lease terms, cost, utilities, convenience, appliances, privacy, and deposit procedures.
Curacao offers a range of accommodations to suit various preferences and budgets. From luxurious beachfront resorts to quaint bungalows, the island provides options for all kinds of travelers.
Hotels and resorts are located along the south coast, beach areas, and in Willemstad. Room rates vary based on quality and location, with an average standard hotel costing between $50 and $125 per night, some of which include daily breakfast.
The cost of living can differ among students, but generally, you should anticipate budgeting around $600 to $1000 US per month. Collaborating with roommates, being mindful of utility usage, preparing meals at home, and managing daily expenses can help lower these costs. Transportation expenses will fluctuate based on the chosen commuting methods. As each student’s requirements vary, these figures are provided solely as an average estimate.
1.Is Curaçao good for MBBS?
Yes, it is good for MBBS because it has low and affordable MBBS with a good environment and it has some universities approved by the NMC and WHO.
No 5, S10, Swathi Enclave,
Behind Bhimas Temple Tree Hotel,
Amman Kovil Street, Vadapalani, Chennai, Tamil Nadu – 600026.
Tel : 044 4303 3545
Phone : +91-8012111141
Email : info@bridgemeded.com