Ross University School of Medicine
-
Bridgetown,
Barbados
Abroad
General Information
Ross University School of Medicine (RUSM) is one of the most well-established and high-volume private "offshore" medical schools in the Caribbean. Founded in 1978 and originally based in Dominica, the university relocated its primary Medical Sciences campus to Bridgetown, Barbados in 2019. RUSM is designed primarily for students from the United States and Canada, utilizing a curriculum modeled after U.S. medical schools to prepare graduates for the USMLE and residency in the North American healthcare system. The campus is located at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre (LESC), featuring ultra-modern clinical simulation and anatomical imaging facilities.
General Info
- Established: 1361 (University of Pavia heritage) / RUSM established in 1978.
- Primary Location: > Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre, Two Mile Hill, St. Michael, Bridgetown, Barbados.
- Academic Tracks:
- Doctor of Medicine (MD) Program: A 4-year (10-semester) program divided into two phases.
- Medical Sciences (Basic Sciences): The first 20 months (5 semesters) are completed on the Barbados campus.
- Clinical Sciences: The final 90 weeks (approx. 2 years) are completed at affiliated teaching hospitals in the United States or the United Kingdom.
- Admission Process:
- MCAT: Mandatory for all U.S. applicants (average score ~493). It is highly recommended but not strictly required for Canadian/International applicants.
- GPA: Holistic review process; the average prerequisite GPA is typically around 3.2.
- Intakes: Unlike traditional schools, RUSM has three starts per year: January, May, and September.
- Instruction: English.
- Research Focus: Focuses on Clinical Medicine, Public Health, and Educational Innovation in medical training.
Campus Facilities
The Barbados campus is a modern, tech-forward facility integrated into a major conference and business hub.
- Medical and Anatomical Imaging Lab: Uses high-tech digital imaging and "wet lab" resources for anatomy training.
- Clinical Simulation Center: A massive facility with high-fidelity manikins and standardized patient rooms to mimic real hospital environments.
- Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre (LESC): The primary academic building, featuring tiered lecture halls and small-group learning spaces.
- Coverley Medical Centre: A nearby clinical facility where students receive early hands-on patient exposure.
- Biomedical Library: Offers quiet study zones and comprehensive access to U.S.-standard digital medical databases.
- Student Wellness & Counseling Center: Dedicated support for the mental and physical health of international students.
- Villages of Coverley: A dedicated "university village" housing students, featuring shops, a gym, and sports courts.
- Interactive Learning Classrooms: Designed for the "flipped classroom" model used in modern U.S. medical education.
- Safety & Security Office: Provides 24/7 security services for students on campus and at the university housing sites.
- Campus Shuttle System: A free shuttle service connecting the main campus to student housing and key island amenities.
Hospital & Medical Facilities
Leading tertiary care hospital attached to the institution
RUSM does not have a single dedicated teaching hospital in Barbados; instead, it has a vast network of U.S. affiliations:
- U.S. Teaching Hospitals: Over 20+ affiliated sites in states like New York, Illinois, Florida, Michigan, and California (e.g., St. John's Episcopal in NY, Mt. Sinai in Chicago).
- Clinical Return Home Offer: A program allowing students to complete core rotations in their home regions in the U.S.
- Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH): Occasional localized electives or community health projects within Barbados.
Fee Structure
State University Affordability
RUSM follows a U.S.-style private tuition model. Costs are significantly higher than regional public universities.
Scholarships
- Summit Award: Merit-based scholarship valued up to $150,000 for high-achieving applicants.
- Horizon Award: Value up to $100,000 for students demonstrating persistence and dedication.
- Service First Award: Specifically for students with strong backgrounds in community service or military backgrounds.
- International Grant: Specific awards (e.g., $30,000) for students starting in the May term.
- Barbados Government Scholarship: A full-tuition scholarship awarded annually to a few select citizens of Barbados.
City Details
- The Vibe: Bridgetown is the vibrant capital of Barbados. Students enjoy a "paradise" backdrop with beautiful beaches (like Carlisle Bay) while maintaining a rigorous study schedule.
- Connectivity:
- Free Shuttle: The university provides transport between the campus and student housing.
- Air: BGI Airport connects directly to major hubs (JFK, Miami, Toronto, London).
- Safety: Barbados is safe, but the university maintains a high security presence for student residential areas.
Hostel & Mess
- Accommodation: Most students live in The Villages of Coverley, a self-contained community with villas, a supermarket, and restaurants.
- Dining: Several eateries are available in Coverley; students typically cook at home or eat at the campus café.
- Vibe: High-pressure and professional. The school is tailored for students who are focused on passing the USMLE and matching into a U.S. residency.
Miscellaneous
- Accreditation: CAAM-HP (Caribbean) and recognition by the U.S. Department of Education (NCFMEA), allowing U.S. students to use Federal Loans (FAFSA).
- Success Rate: Boasts a 96% residency attainment rate (2024-2025) for its graduates.
- Degree Status: Doctor of Medicine (MD).
Collage Images Gallery
Facilities & Campus Life
Well-equipped Library
Experienced Faculty
Computer Lab
Sports Activities
Heritage Campus
Frequently Asked Questions
Answer: Yes. AMW coordinates group departure assistance and helps with flight planning. Our local representative in Uzbekistan meets students at Tashkent airport and provides transport to the university hostel. Support continues throughout the first month of your stay.
Answer: Yes. Direct flights between Delhi and Tashkent operate regularly and take under 3 hours. Most universities have structured semester breaks that allow students to visit home at least once or twice a year. AMW advises students on the academic calendar and the best travel windows.
Answer: The process is straightforward and well-defined. AMW handles the complete visa application, document preparation, attestation, and apostille. Visa approval typically takes 10–20 working days from the date of submission.
(1) Free counselling, share your score and goals. <br />
(2) We handle all documentation, applications, and visa processing. <br />
(3) You arrive at college; we provide ongoing support for all 6 years.
Our pass rate is approximately 78% compared to the national average of ~45%, because we begin structured FMGE preparation from Year 4, not after graduation.
No. Every university we recommend offers MBBS fully in English. Basic Russian is helpful for patient interaction during clinical rotations, but the degree is completed entirely in English. Basic Russian can be learned at the University campus for free.
Answer: All AMW partner universities in Uzbekistan offer English-medium MBBS programmes. A basic Uzbek and/or Russian language module is included in the first year to help students communicate with patients during clinical rotations — no prior knowledge of either language is required for admission.
Total cost for MBBS in Russia (tuition + living) is approximately ₹22–38 Lakhs over 6 years, which is much cheaper than private medical colleges in India (₹65–110 Lakhs). Exact fees vary by university
Yes, an MBBS from an NMC-approved foreign university is fully valid in India. You must clear FMGE (transitioning to NExT) to practice.
Why Consult With Us?
- 15+ years of experience in medical education counseling
- 5000+ students successfully guided
- 50+ partner universities worldwide
- Free initial consultation with no obligation
