South Seas University, James Cook School of Medicine

- Rarotonga, Cocos (Keeling) Islands
Abroad

General Information

South Seas University (SSU) and its James Cook School of Medicine (JCSM) is a private medical institution based in Rarotonga, Cook Islands. Modeled after the United States medical education system, it primarily targets international students.

Important Advisory: Prospective students should note that this school is a private, offshore institution. While it is listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS), its recognition status for licensing (like the USMLE in the USA or NExT in India) can be subject to change and should be verified directly with the relevant medical boards for the 2026 academic year.

General Info

  • Established: 1999 (Registered with the Cook Islands government).

  • Location: PO Box 116, Avarua, Rarotonga, Cook Islands.

  • Degree Awarded: Doctor of Medicine (M.D.).

  • Duration: 4 years (after completion of an undergraduate degree).

  • Language of Instruction: English.

  • Accreditation: Listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS) with a current ECFMG Sponsor Note, which is vital for students intending to practice in the United States.

Campus Facilities

  • Educational Philosophy: SSU implements "Education for Total Consciousness" (ETC), a holistic teaching method established by HH Jagadguru Swami Isa, alongside traditional medical sciences.

  • Facilities: The campus in Rarotonga serves as the administrative and basic sciences hub. It features small-group learning classrooms and laboratories focused on anatomy and physiology.

  • USA Connection: The university maintains administrative offices in Loma Linda, California, reflecting its focus on the North American medical model.

Hospital & Medical Facilities

Leading tertiary care hospital attached to the institution

As with most medical schools in very small island nations, the clinical training is split:

  • Pre-Clinical Phase (Years 1–2): Completed on Rarotonga, focusing on the basic medical sciences.

  • Clinical Phase (Years 3–4): Due to the limited patient volume and lack of specialized departments at the local Rarotonga Hospital, students typically complete their core clinical rotations and electives at affiliated teaching hospitals in the USA or other international locations.

  • Clinical Exposure: The clinical curriculum is designed to meet US medical clerkship standards, allowing students to gain experience in various specialties required for international licensing exams.

Fee Structure

State University Affordability

Fees are quoted in USD and follow a private offshore model.

  • Tuition (Per Semester): Approx. $5,000 – $7,000 USD.

  • Total Estimated Tuition: Roughly $45,000 – $60,000 USD for the 4-year program.

  • Miscellaneous Fees: Includes application fees, lab fees, and medical insurance, which can add $1,500 – $2,500 USD per year.

City Details

  • Vibe: Rarotonga is a tropical paradise with a relaxed "island time" atmosphere. It is the administrative center of the Cook Islands.

  • Safety: One of the safest places in the world with virtually zero violent crime.

  • Transport: There are no traffic lights on the island. Students typically use the local round-island bus service (which runs clockwise and anti-clockwise) or rent motor scooters.

  • Connectivity: While internet is available, it can be expensive and slower than in mainland countries.

    • Hostel & Mess

    • Accommodation: The university typically does not have large on-campus dormitories. Students reside in private apartments or local guest houses in Avarua or near Muri Beach.

      • Rent: $600 – $1,000 USD per month, depending on the level of comfort and proximity to the campus.

    • Mess/Dining: There is no centralized mess hall. Students are expected to self-cater.

      • Food Sourcing: Grocery shopping in Rarotonga is expensive as most goods are imported from New Zealand. A budget of $400 – $600 USD per month is recommended for food.

      • Student Life: Many students share cooking responsibilities in shared housing to manage costs.

    Miscellaneous

  • Academic Requirements: Completion of a Bachelor’s degree (with pre-medical prerequisites in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics).

  • MCAT: Highly recommended for students targeting the USA, though sometimes waived for international applicants with strong academic backgrounds.

  • NEET (For Indians): Mandatory for Indian citizens who wish to return to India to sit for the FMGE/NExT licensing exams.

  • Visa: International students require a student permit from Cook Islands Immigration, which the university usually assists in facilitating.

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    Frequently Asked Questions

    Students must typically have a minimum of 50% marks in PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) in the 12th standard (40% for reserved categories) and must have qualified NEET in the current or previous two years, as per NMC guidelines.

    The duration is generally 6 years in total, which includes 5 years of academic study (54 months) and 1 year of compulsory internship (12 months), fully complying with the latest National Medical Commission (NMC) rules.

    The process is simple: 1. Submit scanned documents (10th, 11th, and 12th mark sheets, NEET result, Passport scan, and a recent passport-size photograph with a white background). 2. Receive the Admission Letter from the University. 3. Process the Invitation Letter for Visa. 4. Complete the Visa application with our assistance.

    Yes, all our partner universities are recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the National Medical Commission (NMC). Graduate doctors can also write major global licensing exams such as USMLE (USA), PLAB (UK), AMC (Australia), and the FMGE/NExT exam for India.

    While most universities admit based on your 12th marks and NEET qualification, some may require a simple online entrance test or interview. We will guide you through any such requirement.

    Fees typically cover the Tuition Fee, Hostel Fee, Medical Insurance, Visa Extension, and administrative charges. A detailed, transparent fee structure showing Tuition Fee, Hostel Fee, Mess Charges, Visa/Invitation Fee, and Medical Assurance Fee for each country and university will be provided upfront.

    Payment schedules are determined by the individual university. Some universities allow semester-wise payments, while others require annual payments. We will provide clear guidance on the university's official payment schedule.

    We are committed to transparency. All costs, including consultation charges and university expenses, are detailed in your offer letter. We strongly advise against any form of donation.

    Yes, we coordinate group departures for students and assist with flight ticket booking. Our representative will meet the students at the destination airport and provide transport to the university hostel.

    Hostels offer secure accommodation with separate facilities for boys and girls. Indian meals are generally cooked and served by Indian caterers within the hostel premises or mess hall to ensure a suitable diet for students.

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