Spartan Health Sciences University (SHSU), located in Vieux Fort, Saint Lucia, is one of the oldest offshore medical schools in the Caribbean. Established in 1980, it focuses on preparing students for medical licensure and practice in the United States, Canada, and India.
Established: January 1980 (as St. Lucia Health Sciences University).
Degree Awarded: Doctor of Medicine (MD), a 4-year program (10 trimesters/40 months).
Accreditation: Chartered and licensed by the Government of Saint Lucia. It is listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS) and is recognized by ECFMG, allowing students to sit for the USMLE.
Language of Instruction: English.
Curriculum: Follows the American medical education model, emphasizing USMLE preparation.
Location: Spartan Drive, St. Jude's Highway, Vieux Fort.
Campus Infrastructure: The campus is a modern complex featuring climate-controlled classrooms, advanced computer labs, and a well-stocked medical library (open 6:00 AM – 11:45 PM).
Facilities: Includes a specialized Anatomy and Histology laboratory with a dissection room, and a Human Simulation Laboratory for realistic patient simulation training.
Student Life: The Spartan Student Association (SSA) organizes social and academic events like the "Welcome Back BBQ" and "Taste of Spartan."
Leading tertiary care hospital attached to the institution
Affiliated Teaching Hospitals: Clinical rotations (semesters 6–10) are 80 weeks long and are conducted in hospitals approved by the university.
US Clinical Sites: Historically, SHSU has had affiliations with hospitals in Chicago, Baltimore, Miami, and Las Vegas (e.g., Larkin Hospital, MedStar Harbor Hospital).
Saint Lucia Base: Students also utilize local facilities like St. Jude Hospital in Vieux Fort for early clinical skills and CPR training.
Flexibility: Students can choose to perform rotations in the USA, Caribbean, or other international locations based on their career goals.
State University Affordability
Basic Sciences (Saint Lucia): Approximately $6,250 USD per trimester (5 trimesters total).
Clinical Sciences (Rotations): Fees vary by location. Rotations in the USA are approx. $10,500 USD per trimester, while Caribbean/International rotations are approx. $7,000 USD.
Miscellaneous Fees: * One-time White Coat Ceremony/Basic Science fee: $400 USD.
Trimester Association Fees (SSA/AMSA): Approx. $55 USD.
Scholarships: Merit-based scholarships (up to 40%) are available for students with high PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) scores in high school.
Vibe: Vieux Fort is the main commercial and transportation hub for southern Saint Lucia. It is quieter and more affordable than the northern tourist areas.
Accessibility: Located right near Hewanorra International Airport, making international travel convenient for visiting families and clinical rotations.
Recreation: Nearby Sandy Beach and the Maria Islands Nature Reserve offer students outdoor relaxation options.
Accommodation: Managed by the university’s Housing Committee. Students stay in fully furnished off-campus apartments located within 10 minutes' walking distance from campus.
Housing Costs:
Single bedroom: $280 – $300 USD/month.
2-bedroom shared: $350 – $500 USD/month.
Amenities: Most rentals include Wi-Fi, Cable TV, and water. Electricity is usually paid separately.
Mess/Food: There is an Indian Mess available for students, providing ready-made Indian tiffins (approx. $300 USD/month). Alternatively, apartments come with kitchens (microwave, stove, utensils) for self-catering.
NRI/Management Quota: Admission is strictly merit-based and open to all nationalities; there is no separate NRI/donation-based quota.
NEET Requirement (Indian Students): Per National Medical Commission (NMC) rules, qualifying for NEET-UG is mandatory if the student intends to return to India to appear for the FMGE/NExT.
Licensure Success: The university boasts high success rates for Step 1 of the USMLE, often reported above 90% for dedicated students.
Well-equipped Library
Experienced Faculty
Computer Lab
Sports Activities
Heritage Campus