St. Mary's School of Medicine (Cook Islands)

- Rarotonga, Cocos (Keeling) Islands
Abroad

General Information

St. Mary's School of Medicine in the Cook Islands is a private, offshore medical institution that has historically focused on training international students for medical licensure in the United States and other global regions.

Important Operational Note (2025/2026): According to the World Directory of Medical Schools and official updates, the school discontinued its active programs in the Cook Islands in 2009 and is currently listed as not operational at its Rarotonga campus. While it has attempted to restructure and relocate (with ties to Saint Lucia), prospective students should exercise extreme caution as it is currently not admitting new cohorts.

General Info

  • Established: 1998.

  • Location: Faculty of Medicine, Rarotonga, Cook Islands.

  • Status: Currently Inactive/Closed (Operational years: 1998–2009).

  • Degree Conferred: Doctor of Medicine (MD).

  • Language of Instruction: English.

  • Accreditation: Historically listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS). Recognition by the ECFMG (USA) applies to students who graduated during its active years (up to 2009).

Campus Facilities

  • Setting: During its operational peak, the school was based on Rarotonga, the largest and most populous of the Cook Islands.

  • Model: It followed the Caribbean/Pacific "offshore" model: 2 years of Basic Sciences on the island followed by 2 years of clinical clerkships at affiliated hospitals abroad.

  • Facilities: The campus was small, consisting primarily of lecture halls, basic science labs (Anatomy/Histology), and a small medical library.

Hospital & Medical Facilities

Leading tertiary care hospital attached to the institution

  • Rarotonga Hospital: This is the primary local facility, but due to the very small population (approx. 17,000), it lacks the patient volume and specialty variety required for full clinical rotations.

  • International Affiliations: The school’s curriculum was designed so that students would complete their core and elective rotations (Internal Medicine, Surgery, OB/GYN, etc.) at affiliated teaching hospitals in the USA, UK, or the Philippines.

  • Current Status: Since the school is no longer active in the Cook Islands, there are currently no organized clinical rotations for new students at this location.

    • Fee Structure

    State University Affordability

    Tuition fees were paid in USD per trimester.

    • Basic Sciences (Per Trimester): Approx. $5,500 USD.

    • Clinical Sciences (Per Trimester): Approx. $6,500 USD.

    • Miscellaneous: Application Fee ($50), Matriculation Fee ($950).

    • Current Note: These figures are for reference only. Any entity currently claiming to collect fees for this school should be verified for legitimacy.

    City Details

  • Environment: A stunning tropical island with a coral reef and volcanic peaks. It is a world-class tourism destination.

  • Isolation: The island is very remote, with limited international flight connections (primarily via New Zealand).

  • Safety: Extremely safe and peaceful, with a close-knit community.

  • Connectivity: Internet speeds were historically slow and expensive, though satellite improvements are ongoing.

    • Hostel & Mess

    • Accommodation: The school did not have large-scale traditional dormitories. Students typically stayed in private rentals or "student houses" arranged by the school in the Muri or Avarua areas.

      • Cost: Living in the Cook Islands is expensive due to high import costs.

    • Mess/Dining: There was no centralized mess hall. Students were expected to self-cater, sourcing food from local markets.

      • Food Challenges: Fresh produce can be expensive, and variety is limited to what is imported or grown locally on the atoll.

    Miscellaneous

    • Licensure Alert: Many graduates of offshore schools that close or lose accreditation face significant hurdles in getting their degrees recognized by the NMC (India) or US Medical Boards.

    • Alternative Options: For 2026, students looking for similar English-taught programs in the region are encouraged to look at established schools in Fiji (Fiji National University) or the Caribbean (e.g., St. George's University).

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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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