The University of Seychelles American Institute of Medicine (USAIM) is a specialised medical school operating in Victoria, Seychelles. It is structured to follow a North American-style curriculum and caters significantly to an international student body.
Official Designation: University of Seychelles American Institute of Medicine (USAIM).
Founding Year: Established to provide a modern, internationally focused medical degree program.
Institutional Status: Operates as a Private University in partnership with the state University of Seychelles (UniSey).
Degree Awarded: Offers the Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree.
NMC Compliance: The MD degree is typically structured to meet international licensing requirements, but students must strictly verify its current and active status on the NMC list for the specific academic year to ensure eligibility for the NExT exam and practice in India.
Program Duration: Typically a 4-Year MD program for students who have completed pre-med coursework (BSc or equivalent) or a longer (5-6 year) program incorporating pre-medical studies.
Instruction Language: The entire program is conducted exclusively in English Medium.
Global Recognition: Recognized by WHO WDOMS, and structured to allow graduates to apply for ECFMG/USMLE eligibility, facilitating practice/residency in the US/Canada and globally.
Curriculum Basis: Follows a curriculum model similar to US medical schools, often involving two years of Basic Sciences followed by clinical rotations.
Entry Requirement: Mandatory NEET UG qualification for Indian citizens (minimum 50% in 10+2 PCB or equivalent pre-med).
USAIM utilises campus facilities in Victoria, the capital, leveraging a partnership with the state university.
Campus Layout: Utilizes modern facilities within the University of Seychelles or dedicated blocks.
Academic Blocks: Houses modern, smaller lecture halls and teaching rooms.
Simulation Centers: Maintains functional Clinical Skills Centers and Simulation Labs for mandatory procedural training.
Anatomy Facilities: Provides resources for anatomical study, typically through prosected cadavers, models, and advanced digital learning tools.
Departmental Labs: Equipped with laboratories for foundational sciences.
Central Library: Maintains a specialized Medical Library with extensive digital access (e-journals and databases), crucial for the North American-style curriculum.
Wi-Fi Connectivity: High-speed Wi-Fi access is guaranteed across the campus.
Security: Campus areas are secured by 24/7 security personnel and CCTV surveillance.
Leading tertiary care hospital attached to the institution
Clinical exposure relies heavily on the main national teaching hospitals and may involve rotations in affiliated hospitals abroad.
Primary Teaching Hospital: Students undertake initial clinical rotations at the main national hospital in Victoria, which serves as the primary teaching base.
Patient Load: While the local patient load is smaller compared to major metropolitan Asian or Russian universities, the focus is on a structured, high-quality bedside teaching environment.
Clinical Rotations: The program structure often mandates rotations to affiliated teaching hospitals in the US, UK, or other locations for the final two years of clinical clerkships, essential for global residency matching.
Training Method: Emphasis on small group bedside teaching, case studies, and application of evidence-based medicine (EBM).
Core Rotations: Structured, compulsory clerkships in Internal Medicine, General Surgery, Pediatrics, OBGYN, and Psychiatry.
State University Affordability
As a private institution following an American model, the fees are significantly higher than typical government universities in Russia or Central Asia.
Annual Tuition Fee: Approx. $10,000 – $15,000 USD per year.
Total 4/5-Year Tuition: Approx. $40,000 – $75,000 USD (total academic fee).
Payment Mode: Fees are payable annually in USD.
Tuition Stability: Private university fees can be subject to annual revision.
Accommodation (Annual): Approx. $2,500 – $5,000 USD per year (depending on type, as Seychelles has a high cost of living).
Mandatory Fees: Include medical insurance, administrative charges, and potential fees for off-island clinical rotations (if applicable).
No Capitation Fee: No non-refundable development or capitation fees are charged.
Victoria is the capital of the Republic of Seychelles, a small, picturesque city known for its vibrant culture, stunning natural beauty, and status as a tourist hub.
General Atmosphere: Victoria is a small, safe, and beautiful coastal city, offering a relaxed tropical environment.
Safety Profile: The city and islands are generally regarded as very safe for international students.
Cost of Living: Extremely high—comparable to major Western European cities, especially for imported goods and accommodation.
Climate: Experiences a tropical rainforest climate, with high humidity and consistent warm temperatures year-round.
Transportation: Public transport (buses) is available but limited; most students rely on walking, cycling, or shared taxis.
Famous Food: Local Seychellois cuisine is a fusion of Creole, French, Indian, and Chinese influences, heavily featuring seafood and coconut.
Indian Food Accessibility: There is a presence of Indian cuisine and basic Indian groceries, reflecting the historical Indian community presence.
Language in Daily Life: English and French are official languages, alongside Seychellois Creole.
Accommodation: Often involves private rental in shared units, adding significantly to the cost of living.
Student Life: Focuses on a tightly knit international community and beach/outdoor activities.
Residential living is based on a mix of university accommodation and private rental, reflecting the high cost of living in the region.
Accommodation Type: University-managed hostels may be available, but many students opt for shared private apartments.
Room Configuration: Typically shared or single occupancy in modern, well-maintained units.
Kitchen Facilities: Common kitchen access is standard, supporting self-catering.
Mess System (Self-Catering): Due to the high cost of dining out, the standard model is self-cooking.
Study Halls: Dedicated study areas are provided on or near the campus.
Admission Selection: Based on pre-med GPA/grades and successful completion of the university's admission procedures (interview).
No Service Bond: No mandatory service bond or financial penalty is imposed by the university.
Internship Requirement: The 4-year MD program does not include the mandatory internship; graduates must complete the required 1-year internship (as per NMC guidelines) to be eligible for NExT in India.
NExT Eligibility: Graduates must successfully complete the required duration and pass the NExT to secure a license to practice in India.
USMLE Pathway: The program's design targets USMLE/residency application pathway; students must pass USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 exams.
Language Requirement: No local language requirement (English is primary), but some basic French/Creole can be useful in daily life.
Academic Calendar: The session typically follows a North American academic calendar.
Well-equipped Library
Experienced Faculty
Computer Lab
Sports Activities
Heritage Campus