University of the West Indies – Cave Hill (Faculty of Medical Sciences)
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Bridgetown,
Barbados
Abroad
General Information
The University of the West Indies (UWI) is a world-class institution spread across the Caribbean, and the Cave Hill Campus in Barbados is home to a distinguished Faculty of Medical Sciences (FMS). Established at Cave Hill in 2008 (with clinical training history dating back over 50 years), the faculty is internationally recognized and accredited by the Caribbean Accreditation Authority for Medicine and other Health Professions (CAAM-HP). The program is specifically tailored to meet the healthcare needs of the Caribbean while maintaining global standards, with clinical training primarily conducted at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, a premier 600-bed facility.
General Info
- Primary Location: > Cave Hill, St. Michael, Bridgetown, Barbados.
- Academic Tracks:
- MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery): A 5-year integrated program (3 years Pre-Clinical, 2 years Clinical).
- Bachelor of Health Sciences (BHSc): A 3-year program focusing on health education and administration.
- BSc Human Nutrition and Dietetics: A 3-year specialized track for aspiring nutritionists.
- BSc Pre-Clinical Sciences: A transitional track for specific academic pathways.
- Admission Process:
- Requirements: Highly competitive. Applicants typically need a minimum of five CSEC subjects (including English, Math, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics) plus three 2-Unit CAPE or GCE A-Level passes (Biology and Chemistry are mandatory).
- GPA: Degree holders from other universities require a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
- Non-Academic: A short autobiographic sketch and evidence of co-curricular involvement are required.
- Instruction: English.
- Research Focus: Excellence in Public Health, Epidemiology, Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), and Pharmacology.
Campus Facilities
The Faculty of Medical Sciences provides modern, purpose-built facilities for its students.
- FMS Laboratory & Teaching Complex: A three-story building featuring a 200-seat lecture theater and specialized multimodal labs for Anatomy and Biochemistry.
- Errol Walrond Building (Clinical Skills Complex): Located near the hospital, housing a state-of-the-art simulation suite, seminar rooms, and clinical labs.
- Cecil Cyrus Caribbean Museum of Medical History: A unique resource documenting the medical evolution of the Caribbean region.
- Simulation Suite: Upgraded facility where students practice clinical skills on high-fidelity manikins before patient interaction.
- FMS Medical Library: Located within the Errol Walrond building, offering 24-hour reading rooms and extensive biomedical databases.
- Translational Clinical Research Unit: A dedicated space for bridging laboratory findings with clinical practice.
- Victor Cooke Building: Houses the Dean’s office and administrative staff for medical students.
- Main Campus Library (Sidney Martin Library): Accessible for Phase 1 (Pre-Clinical) students for foundational research.
- Academy of Sport: High-quality athletic facilities available to all medical students for physical wellness.
- Student Lounge: A dedicated social and study space within the Clinical Skills Complex.
Hospital & Medical Facilities
Leading tertiary care hospital attached to the institution
Clinical training is primarily conducted at major regional health centers:
- Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH): The primary teaching hospital in Barbados, providing a full range of specialist services.
- Polyclinics: Community-based health centers across Barbados used for rotations in Primary Care and Public Health.
- Psychiatric Hospital: Dedicated rotations for mental health and behavioral sciences.
Fee Structure
State University Affordability
Fees vary significantly between "Contributing Countries" (regional) and "Non-Contributing/International" students.
Scholarships
- UWI Open Scholarships: Awarded based on high academic achievement to regional students.
- Alvin Taitt Memorial Grant: Specific to students within the Faculty of Medical Sciences.
- Pharmacy Sales Caribbean Inc. Scholarships: Target students in health-related disciplines.
- Sir Arthur Lewis Awards: Available for OECS (Organization of Eastern Caribbean States) nationals.
- Maintenance Grants: A limited number of grants are available based on financial need and academic merit.
City Details
- The Vibe: Bridgetown is a UNESCO World Heritage site with a blend of British colonial history and vibrant Bajan culture.
- Connectivity:
- Bus: Barbados has an excellent public transport system (blue and yellow buses) for a flat fare of BBD $3.50.
- Airport: Grantley Adams International (BGI) is the main hub with direct flights to the UK, USA, and Canada.
- Safety: Barbados is generally safe, though standard caution is advised in urban areas at night.
Hostel & Mess
- Accommodation: Frank Worrell, Sherlock, and Keith Hunte Halls provide on-campus living. Off-campus housing in the Wanstead or Husbands areas is popular.
- Dining: Several canteens and "The Village" area offer a variety of Caribbean and international cuisines at student rates.
- Vibe: Professional and close-knit. Cave Hill is known for its scenic beauty overlooking the Caribbean Sea and its high-energy student life.
Miscellaneous
- Intakes: August/September.
- Application Deadline: Typically January for the Faculty of Medical Sciences.
- International Recognition: The MBBS degree is recognized for ECFMG certification (USA) and by the General Medical Council (GMC, UK) via CAAM-HP accreditation.
Collage Images Gallery
Facilities & Campus Life
Well-equipped Library
Experienced Faculty
Computer Lab
Sports Activities
Heritage Campus
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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