The Washington Medical Sciences Institute (WMSI), located in Gros Islet, Saint Lucia, is a private international medical school that provides a path for students to practice medicine in the United States, the United Kingdom, and globally.
Established: 2011.
Degree Awarded: Doctor of Medicine (MD), which is equivalent to the MBBS in India and other Commonwealth countries.
Program Duration: * MD Program: 4 years (divided into Basic Sciences and Clinical Sciences).
Pre-Medical Program: For students who do not yet meet the 90-credit undergraduate requirement.
Language of Instruction: English (Minimum B2 proficiency required).
Accreditation & Recognition: Listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS) and recognized by ECFMG, allowing graduates to sit for the USMLE and pursue residency in the USA.
Location: Rodney Bay Commercial Centre, Castries-Gros Islet Hwy, Gros Islet, Saint Lucia.
Environment: The campus is designed for a focused, student-centered learning environment with modern lecture halls and simulation labs.
Academic Structure: * Basic Sciences (Semesters 1–5): Conducted at the Saint Lucia campus, focusing on foundational subjects like Anatomy, Histology, and Biochemistry.
Clinical Sciences (Semesters 6–10): Focuses on clinical rotations and clerkships.
Leading tertiary care hospital attached to the institution
WMSI offers extensive clinical exposure through its network of affiliated teaching hospitals.
Rotation Duration: 72 weeks total (48 weeks of Core Rotations and 24 weeks of Electives).
Affiliated Locations: * USA: Opportunities in Warner Robins (Georgia), Baltimore (Maryland), and California.
UK & Caribbean: Rotations are also available in local Saint Lucian facilities and UK-based hospitals.
Key Partners: Houston Healthcare facilities (Georgia) which include the Houston Medical Center and Perry Hospital.
State University Affordability
Tuition Fees: Approximately £16,000 per year (roughly $20,000 USD).
Application Fee: There is currently no application fee to apply.
Seat Deposit: A non-refundable tuition deposit (often around $500 USD) is required upon acceptance to secure a seat.
Other Costs: Students should budget for administrative fees, malpractice insurance during clinical years, and examination fees (e.g., USMLE Step 1 and 2).
Vibe: Gros Islet is a vibrant area known for Rodney Bay, the island’s premier tourist and social hub. It offers a mix of beautiful beaches, shopping malls, and medical facilities.
Safety: Generally safe for international students; the university provides 24/7 security for on-campus residents.
Climate: Tropical and sunny year-round, which is ideal for students who enjoy outdoor recreation during breaks.
Accommodation: WMSI provides both on-campus and off-campus housing options.
On-Campus: Modern residences and dormitories close to labs and libraries.
Off-Campus: The university maintains a list of approved private apartments and shared housing in Gros Islet and Rodney Bay.
Mess/Dining: There are in-house cafeterias and dining options that cater to international diets, including vegetarian options. Shared kitchens are typically available in residential suites for students who prefer to cook.
NRI/International Seats: There is no specific "NRI Quota" or "Management Seat" system. Admission is open to all international students based on merit.
Indian Students: For Indian citizens, passing the NEET-UG is mandatory if they intend to return to India to practice medicine (as per NMC regulations).
Transfer Students: WMSI accepts transfer students from other medical schools, provided they meet the eligibility criteria and provide official transcripts.
Well-equipped Library
Experienced Faculty
Computer Lab
Sports Activities
Heritage Campus