SMU Medical Student studying in library

International Applicants

The School of Choice for International Students

St. Matthew’s University is home to students from many different communities across the globe who come together to pursue their goal of becoming practicing physicians. Our student body and alumni from more than 40 countries reflect the global population we are dedicated to serving, fostering a diverse, inclusive, and enriching learning atmosphere for aspiring medical professionals to earn their degrees.

Pathway to Practice

Students at St. Matthew’s University School of Medicine begin their MD education by studying the fundamental sciences for a period of two years at our campus located in Grand Cayman. After this foundational period, students transition into clinical training, which takes place at prestigious hospitals and clinics in the United States, Canada or the United Kingdom.

What sets our program apart is its integration with the outstanding healthcare system of the Cayman Islands. With three hospitals on Grand Cayman alone, students have ample opportunities to gain practical experience in real-world settings. They have the chance to work in hospitals, community clinics, and even participate in research conducted within hospital settings.

Admissions Prerequisites

Students are advised to complete pre-medical coursework that provides the foundation necessary to begin their studies at St. Matthew’s University. With our program, it is possible to finish all the prerequisite courses and earn your medical degree in less than five years.

If you’ve already earned A Level Certificates in Biology and Chemistry, you can start the application process by simply emailing us your A Level results confirmation to admissions@stmatthews.edu.

96%
Residency Placement*
Our graduates have achieved a 96% residency placement rate four years in a row (2020-2024) - the highest among Caribbean medical schools and higher than the average U.S. placements rates.*
2000+
Total Graduates
Join over 2,000 graduates who have secured coveted residencies in the US, Canada and numerous other countries. Our MD program boasts impressive achievements.
7:1
Student-to-Faculty Ratio
7:1 student-to-faculty ratio class sizes are intentionally limited, allowing for close student-teacher interaction.

*96% Four Year Residency Placement Rate is the percent of students attaining a residency position out of all graduates or expected graduates in 2020-21, 2021-22, 2022-23 and 2023-24 who were active applicants in the NRMP match or attained a residency outside the NRMP match.

In Their Own Words

  • Wonjun Choi - SMU MED Student wearing his white coat in a classroom.
    Faculty members are passionate about teaching and open to meeting with you anytime to help you succeed. Their passion and support motivate me to work hard and love medicine even more. My experience on the island is a home away from home

Power in Diversity

Our global campus provides a supportive environment for students from diverse backgrounds to thrive as future medical leaders. One of the advantages of our diverse student body is the opportunity for students to learn from each other and the local community, gaining real-world experience that enhances their practical medical skills. Below are the clubs where many of our students find community while away from home.

International Partnerships

We’re Here to Support You

If you’re considering applying to St. Matthew’s University School of Medicine and you’re currently enrolled in one of the mentioned institutions, contact our admissions team at admissions@stmatthews.edu for more information.

International Student Scholarship

This $73,000 USD* scholarship is awarded to applicants who are citizens or permanent residents of a country outside of the United States or Canada, and is paid ratably across all semesters of the program as a credit against tuition.

*For those who are neither U.S. nor Canadian citizens and have received unconditional acceptance into the MD program only.

Eligibility Requirements

  • This scholarship will only be awarded to citizens/permanent residents of countries outside the United States or Canada
  • Students who hold dual US or Canadian citizenship are not eligible for this scholarship
  • Incoming first-semester students and transfer students are eligible for this scholarship
  • Applicants must hold an offer of admission to St. Matthew’s for the scholarship to be awarded
  • If a transfer student is accepted, granted advanced standing, and scholarship-eligible, that student’s maximum award amount is dependent on his/her semester of placement and the lifetime maximum value will be prorated.

How to Qualify

This scholarship will be awarded to qualified applicants during the enrollment process, after submission of a completed application.

Your Future Begins here at St. Matthew’s