Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

St. Matthew’s University School of Medicine is situated on Grand Cayman in the Cayman Islands, located in the Caribbean.

The first two years (five semesters) of our 4-year Doctor of Medicine (MD) program are completed at our Basic Science campus on Grand Cayman. Students are required to attend in-person, meaning they must live on Grand Cayman during this time. Following that, you will spend two years (five semesters) completing clinical rotations at our affiliated teaching institutions in the United States (core and electives) and Canada (select electives).

Incoming students are expected to arrive on the island at least 1-2 days prior to Orientation Day. Then, during the following period of orientation activities, you will complete the necessary check-in procedures for your classes, explore your new home and meet classmates, faculty, staff and other members of our community.

Many family members and companions choose to accompany their loved ones to the Cayman Islands. Children of various ages, from infants to late adolescents, are welcome. The Cayman Islands can issue a visa that allows companions to work and reside there. There is a range of housing options available for couples and families, both in close proximity to the campus and centrally located in George Town.

Please note, there are significant costs associated with moving a family with children to Grand Cayman. Contact the admissions team or the SMU Settlement Coordinator for more information before finalizing your plans.

Grand Cayman boasts some of the best primary school options in the Caribbean. For further information regarding primary schools, contact the Cayman Islands Ministry of Education.

Bringing pets to the Cayman Islands is permitted. However, you will need an import permit, or a valid animal passport issued by the Department of Agriculture, along with an official health certificate issued by a government-employed or accredited veterinary inspector in the country of origin, for the importation of dogs and cats. Since Grand Cayman is a rabies-free area, all pets must have proof of current vaccination and a demonstrated rabies titer.

The housing market on Grand Cayman is strong and presents many opportunities for student tenants to find homes while attending our Caribbean medical school. 

Most rental units come furnished (i.e., stocked with standard hard and soft furnishings, such as beds, tables, appliances, couches, window dressings, etc.) or fully furnished (i.e., everything but your own clothes and personal belongings is included). 

Off-campus housing advice and support is available to all St. Matthew’s University students. Contact the admissions team or Housing Coordinator to learn more.

SMU faculty and support staff are committed to providing individualized academic, personal and residency placement support for all MD program participants. Faculty regularly connect with students during office hours, and are often willing to meet outside of posted times if students require additional guidance.

Support is also available via Student Support Services, which include The Learning Center, faculty advisors, teaching assistants, student counseling, wellness initiatives and career advising. Mental health support is available through the Stay Healthy at School Program.

The cost of living on Grand Cayman is comparable to living in major metropolitan areas in the U.S. and Canada. Grand Cayman offers modern infrastructure, banking, healthcare, housing and entertainment opportunities. Some items may be more expensive than in your current location, due to the added cost of shipping to a Caribbean island. Please contact the admissions team if you would like more information.

St. Matthew’s University School of Medicine has three semesters per year. 

We have a Fall semester, culminating prior to the middle of December, a Spring semester that ends in mid-April and a Summer Semester which ends in mid-August. There are approximately two to three weeks for students to have a break between semesters. 

The MD program consists of ten semesters. Successful MD program participants experience five semesters of classroom and lab-based learning on our Grand Cayman campus, followed by five semesters of clinical rotations at affiliated teaching hospitals, clinics and medical centers in the U.S., and select elective rotation sites in Canada.

Yes, SMUSOM is accredited by the Accreditation Commission on Colleges of Medicine (ACCM), which is recognized by the World Federation of Medical Education (WFME).

WFME standards have been deemed comparable to the standards used to accredit medical schools in the United States by the U.S. Department of Education’s National Committee on Foreign Medical Education and Accreditation (NCFMEA).

At SMUSOM, the MD program is conducted over 10 semesters, and there are three semesters per year.

While the majority of our students are residents of the United States and Canada, St. Matthew’s University takes pride in having a highly diverse student population. The SMU student body is regularly composed of students from Europe, Asia and Africa as well.

St. Matthew’s University School of Medicine students achieve strong USMLE first-time pass rates, demonstrating our school’s dedication to helping students succeed academically and throughout their future careers as practicing physicians.

• USMLE Step 1 Success: 90% first-time pass rate over three years (2022-2024).¹ 
• USMLE Step 2 CK Success: 97% first-time pass rate in 2024.²

1. First-time pass rate defined as total number of students passing the USMLE Step 1 on their first attempt divided by the total number of students taking USMLE Step 1 for the first time during the calendar years 2022-2024. In order to sit for the USMLE Step 1 exam, the student must successfully complete the Basic Science curriculum and such other prerequisites as the school may establish at its discretion. 

2. First-time pass rate defined as total number of students passing the USMLE Step 2 CK on their first attempt divided by the total number of students taking USMLE Step 2 CK for the first time in calendar year 2024. In order to sit for the USMLE Step 2 CK exam, the student must successfully complete the Clinical Medicine curriculum and such other prerequisites as the school may establish at its discretion.

Yes, St. Matthew’s University is authorized by the National Board of Medical Examiners to provide students with both subject specific and comprehensive shelf examinations.

Graduates of St. Matthew’s University School of Medicine obtain residency placements throughout the United States and Canada at notably high rates.

School officials work closely with students to place them into a clinical rotations that best align with their needs and goals. In total, students undertake 72 weeks of rotations in the U.S. (core and electives) and Canada (select electives).

We have had numerous graduates obtain residency placements in Canada. For additional information regarding residency placements and elective clinical rotations in Canada, please contact our admissions team.

St. Matthew’s University graduates are eligible to practice medicine in the United States once they pass the requisite licensing examinations. Our alumni also achieve residency placements in the U.S. and Canada at notably high rates.

SMUSOM MD program students undertake clinical rotations at associated teaching hospitals, clinics and medical centers in the U.S. (including ACGME-approved locations), and at select elective rotation sites in Canada.

No, St. Matthew’s University students study a comprehensive medical curriculum and go on to practice in all areas of medicine.

In order to be licensed and practice medicine in the United States, the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) requires students to take and pass the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE). 

St. Matthew’s University students and graduates are eligible to sit for these exams. The USMLE has three steps, two of which are taken by students while in medical school. Students must take and pass USMLE Step 1 prior to beginning the Clinical Medicine curriculum. USMLE Step 2 Clinical Knowledge (Step 2 CK) is taken prior to graduation. Step 3 of the USMLE, the final step for licensing, is taken after graduation, during, or at the conclusion of residency training.

We accept students from other accredited MD programs. Transfer students undergo the same admissions process as first-time applicants, in that they must submit a complete application packet to ensure a timely review. Acceptance of transfer credits is at the sole discretion of SMU. St. Matthew’s University School of Medicine only provides advanced standing to eligible transfer students. Learn more.

The importance of research to our educational mission is emphasized in our Mission Statement. We encourage both faculty and students to engage in research activities that enhance their knowledge of scientific processes, enrich healthcare systems and benefit patients, and increase their appreciation of the balance between research and the artful practice of medicine.

Yes, SMUSOM offers students who have earned their Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree the opportunity to apply for acceptance into our MD program with advanced standing. Learn more.

You can find our medical school tuition and fees information here.

St. Matthew University School of Medicine’s MD program has been approved to participate in relevant student loan programs offered through the U.S. Department of Education. Eligible students from the U.S. can apply via the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Canadian students in the MD program are eligible to apply for government loans through the relevant student aid program in their province of residence. For example, Ontario residents are eligible for OSAP loans. Students may apply for up to 52 weeks of financial assistance annually. Canadian students should contact their individual province directly for information regarding additional requirements.

St. Matthew’s University offers various medical school scholarships to MD program students, including Academic Merit Scholarships, Opportunity Grants, Cayman Islands Scholarships, Transfer Scholarships and Canadian Citizen Grants.

Tuition and fees can usually be paid via bank wire or credit card. Please contact our admissions team for more information.

Yes, accepted MD program students must submit their signed Letter of Intent and a $500 USD deposit in order to secure their seat. The deposit is then applied to the first semester’s tuition total.

The MD program has specific requirements that need to be fulfilled to apply. These include completing the necessary prerequisite coursework, providing two letters of recommendation and writing a personal statement.

Please note, you can submit unofficial documents along with your initial application, and then upload official versions once they arrive (e.g. unofficial transcripts). This accelerates the review process and gets you a decision sooner. However, no official offer of acceptance can be tendered until all required documents are received.

You can apply via our online portal or by submitting a verified copy of your AMCAS/AACOMAS/TMDSAS/OMSAS application. Learn more.

No, SMUSOM evaluates candidates holistically, meaning we want to know as much about you as a person and aspiring doctor as we do about your academic results. GPA scores will be considered, but do not preclude applications.

Undergraduate coursework can be taken at any accredited college or university in the world. 

Students with academic transcripts from outside the United States and Canada must have them evaluated on a course-by-course basis by an evaluation service such as World Education Services, Josef Silny & Associates, Inc. or a service that is a National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) member.

Because SMUSOM is not located in the U.S. or Canada, it is not part of the AMCAS/AACOMAS/TMDSAS/OMSAS systems. However, you can apply by submitting a verified copy of your AMCAS/AACOMAS/TMDSAS/OMSAS application via our common app form.

Most candidates have earned an undergraduate degree from an approved college or university in the United States, Canada or a recognized international institution. However, a student who has earned 90+ semester credit hours of college credits may be considered for admission.

In addition to your application, please ensure that you submit the following documents to complete the application process: 

Transcripts: Official transcript(s) from each college/university or professional school you have attended. Student-issued copies are acceptable with your initial application, but official transcripts are ultimately required before an offer of acceptance can be tendered. 

Personal Statement: Your personal statement should address the following points: 

• Your motivation for pursuing a career in medicine. 
• How you believe you can contribute to St. Matthew’s University School of Medicine.  
• Any notable achievements, activities, personal interests or unique aspects of your preparation to become a doctor. 
• Any additional information that you believe would assist the Admissions Committee in evaluating your application. 
• The personal statement must be limited to a maximum of 500 words. You can attach your personal statement to your online application. 

Letters of Recommendation: You are required to submit two letters of recommendation.

As English is the primary language of instruction at SMUSOM, it is crucial for applicants to be academically prepared to engage with the curriculum and communicate effectively. If English is not the applicant’s first language, they may be asked to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or another comparable examination.

The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is required for all applicants who are U.S. citizens, nationals or permanent residents. In addition, it is strongly encouraged for all other applicants and specifically required from those students who meet any of the following three conditions: 

• Students with outdated required science coursework (>5 years old) 
• Students who completed required science coursework at a community college 
• Students with “C” grades or lower in the required science courses 

SMUSOM’s MCAT code is 919. More information about the MCAT is available at the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) website. 

Applicants can send SMUSOM their MCAT exam scores through the online THx system as soon as they are available at the AAMC.

You may take the MCAT exam as many times as is allowed by the AAMC. However, as part of SMU’s MCAT requirements, any applicant who has taken the test more than once must submit all results prior to enrollment.

No, however it is helpful if letters of recommendation are written by a pre-medical professor acquainted with the applicant’s academic and research background or by a physician who is familiar with the applicant’s experience in a healthcare setting, if available.

Applicants invited for an admissions interview are selected from a pool of those applicants the committee deems to be promising candidates. If you are invited for an interview, it is likely that you are being strongly considered for admission. However, an interview is not a guarantee of admission.

During the video interview, applicants meet with a member of the admissions team for approximately 45-60 minutes. During this time, the interviewer will ask a series of questions about the candidate’s passion for medicine, experiences in healthcare settings, academic results, plans for the future, how they will be able to contribute to the SMUSOM learning environment, and more. Candidates are also encouraged to come prepared with a few questions of their own, to demonstrate an interest in the school and student community.

Yes, St. Matthew’s University will consider any qualified applicant for admission, regardless of age. Some of our most successful students and graduates have had prior careers.

Our admissions process operates on a rolling basis, meaning we accept applications throughout the year. We offer January, May and September start dates, and students can apply to join any of these cohorts, as long as there is room in the class. If an application is received after a class has reached its maximum capacity, it will be automatically considered for the next available semester.

After we receive your application and conduct a personal interview, it usually takes approximately two (2) to four (4) weeks to process your complete application.

In order to obtain accurate information about the status of your file, you can log into your online account 24-hours a day, seven days a week. If you need additional assistance, contact our admissions team via email or telephone.

If you are missing only one pre-requisite course, or you are in the process of completing coursework, you may apply now. Simply indicate the course(s) in-progress upon submission of your application. This will be taken into consideration while reviewing your application. 

Often, if the remainder of the application (overall academic performance, recommendation letters, personal interview, etc.) is acceptable, the student is admitted and his or her file is placed on “Academic Hold” until he or she has submitted the grade(s) for the missing coursework. The student, although admitted, is not permitted to enroll in St. Matthew’s University courses until all coursework requirements are fulfilled. 

If you have additional questions, contact our admissions team.