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Located in: Caribbean
University motto: Rise to Greater Heights
Sun, Sea, & Studying Medicine - the Caribbean Med School mantra that showcases achieving your academic goals in a peaceful tropical paradise environment.
Richmond Gabriel University (RGU) is a private university that was established in 2011 in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. It has quickly grown to become a respected and reputable medical university and has recently opened a 2nd campus on the beautiful island of Curacao. Since its inception, the university has welcomed thousands of students, many of whom have gone on to become successful healthcare professionals in the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States of America, and many other countries across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean.
The medical university at Curacao offers a comprehensive 4-year graduate entry MD programme, which includes 5 semesters of Basic Medical Sciences and 80 weeks of clinical rotations in accredited teaching hospitals. This streamlined medicine course is designed for students who hold a Bachelor’s Degree in a science-related discipline and is similar to the higher education systems in the US both in curriculum and high standards of quality..
For high-school graduates or students without a science-related Bachelor’s Degree, the university offers a 4-semester (16-month) pre-medicine programme, which will thoroughly prepare you for the MD programme. This course can also be condensed into 3 semesters (12 months) if students are able to handle taking additional subjects during their studies.
Richmond Gabriel University College of Medicine also welcomes students that want to transfer to the MD programme from a different medical school.
Richmond Gabriel University at Curacao structures its tuition fee on a semester-based schedule:
At the heart of The University College of Medicine at Curacao is a firm belief that top-tier medical education should be affordable and accessible. We at Medlink Students wholeheartedly share this conviction, which is precisely why we've forged a partnership with this esteemed university.
This alliance enables us to extend exclusive tuition fee scholarships to a greater number of students, significantly lowering the overall cost of education at The University College of Medicine at Curacao. We genuinely believe that these scholarships can offer a transformative opportunity for deserving and diligent students.
Scholarships are awarded based on a careful review of the applicant’s past academic performance. This process ensures that they go to the students who are best equipped to make the most of this unique opportunity. Once your Medlink Students application passes this merit-based evaluation, your tuition fees at Richmond Gabriel University College of Medicine will be significantly reduced for the duration of your studies. Please be aware that only students who apply through Medlink Students are eligible for scholarships at RGU. Students who apply independently or have already received an acceptance letter from an application that was not processed by Medlink Students are not eligible for this exclusive scholarship.
To find out if you are eligible for a Richmond Gabriel University scholarship, book a consultation with one of our expert advisors today. It’s easy, fast, and completely free.
* Here's how much you can save with the Medlink Students scholarship:
| Type of course | Standard Tuition Fees | Exclusive Scholarship with Medlink Students |
| Pre-Med Course 📅 16 months (4 semesters) | total | for the full course |
| MD Programme Basic Sciences Phase (MD1 & MD2) 📅 1 year & 8 months (5 semesters) | ~ per year ( for the first year and ) | per year |
| MD Programme Clinical Sciences Phase (MD3 & MD4) 📅 2 years and 4 months (7 semesters) | ~ per year ( for the first two years and for the last one as it is only one semester) | per year** |
**The tuition fees for the Clinical Sciences Phase cover the educational expenses for clinical placements in Sri Lanka, Ghana, Botswana, or Nigeria. Students are also granted the flexibility to undertake their clinical training in a different country, provided they settle any difference in tuition fees.
The tuition fees for the Pre-Med course and the initial year of the MD programme (MD1) can be settled in two payments. Conversely, for the subsequent 2nd to 4th years of the medicine programme, the tuition can be divided into up to three payments over the academic year.
You won’t need to sit an entrance exam in order to study at Richmond Gabriel University Curacao. Instead, candidates are evaluated on the merits of their application. Once assessed, they are invited to an in-person or online interview where their commitment to medicine and interpersonal skills are further evaluated.
One of the essential admission requirements is for students to have a Bachelor’s Degree in a science-related field. If you don’t meet this criterion, you can sign-up for the pre-medicine foundation course, which will completely prepare you for your medical studies.
Additionally, for students coming from non-English speaking countries, you will need to present an English language proficiency certificate. The university accepts results from TOEFL, IELTS, Cambridge C1 Advanced, PTE Academic, and Password Skills.
Richmond Gabriel University has become a popular choice for medical education in the Caribbean due to its tropical paradise setting and flexible admissions process. However, the competition for admission to RGU is intensive, as the university does not require entrance exams. Your chances of success largely depend on your academic record and the strength of your application. Our admissions experts, who are among the best in Europe, have an in-depth understanding of the application system in Curacao and can handle your application from start to finish. We have a strong partnership with the university, and we know what they seek in an ideal candidate. With our support, you can submit an exceptional application that will guarantee your acceptance at Richmond Gabriel University College of Medicine. Additionally, we will provide you with all the necessary materials to ensure that you ace your interview. Let us take care of the application process so you can focus on preparing for the interview and your future medical studies without the stress of applying to a medical school abroad. Don't forget, you can also get a free evaluation to check how big of a scholarship you can qualify for.
If you want to be one of the successful candidates admitted to Richmond Gabriel University, we highly advise you to get in touch with one of our knowledgeable advisors.
Don’t hesitate to make use of our extensive knowledge about the entry requirements in Curacao. Sign up today, and we will guide you toward your successful career in medicine.
Dr. Gomattie, Dean of Richmond Gabriel University, praised RGU's quality programs and partnership with Medlink Students in a recent webinar. Watch the full session here to learn more.
RGU College of Medicine operates a three-semester programme, and students can apply to the semesters throughout the year.
The semesters start in:
*Changes to program intake dates may occur. Confirmation with your advisor is essential before applying.
However, the seats are limited, and if the course has reached its capacity, then students will have to apply for the next year. We recommend applying as early as possible for a much higher chance of acceptance.
Students who graduate from the MD Programme at RGU receive an internationally recognised diploma. The graduates of the medicine course have gone on to become successful doctors in the UK, USA, and across Europe, Asia, the Caribbean and Africa.
As indicative of its motto, Rise to Greater Heights, the number one priority of RGU is the success of its students. The university goes to great lengths to ensure that each and every student receives an exceptional medical education by providing comprehensive education and support:
At Richmond Gabriel University College of Medicine, the smaller class sizes enable professors to offer individual attention to each student. This approach allows the Professors at RGU to be very supportive and enables them to give personalised guidance to students requiring assistance. The small classroom sizes also ensure that all of the material is covered thoroughly and that no question is left unanswered. You can also check our photos and see images of the classrooms and lecture rooms.
Richmond Gabriel University of Medicine is dedicated to providing students with the best possible medical education not only in the Caribbean but on a global scale.
As such, the university prides itself on its modern facilities, which include cutting-edge laboratories, modern classrooms, an expansive library, a convenient on-site cafeteria, and plenty of quiet study spaces and leisure facilities.
The labs at RGU include:
The instructors are supportive and allow students to use the labs independently to conduct their own experiments outside of class hours.
The MD programme at RGU in Curacao is demanding but allows for free time if you manage your time effectively. The course is divided into two phases:
The two-year Basic Sciences phase at RGU sets a strong theoretical foundation for its students. The phase is divided into 5 semesters, and each semester lasts 15 weeks.
During this period, students engage in a comprehensive curriculum covering fundamental medical subjects. Prior to advancing to their clinical training, students also partake in courses within the university's cutting-edge laboratories, providing a safe and controlled setting for practice. Additionally, you're given the opportunity to shadow a doctor at a hospital or clinic even before beginning your clinical training.
This phase is divided into 7 semesters for a total of 80 weeks.
This phase includes core clinical training as well as elective rotations, enabling students to develop vital clinical skills while obtaining practical, first hand experience. During clinical rotations students are assessed through exams and by doctor evaluations.
Students are given the opportunity to choose where they would like to carry out their rotations, so they can be completely prepared for the healthcare system they plan on joining once they graduate.
48 weeks of core clinical placements, which can be carried out in accredited teaching hospitals in Sri Lanka, Ghana, Botswana, or Nigeria.
Furthermore, students have the option to undertake their clinical training in the USA, Jamaica, the UK, or any global location of their choosing, provided they cover any discrepancies in tuition costs.
Something worth mentioning is that Jamaica uses a similar clinical training system to that of the United Kingdom and can prepare students for a successful career in the UK.
32 weeks of elective clinical clerkships in specialities and subspecialties of your choosing.
This format will give you the flexibility to delve deeper into specific areas of medicine that align with your respective interests and career goals. This approach not only provides a well-rounded medical education but also guides students toward making informed decisions about their future specialisation paths.
As a medical university that is dedicated to helping its students achieve success on a worldwide scale, Richmond Gabriel University College of Medicine has joined the Medical Students Without Borders community.
RGU at Curacao has adapted its medical programme to allow for its Clinical Science Phase of the curriculum to be carried out in English-speaking countries globally, including Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Nepal and beyond.
Additionally, RGU students have the opportunity to request to conduct their clinical rotations in any country worldwide. Rotation access depends on cohort size and hospital space.
To enable this, students are required to successfully complete their first year of the MD programme before detailing their preferred teaching hospitals. This must be done in a timely manner to allow the university to establish a formal agreement and affiliation with the chosen hospital.
After an agreement has been struck, the university staff will handle the approval and supervision of the medical rotations to ensure that each student gets comprehensive and fulfilling clinical training. This includes setting goals and learning objectives, as well as establishing quality control monitoring systems.
The 2022 MD Graduates from Richmond Gabriel University College of Medicine have shown their academic excellence by successfully participating in the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) 2022 Main Residency Match. They've been welcomed to continue their training in residency programs at various esteemed US hospitals, such as:
| Specialty | Hospital | State |
| Family Medicine | UIC Rockford | IL |
| Yuma Regional Medical Center | AZ | |
| New Mexico | NM | |
| Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University | GA | |
| Southern Illinois University, Springfield | IL | |
| Internal Medicine | Geisinger Medical center | PA |
| Paediatrics | IL | |
| Englewood Health | NJ | |
| Advocate Health | IL | |
| Geisinger Medical Center | PA | |
| Pediatrics | University of South Alabama | AL |
| Texas Tech University | TX | |
| Prelim. General Surgery | Howard University Hospital | DC |
| Psychiatry | University of Toledo | OH |
| Emergency Medicine | Brookdale University Hospital | NY |
Over the years, RGU medicine graduates have been accepted into a variety of residency programmes at hospitals in the US. Additionally, they have also been invited to partake in residency programmes in the UK, Botswana, Jamaica, Nigeria, Guyana, and Zambia.
RGU provides students with the opportunity to be recognised on a global scale by encouraging its student body and faculty to join collaborative research groups so that they can personally help advance the field of medicine.
By engaging in research, RGU students show their commitment to making meaningful contributions to scientific literature. Through their research, students at RGU not only enhance their own academic and intellectual development but also enrich the wider scientific community by disseminating their findings and breakthroughs.
Richmond Gabriel University is committed to providing a platform for its students, enabling them to showcase their abilities and attain international recognition.
Richmond Gabriel University of Medicine places a strong emphasis on supporting its students so that they can achieve academic and professional success. This includes but is not limited to:
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) is a popular destination known for its incredible beaches, lush rainforests, and crystal-clear blue waters. The nation consists of 32 islands in total, all of which offer an impeccable atmosphere and breathtaking natural beauty.
SVG is not just an idealistic Caribbean destination; it is also a prominent and well-established country with many important partners on the international scene. It is part of several prestigious communities, including the Commonwealth of Nations, and the Caribbean Community, which aim to establish regional cooperation while promoting economic, social, and cultural development, ensuring the prosperity of its member states.
Apart from living in a vibrant tropical paradise on the rise, students get to experience a rich array of lifestyle perks while studying medicine in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines:
The islands are abundant in natural beauty, with several breathtaking destinations that you shouldn’t miss. Some of the most prominent attractions include Tobago Cays, La Soufrière, Falls of Baleine, the Botanical Gardens, and Salt Whistle Bay.
The community of SVG is an integral part of the island’s charming and welcoming atmosphere. From the moment you arrive, you’ll be greeted with smiles and genuine hospitality.
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines are also known for their vibrant and lively festivals and events that showcase the rich cultural heritage and traditions of the nation. You’ll be able to enjoy events such as the Nine Mornings Festival, the Breadfruit Festival, the local carnival parades, and many more.
A perk of living in SVG is that you can maintain a high quality of life while paying reasonable living costs. Generally, you can expect to pay between to per month on living expenses, but of course, it can vary depending on your respective lifestyle. You can find a more detailed price breakdown here.
Curacao is a popular destination known for its safe environment, incredible beaches, lush rainforests, and crystal-clear blue waters. It is a Dutch constituent that offers a unique experience combining both European and Caribbean cultures. One of the best parts of studying in Curaçao is that you won’t have to worry about language barriers. Although the official languages are Papiamentu and Dutch, both English and Spanish are widely spoken.
Curaçao is much more than just an attractive Caribbean destination; it is also a prominent and well-established country with one of the highest standards of living in the Caribbean. Additional, it is part of several prestigious communities and an associate member of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), which aims to establish regional cooperation while promoting economic, social, and cultural development, ensuring the prosperity of its member states.
While studying medicine here, students will get to enjoy:
The island is rich in natural beauty, with several breathtaking destinations that you shouldn’t miss. Some of the most prominent attractions include Shete Boka National Park, Christoffel National Park, Klein Curaçao, and many more.
The community of Curaçao is an integral part of the island’s charming and welcoming atmosphere. From the moment you arrive, you’ll be greeted with smiles and genuine hospitality.
The island country is known for its vibrant and lively festivals and events that showcase the rich cultural heritage and traditions of the nation. You’ll be able to enjoy many events throughout the year, including the Carnival, the Seu Harvest Festival, the Curaçao North Sea Jazz Festival, Siman di Kultura, and many more.
Although Curacao offers one of the highest standards of living in the region, it comes with an affordable price tag. Generally, you can expect to pay between - per month on living expenses (without rent), but of course, it can vary depending on your respective lifestyle.
Richmond Gabriel University was the school that gave me the opportunity to do an online course for a year because I couldn't leave the UK this year. I still have a year to complete here, so I had to do this one year online, and then I'll go there next year to start the medicine course. This gives me the opportunity to get into medicine. My experience with Medlink Students was really good. By the time I applied, it was quite late, but Medlink Students was able to get me up to speed and fast-track the whole application to ensure that I didn't miss much of the school. Now, I'm working in medicine in the UK with a gastroenterology team. Working with both UK graduates and international doctors has shown me that medical education varies globally. The Caribbean curriculum I followed was different but equally rigorous, emphasizing deep basic science knowledge.
Richmond Gabriel University has small size classes, which means more personalized attention and support from professors. This makes it unique and beneficial compared to larger universities. I really appreciate the small student-to-teacher ratio, which meant more intimate relationships with both fellow students and faculty. The education structure closely follows the US system. I had the option of a five-year medical school or a four-year medical school if you had a previous degree. The university's support system was very helpful. We had peer tutors for struggling courses, and the university introduced us to essential resources like question banks and online lectures, making studying much easier. The clinical years were very Hands-On. We did rotations in Jamaica and the US, with core rotations in medicine, surgery, pediatrics, psychiatry, OB/GYN, and family medicine. The process of registering with the GMC was smooth, thanks to the responsive faculty at Richmond Gabriel University. I could easily get any documentation I needed, which was crucial given the tight timelines for UK registration. Studying for the plab exams was easier due to the rigorous preparation at Richmond. The exams at school were tougher than the plab, which made the process feel like a walk in the park. My advice to students thinking about applying to Richmond Gabriel University is just to do it. It prepared me much better than I would have been had I gone somewhere else.
Going to Richmond Gabriel University was the best decision for me. The support from the school, the affordable living costs, and the unique study environment made my experience worthwhile. Richmond Gabriel University has made a significant impact on my life, and I am proud to be a graduate. It’s very safe and comfortable, with security guards ensuring our safety on campus. We had two campuses with their own libraries, making it easy to find a quiet place to study. You start taking blood and doing clinical tasks early on. The doctors teach you extensively, and you get to do night shifts and be on call, which prepares you well for clinical practice. The experience was invaluable and different from the UK, where opportunities for practical experience are less frequent. I advise future students to be open-minded, take the risk, and be ready to study hard. If I can do it, you can too. Speak to previous students; don’t be scared. The school will teach you well, and there are many activities and opportunities to learn both in and out of the classroom.
The University of Medicine has 2 campuses in the Caribbean - in St. Vincent and the Grenadines and in Curacao.
Typically, the MD programme costs per semester for the first 2 years (5 semesters), for a total of . For years 3 & 4 (7 semesters), the tuition is per semester and adds up to a total of
However, students that apply through Medlink Students can get access to exclusive scholarships that can drastically reduce their tuition costs: Years 1 & 2 cost per year, for a total of , whereas the final two years cost annually, for a total of *.
*During the clinical rotations phase of the MD programme, students have the chance to choose from a variety of countries for their clinical training. However, it's important to note that some countries may have higher tuition fees, which could require students to pay extra tuition fees to cover the discrepancies.
Yes, transfer students are accepted at RGU College of Medicine.
Yes, the medicine course is entirely taught in English.
RGU in the Caribbean operates on a system of three semesters per year, allowing students the flexibility to choose their preferred enrollment time throughout the academic year. The semesters start in:
• May
• September
RGU College of Medicine is an accredited medical university that is recognised in many countries around the world, including the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Canada, Nigeria, and many more.
Additionally, RGU is listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS), a list by the World Health Organisation that consists only of accredited medical universities.
Upon graduating, students receive an internationally recognised diploma from Richmond Gabriel University, allowing them to earn their medical licensure in many countries around the globe.
Neither the MD programme nor the Pre-Medicine foundation course requires an entrance exam.
Yes, absolutely. You can enrol in the 16-month pre-medicine course, which will completely prepare you for your medical studies. This programme can be condensed into 12 months if you are able to handle more workload.
The clinical rotations at RGU can be carried out in accredited teaching hospitals in Sri Lanka, Ghana, Botswana, or Nigeria. Moreover, students enrolled at RGU have the opportunity to request to do their clinical training in any country worldwide, as long as they can cover any discrepancies in tuition costs.
Richmond Gabriel University has 2 campuses in 2 countries in the Caribbean - in St. Vincent and the Grenadines and in Curacao.
Yes, students from Richmond Gabriel University are eligible to practice medicine in the USA and Canada. The university is recognised in these countries, and its graduates can pursue licensure after completing their degrees and meeting the specific requirements of each country.
Students at Richmond Gabriel University have the opportunity to undergo clinical rotations at clinical sites throughout the UK. These rotations are designed to provide students with exposure to different healthcare systems and enhance their clinical skills in a variety of settings.
