Barbados medical colleges
Medical Doctor Program 2026-2027
Bridgetown International University
English-medium medical education in Barbados with structured academic semesters, global pathway preparation and a clear route-planning framework for the USA and UK.
Programme5 years + 1 year internship
TuitionUSD 32,500 / 10 semesters
AccommodationUSD 1,500 / semester
PathwaysUSMLE - ECFMG - PLAB
Programme at a glance
A focused medical programme with two published duration statements
The academic fee schedule covers 10 semesters across five years and describes a separate one-year internship. The admission information also states a total course duration of 5.5 years.
Fee schedule duration
5 years + 1 year
Five-year programme followed by a separately charged internship.
Admission-page duration
5.5 years
Applicants should confirm which timeline applies to their entry route.
Before paying: obtain a signed curriculum, semester calendar, internship location, internship fee and final graduation timeline for your specific admission route.
Global preparation
Medical education with USA and UK pathway planning
Fee structure 2025-2026
What the listed medical programme costs
Every amount below is shown in US dollars. Tuition and hostel are listed for 10 semesters; internship charges are payable separately as actual costs.
Academic tuition
$32,500
10 x $3,250
Hostel / accommodation
$15,000
10 x $1,500
Listed one-time fees
$5,000
Four published charges
Listed arithmetic total
$52,500
Before excluded costs
| Academic year | Semester | Tuition fee | Hostel and accommodation | Listed semester total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | Semester 1 | $3,250 | $1,500 | $4,750 |
| Year 1 | Semester 2 | $3,250 | $1,500 | $4,750 |
| Year 2 | Semester 3 | $3,250 | $1,500 | $4,750 |
| Year 2 | Semester 4 | $3,250 | $1,500 | $4,750 |
| Year 3 | Semester 5 | $3,250 | $1,500 | $4,750 |
| Year 3 | Semester 6 | $3,250 | $1,500 | $4,750 |
| Year 4 | Semester 7 | $3,250 | $1,500 | $4,750 |
| Year 4 | Semester 8 | $3,250 | $1,500 | $4,750 |
| Year 5 | Semester 9 | $3,250 | $1,500 | $4,750 |
| Year 5 | Semester 10 | $3,250 | $1,500 | $4,750 |
| Ten-semester subtotal | $32,500 | $15,000 | $47,500 | |
Registration fee
$1,000
Documentation and processing
$2,500
Medical check-up
$500
Library fees and examinations
$1,000
Additional published living notes
- Hostel accommodation is also described as starting from $250 per month, subject to occupancy type.
- Optional mess is listed at $150 per month; self-cooking is available.
- US clinical pathway fees vary by hospital and location and are separate.
Not included in the $52,500 total
Internship charges, optional food, airfare, visa and immigration charges, insurance, local transport, personal expenses, US clinical fees, USMLE, ECFMG, ERAS, PLAB, GMC, English tests and future fee increases.
Admissions
Entry routes and required documents
Applicants enter through a pre-medical route, a medical programme route or a transfer assessment, depending on previous education.
Pre-Med programme
- Higher secondary or intermediate (10+2)
- Physics, chemistry, biology and mathematics
- Minimum age of 18
- Evidence of English proficiency
Medical programme
- Bachelor's degree or completed pre-med route
- Cumulative GPA of 3.0
- Biology, chemistry, physics and mathematics prerequisites
- MCAT within two years where applicable
Transfer applicants
- Official transcript assessment
- Placement decided by the academic committees
- No automatic transfer credit
- Final-year clinical transfers are not accepted
Application documents
Prepare original academic and identity documents
High-school records
Passport with appropriate entry visa
Completed application form
Ten passport photographs
Academic transcripts
English-language evidence where applicable
BIU to the United States
USMLE, ECFMG and residency: step by step
USMLE coaching may begin from the first year, but the licensing route is governed by ECFMG, USMLE, residency programmes and state medical boards. A medical degree does not guarantee a residency position.
- 01
Verify medical-school eligibility
Check the World Directory record and the ECFMG Sponsor Note that applies to your expected graduation year before enrolment and again before applying for examinations.
- 02
Create your ECFMG record
Complete the current identity-verification and Application for ECFMG Certification requirements through MyIntealth.
- 03
Pass USMLE Step 1
Build a strong basic-science foundation and pass the first USMLE examination when your eligibility and curriculum timing allow.
- 04
Pass USMLE Step 2 CK
Prepare for the clinical-knowledge examination and aim for a score that supports your intended residency specialty.
- 05
Complete an ECFMG Pathway
Meet the clinical and communication-skills requirements under the Pathway available for your Match season, including OET Medicine where required.
- 06
Verify credentials and certify
Have the final medical diploma, transcript and any transfer-credit documents verified, then satisfy every current ECFMG Certification requirement.
- 07
Build a residency profile
Plan US clinical experience, letters of recommendation, research, volunteering and a coherent specialty strategy. Availability and costs vary by site.
- 08
Apply through ERAS and NRMP
Submit a complete ERAS application, apply strategically, interview, certify a rank-order list and compete in the NRMP Match.
BIU to the United Kingdom
Primary qualification, PLAB and GMC registration
The GMC assesses overseas primary medical qualifications case by case. It advises applicants not to rely on third-party guarantees that a course is GMC recognised or UK compliant.
- 01
Check the primary medical qualification
The GMC assesses overseas primary medical qualifications against its acceptability criteria. Ask the GMC directly if you need guidance before enrolling.
- 02
Complete the degree and internship
Keep complete evidence of the medical programme, clinical rotations and internship. The internship record affects the registration route.
- 03
Meet the English requirement
Provide an accepted form of English-language evidence for PLAB and registration, commonly IELTS Academic or OET Medicine, under the rules in force when you apply.
- 04
Open GMC Online and verify documents
Set up the correct account, submit the required qualification evidence and complete any primary-source verification requested for your application.
- 05
Pass PLAB 1
Take the written applied-knowledge examination after the GMC confirms that the relevant qualification and English evidence are acceptable.
- 06
Pass PLAB 2
Complete the practical objective structured clinical examination and retain a valid result for the registration application window.
- 07
Apply for GMC registration
Submit the appropriate full or provisional registration application with identity, internship, good-standing and fitness-to-practise evidence.
- 08
Apply for UK medical roles
After registration and licensing, apply for suitable NHS or other roles and meet the separate employment and immigration requirements.
Study in Barbados
Historic Bridgetown. English-speaking Caribbean setting.
Student support
From admission documents to post-graduation planning
Documentation
Application processing, document review, translation, notarisation and immigration support.
Travel and arrival
Flight guidance, airport pickup and transportation arrangements.
Accommodation
University hostel booking and private accommodation assistance.
Student services
Registration, local ID, police registration, mentorship and counselling.
Academic support
Licensing-exam preparation and academic guidance.
Post-graduation
Degree attestation, embassy verification, residency guidance and alumni access.
Frequently asked questions
BIU fees, duration and pathways
What is the tuition fee at Bridgetown International University?
The fee structure lists tuition of USD 3,250 for each of 10 semesters, producing a tuition subtotal of USD 32,500. Hostel and accommodation are listed separately at USD 1,500 per semester.
What is the total listed cost for BIU?
Ten semesters of tuition total USD 32,500, ten semesters of hostel and accommodation total USD 15,000, and the four listed one-time fees total USD 5,000. The arithmetic total is USD 52,500 before internship charges, optional food, airfare, visas, insurance, licensing examinations and personal costs.
How long is the BIU medical programme?
The fee structure describes a five-year programme plus one year of internship. The admission page also states that the course is 5.5 years. Applicants should obtain a signed curriculum and offer letter confirming the exact route, internship arrangement and total duration that apply to them.
Can BIU graduates pursue the USMLE and US residency pathway?
Students can plan for USMLE Step 1, Step 2 CK, the applicable ECFMG Pathway, credential verification, ECFMG Certification and an ERAS/NRMP residency application. Eligibility and Match success depend on current ECFMG rules, examination performance and the strength of the individual application.
Can BIU graduates pursue PLAB and GMC registration?
An international graduate may pursue the UK route if the GMC accepts the individual primary medical qualification and the applicant meets the current English, PLAB, internship, documentation and registration requirements.
Plan before you enrol
Get the duration, fees and destination pathway checked together.
Review the signed offer, semester schedule, internship, clinical locations and licensing plan as one complete decision.