Saba University School of Medicine

 

Saba University Medical School graduates have an excellent track record. Since 1993, more than 1,500 M.D.’s have received their start at Saba University School of Medicine. Our graduates have an extensive track record of excellent performance on the critical USMLE Step 1 exam.  In 2008, the passing rate of Saba students on the USMLE Step 1 was over 95%. In addition, over 20 percent of Saba graduates have been selected as Chief Residents or for sub-specialty fellowships.  

Because Saba University operates on a year round, 3-semester schedule, there are three entry points for new students every year—you can begin your medical studies at Saba University in September, January or May. For that reason, we accept applications throughout the year.

 

A typical incoming class at Saba University is approximately 95 students. This makes it possible for Saba University to maintain small classes and close student-teacher interaction. This is substantially different from other medical schools, particularly other schools located in the Caribbean, that are increasing their class sizes and subjecting their students to large, impersonal classroom experiences.

Saba University is committed to providing the facilities that support efficient, effective learning. We offer a modern anatomy lab and a full complement of well-equipped classrooms and auditoriums with the latest multimedia technologies. The entire campus is wireless.  First semester students live in comfortable on-campus dorms just minutes away from the classrooms.

Tuition and fees at Saba University are substantially lower than they are at other medical schools—even though Saba University is one of the very few medical schools located in the Caribbean whose students have obtained licensure in all 50 states and Canada. Other medical schools in the Caribbean with comparable recognition charge 50-100% more than Saba in tution and fees. This enables Saba University students to complete their education with far less indebtedness than those of virtually any other school.

Many things about Saba, the island, make Saba University an extremely desirable place to attend medical school. Saba is a beautiful country—its nickname is the “Unspoiled Queen” –and is also extremely safe. Discriminating tourists have long sought out Saba for its diving, its restaurants, charming inns and stunning Caribbean vistas.

Housing and living costs on Saba are significantly lower than you will find at other schools with comparable recognition. Local grocery stores stock food items to meet the full range of dietary needs. The school enjoys good relations with the local population.

Because Saba is small and off the well-worn tourist track, it lacks many of the distractions that can interfere with studying. Still, when not studying, there is always plenty to do, from hiking to deep sea diving. There is also an on-campus fitness center.

 

The island of Saba is convenient to get to—it is 28 miles south of St. Maarten, which is a major point of entry to the Caribbean and served by direct flights from numerous locations throughout the U.S. and Canada. From St. Maarten, Saba is a 15 minute flight or a 90-minute ferry ride.

The university is a short ride from either the airport or ferry.

There are a wide range of housing options for students at Saba University.

To ease your transition, unaccompanied first semester students live in one of three on-campus dorms, built exclusively for our students. Dorms are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

After first semester, students live off campus--there are a wide range of options. Also, housing costs on Saba are also significantly less than at other schools with comparable recognition. On average, fully-furnished housing prices start in the range of $500 for a studio/one bedroom apartment and up to $1,200 - $1,500 for a 3-4 bedroom house. All properties are privately-owned and therefore the price of rentals and utilities varies. Electricity is generally a separate cost.

Click on Housing for more information.

The Saba University Housing Coordinator will assist you in finding off-campus housing:

Housing Coordinator
Telephone 011-599-416-3456
Fax 011-599-416-3458
Email: housing@saba.edu

Saba University students do all of their core clinical rotations at U.S.-based, ACGME-approved teaching hospitals (and their equivalent in Canada) affiliated with Saba University. Click here for a partial list of our Hospital Affiliations.

Taking the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is required for all applicants who are U.S. citizens, nationals, or permanent residents.

In addition, it is recommended for all other applicants and specifically required from those students who meet any of the following three conditions:

1. Students with outdated required science coursework (>5 years old)
2. Students who completed required science coursework at a community college
3. Students with "C" grades or lower in the required science courses

Saba University's MCAT code is SUSOM. More information about the MCAT is available at the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) website.

Applicants can send Saba University the MCAT exam scores through the online THx system.

Students at Saba University dissect cadavers in Gross Anatomy. There are typically eight students assigned per cadaver.

Our faculty is at the core of what makes the learning experience at Saba University different than other medical schools. All faculty members at Saba University hold  an advanced medical degree or doctorate (M.D., M.B.B.S., Ph.D.) in the field they teach, and are experienced teachers. Many faculty come to Saba University because of the school’s strong commitment to teaching and academic performance.

 

Saba University makes it possible for students to earn their M.D. in  under 4 years. Our students spend 20 months studying Basic Sciences on the campus in Saba, complete an 8 week research module and return to the U.S. or Canada for 72 weeks of clinical rotations. We manage our clinical program to ensure that there are enough available clerkships for our students to complete their core rotations without delay. Saba University has affiliations with ACGME-approved teaching hospitals in the U.S. (and their equivalent in Canada)—more than enough to ensure timely placement for our students.

The island of Saba has a well developed communications infrastructure with land line, cell phone, Internet and island-wide, wi-fi service. To communicate back home, many students take advantage of Internet-based services such as Vonage or Skype.

Saba University accepts payment for tuition and fees in U.S. dollars via wire, money order or personal checks.