NETHERLANDS · KINGSTOWN
St.James's School of Medicine, Bonaire
private · Founded 1999 · Languages: en
S
In short
St. James's School of Medicine offers an accessible and affordable 10-semester MD program in the Caribbean, with a holistic admissions process and a strong focus on preparing students for USMLE examinations and residency.
Key facts
- Type
- Private
- Founded
- 1999
- Students
- 900
- International students
- 900
- Acceptance rate
- 55%
- Tuition (intl)
- €9–13k/yr
- Languages
- EN
- Location
- Kingstown, Netherlands
Saint James School of Medicine (SJSM) is a private institution founded in 1999, offering an accessible and affordable medical education. The university is dedicated to preparing future physicians through a personalized, hands-on MD program. SJSM emphasizes innovation and excellence, providing a comprehensive 10-semester MD program taught entirely in English. The curriculum covers Basic and Clinical Sciences, designed to prepare students for the USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 examinations. The Basic Sciences portion of the MD program is completed over 20 months at the Caribbean campus located in St. Vincent. This campus fosters a supportive community environment with tutoring, mentoring, peer-led learning, and various student activities. SJSM attracts a diverse student body, with a significant percentage of students from the U.S. and Canada, and aims to produce compassionate and skilled medical professionals ready to impact healthcare globally. SJSM has a strong track record of alumni success, with over 900 licensed physicians and a high first-time match rate for its graduates. The institution recently celebrated the opening of Phase 1 of its new campus in Golden Vale, St. Vincent, coinciding with its 25th anniversary, marking a significant step in its commitment to advanced medical education.
Why study here
- Receive high-quality medical education comparable to US and Canadian medical schools at a fraction of the cost.
- Benefit from accreditation by ACCM, recognized by the US Department of Education, and ECFMG listing, making graduates eligible for USMLE and ECFMG Certification.
- Study in a curriculum designed to satisfy competency requirements for professional and academic communities in the United States and internationally.
- Access an affordable medical education with some of the lowest tuition rates among accredited medical schools.
- No MCAT required for admission, facilitating a holistic review process for applicants.
- Benefit from a high residency match rate and a strong network of US hospitals and clinical institutions.
- Join a supportive community environment on the St. Vincent campus with tutoring, mentoring, and student activities.
- Take advantage of a USMLE Step 1 Pass Guarantee, demonstrating commitment to student success.
Student life
The St. Vincent campus offers a close-knit and supportive community. Students benefit from tutoring, mentoring programs, peer-led learning opportunities, and a variety of student clubs and activities. The island environment provides a unique backdrop for medical studies, with opportunities for community outreach programs that allow students to connect with local communities, contribute to healthcare, and gain valuable hands-on experience. Students have access to grocery stores, restaurants, and local markets. Accommodation is readily available, and the admissions team can provide support in finding housing. The local population is friendly and welcoming.
Fees
InternationalBasic Science Semesters (1-5): $10,250.00 per semester. Clinical Science Semesters (6-10): $14,800.00 per semester. The total estimated 4-year MD program tuition and fees are $130,005.00. This includes enrollment fees, NBME testing fees, and a graduation fee. Pre-Medical Sciences tuition is $6,850 per semester for in-region and $9,150 per semester for out-of-region students.
Home—
LivingEstimated other Basic Science expenses per semester: Books and Stationary $500, Apartment Rent Expense $2,600.00, Round Trip Ticket to the Island $800.00. Estimated other Clinical Science expenses per semester: Books and Stationary $900, Apartment Rent Expense $3,400.00.
All tuition and fees are expressed in United States Dollars and are subject to change. Students are responsible for their books, transportation, house rent, and living expenses. Variable fees may apply for repeat courses or late payments.
Admissions
Application FormRequired
Educational QualificationsRequired
InterviewRequired
Letters of RecommendationRequired
ResumeRequired
Personal EssayRequired
Undergraduate CreditsCompletion of at least 90 credit hours from a regionally accredited school, including coursework within the last 10 years.
Undergraduate GPARequired
TOEFLMay be required for applicants whose native language is not English.
Rankings
ACCM AccreditationAccredited Caribbean medical school
Residency Match Outcomes 2025/202696.1% first-time match rate
University scholarships
Dr. Jay K. Pandit Memorial ScholarshipFull tuition, minus fees
Dr. Bruce Davidson Memorial Scholarship50% off Basic Science semester / $2,000 Clinical Science semester
Provost Scholarship$2,000 per Basic Science Semester
Director’s Scholarship$1,000 per Basic Science Semester
Advanced Degree Scholarship$1,000 per Basic Science Semester
Medical Professionals Scholarship$1,500 per Basic Science Semester
Military Veteran Scholarship$2,000 per Basic Science Semester / $1,000 per Clinical Science Semester
Course Performance Award- System-Based Curriculum$2,000 one-time
NBME Performance Award - Subject-Based Curriculum$750 one-time
MCAT Examinee Award$750 one-time
BS Transfer Student Award50% off First Semester
CS Transfer Student Award$2,500 one-time
Caricom National Award50% off First Semester
Vincentian Student ScholarshipFull tuition, minus fees
Accreditation
Saint James School of Medicine is accredited by the Accreditation Commission on Colleges of Medicine (ACCM), a leading accrediting body in the Caribbean. ACCM is recognized by the United States Department of Education for using accreditation standards comparable to those for medical schools in the U.S. SJSM is also listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools with an ECFMG® Sponsor Note, making its students and graduates eligible for ECFMG Certification and USMLE®. The St. Vincent campus is registered with the National Accreditation Board (NAB) of the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
For international students
NetherlandsStudent visa & funds
Non-EU students cannot apply for their own residence permit; only an IND-recognised institution (a registered sponsor) submits the application on their behalf. The permit is issued for up to five years and stays valid for three months after the programme ends. For university and HBO students the IND requires proof of at least €1,130.77 per month (the 2026 study norm) for living costs, held by the student or guaranteed by the institution. Students must also keep satisfactory progress — at least 50% of annual credits — to retain the permit.
Working while you study
Non-EU students may work a maximum of 16 hours per week during the academic year, or alternatively full-time during June, July and August. In either case the employer must first obtain a work permit (TWV) from the UWV before the student starts; the student cannot apply for it themselves. Internships that are a formal, graded part of the degree are exempt from the TWV requirement when a tri-party agreement is in place, as is volunteering with a Volunteer Declaration.
After you graduate
After a bachelor’s, master’s or PhD at a Dutch institution, non-EU graduates may apply for the orientation year permit (zoekjaar), valid for one year and not extendable. During this year the holder may work freely — no employer TWV is needed — and may also freelance or start a business. The application must be made within three years of graduating. Graduates of a foreign university ranked in the global top 200 can also qualify with English proficiency at IELTS 6.0 or equivalent.
English tests
- IELTS6.0–6.5 for bachelor’s; 6.5–7.0 for most master’s; specialist master’s up to 7.0–7.5
- TOEFL iBT80–90 for bachelor’s; 90–100 for master’s; some research universities require 100
Main intakes
SeptemberFebruary
Typical living cost
€1,200/month
Approximate all-in student budget; major cities run higher.
Programs
a selectionScholarships
for Netherlands
full fundingDutch Research Council (NWO)
NWO Rubicon Programme
For researchers who have recently completed (or are about to complete) a PhD, who want to gain research experience at a foreign institution (or at a Dutch institution if coming from abroad). It is a postdoctoral programme; applicants must have obtained their doctorate within the last ~12 months and apply through NWO with a host.
full
Funding
€180k
Max
Mar 31, 2027
Deadline
full fundingNuffic (Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
Orange Knowledge Programme (OKP) Scholarships
Open to mid-career professionals who are nationals of, and currently living and working in, one of the listed OKP partner countries. Applicants must have proficiency in English or French, be in work that aligns with one of the priority areas designated for their country, be able to show they will use and transfer their new knowledge within their employing organization, and agree to comply with the obligations and conditions of the OKP. A limited number of awards is granted to motivated female and male professionals.
full
Funding
€40k
Max
Mar 31, 2027
Deadline
full fundingUniversity of Groningen
Welcoming International Talent (WIT) PhD Fellowship
Open to Early-Stage Researchers of any nationality who, at the call deadline, have no more than four years of full-time-equivalent research experience and have not yet been awarded a doctoral degree. Applicants must hold a qualification that grants access to doctoral studies, meet the MSCA mobility rule (not having lived or worked in the host country for more than 12 months in the previous three years), and have at least certified B2-level English.
full
Funding
€32k
Max
Mar 18, 2027
Deadline
full fundingMaastricht University
UM Brightlands Talent Scholarship
Open to non-EU/EEA and Swiss nationals under 35 who have conditional admission to a participating master's programme affiliated with a Brightlands campus, have not previously enrolled in Dutch higher education, and demonstrate strong academic performance.
full
Funding
€31k
Max
Feb 1, 2027
Deadline
full fundingMaastricht University
Maastricht University NL-High Potential Scholarship
Open to talented students from outside the EU/EEA, Switzerland and Suriname who have applied for admission to a participating full-time Master's programme at Maastricht University, meet the programme's admission requirements, have not previously studied for a degree in the Netherlands, and are no older than 35 on the cycle's start date.
full
Funding
€30k
Max
Feb 1, 2027
Deadline
full fundingDelft University of Technology (TU Delft)
Justus & Louise van Effen Excellence Scholarship
For exceptional non-EU/EEA students applying for an MSc programme at Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) with an excellent academic record. The scholarship is merit-based and competitive; you apply for it after applying for admission to an eligible TU Delft master's, by the deadline (commonly 1 December).
full
Funding
€30k
Max
Dec 1, 2026
Deadline
Frequently asked questions
What is the total estimated tuition for the MD program at St. James's School of Medicine?
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The total estimated tuition and fees for the 4-year MD program are $130,005.00. This includes enrollment fees, NBME testing fees, and a graduation fee.
Does St. James's School of Medicine require the MCAT for admission?
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No, St. James's School of Medicine does not require the MCAT for admission. The university utilizes a holistic review process for all applicants.
What are the estimated living expenses for students?
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Estimated additional expenses per semester for Basic Sciences include $500 for books and stationary, and $2,600 for apartment rent. For Clinical Sciences, these estimates increase to $900 for books and stationary, and $3,400 for apartment rent.
What accreditations does St. James's School of Medicine hold?
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St. James School of Medicine is accredited by ACCM, which is recognized by the US Department of Education. It is also listed by ECFMG, making graduates eligible for USMLE and ECFMG Certification.
Where is the Basic Sciences component of the MD program delivered?
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The Basic Sciences component of the MD program is delivered at the Caribbean campus in St. Vincent, located in the Lesser Antilles.
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