NETHERLANDS
University of Sint Eustatius School of Medicine
private · Founded 1999 · Languages: English
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In short
The University of Sint Eustatius School of Medicine is a private Caribbean institution offering a US-style MD program with pre-clinical studies on the island and clinical rotations in the US and Canada. It aims to prepare students for North American medical licensing and practice.
Key facts
- Type
- Private
- Founded
- 1999
- Students
- 400
- International students
- 380
- Acceptance rate
- 55%
- Tuition (intl)
- €12–18k/yr
- Languages
- ENGLISH
- Location
- Netherlands
The University of Sint Eustatius School of Medicine is a private Caribbean medical school on Sint Eustatius, a Caribbean island in the Kingdom of the Netherlands. It offers a US-style MD programme divided into pre-clinical sciences on Sint Eustatius and clinical rotations at affiliated hospitals in the United States and Canada. The school primarily serves North American students pursuing medicine through an offshore pathway. Its small, focused campus environment is designed to support intensive study, and its graduates are eligible to sit for USMLE licensing examinations.
Why study here
- Access an MD programme structured for USMLE licensing, enabling a pathway to US and Canadian medical practice.
- Study in a small, focused Caribbean campus environment conducive to intensive pre-clinical study.
- Complete clinical rotations at affiliated teaching hospitals in the United States and Canada.
- Benefit from personalised faculty attention in a small cohort setting.
- Located on Sint Eustatius, a stable Dutch Caribbean island with a safe and quiet environment.
Student life
Life on Sint Eustatius is quiet and focused — the island is very small (about 21 sq km) with a tight-knit community. Students benefit from a distraction-limited environment ideal for intensive medical study. The island offers diving, hiking, and access to the Caribbean coast. Social life revolves mainly around the medical school community, and students form close cohort bonds. Clinical years are spent at affiliated hospitals in the US and Canada, offering full immersion in North American healthcare.
Fees
InternationalTuition fees are approximately USD 14,000–20,000 per semester for pre-clinical years (around €12,000–18,000 annually). Clinical rotations at US hospitals may have additional fees.
HomeThere is no significant domestic student population; all students pay international rates.
LivingLiving costs on Sint Eustatius are relatively modest: approximately USD 800–1,200 per month for accommodation and basic living expenses.
Prospective students should carefully review USMLE pass rates, residency match data, and accreditation status before enrolling. Financial aid options are limited compared to US domestic medical schools.
Admissions
Bachelor's DegreeCompleted undergraduate degree (or sufficient pre-medical credits) with a strong GPA, particularly in science coursework.
Pre-medical PrerequisitesBiology, Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Physics, Biochemistry, and English typically required.
MCATMCAT scores accepted but may not be strictly required; check current requirements with the admissions office.
IELTS Academic6.5 overall for non-native English speakers.
TOEFL iBT90 overall for non-native English speakers.
University scholarships
Merit ScholarshipPartial tuition reduction available for high-achieving applicants; contact the admissions office for current details.
Accreditation
USESM is recognised by the government of Sint Eustatius and listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS), which is required for USMLE eligibility. Prospective students should verify current ECFMG and state medical board recognition before applying.
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.
Scholarships
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 University of Sint Eustatius School of Medicine (USESM)?
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USESM is a private medical school located on the Caribbean island of Sint Eustatius, offering a US-style MD program. It is designed to prepare students for medical practice in North America through its pre-clinical and clinical components.
What are the main components of the USESM MD program?
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The program consists of pre-clinical sciences studied on the Sint Eustatius campus, followed by clinical rotations at affiliated hospitals in the United States and Canada. This structure is intended to facilitate USMLE licensing.
What are the estimated tuition fees for international students?
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Tuition fees are approximately USD 14,000–20,000 per semester for pre-clinical years. Additional fees may apply for clinical rotations in US hospitals.
What are the living costs on Sint Eustatius?
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Living costs are relatively modest, with estimated monthly expenses for accommodation and basic living expenses ranging from USD 800 to 1,200.
Does USESM have specific English proficiency requirements for international students?
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Yes, non-native English speakers typically need to achieve an IELTS Academic score of 6.5 overall or a TOEFL iBT score of 90 overall.
What academic prerequisites are required for admission?
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Applicants need a completed undergraduate degree with a strong GPA, particularly in science coursework, and typically must have completed pre-medical prerequisites in subjects like Biology, Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Physics, Biochemistry, and English.
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