Your complete guide to the American University of Antigua (AUA)

Introduction

As the demand for skilled and well-trained doctors has been growing day by day, the options of medical institution and universities are also increasing. It is useful on the one side, as it increases the options for the medical students, but on the other hand, it becomes a challenge to find the best among them. The American University of Antigua is one of the innovative medical schools, preparing future physicians through a learner-centric educational world. In this article, we will tell you everything about this university to give you a better understanding of choosing the right place to start your medical career.

About the American University of Antigua (AUA)

The American University of Antigua College of Medicine is a leading name, part of the twin-island nation, and was established in 2004. It has recognition by the Caribbean Accreditation Authority for Education in Medicine and other Health Professions (CAAM-HP) and is also listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools. All these global accreditation and recognitions helps the students to make a career in the global healthcare sector.

Why choose the American University of Antigua (AUA)?

There are plenty of factors that set the university (AUA) apart from many other medical schools, which include –

• The university has global recognition by the Caribbean Accreditation Authority for Education in Medicine and Other Health Professions (CAAM-HP), making its graduates eligible to practice globally.
• The medical program follows the US educational model, ensuring students receive an education similar to the top US schools.
• The tie-up with Florida International University’s Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine offers a perfect blend of academic excellence and a wide range of clinical opportunities.
• The university offers advanced infrastructure, including simulation centres, laboratories, top-notch classrooms, and more. It not only prepares the best doctors but also competent healthcare professionals across a range of medical specialities and health professions.

Programs, courses, and departments

The university has multiple medical specialities which offer a variety of programs for the students to provide them a lifelong learning and research opportunities.

Core academic programs

Pre-medical program

Students get into this program directly after secondary education, which focuses on fundamental sciences, to prepare them for the MD program.

MD program (Doctor of medicine)

The MD program is a combination of one-to-two years of fundamental sciences and three to four years of clinical sciences study.

Major departments

• Department of Basic Medical Sciences
• Clinical Medicine
• Public Health
• Department of Research and Medical Innovation
• Department of Behavioural Sciences

Admission process

The students must follow the admission process steps mentioned by the university, which include –

• Applicants must fill out the complete application form available on the official page of the university’s website.
• With the application, applicants need to submit a copy of the required documents.
• Selected candidates will be called for an interview by the admission committee for the personality test.
• After the complete evaluation by the admission committee, the university will release the offer letter to the final selected candidate.
• Once receive the offer letter, students can apply for the student visa and deposit the tuition fees.

Eligibility criteria

The basic eligibility criteria to be followed by the applicants include –Applicants must have completed secondary education or 10+2 or equivalent with science subjects. NEET is mandatory for Indian students. Applicants should be a minimum age of 17 years or above at the time of admission.Document submission

• Academic transcripts
• Personal statement
• Letters of recommendation
• Passport copy
• English proficiency test scores (if applicable)

Cost of study and living

The cost of studying at the university and living in the country will be as follows –

Component	Cost
Tuition – Basic sciences (Years 1–2)	INR 20,75,000 per year
Tuition – Clinical sciences (Years 3–4)	INR 22,21,250 per year
Pre-medical program (if applicable)	INR 9,96,000 per year
Administrative fees & health insurance	INR 1,66,000 per year
Accommodation	INR 4,98,000 per year
Books & supplies	INR 83,000 per year
Food & daily expenses	INR 2,90,500 per year
Transportation & miscellaneous	INR 1,24,500 per year

Disadvantages of studying at the American University of Antigua (AUA)

The prospective students should know the drawbacks of studying at University, which include –

• The university has no on-campus clinic or hospital, which limits the clinical exposures of its students.
• The competition in the residency programs is very high, and the previous history of the college showcases less number of results.
• The cost of study is relatively high compared to other public and private medical college.
• The living cost is also high, making it an expensive study abroad choice for medical students.

Why European medical universities are an ideal choice for medical students?

European Medical colleges are attracting medical aspirants globally because of many reasons, including –

• European schools are well recognised by global medical bodies, including the World Health Organisation, the Medical Council of India (MCI), the World Federation for Medical Education (WFME), and the World Directory of Medical Schools.
• European medical schools provide affordable education, especially the countries like Poland, Georgia, Romania, and other countries.
• Europe offers great practical learning through its clinical rotation opportunities in renowned hospitals and university-affiliated clinics.
• To maintain the educational standard and quality, European universities follow the norms under the Bologna Process and EU education regulations.

Conclusion

The American University of Antigua's college (AUA) of Medicine is getting attention from many international medical students because of its English-speaking curriculum, USMLE preparation (United States Medical Licensing Examination) and strong foundation in basic sciences. But the cost of study and limited clinical exposure can be a challenge for many students. In that case, you can go for the other options, like studying medicine in Europe, and you can get end-to-end support from counsellors of futureMBBS to make it your life-defining decision.

Frequently asked questions