The Medical University of the Americas (MUA) is a private medical school whose basic-science campus is in Charlestown on the island of Nevis. Clinical rotations take place at affiliated sites in the United States and Canada.[1][2] Wikipedia gives 1998 as the founding year and describes it as a for-profit school owned by Global University Systems; the school’s own pages do not state a founding year.[3]
For students beginning in September 2026, the school lists MD tuition of $13,750 USD per term for terms 1–5 and $16,500 USD per term for terms 6–10, plus an administrative fee of $4,900 USD per term, giving $200,250 USD for the 10-term programme.[4] The school states that its MD programme is accredited by the Accreditation Commission on Colleges of Medicine (ACCM).[5] MUA is not confirmed in the QS World University Rankings 2027.
Key facts
| Official name | Medical University of the Americas (MUA)[6] |
| Location | Nevis campus, P.O. Box 701, Charlestown, Nevis, West Indies (10-acre campus); US admissions office in Devens, Massachusetts[1] |
| Type | Private, for-profit; owned by Global University Systems (according to Wikipedia)[3] |
| Founded | 1998 according to Wikipedia; the school’s pages say “25+ years” without a year[3] |
| Programmes | 4-year MD, 5-year BSc/MD, 6-year BSc/MD, Gateway Medical Program, Pre-Medical Master’s, MBBS to MD Pathway[6] |
| MD structure | Five semesters of basic science on Nevis (first 20 months), then five semesters of clinical rotations in the US and Canada[2] |
| Accreditation (as stated by the school) | MD programme accredited by ACCM, which the school says is recognized by the World Federation for Medical Education (WFME); no date given[5] |
| Nevis approval (as stated by the school) | MD and pre-med programmes accredited by the St. Kitts and Nevis Ministry of Education[2] |
| QS World University Rankings 2027 | Not confirmed (no entry found in the sources read) |
| MD tuition, students beginning September 2026 | $13,750 USD per term (terms 1–5), $16,500 USD per term (terms 6–10), plus $4,900 USD administrative fee per term; $200,250 USD in total for 10 terms[4] |
| Language of teaching | English; applicants whose first language is not English may be asked for TOEFL or a comparable exam[2] |
| Admission (MD) | Holistic review; MCAT required for US citizens, nationals and permanent residents; interview of 30–60 minutes may be requested[7] |
| Official website | mua.edu |
Checked against the sources listed at the bottom of this page on 7 November 2026.
About Medical University of the Americas
MUA teaches basic science on the Caribbean island of Nevis, part of the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis, on a 10-acre campus in Charlestown. Clinical medicine is completed at affiliated teaching hospitals in the United States and Canada.[1] The school states more than 25 US teaching-hospital affiliates and optional clerkships in Canada and the UK.[1]
Wikipedia describes MUA as a private, for-profit offshore medical school founded in 1998 and owned by Global University Systems, which also owns Saba University School of Medicine and St. Matthew’s University.[3] The school’s own pages say “25+ years of educating future physicians” but do not give a founding year, and none of the pages we read mentions a name or location change.[6]
Is Medical University of the Americas ranked?
We could not confirm a position for MUA in the QS World University Rankings 2027, published on 18 June 2026. The QS website blocks automated access, and none of the sources we read names the school in that ranking. We therefore show “Not confirmed”. How we compile rankings.
The school quotes its own figures instead: a 93% three-year residency placement rate for graduates or expected graduates from 2023-24 through 2025-26, and first-time USMLE pass rates of 85% (Step 1) and 96% (Step 2 CK) for 2024.[1] These are the school’s own statements and are not independent rankings.
Is Medical University of the Americas accredited?
The statements below come from the school itself unless another source is named. None of the school’s pages we read gives a date.
- ACCM: the school says its MD programme is accredited by the Accreditation Commission on Colleges of Medicine, “recognized by the World Federation of Medical Education (WFME)”. It adds that the US Department of Education’s NCFMEA has determined that ACCM’s standards are comparable to those of the LCME, the body that accredits MD programmes in the US.[5]
- ECFMG and WDOMS: the school says it is listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS) and that this listing “affords our students access to the USMLE”.[5] We could not open the directory to check the entry.
- State approvals: the school lists approval by the New York State Education Department, recognition by the Medical Board of California and a licence from the Florida Commission for Independent Education.[5] Wikipedia dates the California decision to 27 July 2017.[3]
- St. Kitts and Nevis: the school’s FAQ says the MD and pre-med programmes are accredited by the St. Kitts and Nevis Ministry of Education.[2]
- US federal student aid: the school says it is one of seven Caribbean medical schools approved to take part in US federal student aid programmes.[5]
Accreditation and recognition rules change. Check the current status with ACCM and with the licensing body of the country where you want to practise before you enrol.
What can you study at Medical University of the Americas?
The school lists a 4-year MD, a 5-year and a 6-year BSc/MD, the Gateway Medical Program, a Pre-Medical Master’s and an MBBS to MD Pathway.[6] The MD has five semesters of basic science on Nevis (the first 20 months) followed by five semesters of clinical rotations at sites in the US and Canada.[2] Wikipedia adds that USMLE Step 1 is required before clinical rotations and Step 2 CK before graduation.[3]
How much does Medical University of the Americas cost?
The fee page lists the following for students beginning in September 2026. It also lists separate rates for students who started before September 2024, and says rates are subject to change.[4]
| Programme | Terms | Total tuition and administrative fees (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| MD (terms 1–5 basic science, terms 6–10 clinical) | 10 | $200,250 |
| Pre-Med Master’s | 2 | $11,000 |
| 5-Year BSc/MD | 3 | $30,000 |
| 6-Year BSc/MD | 6 | $60,000 |
| Gateway | 1 | $5,500 |
For the MD, the school lists $13,750 per term for terms 1–5, $16,500 per term for terms 6–10 and an administrative fee of $4,900 per term for terms 1–10. Canadian citizens can pay the same amounts in CAD; dual citizens, US nationals, permanent residents and other international students pay in USD. Other listed fees include malpractice insurance ($295 per term in terms 6–10), a graduation fee ($500) and a non-refundable tuition deposit ($500).[4] Living costs are not included; see the St. Kitts and Nevis guide.
How do you apply to Medical University of the Americas?
Applications are submitted online. The school asks for the online application, transcripts, a letter of intent and letters of recommendation, and an e-signature.[7] Review is holistic: the committee weighs GPA, MCAT scores, life experience and volunteer experience. The MCAT is required for US citizens, nationals and permanent residents; Canadian and other international applicants must submit scores only if they have taken it. An interview of 30–60 minutes may be requested.[7] AMCAS, AACOMAS, TMDSAS and OMSAS applications cannot be submitted directly; you upload a PDF of your application through the school’s common application link.[7] We give no deadlines; check the school’s admissions page.
Which language level do you need?
English is the language of instruction. Applicants whose first language is not English may be asked to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or a comparable exam.[2] The admissions page itself lists no English requirement and refers applicants to the admissions office.[7]
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Medical University of the Americas located?
The basic-science campus is in Charlestown on Nevis. Clinical rotations take place at affiliated sites in the US and Canada.[1]
Is Medical University of the Americas accredited?
How much does the MD cost?
For students beginning in September 2026 the school lists $200,250 USD in tuition and administrative fees for the 10-term MD.[4]
Do I need the MCAT?
The MCAT is required for US citizens, nationals and permanent residents. Canadian and other international applicants submit scores only if they have taken it.[7]
What language are classes taught in?
English. Applicants with another first language may be asked for TOEFL or a comparable test.[2]
More about studying in Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Saint Kitts and Nevis: best universities
- Cost of Studying Abroad
- International Student Scholarships
- University Ranking Methodology
More university profiles in Saint Kitts and Nevis
Sources
[1] Medical University of the Americas: Facts and stats (page without a date; footer © 2026)
[2] Medical University of the Americas: Frequently asked questions (page without a date)
[3] Wikipedia: Medical University of the Americas – Nevis (history, ownership and California recognition (secondary source))
[4] Medical University of the Americas: Tuition (rates for students beginning September 2026)
[5] Medical University of the Americas: Accreditation and approvals (page without a date; footer © 2026)
[6] Medical University of the Americas: home page (page without a date; footer © 2026)
[7] Medical University of the Americas: Admissions (page without a date)
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