About St. Martinus University

General Information

History of the University

The St. Martinus College, established in 1842, was the first school of the Netherlands Antilles. In 2002 the Martinus complex was purchased from the Sisters of Roosendaal and went through a complete renovation. The St.Martinus campus is located very centrally at Brionplein in Otrobanda; it is one of the island's prestigious monuments.

By the end of 2002 St. Martinus University established itself as a University with a focus on Medicine and Health sciences. In January 2003 the University proudly opened its doors to the first students and thus officially began its medical program.In doing this the St. Martinus University continues a well established tradition of quality education as well as providing one of the finest educational environments.

The University currently runs a fully equipped Medical Faculty, and a Faculty of Arts & Sciences.  In the not too distant future a Nursing Faculty will also be established. The St. Martinus University aims to have 300 to 500 students on campus in Curacao.

The instruction language at St. Martinus University is English.

Curaçao is one of the most multi-lingual and multi-cultural islands in the region. English, Dutch and Spanish are widely spoken. Papiamento is the local spoken language. Students will learn basic Papiamento, the local language.This is the first step towards communicating with the local patient population.

The expected student body of St. Martinus University is comprised of students from the USA, Canada, UK, Europe, Africa, Asia and the Caribbean /Latin America. All students must qualify for entry to the University, for full details see the section on “Selection Criteria for Admission”.

Vision & Mission

"Our mission is to provide undergraduate and professional graduate courses of international merit in the medical and allied health sciences. St. Martinus University, in part, shall meet the needs of a global society for a suitably qualified workforce in the health professions by advancing knowledge in the health sciences through basic and applied health care education and research."

An institute committed to diversity of students, faculty and staff. An institute at the forefront of science education in patient care, health promotion, community services and research through the addition of other allied health programs. An institute that guides students to manage information resources in an integrated and coordinated manner.

Recognition & Accreditation

Charter
St. Martinus University is chartered by the Government of the Netherlands Antilles. This charter grants the St. Martinus University the right to confer the Doctor of Medicine degree upon its graduates, who will then be eligible for medical licensure.

See here the letter from The Government granting a charter.

Accreditation

St. Martinus University has commenced accreditation procedures in both the United States as well as in Europe.  In the USA our Executive Dean has taken the initial steps necessary.

For accreditation in the Netherlands Antilles and the Netherlands at present the accreditation regulatory activities preside with the NVAO, the Netherlands Vlamisch Accreditation Organization.  Currently the Ministers of Education of the Netherlands Antilles and of the Netherlands are preparing guidelines for the NVAO to process the accreditation application of St. Martinus University and other organizations of higher education. 

As the process of accreditation is expected to take 2 to 3 years to complete. Critical steps have been taken to place accreditation responsibilities and policies in place. The Academic Medical path for St. Martinus University is to pursue and intervene for provisional academic accreditation through various sources.

Furthermore St. Martinus University is recognized and/or approved and/or listed by:

World Health Organization (W.H.O.)  (pdf. format)
(See here the letter)

Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates(ECFMG)
(See here the letter)

Welcome Letter from the Ministry of Health of the island of Curaçao
( Ing. Charles Cooper Msc.) (See here the letter)

Appreciation letter from the Ministry of Health of the island of Curaçao
( M. Bouwland Luciano)       (See here the letter)

Letter of Recognition Ministry of Health of the island of Curaçao
(M. Bouwland Luciano)       (See here the letter)

Letter of recommendation Honorary Consul of India in the Netherlands Antilles and Aruba
(Mr. Ram D. Boolchand)       (See here the letter)

National Association of Graduate Admission Professionals  (NAGAP).   Member

Undersea & Hyperbaric Medical Society U.H.M.S)   Member

International Medical Education Directory (IMED-FAIMER).   Listed
(See here the letter)