Admission for US & Canada Students
Your leading resource for pursuing healthcare and clinical careers in the USA. St. Martinus University offers a direct pathway to medicine without the MCAT, with strong residency match records.
Established in 2000, St. Martinus University is an internationally accredited institution committed to delivering high-quality education in medicine and other health sciences. We pride ourselves on preparing future leaders in medicine and healthcare, with a curriculum designed to align with North American academic standards and prepare students for USMLE Step examinations.
Our distinguished faculty comprises medical experts with vast experience, ensuring world-class medical education. With accreditations from WFME-recognized agencies like AAEPO, SMU ensures eligibility for ECFMG certification and U.S. residency pathways, meeting the 2024 global medical education standards.
Academic Prerequisites
To embark on your medical journey at St. Martinus University, prospective students are required to meet the following academic criteria:
- High School Diploma demonstrating strong performance in STEM courses (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics).
- Minimum cumulative GPA: 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale).
- Official high school transcripts are essential for consideration
Supporting Documentation
Applicants should provide the following supporting documents:
- Two letters of recommendation (at least one from a STEM teacher or school counselor) to attest to their academic capabilities and potential.
- Personal statement detailing your interest in medicine and outlining your career aspirations.
- Interview (virtual or in-person) forms a crucial part of the evaluation process.
- English language proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS), if applicable for non-English speaking backgrounds.
Direct Entry Pathway
A significant advantage for US and Canadian students is the direct entry pathway into our Doctor of Medicine (MD) program without the need for the MCAT. Successful completion of our one-year (three-trimester) Pre-Med program guarantees direct admission into the 4-year MD program at St. Martinus University, offering a streamlined route for high school graduates and international students into medical studies.
STAGE 1: Application Submission
Initiate your application by submitting the required documentation online:
- Secondary School Certificate.
- Higher Secondary School Certificate.
- Valid passport copy (must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended travel date).
- Completed and signed application form (if applicable; e.g., when applying through an agent).
- Signed fee structure declaration (if applicable; e.g., when applying through an agent).
- Two letters of recommendation from academic or professional references.
- Two passport-size photographs (if applicable; e.g., when applying through an agent).
- Statement of Purpose.
Important Notes: All documents must be in English or accompanied by a certified English translation. Ensure all scanned copies are clear and legible. Please prepare all documentation before starting the online application process.
STAGE 2: Acceptance Letter
- Participate in an initial Zoom interview with the university admissions team.
- If successful, you will receive a Conditional Offer Letter.
- To confirm your acceptance, a non-refundable payment of $1,000 USD must be made within the validity period of the offer letter.
Note: The Conditional Offer Letter will be issued before the payment is received. This payment secures your admission and initiates the next steps in the enrollment process.
STAGE 3: Further Arrangements and Landing Permit
Upon confirming your acceptance, proceed with securing your landing permit. This stage requires:
- Payment of the first tuition installment.
- Police Clearance Certificate – issued within the last 3 months and Apostilled.
- Birth Certificate – issued within the last 3 months and Apostilled.
- Passport-size photographs (6).
- Courier all attested documents to the university.
- Sponsorship Letter and No Objection Certificate (NOC) from parents – must be attested.
- Bank Letter showing the student’s name and a minimum balance of $8,000 USD.
- Signed Landing Permit application forms.
- Immigration and Insurance Fee (as communicated during admission).
Important Notes: All official documents must be Apostilled by the Ministry of External Affairs or an equivalent authority in your country, or authenticated by the Dutch embassy. School counselors or university-appointed agents can guide and assist with the Apostille process. The landing permit processing time is typically 8 to 12 weeks.
STAGE 4: Netherlands Visa Application
Once your landing permit is approved, the next step is to apply for the Netherlands Visa through your local VFS center. Essential documents for this application include:
- Original Passport with photocopies of all stamped pages.
- Sponsorship Letter with a copy of the sponsor’s government-issued ID.
- Bank Statement (in the student’s name) and Bank Letter showing a minimum balance of $8,000 USD (If the account is in a different currency, show conversion to USD).
- Income Tax Returns of the sponsor.
- Signed VFS Disclaimer Form.
- Properly completed Visa Global Application Form.
- Landing Permit Letter.
- Accommodation Confirmation Letter.
- Letter of Enrollment from St. Martinus University.
- Round-trip flight reservation.
- Original Travel Insurance with a minimum coverage of $50,000 USD.
- Official Acceptance Letter from St. Martinus University.
- Two recent passport-size photographs (as per visa specifications).
- Visa Appointment Confirmation Letter.
Final Step: It is crucial to notify the university immediately of your visa application status to ensure smooth coordination for arrival, pickup, and orientation.
Financial Aid & Support
St. Martinus University is committed to making medical education accessible and affordable for our students. We understand the significant investment in a medical degree and strive to provide comprehensive financial guidance and support. Our institution offers substantially lower tuition fees and living costs compared to many medical schools in the US and Canada, ensuring a high-quality education without an exorbitant financial burden.
We assist eligible US and Canadian students in navigating various financial aid options. While St. Martinus University does not directly provide federal financial aid, we are recognized by the US Department of Education, making our students eligible for certain private loan programs. Our financial aid office actively works to:
- Provide guidance on private student loans: We help students identify and apply for private educational loans that can cover tuition and living expenses.
- Offer information on scholarships: We connect students with external scholarship opportunities specifically for international medical students.
- Facilitate payment plans: Flexible tuition payment plans may be available to help manage the cost of your education over time.
Our team is dedicated to supporting you through the financial planning process, ensuring you have the resources needed to focus on your studies and achieve your medical aspirations.
Your Journey Ahead
Your medical journey at St. Martinus University begins with the Basic Sciences phase, a 2-year program offered at our Curaçao Campus. This comprehensive program not only imparts essential medical knowledge and skills but also includes a 10-week USMLE preparation course at the end of the second year.
Following this, the Clinical Science phase, spanning 2 years and 74 weeks, offers 48 weeks of basic required rotations and 26 weeks of elective rotations. Our extensive hospital network facilitates all 6 Core Rotations and over 30 electives in Curaçao, USA, Canada, and the UK.
Our structured clinical curriculum, coupled with dedicated teaching from faculty and residents, significantly prepares our students for the crucial residency match. Your path culminates in residency placements across the USA, UK, Canada, or elsewhere, with a minimum duration of 3 years and a stipend of $50,000/year.
How to Apply?
- You Apply
Tell us a little about yourself, and we’ll help with the rest. Our convenient online application only takes 10 minutes to complete.
- We Connect
After you submit your application, our admissions representative will contact you and help you complete the process.
- You Get Ready
Once you’ve completed your application and connected with an admissions representative, you’re ready to create your interview schedule.