If you are looking to study in the medical schools in Belize, a nation on the eastern coast of Central America, with the Caribbean Sea shorelines to the east and dense jungle to the west.
Offshore, the massive Belize Barrier Reef, dotted with hundreds of low-lying islands called cayes, hosts rich marine life.
Though it is an English-speaking country, it has a uniquely rich blend of cultures and most importantly the country is safe and friendly.
In addition, the climate in Belize is one of the factors that draws many to the country to study. It has a tropical climate with definite wet and dry seasons. Temperatures stay warm almost all year long.
Belize has a diverse society that is composed of many cultures and languages that reflect the rich history and if we say that you still can complete your dream of being a doctor, in a place that provides quality education at an affordable price, yes, we’re simply talking about MBBS from Belize.
Previously, we have looked at the 2 best medical schools in the Bahamas, the 5 best medical schools in Aruba and the 8 best medical schools in Barbados. However, in this article, we will be looking at the medical schools in Belize.
Belize formerly known as British Honduras is a Caribbean country located on the northeastern coast of Central America.
It is a country that has a pronounced dry season, although there are significant variations in weather patterns by region.
The official language in Belize is English. The medical schools in Belize are among the best medical schools in the world because they provide excellent facilities which they provide to both international and local students.
They have great facilities because of their high-class technology facilities along with the best clinical educators.
Getting admission into any of the medical schools in Belize is much easier with very few required papers and there are no extra entrance tests you need to appear for any particular medical school.
The nation outskirts Mexico towards the north, Guatemala towards the west and south, and is flanked by the Caribbean Sea toward the east.
Belize offers seashores and a semi-tropical atmosphere. It is a little, politically stable Commonwealth nation with English as its official language.
Studying Medicine in Belize
Belize is the best choice to study medicine in Central American countries because the medium of guidance is English.
The all-out span of the MBBS/MD program is 4 years in Belize. Studying MBBS/MD in Belize is one you can receive at a moderate price.
Belize has great foundation schools and these schools deliver MBBS/MD in world-class facilities.
Obtaining MBBS/MD degrees in any clinical university in Belize is substantial because these degrees are endorsed.
The medical course in Belize is called as M.D (Doctor of Medicine) as it follows US based curriculum.
The duration of M.D courses is 4 years, which covers basic medical science as well as clinical medical science.
The basic medical sciences cover the principles of disease, available therapy, and legal as well as ethical issues to practice medicine.
On the other hand, clinical medical science covers pediatrics, surgery, psychiatry, internal medicine, Obstetrics &Gynecology and various electives to choose specialized areas.
The List of Medical Schools in Belize
As we have stated earlier, in the medical schools in Belize below, the medical course is called M.D(Doctor of Medicine) as it follows US based curriculum.
The medical degrees they offer are recognized as equivalent to MBBS degrees in most countries. Now, let us look at these medical schools in Belize in detail.
Central America Health Sciences University Belize Medical College
The Central America Health Sciences University (CAHSU), Belize Medical College was founded in 1996. The University is located in Belize City, Belize.
Previously known as British Honduras, Belize lies on the east coast of Central America in the heart of the Caribbean Basin.
The country borders Mexico to the north, Guatemala to the west and south, and is flanked by the Caribbean Sea to the east.
Belize offers beaches and a semi-tropical climate. It is a small, politically stable Commonwealth country with English as its official language.
The University’s location in Belize City allows easy access to the United States, Central and South America and Mexico.
CAHSU is a medical school with a curriculum patterned after US medical programs.
The University ensures its students receive a well-rounded education, allowing them to develop into skilled and responsible physicians well equipped to enter into the competitive job market upon graduation.
The University is chartered by the Government of Belize and is approved by the Ministry of Education in Belize.
The Central America Health Sciences University is listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools, published by the World Health Organization (WHO) in Geneva, Switzerland.
The University is recognized by the Educational Commission on Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) for students to sit for the USMLE and to facilitate admission into a residency program in the United States.
It is also recognized by the General Medical Council (GMC) of the United Kingdom to allow students to sit on the Professional Linguistic Assessment Board (PLAB) and to facilitate admission into a residency program in the United Kingdom.
The University has a continuous program with three entering classes per year; January, May and September.
The Central America Health Sciences University has rolling admissions and applications are processed as they arrive.
You will be notified if you are accepted within a few weeks after you apply. Students are encouraged to submit applications as soon as possible; before the beginning of each term.
An appointed admissions committee reviews all applications. Applicants are not evaluated solely on academic merit.
The standards for acceptance are defined by: undergraduate studies, academic records, demonstration of a high commitment to the medical field, as well as the originality and motivation of the student.
The Central America Health Sciences University welcomes male and female applicants of ethnic diversity.
The Central America Health Sciences University encourages individuals from groups under-represented in the medical profession to apply.
The Central America Health Sciences University does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, race, creed, national origin, veteran status or physical disability.
Undergraduate Course Requirements: To be considered for admission, an applicant must have satisfactorily completed not less than 90 undergraduate semester hours (or the equivalent number of quarter hours).
Applicants are not required to have earned a bachelor’s degree, but an undergraduate degree from an American, Canadian or internationally accredited college or university is recommended.
Pre-medical Program: Applicants who do not meet the pre-medical requirements may be placed in The Central America Health Sciences University’s pre-medical program until the pre-medical requirements have been completed.
Upon completion of the pre-medical requirements, the student will be admitted into the medical program.
Tuition & Fees:
- Application Fee: $60 US
- Matriculation: $2,200 US
- The matriculation fee is not credited towards the tuition.
Tuition per trimester
- Basic Sciences $8,000
- Clinical Sciences $ 8,000 in Mexico & Belize
- Clinical Sciences $ 9,500 in the US
- Transcripts $30.00
Washington University of Health & Science
WUHS (Belize ) Tops the list of Caribbean medical schools. They are among the first of a growing number of international medical schools to adopt a competency-based curriculum.
They are an accredited medical school in the Caribbean that provides students with excellent clinical training, balanced by the development of strong interpersonal and professional skills in medical science.
Washington University of Health and Science (Belize) is a medical school that offers Pre-clinical and Clinical Sciences curricula that are designed to prepare students for licensure and practice in the US or Canada.
Pre-Clinical Sciences:
Their Pre-Clinical Sciences curriculum consists of lectures, research, and lab-based teaching at our state-of-the-art campus in San Pedro.
All courses are designed in the USMLE format, and study is supplemented with hands-on clinical training at the local hospital whenever possible.
Small class sizes offer you one-on-one attention from our experienced, enthusiastic professors. Tutoring and mentoringare available as well as a supportive student community that offers plenty of opportunities for peer-led learning groups.
Clinical Science:
What sets the WUHS clinical program apart is the personalized, hands-on support provided by WUHS faculty at every stage of a student’s clinical rotation.
Medical school tuition and fees are due and payable prior to the beginning of each semester.
Other school fees are due by the due date on the invoice, usually within 30 days.
All students paying tuition and fees are entitled to university services, facilities such as Library Services, Computer Rooms, and other education-related services.
Required fees must be paid by all students. The table below specifies the tuition, school fees and other student expenses per semester /4 months/ unless otherwise specified.
Tuition Fee Per Semester:
Full Tuition:
- Premed: $4,900
- Basic Science: $5,900
- Clinicals: $7,600
Other Fees:
- Application Fee: $100
- Enrollment Reservation Fee: $1,000
See full details about tuition and fees.
Columbus Central University School of Medicine
This is one of the most diverse medical schools in the Caribbean with over 500 students in the USA( clinical ), and a further 500 studying at their campus in Belize ( Basic Science ).
CCU was established in 2004 for public benefit and it is recognized globally. Throughout its great history, CCU has offered access to a wide range of academic opportunities.
As a world leader in higher education, the university has pioneered change in the sector.
CCU’s medical education leaders have been selecting and training the US and Canadian MDs for over 16 years.
Columbus Central University is approved and chartered by the Government of Belize. Belize has two levels of government: a state government and a single-tier local government.
Over the last five years, local councils have been formally established and the trend has been towards greater decentralization and autonomy. Direct election of mayors was introduced in 2000.
Belize has a system of local government comprising two city councils, seven town councils and a network of 192 village and community councils. Belmopan, now the capital of Belize, has its own city council.
They have created a U.S.-based curriculum and appointed the most qualified faculty members to prepare students for passing a series of exams known as the United States Medical Licensure Exam (USMLE) in a first attempt.
There are numerous visiting professors from U.S. medical schools coming every semester to implement the highest education standards.
The school also offers the USMLE Review Course of Medical Science at their teaching facility in Belize to directly assist you in preparation for this critical exam.
CCU has established cooperation with over 300 preceptors in 67 hospitals and training centers throughout the US to provide its students with a wide selection of clinical clerkship locations with no waiting time.
CCU offers a very reasonable cost of attendance along with easily accessible financial aid to every single student, which makes their university affordable to everyone seriously considering studying medicine.
Find out about their accreditation and licensure.
Tuition, school fees and other student expenses per semester /4 months:
Full Tuition:
- Premed: $4,900
- Basic Science: $5,900
- Clinicals: $7,600
Other Fees:
- Incidentals/Lab Fees: $500
- Student Government Fee: $100
- Application Fee: $100
How Do I Get a Student Visa For Belize?
You must apply at the Immigration Office providing the following supporting documents. The application is processed on submission and a Student Permit sticker is placed on the student’s passport.
- Letter from the institution of study
- Letter of Financial Support
- Photographs
- Birth Certificate
- Letter of Authority
- Passport
- Proof of Belizean Identity or Sponsor’s Immigration Status
- Recent Bank Statement
- 1-year return ticket
Letter from the institution of study
The letter of the institution of study must state the duration of study, program, and institution details.
Letter of Financial Support
A letter of Financial Support must be present either by the Parent or Sponsor, the letter must be signed by a Justice of the Peace accompanied by $1.50 Belize postage stamp
Photographs
The student must provide two photographs, with the following specifications
- size of 2 x 2 inches
- must have been taken within the last 6 months
Birth Certificate
You must submit a Birth Certificate.
If the birth certificate is in languages other than English must be translated by proper authority and signed.
A letter of authorization must be presented if a Sponsor is applying on behalf of the parent or guardian.
The letter of authority has to state that the parent is authorizing the sponsor to apply for the student permit not exceeding one year or semester.
Parents appearing on the student’s birth certificate have to sign the letter of authority or the legal guardian(s) appearing on legal documents.
Passport
The student must submit a valid passport and a copy of the biographic passport page.
Proof of Belizean Identity or Sponsor’s Immigration Status
If a student is being sponsored, the sponsor must present proof of Belizean Identity or Immigration legal status.
Proof of Belizean Identity
- Belize Passport
- Belize Nationality Certificate
- Voter’s Identification Card
- Social Security Card
Proof of Immigration Status (Non – Belizeans)
- Permanent Residence
- Temporary Employment Permit
Recent Bank Statement
If the student is being sponsored, the sponsor must provide a recent bank statement to show financial stability.
1-year return ticket
If you are studying at a tertiary institution and you are from an extra-regional country you must provide a 1-year return ticket.
Which is The Best University to Study MBBS in Belize?
The CAHSU Belize is a medical school with a curriculum patterned after US medical programs.
It is one of the most recognized universities to pursue MBBS in Belize, situated in Belize City.
Disadvantages of studying in Belize
- As English is the local language in Belize, students from non-English speaking countries might feel the language as a barrier, especially outside the university campus.
- The entire Visa process for Belize might be very tough as it takes more than two months after document submission to the concerned embassy.
- The climate of the country is cold most of the time. Which might make it hard for students to adapt.
- Those who wish to study and work at the same time to cover their expenses may face difficulties. This is because it requires a lot of self-study and concentration.
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Footnote: MBBS in Belize