The American University of Antigua (AUA) College of Medicine, a unit of the renowned Manipal Education and Medical Group (MEMG), was founded in 2004 with a mission to address the growing global shortage of physicians. It is a fully accredited international medical school that offers a U.S.-modeled Doctor of Medicine (MD) program.
Why Choose American University of Antigua?
The American University of Antigua (AUA) is a popular choice for students who want to become doctors. It uses a United States-style curriculum. Students get direct access to hands-on medical training and global clinical experience.
Here are the main reasons to choose AUA:
- US-Style Education: AUA follows a US medical curriculum. This helps students prepare for medical licensing tests and practice in the United States.
- High Exam Success: AUA graduates have a very high first-time pass rate on the USMLE Step 1 (the first part of the US medical licensing exam).
- Global Clinical Rotations: Students can do their clinical rotations (on-the-job hospital training) in the US, Canada, the UK, and India.
- Manipal Group Quality: AUA is backed by the Manipal Education and Medical Group. Manipal is a well-known name in world-class healthcare and education.
- Accreditation: AUA is approved by the Medical Board of California and the New York State Education Department. It is also accredited by the Caribbean Accreditation Authority for Education in Medicine (CAAM-HP).
- Indian Student Friendly: The school is a popular choice for Indian students. It accepts NEET-qualified students directly after their 12th grade. No donations are required for admission.
- Scholarships: AUA offers many scholarships and grants to help with tuition costs. These include the High Achievers’ Scholarship and the AAPI Grant for students of Indian descent.
- State-of-the-Art Campus: The campus has advanced simulation labs. These labs let students practice real medical skills on high-tech dummies before working on real patients.
American University of Antigua Key Highlights at a Glance
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| University Name | American University of Antigua (AUA) College of Medicine |
| Popularly Known As | Manipal’s American University of Antigua |
| Year of Establishment | 2004 |
| Location | Osbourn, Antigua and Barbuda (Caribbean) |
| Campus Size | 17 acres, with a 150,000 sq. ft. technologically advanced facility |
| University Type | Private |
| Parent Organization | Manipal Education and Medical Group (MEMG) |
| Medium of Instruction | 100% English |
| Course Offered | Doctor of Medicine (MD) – Equivalent to MBBS |
| Course Duration | 6.5 Years (2‑Year Pre‑Med + 2.5‑Year Pre‑Clinical + 2‑Year Clinical Rotations) |
| Intake | Rolling admissions; August and January intakes available |
| Popular Course | MBBS |
| Recognized By | CAAM‑HP, NMC (India), NYSED, MBC, Florida DOE, GMC (UK), WFME, ECFMG, WHO |
| University Ranking | QS World Rankings – 141st |
| Age | 17+ years |
| Academics | 50% or above marks in 12th board |
| Entrance Exam | NEET Exam |
| IELTS / TOEFL | Not Necessary |
| Annual Tuition Fee | $28,750 US$ Approx per year. |
| Official Website | https://www.auamed.org/ |
About American University of Antigua (AUA)
The American University of Antigua (AUA) College of Medicine was founded in 2004 with the mission of addressing the growing shortage of doctors in the United States. Garnering the support of the world-renowned Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), AUA has developed into a hub of international education, centered in a state-of-the-art, 150,000 sq. ft. campus.
The university follows a U.S.-modeled curriculum based on recent developments in US medical education. Its curriculum is organ-system-based, preceded by a foundations block that teaches the discipline-based sciences underlying the organ systems. The academic year consists of two semesters, in line with US medical school programs.
AUA has produced more than 4,000+ alumni practicing worldwide. The school’s pass rate for the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 1 was 96 percent in 2020. Graduates have achieved strong residency match rates, securing positions in competitive specialties such as internal medicine.
American University of Antigua Programs Offered
1. Pre-Med Program (2 Years)
Students can opt to complete the 2-year pre-medical program either at MAHE in Manipal, India, or at the AUA College of Arts and Science (AUACAS) in Antigua. The curriculum emphasizes the development of critical thinking skills.
2. Doctor of Medicine (MD) Program (4.5 Years)
The MD program uses a learner-centric, technology-driven curriculum designed to address the acute shortage of physicians worldwide. Clinical rotations are completed at any of AUA’s affiliated teaching hospitals across the United States, UK, and Canada. Students can also opt to do up to 4-8 weeks of electives in the UK, Canada, or India.
American University of Antigua Accreditations & Global Recognition
AUA holds accreditations and approvals from several prestigious regulatory bodies:
✅ NMC-Approved: Yes, AUA is recognized by the National Medical Commission of India. Graduates are eligible to practice in India after clearing the mandatory NExT/FMGE screening test.
American University of Antigua Fee Structure 2026
The yearly cost of studying at AUA is based on the program and personal choices.
Fee Breakdown by Phase
| SUBJECTS | TUITION FEES (INR) | ADMIN. FEES (INR) | TOTAL FEES (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| — PRECLINICAL SCIENCES — | |||
| Preclinical Sciences 1 | ₹ 16,65,023 | ₹ 1,01,023 | ₹ 17,66,047 |
| Preclinical Sciences 2 | ₹ 16,65,023 | ₹ 1,01,023 | ₹ 17,66,047 |
| Preclinical Sciences 3 | ₹ 16,65,023 | ₹ 1,01,023 | ₹ 17,66,047 |
| Preclinical Sciences 4 | ₹ 16,65,023 | ₹ 1,01,023 | ₹ 17,66,047 |
| — BASIC SCIENCES — | |||
| BSIC (Basic Science Integration) | ₹ 14,18,075 | ₹ 1,01,023 | ₹ 15,19,099 |
| — CLINICAL SCIENCES — | |||
| Clinical Sciences 5 | ₹ 22,26,266 | ₹ 1,01,023 | ₹ 23,27,290 |
| Clinical Sciences 6 | ₹ 22,26,266 | ₹ 1,01,023 | ₹ 23,27,290 |
| Clinical Sciences 7 | ₹ 22,26,266 | ₹ 1,01,023 | ₹ 23,27,290 |
| Clinical Sciences 8 | ₹ 22,26,266 | ₹ 1,01,023 | ₹ 23,27,290 |
Note: Fees are approximate and subject to change. Scholarships and grants are available for eligible students.
American University of Antigua Hostel and Accommodation
Students choosing MBBS at the American University of Antigua benefit from modern, secure and fully furnished hostel accommodation designed to provide a comfortable living experience. The university offers world-class residential facilities, creating a safe and welcoming environment that feels like a home away from home throughout the medical programme.
- Fully furnished rooms with TVs, ACs, and other major appliances, along with necessary utensils
- Apartments of the American University of Antigua are a mere 3-minute walk from the academic blocks.
- Additionally, students can also avail the complimentary weekly housekeeping services provided by the university.
- A wide variety of options when it comes to bedroom sizes. Students can get everything from a one-bedroom apartment to a two-bedroom apartment and apartment complexes.
- Moreover, there’s 1 bathroom for at least a couple of students and even for a single student in some cases.
- Above all, personal property insurance is also available
American University of Antigua Eligibility Criteria (Indian Students)
| Criteria | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Qualification | 12th grade or equivalent from a recognized board |
| Subjects | Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and English |
| Minimum Marks | Holistic review; no strict cutoff — 10th & 12th scores, personal interviews, entrance test, LORs, and extracurriculars are considered |
| Age | At least 17 years old |
| Entrance Exam | MCAT, IELTS, and TOEFL, NEET Exam (IELTS and TOEFL are only for those who’ve completed previous education from non-English medium institutions) |
Note: AUA follows a holistic admissions approach, selecting highly motivated students based on a well-rounded profile rather than relying solely on NEET scores.
American University of Antigua Admission Process
- Apply Online: Submit the application form with a fee of ₹2,500.
- Submit Documents: Upload 10th & 12th mark sheets, NEET scorecard (if available), passport copy, LORs, and extracurricular details.
- Personal Interview: Shortlisted candidates are called for an interview.
- Receive Offer Letter: Accepted candidates receive an official offer letter.
- Pay Tuition Fees: Complete the payment to confirm the seat.
- Apply for Student Visa: Begin the visa process for Antigua.
Admissions are now open for the 2026 intake.
Clinical Rotations & Global Exposure
AUA provides clinical rotations at 35+ affiliated teaching hospitals across the United States, UK, and Canada. Students gain hands-on training at world-renowned medical facilities, including:
- Mayo Clinic
- Cleveland Clinic
- Massachusetts General Hospital
- Brown University – Rhode Island Hospital
- Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center
- Yale-New Haven Hospital
- University of Toronto
Graduates are eligible to participate in the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) in the US and the Canadian Resident Matching Service (CaRMS).
American University of Antigua Campus & Accommodation
American University of Antigua Scholarships & Financial Aid
- Exclusive Scholarships for Indian Students
- Scholarships and Grants available based on merit and need
- Access to federal loans for eligible students
- AUA’s collaboration with Florida International University (FIU) offers academic and financial benefits
Important Dates 2026
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
✅ Key Takeaways
- ✅ NMC & WHO Approved – Degree valid in India and globally.
- ✅ U.S.-Modeled Curriculum – Designed for success in USMLE and global medical licensing exams.
- ✅ Start in India – Complete Pre-Med at MAHE, Manipal, before moving to Antigua.
- ✅ Global Clinical Rotations – Hands-on training at 35+ affiliated hospitals in the US, UK, and Canada.
- ✅ Manipal Legacy – Backed by 70+ years of Manipal’s excellence in medical education.
- ✅ High USMLE Pass Rate – 96% Step 1 pass rate.
- ✅ Strong Residency Placements – Alumni in 700+ residency programs across the US, UK, and Canada.
- ✅ Affordable & Transparent – Competitive fees with scholarships for Indian students.
The information provided is based on the latest available data for the 2026-27 academic session and is subject to change. Candidates are advised to verify all details from the official AUA website (www.auamed.org) before applying.