Student Experience

St. Matthew’s University attracts students of many different nationalities, with more than 40 countries represented among our students and alumni. A student body with students from various backgrounds enhances the quality of education at SMU and complements the cultural mix on Grand Cayman. Students are advised to confirm SMU’s recognition status with their home country.

Prospective students who are lacking any or all of SMU’s pre-requisite coursework should contact our team of admissions advisers at admissions@stmatthews.edu. We can recommend pre-medical or pre-veterinary programs where you can complete the pre-requisite coursework. It is possible to complete all pre-requisite courses and your MD or DVM degree in less than five years.

Students who have earned A Level Certificates in Biology and Chemistry may begin SMU’s application process by emailing their A Level results confirmation to admissions@stmatthews.edu.

Canadian students comprise more than 20 percent of the student body at St. Matthew’s University. Why are so many Canadian students deciding to study at SMU? As detailed below, the Cayman Islands are a welcoming “second home” for Canadians, financial aid is available for Canadian students, SMU offers clinical study in Canada, and an increasing number of SMU graduates are choosing to practice in Canada.

Grand Cayman is a Welcoming “Home away from Home” for Canadians

Thousands of Canadian citizens live and work on Grand Cayman, as Canadians are the third largest component of the significant foreign (“ex-pat”) workforce in the Cayman Islands. Many are doctors, lawyers, bankers, or accountants, while others are in the tourism and construction industries. With such a large number of Canadians, there are many elements of home available on Cayman. For example, there is a flourishing ball hockey league on Cayman, and many night spots feature a wide range of NHL games on television.

Canada has a cooperative partnership with the Cayman Islands, a reflection of the broader historical relationship between Canada and the United Kingdom. As a British Overseas Territory, the Cayman Islands’ foreign relations, defense and internal security is the responsibility of the United Kingdom. There is also a Canadian Consulate on Grand Cayman.

Canadian interests in the Cayman Islands are considerable. Canadian-controlled banks, such as RBC and Scotia Bank, dominate the financial services sector and operate off-shore mutual funds out of the Cayman Islands. Other Canadian investments include hotel properties and utilities.

Financial Aid is Available for Canadian Students

St. Matthew’s University’s Canadian students are eligible to apply for loans through the Provincial Canadian Student Loan Programs. SMU’s school code for applying is NUBQ. The Canadian government provides loan information and access to the National Student Loans Service Centre through their CanLearn website at http://www.canlearn.ca/.

Also, most major banks in Canada offer lines of credit for students studying outside Canada. These educational lines of credit are specifically designed to fund the costs associated with the student’s studies. Canadian banks offering such student loan programs include Royal Bank of Canada, National Bank of Canada, Scotiabank, Bank of Montreal, and TD Canada Trust.

You Can Study Clinicals in Canada

SMU veterinary students may participate in elective clinical rotations at eligible teaching sites in Canada. Some of the Canadian educational sites where SMU students have recently completed clinical rotations are:

• Iowa State
• Mississippi State
• University of Georgia
• University of Illinois
• Louisiana State University
• University of Minnesota
• University of Missouri
• University of PEI
• Washington State

SMU veterinary students may choose to spend their clinical year at either of our two affiliated Canadian Colleges of Veterinary Medicine (or any of our many affiliated schools in the U.S.). The affiliated Canadian schools are:

• University of Prince Edward Island, Atlantic Veterinary College
• University of Saskatchewan, Western Veterinary College (Canadian students only)

You Can Become Licensed to Practice in Canada

SMU veterinary students have a very straightforward path to licensure in Canada, and may practice after simply passing the appropriate licensing exams. Several SMU graduates are veterinarians in Canada currently, with more joining the ranks each year.

Canada Key

CANADA KEY at St. Matthew’s University is a non-denominational, voluntary organization founded on the core values of Integrity, Excellence, Life-long Learning and Support & Community Service. Canada Key aims to provide a forum to facilitate dialogue, networking, exploring and sharing topical information about common medical careers and related goals. Canada Key members are individuals interested in learning about options to further their medical training in Canada or in the USA (as Canadian nationals) or whose interests are aligned to matters pertaining to medical education and practice in Canada. Canada Key differentiates itself by taking a 4-quadrant holistic approach to self and professional development. Canada Key’s value-add is to help each member identify and develop a customized ‘Key’ — a set of milestones to be achieved in each sphere of life: Personal, Professional, Academic and Community Service.

Indian Student Association

The vibrant culture, the rich heritage, and the effusive warmth of the people, all are a reflection of what we as Indians stand for. The Indian Student Association is an organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the diversity and uniqueness of the Indian culture through various activities, community services, and educational programs to Indian and Non-Indian students in the SMU community and neighboring areas. Not only will ISA strive to preserve and promote the Indian culture but will also help new students enrolling at SMU adjust and adapt to SMU and their new home.

Muslim Student Association

The Muslim Student Association (MSA) works to promote a unified group of Muslim and non-Muslim students by educating the surrounding community about Islam, faith and medical practice. The MSA strives to offer support and aid to all new studdents at SMU through sharing learning strategies and specific course tactics. In conjunction with Cayman service groups, the MSA volunteers in the community to provide service to those in needs through hosting events and educational programs.

Research Organization

The Research Organization of St. Matthew’s University School of Medicine encourages students to participate in research by working independently and with colleagues and faculty. Our annual Research Day showcases student research posters, displaying and discussing their studies to the entire campus community. We are also interested in helping physicians on the island and around the world conduct their research by volunteering in community events. The Research Organization emphasizes and fosters leadership, the importance of research and evidence based medicine, and the foundation of life long learning for future physicians.

St. Matthew’s University Circle K Club

Circle K International (CKI) is an international collegiate service organization that is a sponsored leadership program of Kiwanis International. It promotes service, leadership, and fellowship. With over 13,250 members worldwide, it is the largest collegiate service organization of its kind in the world. Here at St. Matthew’s University, in Grand Cayman, our service projects range from assisting the elderly and disabled to working with children in the local hospitals and pediatrics wards.

Student Government Association (SGA)

The Student Government of St. Matthew’s University School of Medicine is the democratic government representing the entire Student Body of St. Matthew’s University school of medicine. The Student Government Association plays a continuous role for students at SMU in policy and decision making, when the interests of students are involved. The Student Government Association works to improve the quality of both academic and non-academic life for students of the college, and to protect the rights of students, as students, and as citizens. Overall, the Student Government Association serves as the representative voice of the student body of the college on issues which pertain to academics and the general welfare of the students, both on and around the campus.