Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

St. Matthew’s University School of Veterinary Medicine (SMUSVM) is located on Grand Cayman in the Cayman Islands, which are located in the Caribbean. Grand Cayman is 450 miles from Miami, U.S., which is just over one hour on a flight.

• Practicing Veterinarians Start Here: Founded in 2005, St. Matthew’s University School of Veterinary Medicine (SMUSVM) has delivered veterinary education and early hands-on training for 450+ Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program graduates. SMUSVM alumni become practicing vets in the U.S., Canada and internationally.
• DVM Program: Achieve your DVM degree in just over three years. The SMUSVM DVM program features seven semesters of classroom and lab-based learning on our Grand Cayman campus, followed by three semesters of clinical rotations at an affiliated veterinary school in the U.S., Canada or the U.K.
• Basic Science Campus Location: The modern and safe Caribbean island of Grand Cayman features the familiar conveniences of home, and will quickly have new students feeling comfortable and ready to study veterinary medicine.
• Individualized Support: DVM program students receive extensive guidance from our knowledgeable faculty members, and access to a variety of personal and academic Student Support Services.
• Clinical Teaching Facility (CTF): This immersive training facility serves as a bridge between theoretical knowledge and practical experience, helping to mold the practicing veterinarians of the future. At the CTF, students gain invaluable experience with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats and other species.

The first seven semesters (2+ years) of our DVM program are completed at our Basic Science campus on Grand Cayman. Following that, you will spend one year completing Clinical Medicine rotations at a veterinary school in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom or another country.

Incoming students are expected to arrive on the island approximately one week prior to the start of classes. During this week, you will complete the necessary check-in procedures for your classes, explore your new home and participate in an orientation program where you will have the opportunity to meet your classmates, faculty, staff and other members of our community.

Many family members and companions choose to accompany their loved ones to the Cayman Islands. Children of various ages, from infants to late adolescents, are welcome. The Cayman Islands can issue a visa that allows companions to work and reside there. There is a range of housing options available for couples and families, both in close proximity to our campus and centrally located in George Town (the capital city).

Please note, there are significant costs associated with moving a family with children to Grand Cayman. Please contact the admissions team or the SMU Settlement Coordinator for more information, ideally well in advance of making any final decisions.

Bringing pets to the Cayman Islands is permitted. However, you will need an import permit or a valid animal passport issued by the Department of Agriculture, along with an official health certificate issued by a government-employed or accredited veterinary inspector in the country of origin, for the importation of dogs and cats. Since Grand Cayman is a rabies-free island, all pets must have proof of regular vaccination and a demonstrated rabies titer. Visit the Department of Agriculture website for more information.

Yes, SMUSVM has established partnerships with a variety of educational institutions to enhance the academic journeys of aspiring veterinarians around the world. Learn more.

The cost of living on Grand Cayman is comparable to the cost of living in major metropolitan areas in the U.S. and Canada. Depending on where you’re from, groceries and other daily-use items may be more expensive than you’re used to, due to the added cost of island importation. This should be factored into your budget as you plan for 2+ years on Grand Cayman in Basic Science. For more information, visit the Cayman Resident website.

There are many options for student rentals that are close to both our campus and the many beautiful locations where you can experience Caribbean living (beaches, entertainment, restaurants, etc.). Rental units often come furnished (beds, tables, appliances, couches, window dressings, etc.) or fully furnished (everything included). Learn more.

Yes, you must have an approved student visa before moving to the island to begin Basic Science. The admissions team can support your efforts to apply for a student visa.

The St. Matthew’s University School of Veterinary Medicine’s DVM program has the necessary recognition and approvals for its graduates to practice veterinary medicine in the United States, Canada, and internationally. SMUSVM received its American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) listing in December 2005 and is a Member Institution of the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC).

Yes, St. Matthew’s University School of Veterinary Medicine offers a Pre-Veterinary Master’s Program. It is conducted through our fellow GUS Medical & Veterinary Schools institution, Medical University of the Americas. Please visit our Master’s program page for additional information.

While many of our students are residents of the United States and Canada, St. Matthew’s University takes pride in having a highly diverse and welcoming student population. Our student body represents more than 40 countries.

St. Matthew’s University School of Veterinary Medicine DVM students obtain clinical rotation placements at veterinary schools in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and other countries.

In advance of the 7th semester, school officials work closely with students to place them into a clinical program at one of our affiliated veterinary schools in the U.S., Canada or the United Kingdom (or at a school of their choice in another country) for semesters 8-10 of the DVM program (Clinical Medicine).

Students have the opportunity to complete clinical rotations in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom or another country.

Graduates of the DVM program can seek licensure in the United States and Canada through different pathways. They can obtain licensure through the Education Committee of Foreign Veterinary Graduates (ECFVG), which allows them to be licensed in the United States and other countries accepting ECFVG certification. Another pathway is certification through The Program for the Assessment of Veterinary Education Equivalence (PAVE®).

In Canada, achieving licensure requires two years of pre-veterinary university studies, followed by the six required science courses (pre-requisites). Graduates also need to successfully complete an examination leading to a national certification. Passing the North American Veterinary Licensing Exam (NAVLE) is also a requirement for practicing veterinary medicine in Canada. Provincial license is required to practice in Canada.

SMUSVM is proud to provide a variety of academic and personal support services for our students, including faculty advisors, counseling and access to the Learning Center. Along with individualized attention from faculty, this helps them achieve success throughout the DVM program. Learn more.

A DVM program student must have abilities and skills in the five broad areas of observation, communication, motor function, intellectual-conceptual, and behavioral and social skills. Learn more.

Please visit our tuition and fees page for details about DVM and pre-vet program costs.

Students enrolled in the DVM program at St. Matthew’s University School of Veterinary Medicine are not eligible for U.S. Federal Financial Aid. However, there are several scholarships available to provide financial support.

Canadian students can apply for government loans through the relevant bureau in their province of residence. These loans provide financial assistance for up to 52 weeks per year. Canadian students should contact their province directly for more information on additional requirements. The school code for St. Matthew’s University School of Veterinary Medicine is ZUCK.

St. Matthew’s University offers various scholarships to DVM students, including academic merit scholarships and the Opportunity Grant.

Yes, accepted DVM program participants must submit their signed Letter of Intent and a $500 USD deposit in order to secure their seat. The deposit is then applied against their first semester’s tuition.

DVM students can pay their program costs via bank transfer or credit card. Contact the admissions team for more information: admissions@stmatthews.edu.

You can apply for the SMUSVM DVM program in one of two ways. For one, you can apply via our online portal. Or you can apply by submitting a verified copy of your VMCAS application via this form.

In addition to your application, please ensure that you submit the following documents to complete the application process:

Transcripts: Official transcript(s) from each college/university or professional school you have attended. Student-issued copies are acceptable with your initial application, but official transcripts are ultimately required in order for SMUSVM to submit an offer of acceptance.

Personal statement: Your personal statement should address the following points:

• Your motivation for pursuing a career in veterinary medicine.
• How you believe you can contribute to St. Matthew’s University School of Veterinary Medicine.  
• Any notable achievements, activities, personal interests or unique aspects of your pre-veterinary preparation that are relevant.
• Any additional information that you believe would assist the Admissions Committee in evaluating your application. 
• Please limit your statement to a maximum of 500 words. You can attach your personal statement to your online application.

Letters of recommendation: You are required to submit two letters of recommendation. If you have evaluations from a college pre-veterinary medical committee, you can submit those instead of individual letters.

As English is the primary language of instruction at SMUSVM, it is crucial for applicants to be academically prepared to engage with the curriculum and communicate effectively. If English is not the applicant’s first language, they may be asked to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or other comparable examination.

Undergraduate coursework must be completed at accredited colleges and universities. If you have academic transcripts from a college or university outside of the United States and Canada, it is necessary to have them evaluated on a course-by-course basis. This evaluation can be done by reputable evaluation services such as World Education Services, Josef Silny & Associates, Inc. or any service that is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES).

No, we do not have a minimum GPA requirement in order to apply for the DVM program. At St. Matthew’s University School of Veterinary Medicine, we take a holistic approach to applicant evaluation. We seek individuals who exhibit a genuine passion for veterinary medicine, a dedication to serving animals and their owners, and a demonstrably strong work ethic. We aim to select students who show promise not only in their academic pursuits but also in their future roles as compassionate and skilled veterinarians.

Our admissions process operates on a rolling basis, meaning we accept applications throughout the year. Students can apply at any time for entry into our January, May or September semesters. If an application is received after a class has reached its maximum capacity, it will be automatically considered for the next available semester.

After we receive your application and conduct a personal interview, it usually takes approximately two (2) weeks to four (4) weeks to process your complete application.

There is no fee to apply to SMUSVM. We are proud to make our programs more accessible by removing this financial barrier.

After being accepted, students are required to submit a signed Letter of Intent and the $500 USD deposit in order to secure their seat. This deposit is then applied to the first semester’s tuition.

Yes, SMUSVM accepts eligible transfer students into our DVM program. Learn more.