Scholarships in Cuba

8 Best Medical Schools in Cuba 2021

If you’re seeking to study medicine in an accredited medical school in Cuba, read on to know the 8 best medical schools in Cuba in 2021. 

Cuba has become one of the top study destinations for medical education. The country continues to attract international students from all around the world especially those universities offering free tuition,

The affordable tuition fees medical schools have helped produce a lot of doctors in Cuba. Currently, Cuba has the highest number of doctors per capita (67 per 10,000). Despite Cuba’s GDP and lack of drugs and equipment, these doctors contribute to Cuba’s healthcare system, and it is fairing well. 

READ ALSO: Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship 2021-2022

Top Medical Schools in Cuba

If you are looking for the best and affordable universities in Cuba then you should consider any of these Cuba’s accredited medical schools:

1. Escuela Latinoamericana de Medicina (ELAM)

• Website
• Admissions

Also called the Latin American School of Medicine, ELAM is a government-run institution that has been catering to foreign students since 1999. It is situated in Havana and is believed to be one of the largest medical schools in the world – with applicants coming from more than 100 countries around the world.

The medical school accepts foreign students but places preference on students from poor communities. ELAM’s scholarships worth includes full tuition, housing, meals, Spanish textbooks, uniform, and a monthly stipend of $4 (100 Cuban pesos). 

ELAM is recognized by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG), the World Health Organization, and the Medical Board of California. It is considered to be one of the best medical schools in Cuba

2. Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de La Habana

• Website
• Admissions

Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de La Habana is a Cuban medical school established in 1976 and located in the capital. It offers various health-related degrees, and that includes a 6-year Medicine program.

The curriculum is named PENSUM. It strives to create physicians with comprehensive knowledge and skills. It includes internships in the departments of Medicine, Pediatrics, Gynecology, and Surgery. Its graduates specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions and are well-versed with disease prevention, rehabilitation, and research as well.

The Medical University of Havana also offers post-graduate training in General Medicine, Pediatrics, Public Health, Gynecology, Surgery, and Diagnostics.

The Medical University of Havana is recognized by the Ministerio de Salud Pública, Cuba (Ministry of Public Health).

3. Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Holguín – Mariana Grajales Coello

• Website
• Admissions

The Mariana Grajales Coello Medical Sciences University was founded in 1965. It was officially established in 1973, though its first 20 physicians who rotated in Hospital Vladimir I. Lenin already graduated in 1967. The school’s early professors included Havanan physicians and doctors from the defunct USSR.

Through the Health Technology Center and the University Polyclinic projects, students can major in various courses, including epidemiology, gastroenterology, genetics, geriatrics, pathology, intensive care, and natural medicine.

4. Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Villa Clara

• Website
• Admissions

The University of Medical Sciences of Villa Clara was established in 1966 and had its simple beginnings at the Provincial Surgical Hospital. Today, the school is one of the well-respected medical schools in Cuba.

The school started with courses of Pathology, Radiology, Internal Medicine, Microbiology, Clinical Laboratory, and Parasitology, but has now evolved into a comprehensive, world-class 6-year program.

The school also follows the PENSUM curriculum, and Villa Clara students are taught Research, Community Medicine, Genetics, Morphophysiology, Health Promotion/Prevention, Psychology, Microbiology, and Pharmacology.

5. Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Santiago de Cuba

Website

Formerly the Medical School of the University of the Orient, it was opened in February 1962. In 1964, the school was finally inaugurated and transferred to its new building along with Avenida de Las Americas. Its second medical faculty was established in 1979 and catered for students from Santiago de Cuba, Granma, and other parts of the globe.

Today, Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Santiago de Cuba trains its students in over 24 medical specialties. Through its comprehensive Health Program of 1998, the school was expanded with the help of additional Caribbean medical faculty and currently receives hundreds of students from Haiti, Djibouti, Mali, and other countries.

6. Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Ciego de Ávila

Website

The Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Ciego is a public institution founded in 1978 and based in Moron. It is located on a vast campus covering 120,000 square meters and accredited by the Ministry of Higher Education

Its Faculty of Medical Science has emerged as one of the best Cuban medical schools and it was finally recognized as a Medical University in 2009. Currently, it is the academic arm of Ciego de Avila’s medical tourism program.

7. Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Guantánamo

Established in 1979, the University of Medical Sciences of Guantanamo is a co-ed public university located in the municipality of Guantanamo, a mountainous territory located east of the country.

The university specializes in Medicine, and it is accredited by the Cuban Ministry of Higher Education. It trains physicians in over 53 medical disciplines as one of the more recognized institutions in the area

Not only is it a distinguished medical school, the university also offers courses in Stomatology and Nursing.

8. Universidad de Ciencias Medicas de Cienfuegos

Universidad de Ciencias Medicas de Cienfuegos  was founded in 1979 and has become a haven for many international students. There are now thousands of international students coming from 52 countries. There’s a huge multi-cultural community and this picturesque school holds true to its mission of training world-class physicians.

The medical school’s degree culminates with a rotary internship in the departments of Medicine, Surgery, Obstetrics & Gynecology, and Pediatrics.

The school is affiliated with the Dr. Gustavo Aldereguía Lima Provincial General Hospital and is accredited by the Cuban Ministry of Higher Education, 

FAQs

How long do you need to study Medicine in Cuba?

6 years. It takes 6 years to complete a medical degree in Cuba.

What are the general requirements to study in Cuban medical schools?

Applicants will need to submit a copy of the high school transcripts and grades. Other requirements include a copy of criminal records, HIV and pregnancy tests birth certificates.

Prospective students need to be younger than the age of 25 and be physically and mentally sound during schooling.