Erasmus University College (EUC) has announced a new partnership with three international medical schools in the Caribbean: Saba University School of Medicine, Medical University of the Americas, and St. Matthew's University School of Medicine.
This development further positions Erasmus University College as a gateway for students seeking flexible, globally oriented routes into competitive fields such as medicine. The collaboration creates new opportunities for EUC students to pursue a career in medicine through a structured, international pathway taught entirely in English.
English-taught medical degree in the Netherlands
The agreement is particularly significant within the Dutch higher education landscape. EUC’s Pre-Med major is delivered fully in English, making it one of the few programmes in the Netherlands that allows students to prepare for medical school without requiring Dutch during their bachelor’s degree. Through this new partnership, graduates who complete the Pre-Med major and achieve a minimum GPA of 3.0 (75%) will be eligible for direct entry into a four-year Doctor of Medicine (MD) programme at one of the partner institutions.*
For students aiming to study and work internationally, the pathway offers a clear route into medicine, while opening doors to careers in the United States, Canada and beyond. The pathway is particularly relevant for students aiming for international medical careers or those who prefer to study in an English-speaking academic environment.
More options for Pre-Med majors
At the same time, the new collaboration complements EUC’s long-standing connection with Erasmus MC. Each year, a limited number of EUC graduates can progress to medical training through this pathway, with 36 places reserved. This route, however, requires students to transition into Dutch for the pre-master’s and master’s phases.
Together, these options provide students with a distinctive choice: to pursue a Dutch-language pathway into medicine via Erasmus MC, or to follow a fully English-taught international route through EUC’s Caribbean partners. The combination of these pathways is unique in the Netherlands and reflects EUC’s commitment to offering flexible and globally oriented academic trajectories.
Benefits for EUC students
Beyond direct entry, the new partnerships offer additional advantages for EUC graduates, including:
- A streamlined admissions process
- Individualised application support
- A guaranteed interview
- Access to substantial scholarships and financial support
The MD programmes combine foundational training in the Caribbean with clinical rotations at affiliated hospitals and medical centres in the United States and Canada, preparing graduates for international medical careers.
Seamless pathway into MD programmes
Cornelis Vink, Acting Academic Director and Head of Department Life Sciences at EUC, welcomes the collaboration: “We’re excited to partner with these medical schools, offering our Pre-Med students a seamless pathway into MD programmes and empowering the next generation of physicians to launch global medical careers.”
Representatives from the partner institutions similarly highlight the value of the partnership in expanding access to high-quality, internationally focused medical education and strengthening academic collaboration across institutions.
Learn more about Pre-Med at EUC
For (prospective) students, parents, and counsellors, the development reinforces EUC’s position as a strong choice for those considering medicine. The Liberal Arts & Sciences structure allows students to explore broadly during their bachelor’s degree, while still providing clearly defined progression routes into both Dutch and international medical careers.
*To receive direct entry, EUC graduates must submit an application, provide academic transcripts, complete an admissions interview, submit two letters of recommendation, and include a personal statement (maximum 500 words).
- More information
More information about admissions and study options can be found on the EUC Frequently Asked Questions page or by contacting the EUC Marketing & Admissions team at euc@eur.nl.
You can also learn more about our partner institutions here: Saba University School of Medicine, Medical University of the Americas, and St. Matthew's University School of Medicine.
