Antigua and Barbuda are located in the Caribbean. The twin-island nation offers higher study programs for medical aspirants in an affordable range but with a curriculum that follows the UK, USA, and Canadian standards. 

The educational institutes of the country offer programs for both local and foreign students that focus on academic achievements as well as hands-on experience. 

First things first, let’s talk about how good the country is for foreign students. One of the main reasons to choose Antigua and Barbuda for your medical degree would definitely be the cost efficiency. 

How Much Does It Cost You to Get a Degree in Antigua and Barbuda?

Well, to be frank, the basic expenditure for acquiring the degree is pretty much the same as the US, because that goes after covering all the on-campus facilities. But what makes studying here less expensive compared to the universities in the west is the living cost. 

According to reliable sources like globalcitizen-caribbean.com, universityinsights.in, hikersbay.com, and educations.com, the total estimated monthly expenses for a foreign exchange student in Antigua and Barbuda is approximately 1,248–$1,768 per month, depending on their lifestyle preferences and the place where their campus is located. 

This expense is much lower than the basic living cost in the USA, UK and Canada ($2,500–$4,000) per month. 

The simple, minimalistic lifestyle and the rich ethnic culture of Antigua and Barbuda close to nature is something most people fail to appreciate. The place is good enough to be a holiday destination.

The second-best thing for foreign students who come to study in Antigua and Barbuda is the lack of language barrier. The majority population of this place speak English as their first language, and it’s also their lingua franca or official language. 

And if you’re looking for a medical degree that’d go beyond textbook lessons and theory classes, then this is the place for you. The country specializes in providing world-class education in medicine and exposure to real-life medical cases that’d train up and equip future doctors to deal with complicated cases.

Is Antigua Safe? What to Know When Traveling to the Island

The place is a popular holiday destination, which is a clear indication of how safe it is. Antigua and Barbuda are generally considered a peaceful state with minimum crime rates. Even the crimes that do occasionally occur are mostly petty crimes such as pickpocketing and bag snatching. 

Such incidents mostly occur in crowded places such as markets and during festive seasons. This can be avoided by keeping your valuables firmly locked up inside your clothes/pockets and being extra cautious while withdrawing cash from the ATM. 

Although it’s rare, but there have been a few cases of violent crimes such as armed robberies and sexual violence reported in the past few years after COVID. To prevent these crimes from happening, tourists and generally everyone is advised to avoid isolated areas and beaches after dark. 

Also, it is advisable to use only licensed taxis for commuting. 

Also, another thing to keep in mind is the healthcare facilities. While Antigua has adequate healthcare services, there’s a scarcity of it in Barbuda. That’s because Barbuda is mostly a tourist attraction and a holiday destination. 

Last but definitely not the least important question: what are the rules? Well, the law is pretty much the same like any other country, but there are some local laws and customs that you need to abide by. 

One such law is no camouflage clothing. You may like your army or sweatpants, wearing such items is completely forbidden in Antigua, even for children. 

Also, all kinds of drug offenses are faced by several penalties if caught. This includes even the possession of drugs. 

Driving in Antigua and Barbuda is on the left-hand side.  Some roads may have potholes and bumps, and at night time some places might have insufficient lighting. But these are minor problems and always have a way round. Road accidents are not that common here as everyone drives with caution. 

Antigua and Barbuda Entry Requirements for Bangladeshi Students

The basic preparation for moving abroad to study in Antigua and Barbuda is pretty much the same as it would be for any other country. However, there are some entry and visa requirements applicable for Bangladeshi students. 

The first thing you’ll need to enter Antigua and Barbuda is a visa. This is a mandatory step, as the country does not provide a visa on entry. This part is a bit tricky, since there are no embassies or consulates of Antigua and Barbuda in Bangladesh yet. But, there’s an easy way round for it. You can apply for an E-visa permit online and obtain it via email once your application has been approved. 

To apply for an E-visa, you’ll simply need to submit your visa application and supporting documents through a trusted website such as VisaHQ, Atlys, or iVisa. The supporting documents required are: 

1. A complete visa application form that has been properly filled and signed. You’ll find one on the website.
2. A valid passport with at least six months of validity beyond your intended period of stay, and one blank page.
3. A recent official passport-sized photograph of yourself.
4. Bank statements or financial affidavits stating you have sufficient funds required for tuition fees and living expenses. 
5. An overall medical examination report confirming your health status.
6. A recent police clearance certificate with no criminal record.
7. Documentation of housing and accommodation in Antigua and Barbuda.
8. Acceptance letter from a recognized educational institute in Antigua and Barbuda.

The visa takes little time to get approved. It would be wise to apply for your visa keeping at least 1 month’s time in hand.

Once you arrive in the country, you’ll need to provide all your original documents for verification. At the airport, they will provide you with a student permit. Student permits usually have a one-year validity, and have to be renewed every year.

Once you start living there as a foreign student, there are a few guidelines that will apply to you. One is the employment restriction. Foreign students are allowed to work 20 hours/week as part timers on student visas.

But you will be allowed a paid residency at the medical institute that you studied in once you complete your medical degree, because that’s a part of your studies. 

If you decide to bring along any dependent, you’ll need to provide additional documentation and require approvals for them. Make sure to have proof of their legal custody and necessary permissions.