Study in Barbados: Universities, Courses, Scholarships & Placements

Discover Universities, Courses, Eligibility, Scholarships & More


Last Updated on 8th March 2025

Barbados

Overview

International students who desire economical education opportunities have started choosing Barbados as their preferred study destination. The island nation presents a combination of successful academics along with budget-friendly living, which sustains its status for cultural heritage assets, natural attractions and academic excellence.

International medical aspirants who are particularly from India will definitely find studying in Barbados to be a remarkable learning opportunity. The yearly tuition fee in Barbados for education depends on the educational program chosen. 

Several leading educational institutions in Barbados, including the University of the West Indies (UWI), American University of Barbados (AUB), and Victoria University of Barbados (VUB), offer opportunities for career growth to students across the globe. 

All these institutes deliver outstanding educational programs in health, business, law, engineering and hotel management at both graduate and undergraduate levels. Health professionals who completed MBBS in Barbados are in high demand because they bring both strong financial possibilities and global recognition.


Popular Universities in Barbados

So, if you are planning to start your academic career in Barbados, having an insight into the popular universities there will be beneficial for you. Some of the popular universities in Barbados are:

  • Bridgetown International University 
  • The University of the West Indies
  • Barbados Community College 
  • American University of Barbados 
  • Victoria University of Barbados 
  • Lincoln American Universities 

Thus, if you are eager to pursue your future career abroad, then studying in Barbados can be the most beneficial option for you. 


Study in Barbados - Quick Highlights

Feature

Details

Top Universities

  • University of the West Indies (UWI)
  • Barbados Community College (BCC)
  • The University of the Bahamas (UB)

Popular Courses

  • Medicine/MBBS
  • Business
  • Law
  • Engineering
  • Agriculture
  • Tourism and Hospitality Management
  • Environmental Science

Average Tuition Fees

$5,000-$15,000 per year, depending on program

FMGE Passing Rate 2024

42.86% 

Cost of Living

$700-$1000 per month, depending on city and lifestyle

Work while studying

Part-time: Up to 20 Hours per week during semesters

Full-time: Up to 40 hours a week during holidays

Post-Graduation Options

Healthcare, Business, Tourism, Hospitality, Engineering, Law

Languages

English (Primary language of instruction)

Bajan (local dialect)


Why Study in Barbados

The Caribbean island of Barbados attracts international students who seek affordable, excellent education because it is rapidly growing in popularity. Students experience an exclusive academic-experience combination at Barbados through its gorgeous environment and active cultural scene, and prominent educational centres. 

There are several compelling factors which make Barbados an ideal place to study at the university level.

Particulars

Details 

Better Education

Barbados has a distinguished education system. It has many colleges and universities offering multiple courses for international and national students.

Cultural Heritage 

Students who choose the Barbados location for their studies may experience unique food, island traditions and festivals due to a blend of European and African culture.

English Language

Being an English-speaking nation, Barbados removes the language barriers for foreign students.  It helps to easily communicate and understand the class lectures or read the course materials.

Internship & Job Opportunities

Barbados offers employment opportunities in the service industry, finance, tourism, and offshore banking. Practical experience will help you in building your career.

Affordable Tuition Fees and Living Costs

Education and living costs in Barbados are reasonable for international students who want to study abroad. In comparison to other destinations, Barbados is an economic choice.

Possibilities for Scholarships

The government of Barbados, together with various programs, provides scholarships and financial support for overseas students who wish to study there. 

Barbados will become accessible for wider student enrollment because these scholarship possibilities have the potential to grow. Sports Degree scholarships, Nursing degree scholarships, Pharmacy degree scholarships and many more

Gateway to the Caribbean

Those who want to explore other islands in the Caribbean region can effectively begin their journey from Barbados. 

Barbadian students possess the ability to discover neighbouring islands and experience local traditions, and admire Caribbean natural vistas.

A Friendly environment

The island nation of Barbados has established itself as a location where people feel welcome to relax in their informal manner. 

Students pursuing international education in Barbados can interact with individuals from diverse backgrounds through the welcoming multiethnic community. 


Popular Courses in Barbados 

Students from all over the globe flock to Barbados for its diverse array of academic programs. Barbados attracts an increasing number of undergraduate and postgraduate students because of its prestigious education system. Several widely known educational programs are prominent in the territory of Barbados.


Medicine

Students consider the medical programs at UWI (University of the West Indies) as highly prestigious. Doctor and medical professional aspirants choose to study Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) because of its professional appeal. The worldwide recognition of Barbados' medical schools allows their graduates to secure employment opportunities throughout different countries.


Business and Management

Barbados's increasing financial industry and successful economic state make business programs highly sought after by students on the island. Two of the multiple business-focused degree programs that UWI and BCC offer to students are business administration and economics, alongside finance. Students who choose enrollment in these programs obtain worldwide business sector readiness through their education.


Law 

Academic institutions in Barbados maintain excellent education standards for legal studies. Through its extensive legal programs, the University of the West Indies provides a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) and multiple additional legal degrees for students. The powerful legal structure of the island benefits students through opportunities to attain professional success in government positions or global law firms.


Hospitality and Tourism Industry

Every year, a significant number of students sign up for tourist-related programs at institutions in Barbados because this economic sector drives the economy of the island. Barbados Community College delivers tailored academic initiatives which show students proper business administration methods for hotel and resort operations.


Computer Science and Engineering

Students frequently select mechanical engineering programs together with electrical and civil engineering programs as their first choice in the engineering field. The growth of technology has made information technology and computer science programs more popular across Barbados.

The choice of Barbados remains excellent for students who want excellent studies combined with attractive surroundings through its diverse educational programs.

The table below portrays the degree types and duration of the courses. 

Course Name 

Duration 

Degree Type 

MBBS

6 years 

Bachelor’s Degree 

Business administration and economics 

3 years 

Bachelor’s Degree 

Law (Full Time)

3 years 

Bachelor’s Degree 

Hospitality and Tourism

4 years 

Bachelor’s Degree 

Computer Science and Engineering

2 years 

Bachelor’s Degree 


Eligibility to Study in Barbados for Indian & International Students

To start an undergraduate degree in Barbados, students need to provide proof of holding either a high school diploma or equivalent qualifications, like an HSC from India or an International Baccalaureate from the United States.

The majority of postgraduate admission requirements ask for either a bachelor's degree or its foreign academic equivalents. Each academic institution, along with its specific subjects, may demand different minimum grades for admission.

Fluency in English

English serves as the main teaching language in Barbados; hence, effective communication in this language stands as an absolute requirement for success. International students at Indian universities, as well as students around the world, need to pass standardised English exams such as TOEFL or IELTS for admission purposes. Each educational facility or academic program in Barbados maintains its own admission score requirement until stated otherwise by the institution.


Visa Requirements 

Academic studies in Barbados demand international students, specifically Indian students, to secure a student visa for entrance. International students need to meet specific requirements of the Barbados Immigration Department while getting an enrollment confirmation from a country-recognised educational institution.

The application process may require students to show proof of enough funds, together with valid health insurance and up-to-date passport documents. Visit either the Barbados Immigration Department or the local Barbadian consulate or embassy for the official criteria guidelines regarding visa applications to Barbados.


Financial Requirements 

International students must demonstrate financial capacity to cover their educational costs, together with their living expenses, before enrolling at Barbados University. Your ability to fund your student status will be assessed through bank statement documents that you need to submit for review. Specific educational institutions, together with organisations, provide scholarship opportunities to eligible international students.


Health Insurance

Most foreign students who study in Barbados must acquire health insurance coverage during their studies. The availability of medical services remains accessible to students at this location. Students need to acquire health insurance through their school or from a private company based on their personal circumstances.


Top Destination to study in Barbados

Bridgetown, the capital city of Barbados, is home to various eminent universities like the University of West Indies (UWI), the Barbados Community College (BCC) and many more. At the same time, Holetown and Oistins also provide shelter to multiple educational institutes in Barbados. 

The destinations are:

  • Bridgetown 
  • Holetown 
  • Oistins


Admission Intakes in Barbadian Universities 

Having a thorough understanding of the admission intakes can help foreign students to take part in the admission process in the most effective and seamless manner. The table below demonstrates the thorough admission intake in Barbados. 

Semester or Term 

Intake 

Application Period 

Start of Classes 

Notes 

1st Semester 

August/September

January to May 

Last of August or the start of September

Undergraduate and postgraduate courses 

2nd Semester 

January 

September to October 

Start of January 

Limited availability of some selected courses and programmes 

Summer term

May 

February to March 

Middle to late May 

It is for various accelerated courses, special electives and retakes

1

Universities

--

Cost of Living

--

Work permit duration

--

International Students

Barbados

Top Exams for Admissions to Barbados Universities

Getting a seat allotment in any university across Barbados requires students to qualify for some specific entrance exams. These are listed below:

English Proficiency Test

  • TOEFL (writing score 22, reading score 20, listening score 20, and speaking score 20)
  • IELTS (6.5) 
  • CSEC

Barbados

Visa Process for International Students to Study in Barbados

It is mandatory for the students to apply for a student Visa to reach Barbados. The points below are the steps students need to follow to apply for a student visa. 

1: Receiving the admission letter 

2: Filling out the application form for the H1 and H2 visa application of Barbados 

3: Submitting the form to the immigration department of the Barbados government after filling it out 

4: All the required documents should be prepared 

5: Paying the Visa fee

6: Wait for the approval

Barbados

Cost of Study in Barbados

The cost of studying in Barbados has been provided in the table below.

Courses 

USD

BBD

INR

Undergraduate courses 

$8000-$15000

16,000-30,000

69,00,00-12,90,800

Postgraduate courses 

$10,000-$18,000

20,000-37,000

8, 50, 500-15,50,500

Medicine Courses 

$20,000-$30,000

40,200-60,300

17,25,000-26,00,000

Barbados

Cost of Living in Barbados

Below table highlights the cost of living in Barbados for the ease of students to know relevant cost aspects of studying abroad.

Aspects 

USD

BBD

INR

Accomodation 

$300-$600 (University Dormitory)

$400-$800 (Shared apartment)

$700-$1200 (private apartment)

600-1200

800-1600

1400-2400

25,900-52,000

34,000-70,000

60,400-1,00,500

Food

$200-$350

400-700

17,200-30,100

Transportation 

$50-$80

100-160

4,300-6,900

Utilities 

$50-$100 (Electricity, Water and Gas)

$30-$60 (Internet)

100-200

60-120

4,300-8,600

5,200-10,400

Miscellaneous 

$100-$300

200-600

8,600-25,800

CapitalBridgetown
Universities1
States-
Timezones-
CurrencyBBD
Popular Sports-