Academic And Non-Academic Policies

HEALTH AND IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS

Richmond Gabriel University, St. Vincent and the Grenadines values and prioritizes the health of all students, faculty, staff, and patients who receive healthcare from our clinical faculty and students. Medical students are at risk of exposure to infectious diseases in the course of their clinical work. As such, certain tests and immunizations are required of all students prior to matriculation into the program and before starting their clinical clerkship.

All students entering the Doctor of Medicine degree program are required to complete a Student Health History form and provide documentation of all required immunizations and a physical examination by a Healthcare Professional prior to matriculation and prior to clinical clerkship. The form must be signed by a healthcare provider and returned to the Office of Student Affairs prior to registration. All documents are to be emailed to immunization@richmondgu.org

Students will not be allowed to register or participate in any clinical activities until the Health History and Immunization forms are completed and on file. Students re-enrolling after one year of attendance lapse or students who are re-admitted into the program are required to submit updated medical history, physical examination, and immunization records.

 

Health & Immunization Requirements

Richmond Gabriel University, St. Vincent and the Grenadines values and prioritizes the health of all students, faculty, staff, and patients who receive healthcare from our clinical faculty and students.  Medical students are at risk of exposure to infectious diseases in the course of their clinical work.  As such, certain tests and immunizations are required of all students prior to matriculation into the program and before starting their clinical clerkship.  

All students entering the Doctor of Medicine degree program are required to complete a Student Health History form and provide documentation of all required immunizations and a physical examination by a Healthcare Professional prior to matriculation and prior to clinical clerkship. The form must be signed by a healthcare provider and returned to the Office of Admissions prior to matriculation.   

Students will not be allowed to register or participate in any clinical activities until the Health History and Immunization forms are completed and on file.  Students re-enrolling after one year of attendance lapse or students who are re-admitted into the program are required to submit updated medical history, physical examination, and immunization records. 

 

Entering Students

HEALTH HISTORY FORMHealth History Form: 

The Health History and Immunization Form must be submitted by all students at the point of application to the program.   The Health History form provides an overview of your health status and past medical history and allows the relevant department to provide the service and care to meet your health care needs.   The information is submitted to the Office of Admissions as part of the application process, reviewed by the Admissions Committee and all records are maintained by the Office of the Registrar.  All medical information is strictly confidential and cannot be released without your authorization except in cases of medical emergency.   

If a student has a diagnosed medical condition that requires either academic or non-academic accommodations, he/she must contact the Office of the Dean of Student Affairs to discuss their case and receive further guidance on the steps to follow.  

REQUIRED IMMUNIZATION: 

Documentation for the following immunizations and tests are required prior to completion of Registration for all entering students. The immunization policy provides coverage for both Healthcare workers and Immigration requirements for all persons entering St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

  • Mumps, Measles and Rubella (MMR):
    • All students born after January 1st, 1957 are required to provide proof of immunization against Mumps, Measles (Rubeola) and Rubella (German Measles), either by having been vaccinated against all 3 disease (combined vaccine MMR or individual vaccinations against the 3 diseases) or showing laboratory evidence of immunity to all 3 diseases.  
    • A record of 2 MMR vaccines
      • Dose 1 – at 12 months of age or older 
      • Dose 2 – at least one month after dose 1.  
    • Positive serological tests/Antibody titer for immunity to Mumps, Measles and Rubella 
    • History of disease is not acceptable.   
    • A copy of the lab report must be attached. 
    • A 3rd Dose of MMR vaccination may be advised in areas of regional outbreaks of Mumps or Measles, if original vaccination was received in Childhood.
  • Hepatitis B:
      
    • A record of Hepatitis B vaccine series (3 doses total): an initial dose, followed by a dose 1-2 months after the first and a final dose at 6 months after the first dose.  
    • If series is complete, a quantitative Hepatitis B Surface Antibody (HBsAb) titer must be done at least 3 weeks after the last dose. 
    • If Hepatitis B Surface Antibody titer is negative (<10 IU/mL), please obtain a booster dose and repeat the titer 1-2 months later.   
    • A copy of the lab report must be attached.
  • Tetanus/Diphtheria/Pertussis: 
    • Basic primary series of 3 doses of Diphtheria and Tetanus Toxoid.  
    • One dose of adult Tdap (Tetanus/Diphtheria/Pertussis). 
    • If last Tdap is more than 10 years ago, then a Tetanus Diphtheria (Td) booster dose is also required.  
    • A Td booster shot is required every 10 years after the basic primary series has been completed.
  • Varicella:
    • Documentation of 2 doses of varicella vaccine, at least one-month apart OR 
    • Positive serological test for immunity to Varicella (chicken pox) only if a history of chickenpox disease.  History of disease alone is not acceptable.  
    • A copy of the lab report must be attached.
  • Polio: 
    • Two (2) doses of IPV or 
    • One (1) dose adult IPV booster for persons who received oral polio vaccine as a child.
  • Tuberculosis (TB): 
    • Testing for Tuberculosis is required prior to enrollment. 
    • Annual TB education and TB Screening for symptoms must be done.  
    • Documentation of BCG vaccine does not preclude testing for TB. 
    • A 2-StepTuberculin Skin Test (TST) / MANTOUX skin test that is no more than 3 months prior to the beginning of classes.  Results must be recorded in millimeters (mm) of induration and transverse diameter.
      • Two step PPD’s should be separated by 1-3 weeks, but, can be separated by up to a year. If you have had a negative PPD in the last year, please record it as your step 1, and obtain another PPD to count as your step 2.   
    • Positive test result: 
      • Persons with a previous positive TST or BCG vaccination should have both a chest X-ray and a blood test (IGRA test either Tspot blood test or QuantiFERON TB Gold test) to test for latent TB.
        • Entering students with a positive PPD (current or previous) are required to have a negative chest X-ray.  
    • Accompanying Physician report stating that the student does not have a communicable disease/infection if the student has a positive test or a history of positive test result.   
    • Physician report must accompany the TB test report.  
  • COVID-19 Vaccine: 
    • Any COVID-19 vaccine approved by the FDA for use. To date, the following vaccines has been approved by the FDA for use against COVID-19.  These are accepted for students traveling to both St. Vincent and all clinical sites.
      • Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine 
      • Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine 
      • Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) 
      • AstraZeneca – Oxford AstraZeneca (Vaxzevria), COVISHIELD, AstraZeneca COVID-19 Vaccine by SK Bioscience
    • The Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines also recognizes the following vaccines for persons traveling to St. Vincent:
      • Gamalaya (Sputnik V, Gam-Covid-Vac) 
      • Cuban COVID-19 Vaccine – Abdala, Soberana  

OPTIONAL IMMUNIZATIONS

  • Hepatitis A 
    • Two (2) doses
  • Influenza
    • One (1) dose
  • Meningococcal (meningitis)
    • One (1) dose
  • Human Papillomavirus  
    • Three (3) doses 
    • This is for females only.
  • Flu Shot
    • Once per year during flu season. 

Clinical Students

Prior to starting the clinical clerkship, students are responsible for ensuring that their immunizations are up to date.  The immunization requirements may vary by hospital and location of the clerkship.  It is the responsibility of each student to ensure that s/he meets the immunization requirements of the hospitals where the clerkship rotations are to be done.  Proof of immunity as outlined below, must be sent to the Clinical Department prior to start of clinical rotations at the hospitals: 

  • Immunization and Serology for:
    • Hepatitis B 
    • Mumps, Measles and Rubella (MMR) 
    • Varicella
  • Immunization for:
    • Polio 
    • Td or Tdap within the past 10 years 
    • Tuberculosis Test  

  • Some jurisdictions may request for proof of negative HIV titer.

  • COVID-19 Vaccine
    • Currently the following Vaccine Brands are accepted.
      • Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine 
      • Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine
      • Janssen (Johnson & Johnson)
      • AstraZeneca – Oxford AstraZeneca (Vaxzevria), COVISHIELD, AstraZeneca COVID-19 Vaccine by SK Bioscience
    • The following are not yet approved worldwide and may not be accepted at the clinical sites.
      • Gamalaya (Sputnik V, Gam-Covid-Vac) 
      • Cuban COVID-19 Vaccine – Abdala, Soberana
    • Negative PCR Test 
    • Some hospitals and clinics may require additional immunizations, status pertaining to other communicable diseases, as determined by the hospital, or more recent and updated results as provided by the student. The student is required to submit the additional documentation, as requested, prior to proceeding with their rotations.    

Recommended Immunization For Immigration

Yellow Fever: As per immigration guidelines, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry to St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Jamaica for persons coming from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.  It is recommended that persons traveling from the following countries carry their yellow fever vaccination certificate to provide to the immigration officer if requested to do so.    

  • Countries with risk of yellow fever transmission:
    • AFRICA – Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, Sudan, Togo, Uganda. 
    • AMERICAS – Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Venezuela. 

Vaccination Waiver

A vaccination waiver can be issued by your medical practitioner if the vaccine is contraindicated for medical reasons.   If you have a medical contraindication to the immunization requirements, you are required to submit a letter/report from your physician explaining your contraindication.  The letter must be signed by both you and your healthcare provider.   It is important to be aware that problems may arise when traveling and crossing borders and the vaccination waiver may not be honoured.  

Please note that the Tuberculosis Screening requirement for students from TB endemic countries cannot be declined.  

COVID-19 Vaccinations Will Be Required

COVID-19 Vaccinations will be required for all Administrators, Faculty, Students, Staff, and visitors on campus as part of our plan for a safe return to campus life. 

All clinical students are required to be vaccinated before beginning their clinical rotations in hospitals and clinics.  

Getting Vaccinated is an important step towards the safe resumption of activities on campus. All persons eligible for vaccination are strongly encouraged to visit a health clinic and get vaccinated. 

 

WHERE TO GET YOUR VACCINATION 

Persons residing in St. Vincent and the Grenadines can visit any active Health Center or Polyclinic from Monday to Friday 8:00 am to 4:00 pm AST to receive their vaccination. The Ministry of Health has also stationed a Vaccination Team at the Solidarity Car Park (opposite the Central Police Station in Kingstown) on the following days and time:  Monday to Friday (8:00 am to 4:00 pm) and Saturdays (9:00 am – until). 

All persons are asked to present the following: 

  • A form of Photo Identification (ID Card, Driver’s License, Passport)  

  • Vaccination Card (for those receiving the 2nd Dose) 

Persons residing outside of St. Vincent should follow the vaccination guidelines issued by their local health authorities in their district.  

You can also speak with your health care provider. Some doctor’s offices offer vaccinations at their clinics or may be able to advise you on the vaccination services in your area.  

APPROVED VACCINES 

Currently the following Vaccine Brands are accepted. 

  • Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine 

  • Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine 

  • Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) 

  • AstraZeneca – Oxford AstraZeneca (Vaxzevria), COVISHIELD, AstraZeneca COVID-19 Vaccine by SK Bioscience 

The following are not yet approved worldwide 

  • Gamalaya (Sputnik V, Gam-Covid-Vac) 

  • Cuban COVID-19 Vaccine – Abdala, Soberana 

It is important to recognize that some countries do not recognize and accept some vaccinations and may deny entry of persons transiting during travels. Persons traveling are advised to follow the guidelines issued by all countries in their chosen travel route.  

SUBMISSION OF COVID-19 VACCINATION PROOF TO THE UNIVERSITY 

All persons must provide official documentation of their vaccination that includes the name of the vaccine received and the dates you were vaccinated. Persons are required to send a colored electronic copy of their vaccination card to the Office of the Registrar at least 2 weeks prior to their arrival on campus. Please email your proof of vaccination.

COVID VACCINATION WAIVERS/EXEMPTIONS 

Persons may request a vaccination exemption from the COVID-19 vaccine for religious or medical reasons.  

  • Religious Exemption – You will be required to provide a letter from a religious leader of the faith community to which you are a member, clearly explaining the need for an exemption. Upon approval of a religious exemption, you will be required to sign a release form acknowledging that in the event of an outbreak, you may face certain restrictions from classes, duties and other activities and the University is not liable for your exposure or the consequences of such.  

  • Medical Exemption – You will be required to provide a letter from your healthcare provider clearly explaining the reasons why the vaccination is contraindicated. The letter must be signed by both yourself and the Physician. The letter will be reviewed to determine if the medical condition meets criteria for exemption in accordance with the most recent and up to date CDC (Centers for Disease Control) (Centers for Disease Control) Recommendations.  

NB:  Persons who apply for and are granted a vaccination exemption will be required to have a COVID-19 PCR test done every 2 weeks (14 days) at their own expense and must have a negative PCR test to participate in campus activities. It is important to be aware that problems may arise when traveling and crossing borders and the vaccination waiver may not be honoured. 

REFUSAL TO BE VACCINATED 

Richmond Gabriel University remains committed to providing a safe environment for all faculty, students, and staff. The University fully supports the vaccination campaign to help restore the global community to a state of normalcy. Persons who refuse to be vaccinated and/or tested will not be permitted to engage in university business. Employees will be mandated to take unpaid leave and clinical students will not be scheduled for clinical rotations until such time as their immunization status is found satisfactory with university policy. (See waiver policy above) 

POST VACCINATION RECOMMENDATIONS 

Following full vaccinations, persons may remove masks when present in outdoor areas. However, masks will continue to be required for indoors and at large outdoor gatherings. Persons are encouraged to continue practicing physical distance if they are in the presence of unvaccinated persons or if vaccination status is unknown. Persons are encouraged to continue with regular hand washing and hygiene protocols. The university will continue to follow the recommendations of the CDC and as such, policies will be updated accordingly.  

TRAVELING TO CAMPUS IN ST. VINCENT.  

All persons requesting travel documents from the university, must provide proof of vaccination before the university releases any documents for the purpose of traveling to St. Vincent for on campus activities.   

WILL I BE REQUIRED TO QUARANTINE IN ST. VINCENT? 

All persons traveling to St. Vincent must follow the Travel Entry Protocol issued by the Ministry of Health Wellness and the Environment. Fully vaccinated persons may contact the Coronavirus Taskforce in St. Vincent and request for home quarantine 48 hours after arrival into the country. Persons are required to send their request in writing to coronavirustaskforcesvg@gmail.com at least 2 weeks prior to arrival. Follow up can be made by calling the telephone number: 1784-453-2351. Persons are required to submit the following documents: 

  • Travel Itinerary 

  • Copy of Vaccination Card 

Persons traveling from very high-risk countries may not be approved for home quarantine. This is entirely at the discretion of the Ministry of Health, Wellness, and the Environment. All persons are responsible for covering all expenses incurred with traveling, testing and hotel quarantine stay. (see Travel Entry Protocol on Student Portal) 

FULLY VACCINATED WITH COVID-19 SYMPTOMS 

The risk of fully vaccinated persons becoming infected with COVID-19 is low. However, if a fully vaccinated person experiences symptoms consistent with COVID-19, the following steps must be followed: 

  • Isolate yourself from others. 

  • Contact your Healthcare Provider or the COVID-19 Hotline to be clinically evaluated for COVID-19.  Please inform the Healthcare Provider of your vaccination status. 

  • Be tested with a SARS-CoV-2 PCR test.   

All expenses incurred during diagnosis and treatment is the responsibility of the individual.  

POLICY CHANGES 

The university will continue to follow the guidelines issued by the CDC, WHO (World Health Organisation), local health ministries and institutional partners in places where we have operations. There may be changes in the guidelines and policies we are required to follow. Such changes will be communicated accordingly.  

CREDIT VALIDITY STATEMENT

Richmond Gabriel University will recognise and accept course credits for the Doctor of Medicine degree program courses that has been completed within a six (6) years period of their medical education time.   This time period does not include any approved Leave of Absence granted to students.  Persons who are re-applying after an extensive period of absence from the medical program, will have to retake courses that has been completed more than six years ago. For extenuating or special circumstances a petition to the Dean may be submitted for review.  

INACTIVITY AND ADMINISTRATIVE WITHDRAWAL  

Students are asked to be guided accordingly by the policy given below.    

Any student who has been inactive for more than one academic year (3 semesters) without the approval of a Leave of Absence will be considered Administratively withdrawn from the University.   If at any time the student wishes to resume their studies, they must re-apply to the program through the Admissions Office and will be subject to all current policies at the time of re-application.  Re-admission to the program is not guaranteed.  

Any enrolled student who has been absent from the academic program for more than 30 consecutive calendar days and less than one academic year (3 semesters) without an approved Leave of Absence will be Administratively withdrawn from the Program.   If the student wishes to resume their studies, they must petition the Academic Promotions Committee to be re-instated into their program of study.   

If you are currently inactive and wish to complete your medical education at RGUSVG, please contact the Office of Student Affairs or Office of the Registrar for further guidance.    

REACTIVATION OF STUDENT STATUS 

Students who are on a Leave of Absence or inactive have a maximum of three (3) semesters or one academic year to re-enroll back onto their program of study.  Failure to re-enter your program during this time will result in a loss of your student status at the University.

RE-ADMISSION & RE-ENROLLMENT POLICY AND PROCEDURE

READMISSION POLICY

Students who were previously enrolled at Richmond Gabriel University, Saint Vincent but have not completed their degree program and have been inactive or withdrawn for more than three (3) academic semesters, must apply for re-admission to return to the program.   Readmission is not guaranteed or automatic. Each application will be evaluated and assessed based on current admissions criteria and guidelines. All previous terms and agreements, including any scholarships, are terminated when a student is de-registered from the program for any reason.  All students are held to the admissions regulations, policies, procedures and requirements in effect at the time of their return. 

Admission:  Being accepted into a program or being offered a position to pursue a course or program of study in the University. 

Re-Admission: This is the process whereby previously enrolled students at the University who have been withdrawn (administratively or otherwise), dismissed or inactive status for more than one academic year (3 semesters) must apply for readmission to the University.  

 

CONSIDERATION FOR READMISSION 

Effective September 2020, former Richmond Gabriel University Saint Vincent students who meet the following criteria, and wish to be re-admitted to the University, must apply to the Office of Admissions for consideration for re-admission into the program: 

  • If you are not registered or enrolled in the program for three or more academic semesters. 
  • If you have officially withdrew from the University.   
  • If you have been academically or administratively dismissed. Students who have been permanently dismissed or expelled are not eligible to apply for re-admission.  Their application will not be considered. Students who were administratively or academically dismissed in the following category below, may be eligible for consideration for re-admission to the program.   
ACADEMIC DISMISSAL

  • Failure to maintain good academic standing. 
  • Failure to maintain the minimum GPA for their program of study. 
  • Failure to successfully complete a course on the 3rd attempt or entire semester on the 2nd attempt. 
  • Exceeding the given time limit (6 years) to complete the program of study.
ADMINISTRATIVE DISMISSAL

  • Failure to pay tuition fee. 
  • Consideration will be given if the student is able to demonstrate sufficient improvement in their academic performance and strengthen their candidacy application for return to their program.   
  • Students who can settle their financial accounts within 3 academic semesters will be allowed to re-enroll back into their program of study.  Students who have exceeded more than 3 academic semesters will be required to re-apply, settle any outstanding financial balances and meet the degree requirements in effect at the time of re-enrollment.  
  • If you have taken a Leave of Absence for three or more semesters and did not return to the program at the end of the Leave of Absence. (Such students will be administratively withdrawn after 30 days after LOA return date). 
  • If a first semester student withdraws or leaves their program of study before completing their first semester, the student will have to apply for re-admission to the program.  (This does not apply to students who have requested a deferral for acceptable reasons) 

NO CONSIDERATION 

Students who fall into the following categories will NOT be considered for readmission to the University.  The following offences when committed by a student on university property or at university events off campus or when the offence is against university staff, fellow students and university guests are of a nature that warrants permanent dismissal from the university. 

  • Attempt or commit an act of discrimination, sexual harassment/assault, physical and domestic violence, hazing, and/or stalking.  
  • Destruction, damage, tampering or theft of personal or university property.  
  • Involved in arson, vandalism, computer/network/technology tampering and destruction, burglary, larceny, breaking and entering, robbery or embezzlement.  
  • Alteration, forgery, or misuse of university documents and/or records. 
  • Providing false documents to the university with the intent to deceive. 
  • Violation of the following policies 
  • Academic integrity and regulations.  
  • Student rights and responsibilities 
  • Alcohol and Drug Use Policy 
  • Student Honor Code 
  • Disorderly conduct of aggravated degree, threatening behavior towards employees, students, or guests of the institution. 
  • Disorderly conduct that damages or tarnish the reputation of the institution.  

Re-Admission for Academic and Administrative Dismissal  

  • Academically and administratively dismissed students seeking to return to the University within 2 years of dismissal must submit a letter of appeal requesting re-instatement and submit their request to the Academic Promotions Committee through the Office of the Registrar.  Student must also submit official transcripts of any institution attended after dismissal from Richmond Gabriel University, St. Vincent.  
  • Students seeking to return after 2 years of academic or administrative dismissal from the University must apply for Re-admission directly to the Office of Admissions.  
  • Admissions to the program is not guaranteed.  

Re-Admission Process

Re-enrollment policy

Enrollment:  This is registering for a course in a program after admission to the program has already been granted and all admissions criteria/requirement has been fulfilled.  

Re-enrollment: Any student who has been withdrawn from a course or who interrupts their program of study must apply for re-enrollment upon returning to the program.   

CONSIDERATION FOR RE-ENROLLMENT 

The following list of student categories are eligible to re-enroll in their program of study: 

  • Students returning from an approved Leave of Absence.  
  • Students whose studies were deferred to the following semester can enroll for the upcoming semester if they are in good financial standing or receives clearance from the Accounts Department (payment plan applied).  
  • Students whose studies was interrupted due to family emergency, medical reasons, and financial hardship.  

Re-Enrollment Process

APPEAL FOR RE-ENROLLMENT/REINSTATEMENT 

If a student withdraws from the University and wishes to return to the University before the end of one year or 3 semesters, the student can appeal to the Academic Promotions Committee for re-instatement/re-enrollment to their program. The student is required to submit a letter of Appeal to the Chair of the Academic Promotions Committee, pleading their case.   The Committee will examine the circumstances surrounding the student’s withdrawal, the letter of appeal, the resolutions made since the time of withdrawal, the reason for return and the conditions for return.   The student may be requested to appear before the Academic Promotions Committee to plead their case.  

 GUIDELINES FOR PLACEMENT OF RETURNING STUDENTS 

The following guideline is to be used in the placement of returning students into the MD Program: 

  • The Registrar’s Department will conduct a thorough screen of all courses and clerkships completed, and grades obtained during their period of enrollment.  
  • Contact the Accounts Department to check the student’s financial standing.  
  • Students must settle all outstanding fees owing to the University prior to returning to the program.  
  • Student must be able to make tuition payment in full by the deadline issued by the Accounts Department. 
  • Alternatively, students can appeal to the Accounts Department for a payment plan to meet their financial obligations.  
  • Students returning to the MD 1-4 semesters must complete all courses before progressing to the next higher semester.  The Registrar’s Department will register students for courses according to policy.  
  • Courses must be completed in the appropriate semester and all pre-requisites must be completed.   
  • Students will be allowed to complete a maximum of 3 courses from 2 different semesters, provided all pre-requisites have been completed and there is no clash in the lecture schedule.  
  • All returning students who have been inactive for more than one year or 3 semesters, must retake the MD5 semester and sit for the CBSE NBME and obtain a passing score of 200 / Basic Sciences Exit Exam score of 70% before proceeding to the Clinical Clerkships.  
  • Clinical students who have completed CORE and elective or only elective clerkships in the past, must complete the CBSE NBME and proceed to complete or begin the CORE rotations before moving on to elective rotations.  

Financial Policies

DOCTOR OF MEDICINE DEGREE PROGRAM 
FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS 

It is the student’s responsibility to settle any financial obligations with the University, on or before the stipulated deadlines given by the Accounts Department.  Students who are on approved payment plan must honor the payment deadlines given by the Accounts Department.  Failure to do so, will result in a semester deferral.  

 Miscellaneous Expenses 

Students are encouraged to budget for additional expenses associated with studying internationally.  The following expenses and associated cost are an estimation to guide students in the planning process.  

 

Description 

Amount – US$  

Books 

$400 – $500 per semester 

Rent/Accommodation (in St. Vincent) 

$500 – $600 per month  

Rent/Accommodation (Clerkship Site) 

$800 – $1000 per month 

Food 

$300 – $500 per month 

Transportation (in St. Vincent) 

$100 per month 

Transportation (Clinical Sites) 

$200 – $300 per month  

Malpractice Insurance (Clerkship Site) 

$1800 – $2000  

St. Vincent Entry VISA  

$80 per renewal

 APPLICATION FEE 

This is a one-time, non-refundable fee paid with the submission of an application.   

 ENROLLMENT FEE 

This is a one-time non-refundable fee paid at the point of acceptance into the program for all new and transfer students entering the university for the first time.  It secures a seat for the student in the incoming cohort.  If the student fails to matriculate into the semester, they are not entitled to a refund.  

 RE-ENROLLMENT FEE 

This is a one-time non-refundable fee paid by all returning students who must re-apply to the program due to extensive period of inactivity or otherwise unapproved absence.  

 ENTRY VISA FEE 

This is a non-refundable fee paid by all student traveling to St. Vincent who require an entry visa. This is a St. Vincent and the Grenadines Passport and Immigration Authority Processing Fee.  

 REPATRIATION FEE 

This is a one-time refundable fee paid by all students, new and returning, traveling to St. Vincent for studying at RGU.  It is reimbursed in the form of an airline ticket or wire transfer at the end of the program if the student needs to leave the country for other reasons e.g., withdrawal, LOA, emergencies, dismissal, or legal and immigration issues.  

 LATE RENEWAL OF STUDENT VISA 

Students who apply for a student visa renewal less than 14 calendar days of their visa expiration date in St. Vincent will be charged a fee for administrative processing of late requests.  

LATE REGISTRATION FEES 

Students who are granted permission to register after the deadline for registration has passed, will incur a late registration fee of US $300, payable at the time of registration.  Students must seek the approval of the Dean of Student Affairs to register after the registration period has closed.  

 LATE PAYMENT PENALTIES 

If a student fails to meet their financial obligations by the given deadline, it will result in deregistration from the semester. A US $250 penalty fee will be applied upon reinstatement.   

 TUITION FEE 

Tuition fee is the cost of the credited courses taught per semester.   

 EXAMINATON FEE 

This fee is semester based and is applicable for all quizzes, block and final exams per semester conducted on the Examplify platform.  It is standard per semester irrespective of the number of courses or if the student is repeating.  

 LABORATORY/PRACTICAL FEES 

This is semester based for all semesters with lab-based courses and practical component.  This is applicable to all premedical and basic sciences semester courses.   

 RETAKE EXAMINATION FEE  

This fee is for students retaking exams at the end of the semester.  Students are allowed a maximum of retake exams, depending on course credits and APC review policy. 

 RGU SCHOLARSHIP  

Financial Hardship Scholarship is a percentage of the tuition fee discount that is dependable on the estimated incoming cohort size.   This should be determined by the Scholarship Committee and Financial Aid Office after review of supporting documents that demonstrate the student is eligible for such scholarships. (See scholarship policy) 

 ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIP 

Based on the recommendation of the Scholarship Committee after application review and interview. . (See scholarship policy) 

 CAUTION FEE 

This is a one-time refundable fee that is payable at the time of matriculation in each program and refunded at the end of the program.   

 STUDENT ACTIVITY FEE 

The Student Union Government fee is collected by the University on behalf of the Student Union Government. Each student is required to pay US $50 per semester or US $150 per academic year.   

 STUDENT LIFE ENHANCEMENT FEE 

The Student Life Enhancement Fee is a non-academic compulsory ancillary fee that is paid by all students enrolled at the university.  This fee is directed towards the development and improvement of all services provided to students.  The details of the services provided by the Student Life Enhancement Fee can be provided by the Office of Student Affairs and Admissions Department. (see SLEF Protocol) 

 HEALTH INSURANCE FEE  

All international students traveling to St. Vincent must be enrolled in the Health Insurance plan or demonstrate they have private insurance that is equal to or greater in coverage that what is offered by the university. Vincentian Nationals are exempted from the Health Insurance Policy while they are attending their studies in their home country.  

 TRANSITION SEMESTER FEES 

Students returning to the program or those who have completed the basic sciences and are preparing for NBME, and Clinical Rotations are required to pay Student Union Government fee, Student Life Enhancement Fund fees and Health Insurance Fee.  The Health Insurance fee may be waived if the student returns to their home country during this semester. 

 GRAUDATION FEE 

This is a one-time fee that must be paid prior to issuance of the program diploma at the end of the program.   

 MAILING FEE 

Students are responsible for any fees incurred with shipping documents or packages on their behalf.  

 FINANCIAL STATUS  

Students with unpaid balances are not considered to be “Students in good financial standing” with the University.   These students cannot be provided with letters of recommendation, official or unofficial transcripts, diplomas, and any other documents from the University until their “good standing” status is restored.   Students with unpaid balances or who do not fulfill payments by the specified tuition deadline or approved payment plan deadline will be prevented from sitting for their examinations and asked to report to the Registrar’s Office to discuss required course or semester deferral.   

 BILLING INFORMATION 

Students will receive an invoice from the Accounts Department 30 days prior to the beginning of the new semester.  Invoices should be paid upon receipt or before the commencement of classes.  If for any reason a student cannot meet their financial obligation, s/he is required to contact the Accounts Department to discuss the implications of failure to make payments on or before the given deadlines and the possibility of alternative payment plans.  The consideration of alternative payment plans is decided on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the Accounts Department.  If a student does not receive an invoice during this period, s/he should contact the Accounts Department to address this matter.  It is the student’s responsibility to contact the Accounts Department, request their invoice and settle their financial obligations prior to the beginning of the semester. 

 REFUND POLICY 

All refunds due to a student will be processed and issued by the Accounts Department.  All refunds will be processed within fourteen (14) business days, after appropriate notice is received from the Office of the Registrar indicating that the student wishes to withdraw from the program. To process approved refunds, students will be required to provide the appropriate account information to the Accounts Department. Any transaction fees incurred will be at the expense of the student.   

 A refund policy for students in the Premedical and Basic Sciences Medical degree program is based on the following criteria:  

  • If a student, new or continuing, withdraws prior to the start of the semester, a complete refund of tuition is given.   
  • If a registered student withdraws before the last business day of the second week after the start of the semester, a refund of 50% tuition will be given.    
  • If a registered student withdraws before the last business day of the third week after the start of the semester, no refund will be given. 

 

CLINICAL CLERKSHIP CANCELLATION AND REFUND POLICY 

All students are required to complete a minimum of 80 weeks clinical rotations (48 weeks core rotations and 32 weeks elective rotations) in the third and fourth year of their Doctor of Medicine degree program. Students who have cleared their Basic Medical Sciences must contact the clinical department to schedule their clinical rotations.  Once the necessary documents are received by the clinical department, the Clinical Coordinator will contact the Accounts Department to receive clearance to schedule the clinical rotation.   

Once rotations are scheduled, the student is expected to follow through with the scheduled rotation.  

 Cancellation 

Rotation slots are very competitive at all clinical sites due to the large number of clinical students waiting to be scheduled as well as the recent onset of the pandemic.  The following policy will apply to students who cancel their clinical rotations.   

  • If a student cancels or reschedules a rotation for any reason within 4 weeks of the rotation start date, a rotation cancellation fee of US $500 plus any third-party fees resulting from the cancellation will be charged.  
  • In exceptional circumstances, students may request for a rotation cancellation or reschedule for up to 4 weeks prior to the rotation start date due to unforeseen circumstances e.g sickness, death in the family etc.  Students must immediately contact the Dean of Clinical Affairs and provide their valid reason.  Approval of the cancellation/reschedule is at the discretion of the Clinical Department at RGU. If no approval is given, the rotation cancellation fee and other associated fees will be charged.  
  • If the student cancels or reschedules the rotation with more than four weeks’ notice, a fee of US $300 will be charged. 
  • Once a clinical rotation has started as per the scheduled date, there will be no refund of tuition if the student wishes to discontinue the rotation for any reason.  

 TUITION CREDIT OR REFUND FOR SUSPENSION, WITHDRAWAL AND DISMISSAL 

A student who is suspended from the University during the semester in which an incident occurred is eligible for a tuition credit that will be applied to the semester immediately following the period of suspension. The amount of tuition credited is dependent on the refund policy given for voluntary withdrawal from the program.  The student will be responsible for all other fees associated with the new semester.   

A student who is dismissed or who withdraws from the University is eligible for a tuition refund based on the Voluntary Withdrawal policy.  If the student has outstanding payments, s/he is obligated to make all payments in full, including full reimbursement of any scholarships awarded by the University.  The University will not release any documents or official or unofficial transcripts until the student settles all outstanding payments.    

 FINANCIAL INCREASES 

Any changes in the tuition or clinical fees and other associated educational cost, will be communicated to the student body at least 3 months prior to implementing any changes in financial structures.  Such changes will affect all students currently enrolled in the university at the time of the change.  Changes to visa and other governmental fees are subject to change without notice at the government’s discretion.