SXU and AUA Announce Collaboration to Expand Pathways to Medical Education
Saint Xavier University (SXU) and the American University of Antigua (AUA) College of Medicine have established a collaboration designed to expand opportunities for SXU graduates pursuing careers in medicine. Through this collaboration, eligible graduates will have access to an expedited admission process and financial benefits as they pursue the Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree at AUA.
The collaboration reflects a shared commitment to academic excellence, compassionate service, and preparing future physicians to address the evolving needs of patients and communities.
"At SXU, our students are shaped by a mission-driven community that emphasizes both academic excellence and compassionate service. This partnership with AUA reflects our deep commitment to opening doors for students who are not only academically prepared but ready to become the kind of physicians the world needs," said Tatianna Tatum, Ph.D., Chair of Biological Sciences at SXU.
"AUA is so proud and excited to join this collaboration with SXU. In 2025, AUA graduates matched to more than 137 residency programs across 35 states, Canada, and in a variety of primary care disciplines, including obstetrics-gynecology, anesthesiology, neurology, family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics, and psychiatry at esteemed places such as Johns Hopkins, Robert Wood Johnson, Virtua Health, Jefferson Health, Richmond University Medical Center, and more," said Sheikh Sadiq, Chief Operations Officer for AUA.
"As of October 15, 2026, AUA is proud of our USMLE Step 1 first-time test takers' 91.3% pass rate and USMLE Step 2 CK first-time test takers' 91% pass rate," added Sadiq.
Dedicated Admission Pathway and Financial Benefits for SXU Graduates
Under the collaboration agreement, graduates of Saint Xavier will be eligible for several benefits when applying to AUA's MD program, including:
- Expedited admission process: Priority handling of the application review, interview and admission decision timeline.
- Waived application fee: Eligible graduates will not be required to pay AUA's application fee.
- Waived pre-registration seat deposit: Once accepted and having confirmed their intent to attend, eligible graduates will receive a waiver of the required pre-registration seat deposit.
- $10,000 Preferred Program Grant: Graduates accepted into AUA's MD program under the agreement will be eligible for a $10,000 Preferred Program Grant, subject to the terms of the collaboration agreement.
These benefits are intended to help qualified SXU graduates navigate the medical school admission process and make informed decisions about pursuing their medical education.
Preparing the Next Generation of Physicians
The American University of Antigua College of Medicine offers a four-year, U.S.-modeled MD program. Students complete their first two years of preclinical medical education on AUA's campus in Antigua, followed by 84 weeks of clinical sciences training at affiliated teaching hospitals, primarily in the U.S. The curriculum emphasizes active learning, clinical skills development, and preparation for the transition from foundational sciences to patient care.
AUA is accredited by the Caribbean Accreditation Authority for Education in Medicine and Other Health Professions (CAAM-HP). Its educational model combines classroom instruction with clinical training to prepare students for the next stages of their medical careers.
The collaboration with SXU expands AUA's academic network and creates a clear pathway for graduates interested in continuing their medical education. It also reflects the importance of collaboration between undergraduate institutions and medical schools in helping students translate their academic preparation into professional opportunities.
To learn more, visit the Health Profession Agreements page on the SXU website.