Cuba is the smallest country in Latin America. In terms of medical education, “Latin American School of Medicine” is the largest medical school in which food, accommodation and education are all free. Apart from this, students also get scholarships. There are many big medical colleges and universities around the world, including America and Europe. But the world’s largest medical school is in Cuba, a small country in Latin America.
The name of this medical school in Cuba is “Latin American School of Medicine” (Escuela Latinoamericana de Medicina). This medical school is located in the capital, Havana. It is said to be the largest medical school in the world, which has trained more than 30,000 doctors from more than 160 countries so far.
Indian students can also take admission
This medical school is especially for those students who come from economically weaker sections or want to fill the shortage of doctors in their country. Indian students can also take admission here on scholarship.
What do you get for free?
- Free MBBS level medical education
- Hostel and food completely free
- Monthly stipend
- Free medical books and lab facility
- Spanish language course also included
Scholarship facilities
- Full tuition, hostel, three meals a day, books, uniform, bedding, toiletries free
- Stipend – approximately 100–46000 Cuban pesos (₹4–₹1800) per month
- Travel expenses, visa fees and to and fro expenses abroad have to be borne by the student.
MBBS Course Syllabus in Cuba
Foreign students are taught Spanish language and Cuban culture for one year. This is followed by a medical course of six years i.e. 12 semesters + 1 year of rotatory internship.
How to get admission in ELAM
For admission in Cuba’s Latin American School of Medicine, one has to apply through the Cuban Embassy or the health agency of one’s country. Eligibility– It is necessary to have good marks in Intermediate (Physics, Chemistry, Biology and English) and to be medically fit. Apart from this, learning Spanish language is also mandatory. Indians must have passed NEET UG.
Selection Process
- Candidates are shortlisted based on their qualifications and economic background.
- This is followed by an interview/entrance exam (optional in some cases).
- English/Spanish language proficiency is assessed.
- Health and police certificates are checked.
- The list of final selected and unsuccessful candidates is made public.
Admission Process
Applications for admission to MBBS at Latin America School of Medicine will be made only through agents approved by the official Cuban Embassy. The form is filled from January to March (through IFCO till March). Candidates willing to apply are selected by a joint committee of the Cuban Ministry of Public Health and the ELAM Factory.
