The education system of Antigua and Barbuda is based on the British education system. There are currently three foreign-owned commercial offshore medical schools on the island of Antigua. The island's medical schools serve mostly international students but contribute to the local economy and health care. The higher education system of Antigua and Barbuda is represented by 2 universities with 20 study programs. In addition, 10 bachelor's programs at 2 universities and 10 master's programs at 2 universities are available. Students who wish to study here have scholarship opportunities ranging from federal funding to private initiatives at colleges and universities.

Student Visa

To study at any of the universities in Antigua and Barbuda, international students must obtain a student visa depending on their country of origin.

An Antigua and Barbuda study visa is issued only by the Antigua and Barbuda Immigration Department. The initial step is to complete the application form at least three months before the course start date to avoid delays or last-minute rush, and then submit it to the Immigration Department through your regional consulate.

Non-immigrant students, with the exception of citizens of OECS countries (Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, Dominica, Montserrat, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia) who have been granted permanent status, need a student permit to attend an educational institution in Antigua and Barbuda.

Student permits are usually only issued for one year. When you apply for your first study permit, it is processed by the Immigration Department. After that, you will need to renew your student permit annually.

A non-immigrant student who attends an institution without a valid student permit commits an offense under the Antigua and Barbuda Immigration and Passports Act 2014.

A non-immigrant student who is the holder of a student ticket to a particular educational institution may not attend any other educational institution except the educational institution indicated on his/her ticket.

You cannot engage in paid or unpaid work while holding a student permit in Antigua and Barbuda.

A work permit is required if the intended work is an internship of more than three months and is an essential and integral part of your course of study, or if the intended work is related to an approved program of research or study.

A visitor arriving in Antigua and Barbuda for the purpose of vacation is not permitted to change their status to a student one. The student permit application must be approved before the nonimmigrant arrives in Antigua and Barbuda.

The following documents are required to obtain a study permit:

• Questionnaire for a student visa.
• Letter of admission to the educational institution from the Ministry of Education.
• Letter of acceptance from the educational institution.
• Passport of the applicant.
• Certificate of financial support.
• Health certificate.
• Birth Certificate.
• Passport of parents or guardians.
• Passport-size photo.
• Medical Insurance.

In addition to these documents, you may need to provide other information when you apply for a student permit.

Only the legal parent or legal guardian of a minor under eighteen years of age may file an application on behalf of the minor.