Inaugural Trimester Schedule Launches with Fall Cohort

Antigua-The American University of Antigua (AUA) College of Medicine launched its inaugural cohort under the new Trimester schedule on Monday, September 8^th, with accepted students representation from 15 different countries. Orientation began over the weekend, with students being greeted from faculty, staff, alumni and current students. 

This term marks the 22^nd fall term in University history, a milestone that does not go unnoticed. However it is the move to the Trimester that has gained the most interest from new and returning students. AUA Provost David Graham explains, “I am very pleased that our medical school is moving to a trimester system. This change allows us to streamline the preclinical curriculum, giving students the opportunity to enter clinical rotations sooner in their training. By creating a more efficient academic calendar, we are enhancing flexibility while maintaining the highest educational standards. Ultimately, this adjustment allows them to complete their studies ahead of schedule—a benefit that serves both our future physicians and the patients they will go on to serve.” 

The new Trimester schedule brings a number of changes to the College of Medicine including a pushed back start date. Previously, new students started the first week in August and attended for 19 weeks each term. Under the new Trimester calendar students will attend for six, 15-week terms consecutively, thus being able to complete the pre-medical science courses six months sooner. Joshua Stagner, Vice President of Admissions, Marketing, & Alumni explains, “The new Trimester schedule really creates a number of advantages for students. Once students fully understood the changes, there was a really positive reaction to the opportunity.”  

AUA identified numerous benefits when changing over to the Trimester schedule. These include the following: 

• Less Time Spent in Antigua: This will translate to lower living expense costs for many students, most specifically MED 2 and MED 3  
• Enhanced Financial Aid Access: Far from reducing opportunities, the transition to trimester terms expands students’ access to Title IV aid, providing even greater support—particularly if a term needs to be repeated. 
• Greater Financial Aid Flexibility: A new warning period for Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) gives you time to get support before your aid is affected. A key benefit: you may now be eligible for financial aid when repeating coursework. 
• Predictable Scheduling: 15-week trimesters create a consistent rhythm for your classes, exams, and rotations, making it easier to plan your life. 
• Simplified Budgeting: Loan disbursements will be split into three equal amounts, providing a steadier stream of funding for living expenses and board prep. 
• Aligned Tuition Bills: Your billing schedule will now sync perfectly with your disbursements, removing guesswork and stress. 
• Proactive Support: We’ve built in more intentional check-ins with advisors, tutors, and wellness resources throughout each trimester. 
• Reduction in Academic Delays: For students who require repeat coursework, the trimester format minimizes delays by allowing reentry into the program sooner than the current semester-based structure permits. 
• Expedited Progression to Residency: Students may become eligible for residency up to one year earlier, depending on their entry point into the program; thereby improving their competitiveness and accelerating their professional progression. 
• Timelines to Program Completion are Shortened: Overall timeframes from the starting point of the program to completion will be shortened, offering students a more efficient path to earing their medical degree without compromising academic quality or instruction time. 

With this schedule expansion, AUA continues to build on its mission of providing a learner-centric, inclusive, and globally minded medical education. AUA has also demonstrated a flexibility and adaptability to the ever changing needs of their students. 

About American University of Antigua College of Medicine (www.auamed.org) 

American University of Antigua College of Medicine (AUACOM), part of the renowned Manipal Education and Medical Group, is a fully accredited international medical school offering a rigorous, innovative education designed to prepare students for successful careers as physicians.  

With a globally recognized curriculum, clinical training opportunities in the U.S. and other healthcare systems, and a strong emphasis on personalized support, AUACOM equips students with the knowledge, skills, and experience needed to have successful careers in medicine. 

Located in Antigua, AUACOM provides a diverse and dynamic environment that fosters growth and prepares aspiring doctors to make a meaningful impact on global healthcare. Graduates are fully eligible for residencies and medical licensing exams in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, opening doors to opportunities worldwide. 

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