Tuition and Fees

Direct and indirect costs

There are two categories of costs associated with attending any educational institution: direct and indirect. UMHS only bills for direct costs, but you should take both direct and indirect costs into account when considering your financial needs.

Direct costs

Direct costs are those associated specifically with the educational process and are billed directly by the university to the student. Direct costs include tuition, lab fees, course fees, medical and evacuation insurance, and applicable registration fees. 

Health insurance

Health insurance is required for all students enrolled at UMHS. Enrollment in the medical health insurance plan offered by UMHS is automatic unless proof of health insurance is provided by the student before or during registration. The cost of health insurance purchased through UMHS varies depending upon a student's age. The cost is billed at the beginning of each semester.

Evacuation insurance

Students are required to have evacuation insurance while living on St. Kitts. In the event of a medical emergency where a student may need to be evacuated to a US hospital, this would cover that cost. Enrollment in the medical evacuation insurance plan offered by UMHS is automatic. It is due at the beginning of each semester.

Liability insurance

Liability insurance is required for every student during the fifth semester at the Portland, Maine campus and while completing clinical rotations at any UMHS affiliated teaching hospital. Students will be provided further details regarding liability insurance prior to returning to the U.S. for fifth semester.

Laboratory and competency testing fees

Students are responsible for laboratory and competency testing fees each semester. The laboratory fee will be billed along with tuition for all semesters in St. Kitts.

Indirect costs

Indirect costs include, but are not limited to housing, living expenses, books, supplies, and transportation. Students are responsible for indirect expenses. UMHS does not bill nor receive money for indirect costs.

Although calculating financial aid eligibility involves the total of all direct and indirect expenses, students will only be billed for the direct costs at UMHS. Students who qualify may choose to apply for available loan programs to assist with their educational and (if applicable) living expenses.

While UMHS only bills for direct costs, students should also take into account indirect costs when planning their financial needs. These include:

Books and equipment

Each semester, students receive a list of the required books, supplies, and uniforms they will need to purchase. The most efficient way to obtain these items is through the St. Kitts campus bookstore during registration. All books offered will be the latest editions available at the time of shipping.

(Note: If you purchase books in advance of matriculating to campus, be sure to verify your airline’s checked-luggage weight limit beforehand and plan accordingly. You may also ship your books to campus through either Amerijet or Tropical Shipping.)

Computer(s)

Students are required to bring a laptop or tablet computer to campus starting in the first semester. More detailed information about laptop and tablet requirements can be found at the technology requirements page. 

For more information about technology requirements, contact IT Director, Wayne Williams at wwilliams@umhs-sk.net.

Transportation

Students are required to pay for their airfare to the island and all costs associated with travel to clinical sites in the US and Canada.

UMHS provides transportation for all students to and from campus and their housing locations on St. Kitts. Students may choose to purchase or lease a car from a private individual for the time they are in St. Kitts. The costs associated with purchasing and maintaining a used car can vary widely,  and typically range between $3,000.00 to $5,000.00. Students should be aware that the vehicle purchase is solely their responsibility and not a function of any office at the University. Students should check the campus bulletin boards for advertisements on used cars.

Living expenses

Students need to budget for typical living expenses, including housing, utilities, food, local transportation, and entertainment. Costs will vary based on the level of accommodation and location.