Colleges & Universities in Barbados

Universities in Barbados New

Introduction

What are the most popular Universities and Colleges in Barbados? uniRank answers this question by publishing the 2025 Barbadian University Ranking of 4 Barbadian higher-education institutions meeting the following uniRank selection criteria:

  • being chartered, licensed or accredited by the appropriate higher education-related organization in Barbados
  • offering at least three-year bachelor's degrees or postgraduate master's or doctoral degrees
  • delivering courses predominantly in a traditional, non-distance education format

2025 Ranking of Barbadian Universities

2025 University Sub-rankings by Parishes

League Tables and University sub-rankings of Barbadian Universities in the following parishes:


Saint Michael (4)  

Country Featured Universities

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Overview of Universities in Barbados

Overview of Barbados Universities

Barbados hosts a compact yet diverse higher education system characterized by specialized institutions and international partnerships. The nation's university landscape includes 1 public university and 3 private institutions, all concentrated in the Saint Michael parish. Medical education dominates the private sector, with for-profit Caribbean medical schools catering primarily to international students. The sole public institution—The University of the West Indies—delivers comprehensive education through its regional Cave Hill Campus. English serves as the primary language of instruction across all universities, reflecting Barbados' British colonial heritage and global educational outreach.

Top Barbados Universities

  1. Ross University School of Medicine (RUSM)
    Country Rank: 1, World Rank: 6119. Located in Bridgetown, Saint Michael. Established in 1978. Private, for-profit medical school.
  2. The University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus (UWI)
    Country Rank: 2, World Rank: 9350. Located in Bridgetown, Saint Michael. Established in 1963. Public, non-profit comprehensive university.
  3. American University of Integrative Sciences (AUIS)
    Country Rank: 3, World Rank: 10546. Located in Belleville, Saint Michael. Established in 1999. Private, for-profit medical school.
  4. American University of Barbados (AUB)
    Country Rank: 4, World Rank: 10970. Located in Wildey, Saint Michael. Established in 2011. Private, for-profit medical school.

Analysis of University Types

Barbados' higher education system comprises 4 universities with distinct governance models:

  • Public universities: 1 institution (25% of all universities)
  • Private universities: 3 institutions (75% of all universities)

This distribution highlights Barbados' reliance on private medical institutions alongside its flagship public university. All universities operate within Saint Michael parish, creating an education hub centered around Bridgetown.

Global Ranking and Standing

Barbados universities show limited representation in global rankings:

  • Universities in global top 200: 0 (0% of Barbados universities)
  • Universities in global top 1000: 0 (0% of Barbados universities)

While no institutions currently rank among the world's elite universities, medical schools like Ross University maintain strong regional recognition for Caribbean medical education.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How many universities are in Barbados?
Barbados has 4 accredited universities, including 1 public institution and 3 private medical schools.

What is Barbados' top-ranked university?
Ross University School of Medicine holds Barbados' #1 position according to uniRank, followed by The University of the West Indies Cave Hill Campus.

Are there public universities in Barbados?
Yes, The University of the West Indies Cave Hill Campus is Barbados' only public university, established in 1963.

Why are there so many medical schools in Barbados?
Barbados attracts international students with its English-language medical programs, US-style curricula and tropical location, making it a hub for Caribbean medical education.

Do Barbados universities appear in global rankings?
Currently no Barbadian universities rank in the top 1000 globally, though they maintain strong regional recognition within the Caribbean.


Related Barbadian University Lists

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