The University of the West Indies

At The University of the West Indies (The UWI), our mission is to advance learning, create knowledge, and foster innovation for the positive transformation of the Caribbean. We aim to produce critical thinkers and leaders who are equipped to meet the needs of today’s modern world.

Global Presence

The UWI is recognised as one of the most globalised universities in the world, with five campuses and an extensive network of international partnerships. The five campuses include:

Mona, Jamaica
St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago
Cave Hill,Barbados
Five Islands, Antigua and Barbuda 
Global Campus, which offers online education globally, backed by physical locations in 17 Caribbean territories.

In addition to our campuses, The UWI collaborates with universities across North America, Latin America, Asia, Africa, and Europe, further enhancing our global presence and impact.

Academic Programmes

We offer over 1,000 certificate, diploma, undergraduate, and postgraduate programmes across nine faculties, which include:

- Culture
- Food and Agriculture
- Engineering
- Humanities and Education
- Law
- Medical Sciences
- Science and Technology
- Social Sciences
- Sport

We also host several specialised institutes and centres focusing on research that supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In 2024, The UWI launched the International School for Development Justice (ISD), a global online graduate business school that emphasises leadership for the SDGs. Endorsed by the UN, the ISDJ leverages The UWI’s extensive online education experience and its global recognition as the leading producer of knowledge on Small Island Developing States.

Reputation and Accreditation

The UWI prides itself on its strong reputation and rigorous accreditation standards. As a multi-campus university, it is accredited by the relevant national accreditation agencies in each location:

- Mona Campus (Jamaica): Accredited by the University Council of Jamaica.
- St. Augustine Campus (Trinidad and Tobago): Accredited by the Accreditation Council of Trinidad and Tobago (ACTT).
- Cave Hill Campus (Barbados): Accredited by the Barbados Accreditation Council.
- Global Campus (formerly Open Campus): Accredited by the Barbados Accreditation Council.
- Five Islands Campus (Antigua and Barbuda): Holds a certificate of full registration from the Antigua and Barbuda National Accreditation Board (ABNAB).

Our degrees are recognised worldwide. Our medical programmes are accredited by the Caribbean Accreditation Authority for Education in Medicine and Other Health Professions (CAAM-HP). The UWI also holds international accreditations, including ABET for its engineering programmes and AMBA for its business school courses.

The UWI is also a member of the Association of Commonwealth Universities and participates in various global academic communities. The International Association of Universities has also recognised the institution as the leading institution for a Global University Consortium focused on Sustainable Development Goal 13 (Climate Action). Additionally, the United Nations Academic Impact (UNAI) has appointed UWI as the Hub Chair for Climate Action, a position that will be held from 2025 to 2027.

Since its first appearance in the Times Higher Education rankings in 2018, The UWI has consistently been recognised as one of the top universities in the world. In the past, it has been ranked within the top 25 universities in Latin America and the Caribbean. Additionally, The UWI is acknowledged as one of the top 100 global Golden Age universities, which includes institutions that are between 50 and 80 years old. It is also recognised as a leading university in THE's Impact Rankings for its efforts to address some of the world’s most pressing challenges, aligning with the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), such as Good Health and Well-Being, Gender Equality, and Climate Action.

Cost and Financial Aid

Tuition fees at UWI vary by programme and campus. To support our students, we offer a variety of financial aid options, including:

- Scholarships for both undergraduate and postgraduate students
- International scholarship opportunities
- Financial advisory services to assist with tuition, books, and living expenses

Campus Culture

The UWI offers a vibrant and student-centred atmosphere, characterised by an array of over 100 student clubs that cater to a diverse range of interests. Throughout the academic year, students can participate in cultural festivals, leadership workshops, and various social events, all while enjoying a lively residence life and an active student government. The university emphasises a strong sense of Caribbean identity and community spirit, welcoming a diverse student population from across the Caribbean and around the world.

Every campus is defined by its cultural diversity, showcasing the vibrant heritage of the region. This unique environment offers students the opportunity to study the Caribbean's remarkable biodiversity, making it an ideal location for fields such as biology, marine biology, tropical medicine, and ecology. Additionally, students have the opportunity to immerse themselves in well-known cultural celebrations like Carnival and other cultural festivities, which encompass the diverse religious traditions of the region, including Christian, Muslim, and Hindu holidays, as well as events like Crop Over and Junkanoo. While English is the primary language spoken on UWI campuses, students are exposed to a melting pot of languages, including French, Spanish, and local creole dialects. 

Facilities and Resources

The facilities across our campuses are designed to support academic success and student well-being, including:

- Well-equipped libraries and state-of-the-art laboratories
- Health centres, fitness facilities, and swimming pools
- Convenient shuttle services, Wi-Fi access, and more

Flexibility and Support

The UWI provides comprehensive support services, including:

- Academic advising and counselling for personal and academic challenges
- Specialised support for students with disabilities
- Flexible short courses and online learning options 

A Legacy of Producing Leaders

UWI graduates can be found in every sector of Caribbean society, including the highest levels of government and business. Over 24 proud Pelicans have risen to become Heads of Government, while countless others lead in various professions at local, regional, and international levels.

Our network of more than 250,000 alumni includes Emmy Award, Man Booker, and Nobel Prize winners, as well as CEOs, entrepreneurs, academics, artists, and professionals from every major discipline.