Study and find schools in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Studying in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is a small island state in the Eastern Caribbean, at the southern end of the Windward Islands. It is an archipelago: Saint Vincent is the largest island, and the Grenadines include Bequia, Mustique, Canouan, Union Island and smaller islands. According to the government, the country had 110,872 inhabitants in 2022, about 25,000 of them in the capital, Kingstown. English is the official language, and the country has been independent from Britain since 27 October 1979.

Higher education here is small in scale. The main public institution is a community college, and the options for international students in our directory are practical programmes rather than full university degrees.

The education system

The system follows the Caribbean model. Secondary school ends with the CSEC examinations of the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC), and students can then take CAPE subjects, the regional advanced-level examinations, or an associate degree.

The main public institution is the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Community College (SVGCC). Its four divisions, which used to be separate colleges run by the Ministry of Education, were merged into one self-governing college in 2005, and it now has more than 2,000 students. The divisions cover:

• Arts, sciences and general studies: CAPE subjects and associate degrees such as information technology, psychology and paralegal studies
• Technical and vocational education: associate degrees and certificates in engineering technology, hospitality, culinary arts, agriculture and business
• Nursing education: a BSc and an MSc in Nursing
• Teacher education

The Ministry of Education has an Accreditation Unit that informs the public about the accreditation status of institutions and programmes. Check it before you enrol at any private institution.

Admission and recognition

Admission to the community college is designed around the regional school-leaving exams: the SVGCC application period follows the release of the May-June CSEC results each year, and applicants enter their CSEC results online. International applicants should contact the college directly about equivalent qualifications.

Non-formal programmes such as those at Richmond Vale Academy have no academic entry requirements; they take adult volunteers from around the world. These programmes do not lead to a university degree, so they are not a route to recognised qualifications at home. If you plan to use a qualification from Saint Vincent and the Grenadines in Spain or Latin America, check your own country's recognition procedure first.

Visas and residence

According to the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs (advice valid on 7 October 2026), citizens of the European Union, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia and Canada do not need a visa for stays of less than three months. The passport must be valid for at least six months from arrival, and there is a departure tax of EC$40 for stays longer than 24 hours.

For longer stays, such as a six- or ten-month programme, you can apply for residence; the ministry lists a medical certificate, a criminal record certificate and proof of sufficient funds among the documents. Nationals of a short list of countries, including the Dominican Republic and Haiti, must apply for an entry visa to the Ministry of National Security; the application needs, among other documents, a police certificate of character and a financial statement, and costs EC$200 (US$88), non-refundable.

Costs

The currency is the Eastern Caribbean dollar (EC$). Richmond Vale Academy publishes its fees: its 6-month climate programme costs a US$500 enrolment fee plus a US$3,300 course fee, which include food, accommodation, training, course materials and transport in Saint Vincent. No official source gives typical student living costs, and medical care often has to be paid in cash before treatment, so budget for full health insurance.

Where to study

Our directory lists two schools in the country:

• Richmond Vale Academy, in Richmond on the island of Saint Vincent, was established in 2002 as a registered non-profit research and training institution and has received volunteers since 2007. It calls itself "Another Kind of School" and teaches by doing: volunteers build ecological home gardens, plant mangroves and teach in local schools. The climate programme lasts six months, with start dates in March, August and November; the 10-month community programme starts in April or October and includes project work in Africa
• All Saints University is listed in our directory under Kingstown, but its current website gives its campus as Roseau, Dominica. Check the location directly with the university before applying

The SVGCC campuses are the other main option for academic and vocational study.

Culture and practical life

• Climate: tropical, with an average temperature of 27°C and annual rainfall of 2,100 mm, according to the government
• Hurricanes: the tropical storm and hurricane season usually runs from June to October
• Volcano: La Soufrière erupted in April 2021; its activity has returned to pre-crisis levels, but follow official advice when visiting the area
• Health: medical services are very limited and serious cases are usually evacuated, so the Spanish ministry advises the widest possible health insurance, including medical repatriation. Dengue, chikungunya and zika are more common in the rainy season, June to December
• Community life: Richmond Vale Academy is a dry campus with a no drugs or alcohol policy, and students live together with teachers and volunteers from many countries

Frequently asked questions

Is there a university in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines?

The main public institution is the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Community College, which offers associate degrees, CAPE subjects and nursing degrees. It is the institution to contact for academic study in the country.

Do I need a visa?

Citizens of the EU, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia and Canada do not need a visa for stays under three months. Nationals of a short list of countries, including the Dominican Republic and Haiti, must apply for an entry visa to the Ministry of National Security.

How much does a programme at Richmond Vale Academy cost?

The 6-month climate programme costs a US$500 enrolment fee and a US$3,300 course fee, including food, accommodation and transport in Saint Vincent.

What language is used for teaching?

English is the official language and the language of instruction.