American University of Antigua and UC Santa Cruz Silicon Valley Extension agree to advance medical education opportunities
- Guaranteed Admission
- Financial Support
- Diversity Scholarships
Premed Postbacc students at the University of California, Santa Cruz Silicon Valley Extension have expanded opportunities to study at an accredited medical school thanks to a new partnership between American University of Antigua College of Medicine (AUA) and University of California, Santa Cruz Extension.
Admission Guarantee
AUA and UC Santa Cruz Extension, the professional development arm of UC Santa Cruz, have entered into a memorandum of understanding that guarantees qualifying UC Santa Cruz students admission to the medical school and expands the country’s medical doctor training pipeline.
The collaboration underscores a shared dedication to fostering learner-centric education that advances access to quality academic programs and supports a physician workforce reflecting the diverse communities across California and the nation.
“This collaboration is another important step in building a diverse and qualified global physician workforce,” said Vernon Solomon, AUA senior vice president and chief operating officer. “We look forward to welcoming UCSC graduates to the AUA community and helping them achieve their aspirations in the field of medicine and service to their communities.”
The agreement offers both institutions the freedom and space to evaluate its success and explore additional avenues for partnership in the next five years.
“We are thrilled to partner with the AUA College of Medicine to offer our students a clear and supportive path to pursue their dreams of becoming physicians,” said Dr. Deepthi Nair, senior director of the Premed Postbaccalaureate Program at UCSC Silicon Valley Extension. “This reinforces our commitment to create and foster inclusive academic opportunities and empower students to serve their communities after they graduate.”
Highlights of the Agreement
- Guaranteed Admission | Expedited Admissions
UC Santa Cruz Postbacc students with a GPA above 3.0 who meet AUA admission requirements are guaranteed admission to the AUA MD program, plus they receive expedited admissions. - Financial Support
- Fee Waiver
Application fees and pre-registration seat deposits will be aived upon admission. - Eligibility for AUA’s $5,000 Preferred Program Grant
A total of 10 grants will be awarded annually to students from UCSC, distributed in $1,000 increments across AUA’s Pre-Clinical Sciences Curriculum and Basic Science Integration course. - Diversity Scholarships
UC Santa Cruz Postbacc graduates who have backgrounds that are underrepresented in medicine may qualify for AUA’s Physician Diversification Initiative Scholarship.
- Fee Waiver
This commitment reflects both UCSC and AUA’s dedication to supporting a global community of future medical professionals. UCSC students will benefit from a streamlined pathway to the esteemed AUA MD program. AUA will gain talented students eager to contribute to the medical field, creating a partnership that will benefit students and help expand and fuel the healthcare workforce.
About the American University of Antigua College of Medicine
Established in 2004, owned by the renowned Manipal Education Americas, LLC, American University of Antigua (AUA) encompasses two schools: AUA College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) and AUA College of Medicine (COM).
AUACOM is a fully accredited international medical school committed to delivering an exceptional academic experience. Through a holistic admissions approach, AUA identifies students with the potential for success in medical school and equips them with the necessary resources to secure highly competitive residencies.
About UC Santa Cruz Premed Postbacc Program
The UCSC Silicon Valley Extension Premed Postbacc program supports students from all backgrounds—academic enhancers and career changers. We offer science courses, MCAT prep, medical school application workshops, mentorship, and clinical opportunities providing flexible study options. Students can customize their path or join a structured cohort in Silicon Valley or the Central Coast to strengthen their applications. Healthcare partnerships and scholarships enhance this supportive journey toward medical school. Rolling admissions.