University of the West Indies

Overview

Acronyms: UWI

Founded: 1963

Control Type: Public

Entity Type: Non-profit

World Rank: #2920

Rank in Barbados: #1

Motto: Oriens Ex Occidente Lux

Mascot: The Pelican

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Established in 1963, The University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the suburban setting of the large town of Bridgetown (population range of 10,000-49,999 inhabitants).

This institution also has a branch campus in Mona and St. Augustine.

Officially recognized by the Ministry of Education, Technological and Vocational Training of Barbados, The University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus (UWI) is a medium-sized coeducational Barbadian higher education institution. The University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus (UWI) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor's degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study.

UWI also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, sports facilities, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.

Location & Contact

Where University of the West Indies is located and how to contact its offices. Disability and accessibility information is usually held by a separate student services office worth contacting directly.

Academic Details

Below are the institutional metrics for University of the West Indies: scale, staffing balance, and accreditation context. These shape the academic experience more than headline rankings often suggest.

Academic Structures

Below is how University of the West Indies is organised academically — the schools, faculties, and units that house its programmes. Larger institutions often run multi-faculty divisions to coordinate cross-disciplinary work.

Degrees

University of the West Indies's degree catalogue by academic level. Continuing education and non-degree pathways sit outside the standard tiers but are sometimes offered alongside.

Faculties & Divisions

All faculties operate under Ministry of Education, Technological and Vocational Training of Barbados.

Programs Offered

University of the West Indies's programme finder filters by name across all degree levels. Departmental admissions criteria sometimes differ from institutional minimums — verify against the programme page before relying on either.

How to apply to University of the West Indies

Below is a five-step path through the application process at University of the West Indies, useful for first-time applicants and international students.

1. 1
   Find a programme that fits your goals

   Start by exploring the programmes section on this page. University of the West Indies runs 177 active programmes across multiple degree levels. Narrow by qualification tier and read each programme description before shortlisting.

2. 2
   Confirm you meet the requirements

   Before applying to University of the West Indies, confirm you meet the academic, language, and document requirements for your chosen programme. International applicants should also check visa eligibility for Barbados.

3. 3
   Assemble your application package

   Standard documents: official transcripts, identity proof, language test results, personal statement, and references. Confirm exact requirements with University of the West Indies's admissions office before assembling, as expectations vary by programme.

4. 4
   Submit your application

   Lodge your application through the official website (www.cavehill.uwi.edu). Online forms are the standard route. Save your draft frequently and submit before the programme deadline.

5. 5
   Contact admissions and follow up

   Verify your application has been received by the admissions team. Reach the institution by phone at +1 (246) 417 4000. Monitor the portal for status updates, interview invitations, or document requests, and respond within the stated deadlines.

Frequently Asked Questions about University of the West Indies

A short Q&A covering University of the West Indies's essentials — founding, location, scale, ranking, and academic structure.

Faculties at Nearby Universities

Regional admissions cycle quirks (early-deadline schemes, regional aid programmes) apply consistently across the universities near University of the West Indies. Worth knowing during shortlisting.

BA

Barbados Community College

Bridgetown · Est. 1968

ER

Erdiston Teachers' Training College

Bridgetown · Est. 1948

University of the West Indies Open Campus

Bridgetown · Public

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Application tier strategy benefits from including peer institutions to University of the West Indies: safety, target, and reach picks within a comparable academic band keep your outcomes diversified.

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