The Antigua and Barbuda University of the West Indies Fund (UWI) is an excellent choice for larger families seeking Caribbean Citizenship by Investment. It is deemed the most economical path for families comprising six or more members. This route requires a contribution of $150,000, and additionally, it provides one family member a one-year scholarship to the UWI, granting the student the opportunity to receive a world-class education while immersing in the culturally and vibrant environment of the Caribbean.
University of the West Indies
A global university rooted in the Caribbean
Established in 1948 in Jamaica, the University of the West Indies is the Caribbean’s leading higher education institution[1], playing a crucial role in regional development for over 75 years. As one of only two regional universities globally, UWI serves nearly 50,000 students across five campuses in the English-speaking Caribbean: Mona (Jamaica), St. Augustine (Trinidad and Tobago), Cave Hill (Barbados), Five Islands (Antigua and Barbuda), and the Global Campus. Rooted in the Caribbean, the UWI is dedicated to addressing present and future challenges by providing world-class education. Its global strategy, developed over the last decade, has extended its reach with international centers in partnership with institutions in North America, Latin America, Asia, Africa, and Europe, making it one of the most globalized universities in the world.
In 2019, the university established its fifth campus, Five Islands Campus in Antigua and Barbuda. To finance this expansion, an innovative government-backed initiative called The UWI Fund was launched in May 2020, operating under Antigua & Barbuda’s Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program. This forward-thinking initiative not only benefits individuals seeking citizenship but also contributes significantly to the growth and excellence of higher education in the region.
Diverse Academic Offerings
The UWI offers over 1,000 certificate, diploma, undergraduate, and postgraduate programs in diverse fields such as Culture, Creative and Performing Arts, Food and Agriculture, Engineering, Humanities and Education, Law, Medical Sciences, Science and Technology, Social Sciences, and Sport. The official language is English, which makes it attractive for English-educated children. As the Caribbean’s premier university, it boasts the largest concentration of Caribbean intellect and expertise, dedicated to addressing critical regional and global issues.
The UWI has consistently ranked among the world’s best universities by the esteemed Times Higher Education[2] offering high-quality research and excellent educational facilities. Since its debut in THE’s 2018 rankings, The UWI has excelled in various categories, including the World University Rankings, Golden Age University Rankings (for institutions 50-80 years old), Latin America Rankings, and the Impact Rankings, which evaluate its contributions to the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) such as Good Health and Well-being, Gender Equality, and Climate Action.
University of West Indies Fund Option
Affordable CBI Route
The UWI offers the most cost-effective route for families of six or more under the Antigua and Barbuda CBI program. Comparing the UWI Fund with the National Development Fund (NDF) reveals that the UWI Fund can save families up to $25,000. This is particularly advantageous for families consisting of a couple with three children and a dependent parent.
For families with more than six members, the cost of each additional dependent increases by only $15,000. This makes the UWI Fund an excellent option for larger families seeking Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment.
| Family of 6 applicants (USD) | Family of 7 or more applicants (USD) | |
| Contribution amount | $150,000 | $150,000 |
| Government fees | Main applicant (up to family of four) $30,000 | $15,000 for each additional dependent |
| Due diligence fees | Main applicant $7,500
Spouse $7,500 Dependent aged 12-17 $2,000 Dependent aged 18 years and over $4,000 |
Main applicant $7,500
Spouse $7,500 Dependent aged 12-17 $2,000 Dependent aged 18 years and over $4,000 |
Nominal cost of living for students
For students seeking to live in Antigua and study in the UWI, the cost of living in the country is quite affordable. According to the living cost database Numbeo[3], the estimated monthly costs for a single person are around $1,100, excluding the rental fees, and the cost rises to $3,900 for a family of four. For local transportation costs, you can find public buses offering one-way rides for $1.40, and a monthly pass for public transport costs $33. The Antigua and Barbuda healthcare system is primarily free thanks to the Medical Benefits scheme.
Generally, the living cost in Antigua[4] is lower than in many major cities in the United States, Housing costs including rent and property prices are typically more affordable in Antigua. The average one-bedroom apartment is $740 in a central area in Antigua compared to a higher cost of $1,750 in the US. Restaurant prices in the US are 25% higher than in Antigua and Barbuda, and groceries are 7% higher.
Application process and timeline
The process of applying for Antiguan citizenship by contributing to the UWI Fund is straightforward, with an estimated time ranging between three and four months from the date of submitting the application to issuing the passport, assuming there are no areas of concern with the application. The authorized agent will help applicants prepare the application form, gather all the necessary documents, and ensure notarizing and certifying the documents needed. The applicant is required then to submit the necessary documents for due diligence, pay the fees, and submit the application to the CBI Unit. After that, Antigua and Barbuda’s CBI Unit approves the application and issues the final invoice. At this stage, the applicant is required to pay the contributing amount, the passport fees, and the remaining government processing fees. The CBI Unit will issue the passport and Certificate of Registration generally after one month of making the investment payment.
Myriad benefits
Acquiring Antiguan citizenship by investing in the UWI Fund is a wise choice, offering in addition to the top-notch education, numerous benefits, including visa-free travel to over 150 destinations. Additionally, applicants can take advantage of attractive investment opportunities and enjoy an idyllic lifestyle. Antiguan citizens are also exempt from taxes on international income, wealth, inheritance, gifts, and capital gains.
[1] https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings/university-west-indies
[2] https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings/university-west-indies
[3] https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/country_result.jsp?country=Antigua+And+Barbuda
[4] https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/compare_countries_result.jsp?country1=Antigua+And+Barbuda&country2=United+States
