Preparatory
Caribbean Academic Foundation Year (CAFY)
A stronger start to university begins here. CAFY supports students across St. Maarten, Saba, and St. Eustatius, helping them build the skills, direction, and confidence needed to succeed at university and beyond.
The SSS–Caribbean Academic Foundation Year (CAFY) is a college preparatory program designed to support post-secondary students who are pursuing tertiary education. The program helps students build a strong academic foundation through clearly defined goals and carefully developed individualized learning plans tailored to meet the needs of each student.
The aim of the program is to prepare students for academic success at the university level while also supporting their future career goals.
Students enrolled in the CAFY program benefit from a supportive learning environment that includes:
- Administrative, academic, and psychological support
- Guidance and mentoring throughout the program
- Access to USM’s digital library and academic resources
For students participating from Saba and St. Eustatius, coordinators on their respective islands oversee the program and work closely with the Head Coordinator at USM to ensure students receive the necessary support and guidance.
Students will have access to USM’s digital library and resources.
Download application form here:
Download brochure here:
Submit completed form to admission@usm.sx, and CC: marva.sam-arrindell@usm.sx
Duration: 10 months (two semesters)
Eligibility: Successful completion of secondary
education and possess a HAVO, CXC, CSEC diploma
Qualification: 16 to 23 yrs. and recently graduated from secondary school for up to 2 years
Language of Instruction: English
Residency: Dutch national, permanent resident, or in process of obtaining Dutch residency
Curriculum: core courses and electives
Credit Hours: 31/33
Certification: SSS-CAFY Certificate and official transcript
Not sure if you meet the requirements?
Contact us, we’re happy to guide you!
admission@usm.sx or WhatsApp + 721 523 4876
Testimonials:
USM student testimonial
This program's brochure might refer to the USM courses.
Admission to the CAFY program includes the following steps:
1. Fill in the application form and submit required documents
2. Have a one-on-one interview with the Admissions Officer
3. Take placement test
4. Receive an individualized study or learning plan
5. Register for courses
6. Participate in student orientation activity
Please note: All courses in the CAFY program are taught in English. To be eligible for the CAFY program, applicants must meet the following criteria:
1. Academic Requirements:
Applicants must have successfully completed secondary education and possess one of the following:
- HAVO Diploma
- CXC Diploma
- CSEC Diploma
- GED
Students who are currently completing their CXC or CSEC examinations are also encouraged to apply using their most recent high school transcripts.
2. Residency Requirement:
- Dutch national,
- Permanent resident, or in the process of obtaining Dutch residency
3. Detailed registration form (not older than 3 months at the time of application).
4. Age Requirements:
- 16 and 23 years old
- Graduated from secondary school (within 2 years)
The aim of the program is to prepare students for academic success at the university level while also supporting their future career goals.
Students enrolled in the CAFY program benefit from a supportive learning environment that includes:
- Administrative, academic, and psychological support
- Guidance and mentoring throughout the program
- Access to USM’s digital library and academic resources
For students participating from Saba and St. Eustatius, coordinators on their respective islands oversee the program and work closely with the Head Coordinator at USM to ensure students receive the necessary support and guidance.
Students will have access to USM’s digital library and resources.
How to Apply
Download the application form below and submit the completed form via email.Download application form here:
Download brochure here:
Submit completed form to admission@usm.sx, and CC: marva.sam-arrindell@usm.sx
Duration: 10 months (two semesters)
Eligibility: Successful completion of secondary
education and possess a HAVO, CXC, CSEC diploma
Qualification: 16 to 23 yrs. and recently graduated from secondary school for up to 2 years
Language of Instruction: English
Residency: Dutch national, permanent resident, or in process of obtaining Dutch residency
Curriculum: core courses and electives
Credit Hours: 31/33
Certification: SSS-CAFY Certificate and official transcript
Not sure if you meet the requirements?
Contact us, we’re happy to guide you!
admission@usm.sx or WhatsApp + 721 523 4876
Testimonials:
USM student testimonial
Associated files
This program's brochure might refer to the USM courses.
Admission Procedure
Admission to the CAFY program includes the following steps:
1. Fill in the application form and submit required documents
2. Have a one-on-one interview with the Admissions Officer
3. Take placement test
4. Receive an individualized study or learning plan
5. Register for courses
6. Participate in student orientation activity
Admission Requirements
Please note: All courses in the CAFY program are taught in English. To be eligible for the CAFY program, applicants must meet the following criteria:
1. Academic Requirements:
Applicants must have successfully completed secondary education and possess one of the following:
- HAVO Diploma
- CXC Diploma
- CSEC Diploma
- GED
Students who are currently completing their CXC or CSEC examinations are also encouraged to apply using their most recent high school transcripts.
2. Residency Requirement:
- Dutch national,
- Permanent resident, or in the process of obtaining Dutch residency
3. Detailed registration form (not older than 3 months at the time of application).
4. Age Requirements:
- 16 and 23 years old
- Graduated from secondary school (within 2 years)
