SINT MAARTEN (POND ISLAND) - The University of St. Martin (USM) is pleased to confirm that the Caribbean Foundation Year (CFY) Academic Track will move forward for the 2026–2027 academic year, with classes officially beginning on October 1, 2026, at the USM campus in St. Maarten.
Following the completion and evaluation of the program’s 2025–2026 pilot year, USM has been working with its partners to prepare for the next intake and strengthen the delivery of the Academic Track.
With the program now confirmed, USM is making a final call to eligible young people who are still considering their next step after secondary school. The CFY Academic Track is a college-level foundation program designed to help young people make a stronger transition from secondary school into higher education.
Through the program, students have the opportunity to strengthen their academic foundation, earn college-level credits, explore future educational and career pathways, and further develop the skills needed to succeed at the tertiary level.
The 2026–2027 CFY Academic Track will run from October 2026 through June 2027, with all Academic Track classes delivered in person at the University of St. Martin campus in St. Maarten.
With the October 1 start date quickly approaching, USM is encouraging eligible students who have not yet applied to take advantage of this final opportunity. Only eight spaces remain available for the 2026–2027 CFY Academic Track. Interested students are therefore encouraged to contact USM and complete their application requirements as soon as possible.
For eligible Dutch nationals and permanent residents, participation in the CFY Academic Track is tuition-free, providing young people with an opportunity to continue their educational journey without the cost of tuition.
USM encourages young people who may not yet be ready to commit to a particular degree, who are still exploring what they would like to study, or who would benefit from additional academic preparation before entering higher education to consider CFY as a strategic next step.
CFY provides students with an opportunity to remain academically engaged while building a stronger foundation for their future.
Throughout the program, students experience a university learning environment while developing greater independence, responsibility and confidence. The college-level coursework also helps prepare students for the expectations they may encounter as they continue into further studies.
Students who previously submitted an application do not need to apply again. Applicants who have already completed a CFY placement assessment at USM also do not need to retake the assessment.
The USM Admissions Office will continue following up with applicants regarding their application status and any outstanding admission requirements. The CFY Academic Track is open to eligible young people between the ages of 16 and 23 who meet the program’s academic, nationality and residency requirements.
Prospective students and parents who are uncertain about eligibility are encouraged to contact USM to discuss their individual circumstances and determine whether they qualify.
With only a limited number of spaces remaining, USM encourages interested students and families to make contact as soon as possible.
For more information on the CFY Academic Track, eligibility or the application process, contact the University of St. Martin Admissions Office at +1 (721) 542-5171, WhatsApp +1 (721) 523-4876, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , or visit www.usm.sx.
Your next step does not have to wait. Build your foundation and begin your next chapter at USM.
