ANU Medical School Closes After Charter Not Renewed, Ministry Confirms

The Ministry of Education, Culture, Science and Technology (MoECST) has confirmed the closure of the American Northwest University School of Medicine (ANU) following the expiration of its charter in June 2024.

Students say the university has upended years of effort and financial sacrifice. For some, parents fully funded their education, covering not only tuition but also living expenses over several years. They described feeling frustrated and overwhelmed, particularly by the lack of clarity about what went wrong and what options remain.

“I’m being told to start over completely, without a clear explanation of what changed or what accountability the institution will take,” one student said.

Education Minister Francis Fonseca said the decision was not sudden and followed months of engagement with the institution. “The reality is that the charter of the university expired in June of 2024, I believe, as far back as then. It has not been renewed,” he said.

The Ministry says it is now working closely with affected students and their families. Approximately 25 Belizean students are believed to be enrolled at the institution.

“We are working with the students, their families. We’re working along with the University of Belize,” Fonseca said, noting that UB recently opened a medical school. “We are engaged with them and the students to see what solutions can be found, in terms of having those students transferred to the University of Belize medical school.”

Meanwhile, ANU has pushed back at claims questioning its legitimacy. In text messages via group chat, the school’s director stated the institution maintains that it possesses documentation proving its legal existence, regulatory engagement, and ongoing communication with the Ministry of Education.

The school has also warned that allegations of illegal operations should be supported with evidence, noting that defamation laws apply if claims are proven baseless.