International Student FAQs

Please see Required Documents for Visiting Student Elective Program.

Applications must be submitted through AAMC Visiting Student Learning Opportunities (VSLO) website https://students-residents.aamc.org/visiting-student-learning-opportunities/visiting-student-learning-opportunities-vslo

No, students are not allowed to re-apply once they have submitted an application and have been declined.

In most cases, applicants are notified no later than 2 months prior to the desired elective rotation.

Four (4) months prior to the desired elective rotation, however, we suggest students submit their applications six (6) months in advance. Applications submitted after the four (4) month deadline will not be considered.

Yes, the TOEFL is mandatory, however, will accept the IELTS or other Language Proficiency test such as OET, CAE or CPE only. We do not accept letters from the applicants’ home institutions, stating the medium of instruction is in English. Also, if you have completed another clinical elective or research in the US, we will consider the completion documentation. At this time, we do not accept the Duolingo English Test for our clinical elective programs.

The School of Medicine does not have a TOEFL code. Please upload a copy of your TOEFL scores through the AAMC VSLO application.

Participation in the Visiting International Student Elective Program does not require visiting students to obtain an F-1 or J-1 visa, and instead can be done using a visitor visa. International participants are responsible for securing the appropriate travel documents to travel to the United States for the duration of the program. The program will provide a visa support letter. Please refer to the Department of State website regarding visitor visas for more information.

Unfortunately, all applicants are required to provide documentation of completion of their required core clerkships to be eligible for our program. You can submit your application prior to completing your clerkships, however, your dean’s letter of support will need to detail when your required core clerkships will be complete. Please note, we will not be able to place you on a clinical elective rotation until after the required clerkships are complete. We will request confirmation of completion.

Unfortunately, the roster is always changing, so we cannot determine what seats are available. We encourage you to apply for the electives you plan to make a career in.

Understanding that education systems are structured differently. If the applicant has completed their required core clerkships and can provide proof of completion, they can apply to complete a clinical elective at YSM.

Our office will not be able to fully review incomplete applications. All required documentation must be submitted to make a full determination on an application. Incomplete applications will be declined.

You can find a complete listing of clinical electives offered at YSM on the Medical Education webpage: https://medicine.yale.edu/md-program/curriculum/advancedtraining/clinicalelectives/electivecataloglisting/

Please click on the individual electives to see the full elective descriptions and learning objectives.

No. Students may only take up to three (3) different elective rotations. However, the electives must be in different sub-specialties, the elective may be taken within the same department.

Unfortunately, it is difficult to give this information, as elective schedules can change on a daily and weekly basis.

No. Visiting students must apply for clinical electives in accordance with the Yale rotation schedule.

No, these are clinical electives and do not satisfy core clerkship requirements.

No, applicants must be an active medical student in good academic standing for the entire duration of their elective. Applicants must be returning to their home institution to complete graduation requirements.

Yes, however, students who withdraw less than 5 weeks prior to the start of the assigned elective may have a letter of complaint sent to the Dean of their medical school. No refunds will be made except in extenuating circumstances. All refunds are reviewed on a case-by-case basis with extenuating circumstances only and must receive approval from the Office of Global Health Education.

Yale School of Medicine Observership Policy

The following schools have active affiliation agreements with Yale School of Medicine:

• Makerere University
• Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile
• University of Ghana
• University of West Indies
• Xiangya Medical School

Yes, however, student must communicate with their designated representative at the affiliate medical school prior to applying.

There are payable applications fees to the AAMC, however, Yale School of Medicine also charges a processing fee of $200 USD.

The tuition for a four-week clinical elective for students from international medical schools for academic year 2025-2026 is $4,635 USD. The tuition for eight weeks is $9,270 USD. The tuition for twelve weeks is $13,905 USD. Tuition is subject to increases with every new academic year. This typically happens in July.

We accept Credit Card payment. If you have questions, please email global.health@yale.edu

Students are required to have their physical passport, to obtain IDs, please note other forms of identification will not be accepted

The dress code on the wards is professional attire. Men should wear button-down shirts and ties, and women should wear dress pants or skirt. Students can bring a white coat to wear on the wards or purchase a white coat at a nearby bookstore. Please note that in the U.S. medical students wear short white coats – you must have a short white coat, long ones are worn by residents and fellows and will not be permitted for students.

Yes, please use our Medical Student Clinical Work Hours Policy.

The mandatory orientation for each clinical rotation will be held the Friday prior to the start of the clinical rotation.

All accepted students are required to provide documentation of complete primary COVID-19 series and booster dose.

No, you will receive specific PPE for clinical activities during your orientation, which will be included in your elective fees. You will be required to use this hospital issued PPE during your elective. You can optionally bring your own PPE for outside of the clinical setting.

Yes, you must have health insurance which covers any necessary hospitalization or doctor’s visit due to illness or injury. Proof of insurance is a requirement and must be provided before an accepted student will be approved to enter the clinical setting.