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/attending-medical-school/article/visiting-student-learning-opportunities/

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. Unfortunately, we cannot accept letters from the applicants’ home institution, to fulfill the language proficiency requirement.

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

Visiting international students need B-1 Visa status. Please read this document: United States Visa Information.

Unfortunately, you are not eligible if you are a U.S. resident or citizen, attending medical school outside of the U.S. (Please note: Puerto Rico is part of the U.S.)

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.

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 studies.

Yes, however, students who withdraw less than 4 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:

• Instituto Technologico de Santo Domingo
• 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 schools for Academic Year 23-24 is $4,200 USD. The tuition for eight weeks is $8,400 USD. The tuition for twelve weeks is $12,600 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

Please bring your passport along with any requested paperwork or required documentation. Students are required to have their physical passport when they arrive for orientation.

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.

Yes, YSM requires all visiting students to provide proof of the primary vaccination series and an approved bivalent booster. Students may apply if they are not fully vaccinated, as long as they provide proof of completion of the first dose and second dose, you must provide confirmation of a scheduled an approved bivalent booster, which must be complete before they arrive at YSM.

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.