International Elective and Independent Learning Activity Exchange Program for Medicine

Applying for the program

Sydney Medical School has agreements with a number of medical schools around the world to offer reciprocal elective placements for a limited number of senior medical students each year. University of Sydney medical students can apply for a limited number of places at the participating institutions without having to pay tuition fees. Partner institutions can also nominate a similar number of students to undertake elective placements in that same calendar year without tuition fees being incurred.

The exchange program provides an opportunity for closer collaboration between the participating institutions and is highly regarded.

Outgoing University of Sydney (USyd) students should look for bulletins calling for applications for each institution. The program is mainly available to students undertaking their Stage 4 fixed Elective rotation as scheduled from December-February & some overseas substitute rotations outlined on this website. Overseas Independent Learning Activities for Stage 1 and 2 students and new electives will continue to be added to this program. Written applications will be called for via bulletins and short-listed applicants may be asked to attend an interview. Telephone or videoconferencing will be used if students are on rural placements at the time of interview. Applicants will be required to demonstrate that the elective or Independent Learning Activity placement will:

1. Facilitate future career development for the applicant
2. Build on the applicant’s interests in global health
3. Potentially benefit the exchange institutions
4. Potentially benefit the Australian and/or other communities
5. Potentially contribute to the body of scientific knowledge

Dean’s Scholarship Fund: A number of scholarships may be awarded to outstanding applicants for international elective and Independent Learning Activity placements. These are provided under the Dean’s Scholarship Fund and no separate application process is required.

Incoming applicants from partner institutions to the University of Sydney should liaise with the appropriate contact person at their own institution to apply. Please see the relevant page for your institution on this website.

Accommodation
For students who are nominated for placements at the University of Sydney the following information may be useful.

There is limited accommodation in our main campus property for incoming exchange students which can be requested when applying.

Casual accommodation off-campus but close to the University can be found at Services for students > Off-campus accommodation.

Some of the clinical schools away from main campus may have limited accommodation at the hospitals and students should contact the relevant clinical school well in advance should they wish to apply.

Visas and other requirements
Upon offer of a place in the exchange program, the host institution will provide students with information about visas, health checks, insurance and other requirements.