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Courses
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Choosing a course is one of the most important decisions you'll ever make! View our courses and see what our students and lecturers have to say about the courses you are interested in at the links below.
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University Life
University Life
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About University of Galway
About University of Galway
Since 1845, University of Galway has been sharing the highest quality teaching and research with Ireland and the world. Find out what makes our University so special – from our distinguished history to the latest news and campus developments.
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Colleges & Schools
Colleges & Schools
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Research & Innovation
Research & Innovation
University of Galway’s vibrant research community take on some of the most pressing challenges of our times.
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Business & Industry
Guiding Breakthrough Research at University of Galway
We explore and facilitate commercial opportunities for the research community at University of Galway, as well as facilitating industry partnership.
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Alumni & Friends
Alumni & Friends
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Community Engagement
Community Engagement
At University of Galway, we believe that the best learning takes place when you apply what you learn in a real world context. That's why many of our courses include work placements or community projects.
Accessibility & LanguageClinical Electives
Clinical Electives
We offer a range of application routes depending on your current student status. Please follow the relevant guidelines below for further information and to submit an application.
Submission of an application does not guarantee a placement on our Summer Clinical Elective Programme. Places are limited and very competitive, and selection depends on a number of criteria including; student application, dates available, and availability of consultants.
Please be advised that applications are only accepted via the application forms provided below. Applications via email will not be accepted.
1. Current University of Galway Student (seeking an Elective in Galway University Hospitals)
University of Galway students in 4MB transitioning into 5MB may apply for a Medical or Surgical elective during summer 2026. They are given priority on our Clinical Elective Programme at Galway University Hospitals.
Successful applicants are required to commence their Elective on the following dates;
- Option 1: Tuesday, 02 June - Friday, 26 June 2026 (inclusive)
- Option 2: Monday, 29 June - Friday 24 July, 2026 (inclusive)
- Option 3: Monday, 27 July - Friday, 21 August 2026 (inclusive)
Application Timeline:
- Applications open: 20 October, 2025
- Applications close: 19 January, 2026
- Application Outcomes: March, 2026
- Accept/Reject Offer: 03 April, 2026
Applications will not be reviewed until after the closing date. Application forms will only be available from October 20, 2025. Click here to submit an application after October 20, 2025.
An administration fee of €200 applies to successful candidates. This is payable on acceptance of the offer. Successful candidates from University of Galway and our affiliate partners are exempt from paying this fee.
2. Current University of Galway student (seeking an elective in a VSLO Participating School)
University of Galway students can apply for international clinical electives in international VSLO participating schools in the US and abroad. Students who wish to register with VSLO should email SOMelectives@universityofgalway.ie in the first instance to request access. Upon approval, the School of Medicine will issue you with a VSLO invitation which will enable you to commence your student registration.
You will need to check with each institution individually for availability of electives, applications procedures, documentation requirements (e.g. Health Screening, Insurance, Police Clearance) and dates available, as these will vary depending on the institution but will be clearly outlined in the VSLO portal.
3. Current student from an Irish/European/International Medical School seeking an Elective in Galway University Hospitals
We offer a limited number of clinical elective placements in Medicine and Surgery to students entering their final year of studies from other Irish and International Medical Schools. Please note places are very limited, with first place preferences offered to current University of Galway students, and students from institutions with whom we have an affiliation agreement.
An administration fee of €200 applies to successful candidates. This is payable on acceptance of the offer. Successful candidates from University of Galway and our affiliate partners are exempt from paying this fee.
Successful applicants are required to commence their Elective on the following dates;
- Option 1: Tuesday, 02 June - Friday, 26 June 2026 (inclusive)
- Option 2: Monday, 29 June - Friday 24 July, 2026 (inclusive)
- Option 3: Monday, 27 July - Friday, 21 August 2026 (inclusive)
Application Timeline:
- Applications open: 20 October, 2025
- Applications close: 19 January, 2026
- Application Outcomes: March, 2026
- Accept/Reject Offer: 03 April, 2026
Applications will not be reviewed until after the closing date. Applications will open from October 20, 2025. Click here to submit an online application.
Registration & Garda Vetting: If succesfull we will register visiting students with University of Galway. There are Health Screening requirements, the provision of a Letter of Good Standing, and you will be required to undergo Garda Vetting/Police Clearance. Further information will be made available in your Elective Offer Letter.
Accommodation: Please be advised that Accommodation is not provided - you are responsible for organising accommodation for the duration of your Elective. Visit https://www.universityofgalway.ie/student-life/accommodation/ for information on accommodation options available on campus and in Galway City.
English language requirements: The English language proficiency level required by University of Galway medical students is 6.5 IELTS (92 TOEFL). If successful, you will be required to submit certification of IELTS or TOEFL results.
If you are fluent in the English language, but have not completed one of the examinations referred to above, we will require a letter from your School of Medicine stating that you are satisfactorily proficient in the English language to successfully complete a clinical attachment.
Contact us
If you have any queries on the programme please contact SoMelectives@universityofgalway.ie, including 'Summer Clinical Elective Programme' in the subject line of your email.
