Clinical Electives

About the Programme

We offer a range of application routes depending on your current student status. 

 Please follow the relevant links below for further information and to submit an application; 

1. Current University of Galway student (seeking an Elective in Galway University Hospitals)
2. Current University of Galway student (seeking an Elective in a VSLO Participating School)
3. Current student at an Irish/European/International Medical School (seeking an Elective in Galway University Hospitals)

Submission of an application does not guarantee a placement on our Programme. Places are limited and very competitive, and selection depends on a number of criteria including; dates available and availability of Consultants.

Queries: 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.

Please be advised, applications are only accepted via the application form/elective portals 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 are offered priority places on our Clinical Elective Programme at Galway University Hospitals.

Eligibility: Students in 4MB transitioning into 5MB seeking a clinical elective during summer 2025.

Dates: June, July & August 2025

Duration:  minimum of 4 weeks

Specialties available: Medical & Surgical

Successful applicants are required to commence their Elective on the following dates; 

4 week options 2025:

• Option 1: Tuesday, 3 June - Friday, 27 June 2025 (inclusive)
• Option 2: Monday, 30 June - Friday 25 July, 2025 (inclusive)
• Option 3: Monday, 28 July - Friday, 22 August 2025 (inclusive)

Application Timeline:

• Applications open: 27 November, 2024
• Applications close: 21 February, 2025
• Application Outcomes:  April, 2025
• Accept/Reject Offer: 5 May, 2025

Applications will not be reviewed until after the closing date.

Application forms will only be available from November 27, 2024. Click here to submit an application after November 27.  

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 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 per 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 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. Submission of an application, does not guarantee a place on our Programme. 

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; 

4 week options 2025:

• Option 1: Tuesday, 3 June - Friday, 27 June 2025 (inclusive)
• Option 2: Monday, 30 June - Friday 25 July, 2025 (inclusive)
• Option 3: Monday, 28 July - Friday, 22 August 2025 (inclusive)

Application Timeline:

• Applications open: 27 November, 2024
• Applications close: 21 February, 2025
• Application Outcomes:  April, 2025
• Accept/Reject Offer: 5 May, 2025

Applications will not be reviewed until after the closing date.

Applications will open from November 27, 2024.  Click here to submit an online application.  

Registration & Garda Vetting: all visiting students are required to register with University of Galway. Once registration is complete you will be required to undergo Garda Vetting/Police Clearance. In order for Garda Vetting to be conducted, all visiting students are required to arrive in Galway one week in advance of their Elective start date and present to the University of Galway Admissions Office. 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 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

Please contact us at SoMelectives@universityofgalway.ie if you have any queries.