Clinical Electives

Current University of Galway Student

Seeking an Elective in Galway University Hospitals 

University of Galway medical students are offered priority places on our Summer Clinical Elective Programme at Galway University Hospitals. 

Eligibility: 
Students in 4MB transitioning into 5MB who are seeking to undertake a clinical elective during Summer 2027. 

Duration: 
Minimum of 4 weeks. 

Specialties: 
Medical and Surgical specialties, subject to departmental availability. 

Summer 2027 Elective Dates 

Successful applicants will be required to commence their elective on one of the following dates: 

• Option 1: Monday 31 May – Friday 25 June 2027 (inclusive) 

• Option 2: Monday 28 June – Friday 23 July 2027 (inclusive) 

• Option 3: Monday 26 July – Friday 20 August 2027 (inclusive) 

Click here to submit an online application.   

Students should select their preferred dates through the application process. Placement dates are subject to availability. 

Application Timeline 

• Applications open: Now Open   

• Applications close: January 11th 2027 (Applications after this date will be subject to availability)  

• Application outcomes: February 2027  

• Accept/Reject Offer deadline: March 12th 2027  

Applications will not be reviewed until after the application closing date. 

An administration fee of €200 applies to successful candidates. Successful candidates from the University of Galway and eligible affiliate partners are exempt from this fee. 

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. 

 Current Student at an Irish, European or International Medical School 

We offer a limited number of clinical elective placements in Medicine and Surgery to students from Irish, European and International Medical Schools who are entering their final year of medical studies. 

Places are limited, with priority given to current University of Galway students and students from institutions with which we have an established affiliation agreement. 

Submission of an application does not guarantee a placement on our Programme. 

Eligibility: 
Applicants must be current medical students who will be entering their final year of medical studies at the time of the elective. 

Application: Click here to submit an online application.   

Duration: 
2 - 4 Weeks.  

Specialties: 
Medical and Surgical specialties, subject to departmental availability. 

Summer 2027 Elective Dates 

Successful applicants will be required to commence their elective on one of the following dates: 

• Option 1: Monday 31 May – Friday 25 June 2027 (inclusive) 

• Option 2: Monday 28 June – Friday 23 July 2027 (inclusive) 

• Option 3: Monday 26 July – Friday 20 August 2027 (inclusive) 

Application Timeline 

• Applications close: January 11th 2027  

• Application outcomes: February 2027  

• Accept/Reject Offer deadline: March 12th 2027  

Applications will not be reviewed until after the application closing date. 

An administration fee of €200 applies to successful applicants. This is payable upon acceptance of an offer. Students from the University of Galway and eligible affiliate partners are exempt from this fee. 

Registration and Garda Vetting / Police Clearance 

All visiting students are required to register with the University of Galway and complete the required background-check and vetting procedures before commencing their elective. 

Further information regarding registration, Garda Vetting/Police Clearance and the required documentation will be provided to successful applicants in their Elective Offer Letter. 

Accommodation 

Students are responsible for arranging and paying for their own accommodation for the duration of their elective. We will have some student accommodation available for successful candidates. 

Information on accommodation options in Galway is available through the University of Galway accommodation service. 

English Language Requirements 

Students undertaking a clinical elective must have sufficient English-language proficiency to communicate safely and effectively in a clinical environment. 

The English language proficiency requirement is equivalent to IELTS 6.5 / TOEFL iBT 92. 

Applicants who have not completed an accepted English-language examination may provide a letter from their School of Medicine confirming that they have sufficient English-language proficiency to successfully undertake a clinical placement. 

The University of Galway may request additional evidence of English-language proficiency where required.