Frequently Asked Questions

I am thinking about applying for your electives programme, is there an application fee?

There is no charge to apply. If you are accepted onto the Sheffield Electives Programme, you will be required to pay a £200 administration fee upon confirmation of placement.

I want to apply but only have paper copies of my recommendation and transcript of results, passport and certificate of good conduct. Can I post them?

No, all required documentation must be received electronically. Please email your recommendation and transcript of results, copy of passport and certificate of good conduct to medelect@sheffield.ac.uk .

When do I need to apply?

We have two application deadlines per year and applications must be made a minimum of 6 months in advance. Further details can be found on our webpage which outlines the application process

If I have been accepted to do an elective attachment by a Sheffield Teaching Hospitals member of staff, do I still need to apply? If so, when?

Yes, you will need to complete the application process.

You must apply between 6 to 12 months before your proposed start date. Applications submitted less than 6 months before the proposed start date will not be considered.

I have applied to do an elective at the University of Sheffield. How long will it take before I receive a response about my application?

You should receive a final decision about your application within three weeks of the application deadline. However, there sometimes may be a delay dependant on how quickly we receive a response from the departments within the hospitals.

I have been accepted! What do I do next?

Once your application is accepted, we will send you a letter of acceptance with additional forms to complete. When you have officially accepted your placement by submitting £200 administration fee and the additional required information, we will process your application. If you are an international applicant (outside of the EEA), you should soon receive a CAS number which you will need to use to apply for a Tier 4 Visa. Please ensure that you start the visa application process as soon as possible to avoid any delays.

I am due to start my elective but my visa won’t be arriving in time. Can I change the dates of my elective?

No, it is not possible to change the dates of your elective once they have been arranged. We strongly encourage you to apply for your visa as early as possible to avoid this.

I can’t undertake my elective placement anymore. Can my friend come in my place?

No. Anyone wishing to join the Sheffield Electives Programme must apply by the fixed application deadlines and submit the relevant documentation.

My elective is due to start next week. Can my friend come with me?

No, your agreed placement can only be undertaken by you at the agreed time. Friends will not be permitted to undertake electives with you if they have not applied. In addition, the CAS number we issue you to obtain your visa will only apply to you.

Will the University arrange accommodation from me?

No. We will provide you with information about your local accommodation options and potential packages upon acceptance.

Is there a dress code?

If you are accepted, further information will be sent to you about the existing hospital dress code. STHs follow the ‘bare below the elbows’ policy. Elective students should dress in a smart but comfortable fashion while on placement.

Will there be any inductions?

Yes, we do offer inductions for our elective students. Further information will be provided upon acceptance onto the Sheffield Electives Programme.