Essential information

Dates

Elective placements are available for the following dates in 2025: 

• 3 March - 28 March
• 7 April - 2 May
• 5 May - 30 May
• 2 June - 27 June
• 7 July - 1 August
• 4 August - 29 August
• 1 September - 26 September
• 6 October - 31 October
• 3 November - 28 November
• 1 December - TBC

Please note that we cannot guarantee a placement for all students.

Required documents

Prospective students will need to supply the following documents at the time of application. If the relevant documents are not supplied the application will be rejected immediately:

• A current criminal records certificate from the student’s local law enforcement agency. Ideally no greater than two years old but some UK Universities provide a declaration note confirming no convictions have been added to an original DBS certificate from the student’s initial day of registration at medical school.
• A supporting statement from the student’s Dean of Medical Studies or nominated Academic Lead for Medical Electives (or similar).
• A copy of their passport.
• A valid English language qualification:
  • If the student is an international student studying at a UK Medical School, we will accept a certified letter from their university confirming they achieved the required English Language Qualification for entry to their Institution as well as confirmation of what those requirements were.
  • If the student is from a majority English speaking country, a copy of their secondary school English language certificate should be included with their application.
  • If the student is an international student from a non-majority English speaking country, studying outside the UK, their school English qualification should be less than five years old. If it is greater than this, we will need proof of ongoing use of English from their Dean of Medicine or Electives Lead. The language qualification will be needed as part of any UKVI visa.

Submitting your documents

All required documentation must be received electronically via the online application form. If you have issues attaching any documentation, you should email them to medicalelectives@sheffield.ac.uk.

English language requirements

Please ensure you visit the following pages to ensure you have the appropriate English Language qualification.

English language requirements for undergraduates

Without proof of English language ability, your application will be rejected until such proof is provided. Where English is not your first language, we students to submit a valid certificate of English language proficiency. Our English language requirement for international students is in line with current GMC guidelines. 

Generally, students will require an overall IELTS grade of 7.5 with a minimum of 7.0 in each testing component (Listening, Reading, Speaking and Writing). An IELTS certificate is valid for two years and students must ensure your certificate is therefore valid for the duration of their elective placement in the UK. 

The University will only accept those listed acceptable English language qualifications.

Visas for students outside the EU

Once an offer has been made and accepted, it is the responsibility of the overseas applicant to obtain the necessary visa for their elective attachment

Check the UK Border Agency website for information about short-term study visa requirements

An amendment to the UKVI regulations (January 2018) means that overseas medical elective students can now use the short-term study visa route rather than having to apply for a Tier 4 visa. You must ensure that you fulfil all the criteria forshort-term study visa and have all the documentation required to obtain entry to the UK in time to take up an elective placement including evidence of ability to pay fees, and evidence of ability to pay living costs for the duration of the elective placement. 

Students will be required to provide confirmation of their overseas medical course, and that the medical elective relates to it, from their overseas medical education provider with their visa application. Sheffield Admissions will issue short-term study visa letters to such applicants to support their short-term study visa application rather than a CAS for a Tier 4 visa application. 

Visit the GOV.UK website for full details

The University cannot assist you with visa applications other than by providing a Certification of Acceptance.

We recommend that you apply for your visa promptly as approval can take considerable time. Placements cannot be re-arranged if visas are not obtained in time to start on the agreed date.

Health requirements

All visiting medical elective students are required to complete pre-placement health screening via our Occupational Health service once an offer of place is made. Students will be required to complete an online questionnaire which will be assessed by one of the occupational health specialist nurses.

After the questionnaire is assessed, students may be required to attend an Occupational Health appointment on their first day of placement. Students will be informed by the University and the Occupational Health Service if an appointment is required.

Tuberculosis (TB)

Students who reside in countries which are considered to have a high incidence of tuberculosis (TB) will be required to attend an occupational health appointment in Sheffield one week prior to the start of their elective attachment so that the necessary tests can be taken and results returned prior to the start of the elective attachment.

View a list of countries at high risk of TB

COVID-19

There are no longer any COVID-19 restrictions in place. Proof of vaccination against COVID-19 is not required.

Fees

There is no charge to apply for the medical electives programme. If you are accepted onto the Electives Programme, you will be required to pay a £300 administration fee upon confirmation of placement.

This is not a tuition fee; it is to cover the cost of the administration required to process your application and the cost of your Occupational Health check.

Refunds

You have 14 calendar days to request a refund of the administration fee from the date you made payment (in accordance with UK distance selling regulations).

After this period, we will only be able to refund your administration fee if you are unable to start your course for one of the following reasons:

• Your UK study visa application is refused or rejected (proof will be required).
• For applicants holding a Conditional offer, if you attempt but fail to meet the conditions of your offer (proof will be required).
• For applicants to courses requiring ATAS clearance, if your application for ATAS clearance is refused or rejected.

Please be aware that if a refund is requested and approved, your offer will be withdrawn. 

Dress codes

If you are accepted, further information will be sent to you about the existing hospital dress code. Sheffield Teaching Hospitals follow the bare below the elbows policy.

Elective students should dress in a smart but comfortable fashion while on placement.

Accommodation

Please note that we aren't able to offer accommodation or assist with accommodation bookings for visiting students.

However, information regarding accommodation can be found using the links below:

Accommodation for parents and visitors

Hotels and guest houses