Electives & Observerships for International Medical Students

Clinical Electives at
NHS Hospitals in London

Structured 1 - 4 week placements in General Surgery

Placements at NHS Teaching Hospitals
4-Week Structured Programmes
Visa & Documentation Support
Letter of Recommendation

How it works

From Application to Your First Day on the Ward

We handle everything in between.

1

Choose Your Specialty

Search for a specialty, pick your preferred dates, and apply.

2

Get Approved

Submit your CV to get approved for an application at your chosen hospital and specialty.

3

Application & Acceptance

Your eligibility documents are reviewed and your application is accepted.

4

Prepare

We guide you through visa applications, accommodation advice, and pre-arrival orientation.

5

Attend

Start your placement at an NHS hospital with full supervision and support.

What You'll Gain

Clinical Exposure

Experience NHS clinical environments first-hand through structured clinical placements, learning from consultants and teams across a range of specialties.

Letter of Recommendation

Receive a letter of recommendation from a senior NHS consultant to strengthen your CV.

Cultural Experience

Immerse yourself in London life. Explore the city, build international friendships, and broaden your horizons.

CV Enhancement

An international elective or observership at an NHS hospital is a standout addition to a medical CV or application for training.

Geographical reference only

London NHS Teaching Hospitals

Barts Health NHS Trust
Croydon Health Services NHS Trust
Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust
Homerton Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust
King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Kingston Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust
London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust
North Middlesex University Hospital NHS Trust
Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust
Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Trust
St George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
The Hillingdon Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust
University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Get the Free Elective Guide

Everything you need to know about visas, the application process, and what to expect during your NHS placement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to the questions we hear most from students.

International medical students in their penultimate or final year, and recent medical graduates. You must be enrolled at (or have graduated from) a recognised medical school.

Programme fees vary by placement type and duration. Create a free account to view full pricing and available placements.

Yes. We provide a full visa guidance pack tailored to your nationality, including invitation letters, supporting documents, and step-by-step instructions for the UK Standard Visitor visa. We don’t process visas on your behalf, but we make sure you have everything you need to apply confidently.

Placements Open for 2026–2027

Register now to start your application.

Apply Now