Special Clinical Electives Programme

  1. 1. I am not a medical student; can I still apply for elective posting?

    No, applicants must be bona fide students of a medical school, and already in their clinical years.

  2. 2. Can I submit the application more than 12 months in advance?

    No, applicants should apply a minimum and maximum of 6 and 12 months respectively, in advance, otherwise the application will not be considered.

  3. 3. What is the minimum and maximum posting period?

    The minimum and maximum total posting periods are 2 weeks and 12 weeks respectively. Postings are counted in weeks, commencing on a Monday, and ending on a Friday.

  4. 4. Can I do research project?

    Yes, you should email the Dean's Office at medelectives@nus.edu.sg at least 2 months before the commencement of the elective attachment. Request is subject to the department's approval. Please indicate your name and application number.

  5. 5. I am unable to submit the supporting documents and payment within one month from the date of application. Can I submit it later?

    Please email your request to medelectives@nus.edu.sg. Please note that such requests are considered on case-by-case basis and any missing documents may delay the processing of your application.

  6. 6. Can I submit the supporting documents and payment separately?

    Yes. However, please note that any missing documents may delay the processing of your application. Please ensure that your name and application number is written clearly on the back of the cheque / bankdraft.

  7. 7. Can I obtain hardcopy of the acceptance letter?

    A copy of the acceptance letter is available for print online.

  8. 8. Can I start the posting if I have not submitted all the required documents?

    No, you are not allowed to proceed with the posting if there are any missing documents

  9. 9. What are the accommodation options available?

    For details on possible accommodation options, please go to https://www.nus.edu.sg/osa/housing/acc/index.html

Application Fees
  1. 1. How do I make payment?

    Payments can only be made via cheque or bank draft. Cash or telegraphic transfer is not acceptable.

    It must be made payable to 'NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF SINGAPORE'. Please check with local banks and/or post office for assistance with bank drafts.

  2. 2. Can I draw the cheque in foreign currency?

    No, the amount must be drawn only in Singapore dollars (nett of all bank charges).

  3. 3. What are the fees payable?

    All applicants must pay a non-refundable application fee for administrative processing costs. There are no other fees other fees involved.
    Singaporeans/ Permanent Residents $5.35
    Foreigners $107

Changes/Cancellation
  1. 1. Can I make changes to the application submitted?

    Request for change in discipline / department / hospital of postings will NOT be entertained after application is submitted. Please submit a fresh application together with the application fee.

    For changes in posting date, applicants will be charged a non-refundable administrative fee of S$53.50 for each change request even if the department is unable to accommodate the change of dates. Please take note changes are subject to the availability of vacancies and supervision, and the Dean's approval.

Letter confirming student status
  1. 1. What information should be stated on the letter?

    The letter should have the following statement:

    The applicant is a registered undergraduate medical student of the applicant's University and will still be a registered undergraduate medical student of the applicant's University during the period of the elective attachment.

    The applicant's proposed elective attachments are considered suitable.

Health Requirements
  1. 1. My Health requirements (Hepatitis B/HIV/Varicella) screening is dated more than six months from the date of application, is it acceptable?

    No, we do not accept screenings that are dated more than 6 months from the date of application. Please submit documentary proof that you have been screened. For details, please go to https://itumed.nus.edu.sg/scesp/requirements.htm

  2. 2. Can I provide documentary proof of one dose of immunity to Rubella?

    No, if you are unable to present documentary proof of 2 doses of immunization, you will have to undergo a 2nd immunization or screening. For students who are tested negative for immunity, you will have to take 2 doses of immunisation.

Letter Confirming Completion of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
  1. 1. I did not undertake any PPE related procedures at my university, is there an alternative?

    No, the PPE certification letter is required of all the clinical students who want to undertake posting in our restructured hospitals. You may obtain the letter from your university as proof of certification in your use of Personal Protective Equipment and related procedures. This includes Mask Fitting, Gowning, Gloving and Hand Washing Techniques (this must be clearly stated on the letter). More details can be found at http://itumed.nus.edu.sg/scesp/info.htm.

    Please note that you will not be allowed to proceed with the clinical posting without the PPE certification letter.

Proof of Personal Health Insurance
  1. 1. Where can I purchase the health insurance?

    You may check with the local insurance providers in your country for more information.

  2. 2. Can I purchase the travel insurance as a substitute for health insurance?

    Yes, so long it is an international policy which covers any medical expenses you may incur during your posting in Singapore and which can be reimbursed later.

Proof of Professional Indemnity Insurance
  1. 1. Where can I purchase the Professional Indemnity Insurance?

    Some students are covered by their parent University but for those who are not, they would have to purchase from their local insurance companies. The Professional Indemnity Insurance is also known as the Personal Liability Insurance, which is also acceptable.
Letter Certifying Completion of Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS)
  1. 1. Is it compulsory to submit the Letter Certifying Completion of Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS)?

    Yes, if your posting is at Singapore General Hospital (SGH).

  2. 2. I will be doing my elective at SGH, where can I obtain the BCLS certificate?

    You may obtain the letter from your university as proof of certification in your completion of Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS), which includes; One-rescuer CPR, adult foreign-body airway obstruction (conscious to unconscious), infant CPR, and infant foreign-body airway obstruction. (This must be clearly stated on the letter).

Letter of Completion
  1. 1. What are the details stated on the Letter of Completion?

    Apart from the applicant's name and name of Parent University, the details include the:

    a) name of posting department
    b) name of teaching hospital
    c) posting period
    d) posting objectives
    e) medium of instruction / language used (English)
    f) School of Medicine official endorsement