Incoming clinical electives
The ANU and ACT Health/Canberra Health Services offer the opportunity for medical students from Australia and overseas to complete a clinical elective term at the Canberra Hospital / North Canberra Hospital (formerly Calvary hospital).
Placements are available for students who are in their final or penultimate year of study, for a minimum period of four weeks and a maximum of eight weeks, across a range of specialities.
Please read the Clinical Elective Handbook and Clinical Elective Application Booklet before applying.
Applications must be submitted at least 6 months in advance of the placement start date. Applications submitted outside of this timeline will not be accepted.
Frequent asked questions
When will I receive an outcome of my application?
Once we receive your application, you will receive an acknowledgment email. While outcomes typically take up to 6 weeks from the time they are received, processing time may differ due to the capacity and availability of the Student Administration Team (due to other administrative responsibilities within SMP) and we cannot guarantee an exact timeline.
Can I get a refund if I cancel my application?
The $100 AUD administration fee is non-refundable regardless of whether a placement can be offered or if the placement is cancelled or withdrawn by the student.
Refund policies regarding Placement Fees can be found in the Clinical Electives Handbook.
Will I be classed as a Domestic or International student in my application?
Medical students from Australian Universities are classified as domestic students regardless of their citizenship. Likewise, students studying outside of Australia will be classified as an international student, again regardless of their citizenship.
Can I apply if English is not my first language?
Yes. All students must meet the ANU English language policy to be eligible for an application regardless of whether English is their first language or not.
We strongly encourage students to reach out directly to the electives team if they are unsure whether or not they meet the ANU English requirements.
Can I apply for a placement during the December - January holiday period?
No. This period is when many hospital and administrative staff are on leave, which limits the availability of appropriate supervision and administrative support. We also reserve placements during this time for local ANU students. Exceptions will not be made.
Can I get a credit towards my degree from completing an elective placement?
No. An elective is an opportunity to broaden a student’s clinical experience, and no formal credit or assessment will be given for the elective term.
Can ANU sign documentation required by my home university?
The Australian National University is limited in what we are legally allowed to sign in regard to Inbound Electives. As ANU is not classed as the classed as the host institution for inbound elective students, our staff cannot sign documentation or declarations for a student’s home institution.
This includes but is not limited to:
- Learning Agreements
- Confirmation of Learning Outcomes
- Letters of Completion/Confirmation
- National Board of Examination Letters of Confirmation
It is not appropriate for Australian National University (ANU) staff or others acting on behalf of the ANU to sign these documents under any circumstances.
We can help organise for your Clinical Supervisor to sign these documents in place of ANU staff.
By submitting an application, students acknowledge and agree to these conditions.
Will I need to organise my own accommodation?
Students are required to arrange their own accommodation. Suggestions for accommodation can be provided upon request.
Am I responsible for my own travel and health insurance?
Yes. All insurance coverage required by ACT Health/Canberra Health Services (listed below) is the sole responsibility of the student or student’s home institution.
- Medical Malpractice insurance of no less than $20 million AUD in the respect of each claim;
- Public Liability insurance of no less than $20 million AUD in the respect of each claim;
- Professional Liability insurance of no less than $20 million AUD in the respect of each claim; and
- Personal Accident insurance.
What limitations do I have as an elective student whilst on placement?
As a medical elective student, you must always identify yourself as a student to patients and doctors, and your student status should always be recorded on patient record entries. Medical students are expected to abide by the Medical Board of Australia’s Codes and Guidelines, as well as the ACT Health’s Code of Conduct.
What kind of visa will I need? Can ANU sponsor me for my trip to Australia?
The Australian Government issues all visas for international visitors. For further information on visas and to find the right visa for your trip, please visit the Department of Home Affairs website.
The ANU is unable to act as a sponsor on your behalf and will not complete sponsorship forms for a Student Visa.
Can I make changes once I have received an offer for placement?
Minor changes may be taken into consideration after accepting an offer, however, changes to placement discipline will not be considered after an offer has been issued. If you decline this offer, no further offers will be made, and the application will be deemed withdrawn. Your application fee will not be refunded.