Visiting Students' Elective Programme

Welcome from the Electives Team

We are delighted that you are considering Malta for your elective experience and look forward to welcoming you to Queen Mary University of London Malta Campus. If you have any questions about the programme or application process, please don't hesitate to contact our team.

Dr Gianluca Farrugia
Head of Student Selected Components & Academic Lead, Malta Visiting Elective Programme
VSE-Malta@qmul.ac.uk

Mr Kynan Dudney-Long
Student Selected Components Manager & Operational Lead, Malta Visiting Elective Programme
VSE-Malta@qmul.ac.uk

About the Programme

A high-quality observational elective experience in the heart of the Mediterranean.

We are delighted to welcome applications from medical students around the world who are interested in undertaking an elective placement with QMUL Malta. Our programme has been designed to provide students with meaningful observational experiences across a range of clinical and academic specialties, whilst enjoying the unique educational and cultural environment of Malta and Gozo.

Through partnerships with local hospitals and our campus in Gozo, we aim to deliver a high-quality elective experience that supports professional development, international collaboration, and educational excellence.

Elective Specialties

Placements are available across a broad range of clinical and academic disciplines.

Clinical Electives

Academic Electives

Specialty preferences:  You will be asked to rank your preferred specialties on your application. We will do our best to accommodate your first choice; where this is not possible, your alternatives will be considered.  Placement in a specific specialty cannot be guaranteed.

Dates & Elective Availability

Elective placements for the 2026–27 cycle run from May to July 2027.

Applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis within the open application window.

Applications made outside the open window, or arrangements made directly with a consultant, will not be considered. We do not permit split placements, date overlaps, or re-applications after withdrawal.

Applications from incoming students whose home institution or university requires signature of training agreements/documents which lay out the conditions of the medical elective programme will not be considered. 

Please note: The placements offered through our Medical Elective Programme are observer-ship placements only. They are designed to allow students to observe clinical practice and gain insight into the healthcare environment. 

1. Complete the online application form Provide all personal details, ranked specialty preferences, and preferred dates. All fields are mandatory. 

2. Pay the application fee (€250) Payable online via the payment portal at time of submission only. Bank transfers and cheques are not accepted.    

3. Application reviewed Processing takes up to 6–8 weeks after the application round closes. We will contact you if further information is needed.    

4. Provisional offer issued Successful applicants receive an offer by email. You have 10 working days to accept or decline.    

5. Final checks and placement fee payment Complete pre-enrolment, confirm occupational health clearance, and pay the placement fee by the stated deadline. 

6.   Upload all required documentation Attach all supporting documents to the documents form. Incomplete applications are rejected immediately and the application fee is non-refundable.

7. Placement confirmed Confirmation is issued only once all documentation is approved, clearances received, and all fees paid. 

Eligibility Requirements

All criteria below must be met. Applications from ineligible students will be rejected.

Academic Standing

• Enrolled in the final year of your medical programme at the time of the elective — or have completed your penultimate year where your home institution requires electives before final year.
• Studying at a medical school listed on the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS).
• In good academic standing, able to provide an academic reference from your Dean or Programme Director.

Documentation Required

• Valid passport (copy)
• Academic reference letter from your Dean or Programme Director
• Confirmation of enrolment / student status letter
• Medical Indemnity / Malpractice Insurance certificate (covering your placement dates)
• Enhanced DBS check or equivalent Police Conduct Certificate (dated within 3 years)
• Appropriate visa or immigration permission for Malta where required
• Evidence of English language proficiency (where your home institution does not teach in English)
• Completed and approved Occupational Health Form

Occupational Health Requirements

Written occupational health approval is mandatory before any placement commences. No exceptions.

Overview

Visiting Elective Students must ensure they meet the vaccination requirements of the programme detailed in the Occupational Health form. Please ensure this form is completed. Without this you will not be permitted to complete the elective with us. 

QMUL Malta Visiting Electives OH Form [PDF 261KB]

WHO TB High-Risk Country List

This form must be completed jointly by you and your usual doctor. It covers your health and functional capabilities, vaccination history, and (for longer placements) blood test results. All costs for tests and vaccinations are your own responsibility.

Confidentiality

All medical information is screened in confidence by QMUL Malta's occupational health screener. Only information relevant to your fitness to practise will be shared with the Faculty, in line with GMC confidentiality guidance.

Submit your completed OH Form, marked 'Medical – In Confidence', to: VSE-Malta@qmul.ac.uk

Fees & Payment

All fees are payable in Euros (€) via the online payment portal only.

Payment method: 

We cannot accept bank transfers or cheques. Payment must be made online via the correct payment channel at the time specified. Payments received outside the stated deadlines will not be accepted.

Fee Structure

Indicative Total Fees

Refund policy 

The application fee (€250) is non-refundable in all circumstances. You may be eligible for a placement fee refund if you are unable to attend. Please refer to the full QMUL Malta Incoming Elective Refund Policy for details.

Additional Costs

Students are responsible for all costs not listed above, including travel to and from Malta, accommodation, personal living expenses, travel insurance, medical indemnity insurance, visa fees, and all costs associated with completing occupational health requirements (blood tests, vaccinations, etc.)

Visas & Immigration

Malta is a member of the European Union and the Schengen Area. Requirements depend on your nationality.

Please see link provided: General Visa Questions - Missions Malta

It is your responsibility to ensure you hold the correct visa or immigration permission before arriving in Malta. Apply as early as possible — allow at least 8–12 weeks for visa processing. All placement offers are conditional on holding the appropriate immigration permission.

Forms and Documents

Submission Instructions

• All documentation must be submitted via the online application form, or as directed in your offer letter.
• Documents must be in English. Translated documents must include a certified translation.
• The Occupational Health Form should be emailed to VSE-Malta@qmul.ac.uk, marked 'Medical – In Confidence'.
• Ensure scanned documents are clearly legible. Poor quality scans may be rejected.
• All documentation deadlines are strict. Late submissions may result in withdrawal of your offer.

Questions? Contact us at VSE-Malta@qmul.ac.uk before applying if you are unsure which documents to submit or how to complete any form.

Mater Dei Hospital (MDH) Policies and Forms can be found here.