Inbound Medical Elective Program
The University of Queensland (UQ) Medical School facilitates elective placements for visiting medical students. Visiting students are defined as those enrolled in a medical program at another institution (in Queensland, interstate, or overseas) who seek to complete a clinical medical elective placement at a UQ-affiliated hospital.
Elective placements are available to students who have completed at least one semester of clinical training in a recognised medical degree program. These placements are exclusively electives; therefore, we cannot provide summative assessments or formal teaching sessions. However, visiting students may be invited to attend tutorials.
Electives are offered for durations of 4 to 12 weeks, and applicants may apply for only one elective per calendar year. Please note that only clinical electives are available, and unfortunately, we are unable to provide research electives.
For enquiries, please contact the Faculty of Medicine's Work Integrated Learning (WIL) team at med.placements@uq.edu.au.
Eligibility
General
- Enrolment and Experience: Applicants must be currently enrolled in a recognised medical program and have completed at least one semester of clinical training.
- Application Coordination: Applicants must coordinate through the UQ Medical School and cannot contact hospitals or medical professionals directly. Direct applications to potential supervisors are not accepted.
- Documentation: All requested documentation must be provided in English and submitted no later than four weeks prior to the placement start date to avoid cancellation.
Placement Details
- Elective Period: Electives are available from mid-January to mid-November each year and last 4-12 weeks. Applicants may apply for only one elective placement in a single discipline per calendar year.
- Availability: Placement availability is limited. Flexibility to align with UQ’s Medical Program placement block dates may provide more options. Availability for the following calendar year is known in October of the current year. For internal medicine disciplines from June to November, availability is known in April of the current year.
- Date Flexibility: Minimal flexibility of dates is available; however, students can still apply for periods that fall outside of the UQ blocks. Please apply during the period that the requested block begins.
- Single Offer Policy: Only one offer will be made per applicant. If declined, no further offers will be made, and the application will be withdrawn.
- Elective Nature: The placements are for electives only. The Medical School cannot provide summative assessments or formal teaching sessions, but visiting students may be invited to attend tutorials.
- Placement Guarantee: The Medical School cannot guarantee clinical placement availability and may not be able to source a place for every applicant.
Fees
- Application Processing: Applications will be processed after the closing date of each block and only once the application fee has been received. Students will be notified by the latest outcome release date for their applicable block period.
- Fee Exemptions: Students from Bond, Griffith, and James Cook Universities are exempt from application and placement fees.
- Registration Fee: The AUD$100 registration fee is non-refundable, regardless of whether a suitable placement is found or if the placement is cancelled or withdrawn by the student.
- Placement Fee: After accepting an offered placement, the AUD$1000 placement fee will be charged and is non-refundable.
Additional Information
- Costs: Applicants are responsible for all travel, accommodation, and living expenses.
- Agreements/Learning Contracts: We are unable to enter into any placement/legal agreements or learning contracts between the student's home institution and the University of Queensland.
- Cancellation Rights: The UQ Medical School reserves the right to cancel an elective if there are concerns about the validity of the information provided or if unsafe or unprofessional conduct occurs during the elective.
For enquiries, please contact the Faculty of Medicine's Work Integrated Learning (WIL) team at med.placements@uq.edu.au.
Available Locations, Disciplines, and Dates
Locations and Disciplines
Please find a map of our hospitals, and the list of the latest Inbound elective opportunities tabled in the hyperlink below:
Placement Dates
2025 Schedule
Block | Start of block | End of block | Applications Open | Applications close | Outcome (latest) |
1 | 13 Jan 2025 | 23 Feb 2025 | 16 Sept 2024 | 14 Oct 2024* CLOSED | 18 Nov 2024 |
2 | 24 Feb 2025 | 06 April 2025 | 16 Sept 2024 | 14 Oct 2024* CLOSED | 18 Nov 2024 |
3 | 14 April 2025 | 25 May 2025 | 14 Oct 2024 OPEN | 16 Dec 2024 | 3 Feb 2025 |
4 | 23 Jun 2025 | 03 Aug 2025 | 14 Oct 2024 OPEN | 16 Dec 2024 | 3 Feb 2025 |
5 | 04 Aug 2025 | 14 Sep 2025 | 10 Feb 2025 | 7 April 2025 | 12 May 2025 |
6 | 22 Sep 2025 | 03 Nov 2025 | 10 Feb 2025 | 7 April 2025 | 12 May 2025 |
- Availability: Placement availability is limited. Flexibility to align with UQ’s Medical Program placement block dates may provide more options. Availability for the following calendar year is known in October of the current year. For internal medicine disciplines from June to November, availability is known in April of the current year. This will be reflected in minimal internal medicine on offer in the block 1 period.
- Date Flexibility: Minimal flexibility of dates is available; however, students can still apply for periods that fall outside of the UQ blocks. Please apply during the period that the requested block begins. If your placement commences in a University of Queensland break period, then apply in the block prior.
- Processing: Following the closing date of each block, applications will be processed and students notified by the latest outcome release date.
* Please note due to the influx of applications the block 1 and 2 the application closing date has been brought forward. If you find you are unable to apply prior to this date please contact the team at med.placements@uq.edu.au.
How to Apply
Please view the Available Locations, Disciplines, and Dates tab (above) for application due dates. Following the closing date of each block, applications will be processed and students notified by the latest outcome release date.
Required Application Documentation and Eligibility
To complete your application, please submit the following documentation:
Document | Detail |
Official Academic Transcript | Must include a grading scheme (provide a certified English translation if the original is not in English). Applicants must have an equivalent Grade Point Average (GPA) of 4.5 on a 7-point scale. If your home university uses a different grading scale, ensure that your transcript indicates a passing grade. |
UQ Medical Elective Authorisation Form | This must be completed and authorised by your Educational Institution. The form can be found here. |
English Language Proficiency (if studies were not conducted in English) | a) A statement of English language proficiency from your home university; or b) IELTS with an overall score of 7.0, including 7.0 in each sub-band (reading, writing, speaking, listening), taken within 2 years of your application. |
Application Fee | A non-refundable application fee of AUD $100.00. |
Please note the 2025 Schedule in the Available Locations, Disciplines, and Dates tab (above).
Applications for block 3 and 4, 2025 are currently open until Monday, 16 December.
Offer and Post Acceptance Documentation
If you are successful in securing an elective, you will receive a formal Letter of Offer. You must confirm acceptance of this offer no later than seven (7) calendar days and pay the elective fee of AU$1,000.00.
You are then required to provide the Post Acceptance Documentation listed below to med.placements@uq.edu.au no later than 4 weeks prior to commencement.
Post Acceptance Documentation
Document | Detail |
Immunisation Evidence | Queensland Health VPD Evidence form and TB Risk Assessment Questionnaire - The VPD form must be completed and signed by a medical practitioner. |
Blue Card (Queensland Working with Children Check) | It is a mandatory government requirement for all students completing an elective in Queensland to hold a current Blue Card whilst on placement. For steps on how to obtain a Blue Card, please see details in the Blue Card Information tab. |
Criminal History Check(Domestic students) | Complete an Australian National Police Certificate application through the Australian Federal Police - you should select the purpose as ‘37 (Care, instruction or supervision of children/ Care of intellectually disabled persons / Aged Care staff/volunteers)’. |
Criminal History Check(International students) |
|
Queensland Health Student Deed Poll(Domestic students) | Complete Deed Poll for students enrolled at Australian education institutions |
Queensland Health Student Deed Poll(International students) | Complete Deed Poll (Externally Enrolled Scholars) for students enrolled at International education institutions When completing the Deed Poll, please refer to your offer letter to ensure you select the correct Hospital and Health Service and please add The University of Queensland ABN 63 942 912 684 for Education Provider; sign the document and arrange for it to be witnessed by somone who is not a family member. |
Queensland Health Orientation Checklist | Complete the Student Orientation Checklist by indicating that you have read and understood the policies and requirements, and agree to comply. This includes providing:
Instructions for completing the Checklist requirements can be found at - Queensland Health Requirements. The University of Queensland ABN 63 942 912 684 Note: Please disregard the Aged Care, NDIS Worker, and Corrective Services criminal history check sections. |
P2-N95 Respirator Fit Test Certification | A P2/N95 mask fit test is required before commencing placement. For instructions on how to complete the fit test and testing protocols, see details in the P2/N95 mask fit test tab. |
Elective Placement Fee | Confirm your acceptance within seven (7) calendar days and pay the elective fee of AUD $1000.00. See Payment Information tab. |
Important: Prior to your placement
Please contact the Clinical Unit (contact details will be provided in the Letter of Offer) as soon as possible, and no later than four weeks before your elective start date. The Clinical Unit will send you a site-specific welcome pack to help you prepare for your elective and provide instructions for your first day.
Blue Card Information
What is a Blue Card?
Blue Card Services administers the blue card system – Queensland’s Working With Children Check. Working with children checks provide a check of a person’s criminal history and is also an ongoing assessment of your eligibility to work with children while you are on placement. This is a mandatory requirement for all students completing an elective in Queensland.
If you don’t already have a Blue Card you will need to apply for one as long as you are not a disqualified person. If you are a disqualified person, it is an offence to apply for a Blue Card and penalties may apply. If you have an existing valid Blue Card, please contact the Faculty's Work Integrated Learning (WIL) team for more information. If your card is due to expire, you will need to renew it before it expires.
- Application time: Blue Cards processing time takes a minimum of 28 days plus internal processing time at UQ.
Can take longer if further investigation is needed. - Cost: $0 (students are classed as volunteers)
- Student residing in Queensland
- Student residing interstate or internationally
How to Apply - Students residing in Queensland
Step 1:
You will need a Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) customer reference number (CRN) in order to prove your identity to Blue Card Services.
You can find your customer reference number in the top right area on the front of a range of TMR products including a Queensland driver’s license or proof of age card.
If you don’t already have a Queensland TMR customer reference number, you will need to obtain one before you can progress your Blue Card application. To obtain a TMR customer reference number, check which identity and Queensland residential address documents you will need, then take these documents to a TMR centre in person and request a customer reference number.
Step 2:
Register for an online account and receive your Blue Card account number. Please visit the Queensland Government application portal and have your CRN ready. If asked, ensure you enter The University of Queensland as your institution.
Step 3:
Once you have received your Blue Card account number please email it to the Faculty's Work Integrated Learning team who will link you to UQ.
Step 4:
Once you have been notified by Blue Card Services that you have been linked to UQ, you need to log in to the Blue Card applicant portal and apply for a Blue Card.
Step 5:
Once Blue Card Services have approved your application, you should receive a ‘Blue Card Application Approved’ via email and your new Blue Card will be mailed to your nominated address. UQ will also be notified that your card has been approved so there is nothing further for you to do.
How to Apply - Interstate and International students
If you are unable to attend a Queensland TMR in person, it is possible to apply for a CRN using a Remote Pack, however this is a lengthy process. Please allow sufficient time if applying via a Remote Pack.
We strongly recommend that you closely follow the instructions provided in the ‘Getting a Customer Reference Number’ resource to complete your application.
Step 1: Prepare your application
To obtain your CRN offshore you will need to complete the following documentation:
- New Customer/Photo and Signature Remote Application (Form F5342)
- Evidence of Identity (EOI): Photocopy 3 x Evidence of Identity (EOI) documents (For example, your EOI documents might comprise of a foreign passport + temporary visa + student identity document (Australian Universities only) OR bank card. Must be signed in the presence of an approved witness.
- 2 x identical colour 35mm (W) x 45mm (L) photographs must be provided. Both photographs must be signed on the back of an approved witness. One photograph must be signed on the reverse side by an approved witness with the words: "I certify this is a true photograph of (the applicant) in my presence."
Step 2: Document witnessing
Many of your documents will need to be signed in the presence of an approved witness. An approved witness is a:
- police officer
- medical practitioner
- consular or ambassadorial officer
- solicitor, barrister or judge
- Justice of the Peace or a Commissioner for Declarations
- Notary Public or a person authorised by law to witness and sign declarations.
It is important that you take note of the approved witness requirements outlined above.
Step 3: Send application to QLD Department of Transport and Main Roads
The Manager
Department of Transport and Main Roads
Dalby Customer Service Centre
PO Box 767
Dalby QLD 4405
Step 4: Receive Customer Reference Number (CRN)
TMR will process your application and send your CRN to the address you supplied on the New Customer Application form.
Once you have received your CRN, you can then apply for a blue card as per the steps below.
Step 5: Register for a Blue Card Account
Once you have your CRN, you will need it to register for a Blue Card Services online account before you can apply for your Blue Card. You only need to register once. You can register here for a Blue Card Services online account. Take note of your Blue Card account number when you register for your account. If asked, ensure you enter The University of Queensland as your institution.
Offshore International Students can use the Faculty of Medicine address as below, to register for a Blue Card Services online account:
Level 5 Student Hub, Oral Health Centre
The University of Queensland
288 Herston Road,
Herston QLD, 4006
Australia
Step 6: Link Your Account
Once you have received your Blue Card account number, please email it to the Work Integrated Learning team - med.placements@uq.edu.au
Step 7: Complete Blue Card Application
Once you have been notified by Blue Card Services that you have been linked to UQ, you need to log in to the Blue Card applicant portal and complete your application to apply for a Blue Card.
Step 8: Application Approved
Once Blue Card Services have approved your application, you should receive a ‘Blue Card Application Approved’ notification via email and your new Blue Card will be mailed to your nominated address. UQ will also be notified that your card has been approved so there is nothing further for you to do
P2-N95 Respirator Fit Test Certification
Students are required to be P2/N95 mask fit tested prior to commencing placement. Acceptable fit tests must include:
- Brand and Model of Respirator – 3M 1870+; Trident RTCFFP2; Halyard. These mask types are generally available at all clinical sites. If the mask you are fit tested for is not available at your clinical site, you may be required to be retested for available mask types.
- Testing Protocol – ANSI Z.88.10, ISO 16975-3, OSHA 1910.134 (US), ANSI Z.88.10 (US), INDG-479 (UK), HSE 282/28 (UK)
- Date of Test – as per Australian Standards, all fit test certifications will expire 12 months after the certification date. Students are required to hold a valid fit test certificate for the duration of their placement.
a) Have you been P2/N95 mask fit tested? If so, please provide evidence of the P2/N95 mask for which you have been approved (including testing methodology/standard and test date) along with the completed form.
b) If you have not been fit tested, please contact Keys Human Resources via the details below to arrange a respirator fit test to be conducted prior to the commencement of your clinical placement:
Keys Human Resources
Ph: 1300 096 617
E: fittesting@keyshr.com
W: https://www.fittestingservices.com.au
Book Your Fit Test Here
Fit test fees approximately AUD$75 per respirator test. Once you have successfully completed the fit test you will be issued with a cert. card – please send a copy to the Faculty's Work Integrated Learning (WIL) team at med.placements@uq.edu.au.
Payment Information
Students are required to pay an application and placements fees. Students attending Queensland Universities, or covered under a Partnership agreement, are exempt from any fees.
Application and Placement fees for all other students are payable through UQ Payments via Visa or Mastercard. Please note we will not process your application or confirm your clinical placement until all the required payment receipts are received.
Application Fee: AUD $100.00
Placement Fee: AUD $1000.00
Refunds
The AUD $100.00 application fee is non-refundable regardless of if you are successful in being matched to a placement or if the placement is cancelled by the student.
After accepting an offered placement, the AUD$1000.00 placement fee is due and is non-refundable.
Important Information for Queensland Medical Students
Students from Queensland Universities (Bond, Griffith, and James Cook University) wishing to undertake an elective from South East Queensland north to Rockhampton must formally apply via the UQ Medical School. Any medical electives north of Rockhampton are administered by James Cook University.
Queensland medical students (Bond, Griffith, and James Cook University) will not be required to pay the application or placement fees.
International students
Important Visa Information for International Students:
The University of Queensland cannot provide advice on visa types or conditions. For guidance on your visa requirements, please contact the Department of Home Affairs.
Please Note: The University of Queensland does not sponsor visas for students planning to undertake electives in Queensland.
Student Responsibility: You are responsible for obtaining the correct visa for your placement.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Prior to Application / General Information
December Applications
- Can I apply for December?
No. December is often a period where many hospital and administrative staff are on leave, which limits the availability of appropriate supervision and administrative support.
Group Placements
- If I am traveling with someone else, will we be placed at the same hospital?
We will attempt to place students traveling as a group together, but this cannot be guaranteed. Please mention who you are traveling with in the last section of the online application form.
UQ Student Card
- Will I get a UQ student card?
Elective students do not pay UQ tuition fees and are therefore not eligible for a UQ student card or student number. You will receive a hospital card, which cannot be used as a student card.
Accommodation
- Is there accommodation supplied?
Students need to arrange their own accommodation. Suggestions for accommodation can be provided upon request.
Application Process
- What happens once I submit my application?
Once your application is received, we will send an acknowledgment email. It can take 6-8 weeks to process the application, but this may take longer depending on staffing demands.
Offer Acceptance
- If I get an offer but it’s not what I really want, can I be made a different offer?
No, only one offer will be made to each applicant. 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.
Student Concession on Public Transport
- Am I eligible for a student concession on public transport?
According to TransLink policy, only students enrolled full-time in a Queensland University are eligible for a concession on public transport. Students from interstate or international universities are not eligible for student concessions on public transport. Your student ID card from your home country will not be accepted.
Sick Leave
- What if I am sick and require time off?
If you are sick for 2 or more days, you must provide a doctor’s certificate. You should also inform your Hospital Coordinator if you are unable to attend your elective.
Documentation
Grading System
- My University does not grade on a 7-point scale. Can I still apply with my transcript?
We understand that not all Medical Schools use a 7-point scale. However, we require applicants to have average to above-average results in their university studies to date.
Confirmation of Attendance
- Can the school complete a form required by my University once I do my elective?
Yes, this form can be completed to confirm your attendance and indicate that you have the same rights and responsibilities as a local student. We cannot provide a graded assessment.
For further inquiries, please contact: med.placements@uq.edu.au