UCSF Medical Center
San Francisco, California · Visiting Student (MD/DO)
Always confirm details on the official institution page before applying. Requirements, fees, and deadlines can change.
About this program
The UCSF Visiting Student Program (San Francisco, CA) provides 4th-year medical students from US LCME-accredited or COCA-accredited osteopathic schools the opportunity to enroll in short-term away rotations at UCSF. Elective opportunities include clinical and research clerkships across UCSF's multiple departments and teaching hospitals throughout San Francisco. Applications are accepted ONLY through the AAMC Visiting Student Learning Opportunities (VSLO) platform — UCSF does not accept direct applications. INTL (non-US) medical students are NOT currently accepted via this pathway. Total elective time at UCSF is capped at 3 months (12 weeks). A $300 non-refundable processing fee is required per elective. The Visiting Elective Scholarship Program (VESP) provides up to $2,000 to support disadvantaged students or those committed to UCSF PRIDE (Professionalism, Respect, Integrity, Diversity, Excellence) values. For 2026 applications, the window opens February 9, 2026; tentative approvals issued April 20, 2026. UCSF also maintains a separate postdoctoral research pathway (see UCSF Office for Postdoctoral Scholars) for IMGs pursuing research training.
AAMC VSLO platform
Applications submitted through your home medical school's Dean's office.
UCSF School of Medicine Visiting Student Program canonical page. US LCME/COCA M4 via AAMC VSLO; INTL students currently not accepted via this pathway. Max 3 months / 12 weeks elective time. $300 non-refundable processing fee per elective. Visiting Elective Scholarship Program (VESP) provides up to $Verbatim from source page · audited 2026-05-25
Quick highlights
Strong points
- Verified direct sourceAudited URL — no platform middleman, no scraped data
Watch for
- INTL not eligibleProgram is US LCME/COCA only — no IMG pathway
- VSLO platform requiredYour home medical school must participate in AAMC VSLO
- Substantial program fee$300 non-refundable processing fee per elective + VSLO application fee; VESP scholarship up to $2,000 for eligible applicants
Fees, duration & what it costs
What's included
- 2-4 weeks of structured clinical experience
- Placement in Multi-department clinical + research clerkships (UCSF School of Medicine + affi...
- Direct supervision by attending faculty
- Rounds, case discussions, and bedside teaching participation
How to apply
- Confirm eligibility with your home Dean's office.Verify your school participates in VSLO and that you have completed any required core clerkships.
- Open the program's official Visiting Students page.Review the current elective catalog, available specialties, and any program-specific forms.
- Submit your application through the AAMC VSLO platform.Your home Dean's office handles the submission. Include the Dean's letter of permission and any required documentation.
- Wait for the program to assign your rotation.Lead time varies by demand. Programs review on a rolling or cohort schedule (see Lead time tile above).
- Complete pre-arrival onboarding.Health clearance, malpractice attestation, immunization documentation, and orientation are coordinated by the program before your start date.
Available specialties
Eligibility requirements
MD/MBBS, faculty sponsor, USMLE Step 1, health clearance, background check | Visa: B1/B2
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