Yale Visiting International Student Elective Program
New Haven, Connecticut · Clerkship
Always confirm details on the official institution page before applying. Requirements, fees, and deadlines can change.
About this program
The Yale Visiting International Student Elective Program is designed for final-year medical students enrolled at international (non-US) medical schools. Students apply through AAMC VSLO and may complete up to three four-week electives, each in a different specialty. Electives are strictly elective-level (no core clerkships and no observerships). Requirements include a dean's letter verifying good standing and core-clerkship completion, English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS for non-native speakers), official transcript, CV, recommendation letter, immunization records, personal statement, and proof of health insurance upon acceptance. Yale states that clinical electives do not satisfy home-school core clerkship requirements. The 2026-2027 rate is $4,775 for 4 weeks, $9,550 for 8, $14,325 for 12. Applications open each February for the first semester and September for the second semester, and must be submitted no later than four months before the chosen start. Estimated monthly living costs (excluding housing) are at least $2,240.
AAMC VSLO platform
Applications submitted through your home medical school's Dean's office.
Quick highlights
Strong points
- Verified direct sourceAudited URL — no platform middleman, no scraped data
- Tier-A recommendedFlagged as a top program in our directory
- INTL physicians eligibleOpen to international medical graduates
- Certificate of completionIssued on successful program completion
Watch for
- VSLO platform requiredYour home medical school must participate in AAMC VSLO
- USMLE Step requiredNot explicitly required; strongly recommended for residency signaling
- Substantial program fee$4,775 per 4 weeks (2026-2027); $300 non-refundable app fee
Fees, duration & what it costs
What's included
- 4 weeks per elective; up to 3 electives (12 weeks total) of structured clinical experience
- Placement in Multi-specialty clinical electives
- Direct supervision by attending faculty
- Rounds, case discussions, and bedside teaching participation
- Certificate of completion at end of program
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
Final-year international medical students in good standing with all core clerkships completed; English proficient; VSLO-enabled home school.
USMLE / COMLEX: Not explicitly required; strongly recommended for residency signaling
Graduation year: Class of 2027
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