Medicine Clerkship Program (elective)

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Application Period 

Applications for placements with start dates between 1 July - 31 December 2026 are closed.  We have reached our capacity for 2026.

Applications for placements with start dates between 1 January – 30 June 2027 are expected to open in June – July 2026.  The exact application date will be confirmed closer to the time.  Please check this website nearer to the application period for the most up to date information.

For more information on the application process, visit How to apply for a Clerkship.

Each hospital site has different start dates and placement durations. Please review  the Clerkship areas of study page to ensure your application start date and the duration match the availability listed. Any variations in dates or durations will not be considered. 

Placements are limited. Once the application capacity is reached, we will stop accepting new applications. Please check this page for the most updated information before submitting your application.

Applications for placements in 2026 are closed.

If you have already lodged an application for 2026, your application is considered accepted.  Please attend to the emails on required documentation. 

Clerkship Coordinator

Contacts for the Clerkship Coordinator.

UNSW Sydney NSW 2052 AUSTRALIA
E: clerkships@med.unsw.edu.au

About Medicine Clerkships at UNSW

The UNSW Medicine Clerkship Program (elective) is a placement program that provides successful applicants the opportunity to develop hands-on skills and practical experience in selected disciplines at one of UNSW's clinical teaching hospitals alongside other health professionals.

During a clerkship, you will attend clinics, ward rounds and, with permission, record the history and perform physical examinations of patients in the wards.

If the clerkship placement is during a medicine teaching period, lectures and tutorials in the clinical school may also be available.

UNSW Clerkships are only offered to non UNSW Sydney medical students.

Areas of study

The UNSW Medicine Clerkship Program offers a comprehensive range of areas of study for which students can apply. The full list of clinical schools and the areas of interest that are offered in the UNSW Medicine Clerkship Program is available on the Clerkships areas of study page. Please make sure you check the most updated information before submitting your online application.

When are Clerkships offered?

Clerkships take place for a duration of minimum four (4) to a maximum of eight (8) weeks depending on the offerings by different hospitals. 

Some hospitals only offer clerkships over particular dates and time periods. Please check the most updated information about the dates before lodging an application, by visiting Clerkships areas of study page.

Please keep in view (if overseas) you must arrive in Australia at least 1 week before the placement start date, to complete university (including collecting your student card from Kensington campus) and hospital administrative requirements, as well as receive the current Southern Hemisphere flu vaccine.

Eligibility for Clerkships

To be eligible to apply for the UNSW Medicine Clerkship Program, you must: 

  • be undertaking the clerkship as part of the requirements of completing your medical program
  • be in your final year of a medical degree at the time of your participation in the clerkship
  • have at least two years of clinical experience at the time of your participation in the clerkship
  • be proficient in both written and spoken English (students applying from non-English speaking medical schools must provide evidence of English language proficiency)
    • You can apply for an English Waiver which is a decision by UNSW to waive the English language requirements based on life experience and circumstances.
    • Please refer to the Conditions for an English Waiver section to check if you meet any of the conditions.
    • Clerkships apply for an English Waver by emailing the documents to clerkships@med.unsw.edu.au
  • If you are an overseas applicant, you should contact your nearest Australian Diplomatic Mission to understand how to comply with visa requirements. Generally, a Visitor Visa is sufficient.

    Visitor Visas – the Australian Department of Home Affairs issues two visas for this type of study:

    1. 601 Subclass Visa, also called an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA). An ETA lets you:

    • Enter Australia for up to three months at a time as a tourist or for business visitor purposes.
    • You’re also permitted to study in Australia for up to 3 months in some circumstances.

    2. 651 Subclass Visa, also called an eVisitor. This visa lets you:

    • Enter Australia for up to 3 months during each visit during 12 months from the date the eVisitor is granted.
    • Have a holiday or visit family and friends in Australia.
    • Study in Australia for up to three months in some circumstances.
  • You are responsible for all travel and living expenses, including accommodation.

    Due to high costs in Sydney, start searching early and have accommodation arranged before arrival. We do not proivde accommodation for clerkship students.

    • Students are required to pay a non-refundable administration fee of AUD 100 within 48 hours of lodging an application.
    • Students are required to pay an AUD 400 placement fee when accepting their placement offer.
      • If students withdraw from the program after payment of the AUD 400 placement fee, but before the start date of their placement, they are eligible for a refund of 50% of the placement fee.
      • If students withdraw from the program after payment of the AUD 400 placement fee and on or after the start date of their placement, they are not eligible for a refund of the placement fee.
      • If the placement is cancelled by the hospital, due to circumstances outside of the student's control, the AUD 400 placement fee is fully refundable.
    • Please note, in circumstances where placements have been withdrawn or cancelled, no rescheduling of placements or alternative placements will be offered.
  • In accepting a clerkship with UNSW, you accept that:

    • You must accept the offer and pay the AUD 400 placement fee within two weeks of receiving the offer or your offer will be withdrawn.
    • Upon accepting the offer and payment of fees, you will be enrolled as a Non-Award UNSW student and issued a UNSW student ID card.
    • You will not be paid or remunerated for a clerkship.
    • You will be required to abide by the guidelines of NSW Health, UNSW, the hospital, and your supervisor.
    • You must comply with the NSW Health requirements and be deemed compliant to attend your placement.
    • If travelling from overseas, you are expected to follow NSW Health advice regarding International passenger arrivals
    • We strongly recommend you arrive in Sydney a minimum of 5 working days before your placement start date, to complete university (including collecting your student card from Kensington campus) and hospital administrative requirements, as well as receive the current Southern Hemisphere flu vaccine. 
    • It is a legal requirement that all medical students who undertake clerkships in New South Wales are registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency. Information given on the Clerkship Application Form will be forwarded to the Agency for registration. No other action is required by the student.
    • You are responsible for obtaining any travel and health insurance as deemed appropriate.
    • You will be responsible for all travel (including visa, insurance and flights) and living costs (including accommodation, food and spending money).
    • You are responsible for arranging an appropriate Australian visa to undertake clerkships.
    • In circumstances where clerkships have been withdrawn or cancelled, no rescheduling of placements or alternative placements will be offered.
  • Please note, clerkship courses do not have any credits or results. You can download a copy of your Academic Statement (showing enrolment in courses) by logging onto myUNSW with your 7-digit zID and password.

    In 'My Student Profile' tab, click View Results / Academic Statement. At bottom of the page, click the 'Here' button to generate your academic statement. Your academic statement will open in a new window. If your statement does not appear, make sure you have allowed pop-ups in your browser and try again.

    For login issues, please contact IT Service Desk.

    You can also order an official Academic Transcript for a fee. Please see details here.

     

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Clerkship areas of study

The UNSW Medicine Clerkship Program offers non-UNSW Medicine student placements with a number of clinical specialities.
UNSW medical clerkships

How to apply for a Clerkship

Find out everything you need to know about applying for a UNSW Medicine Clerkship before you start your application and that you have the correct supporting documents.