Visiting Student Electives

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is an elective ID number and how do I get one?
An elective ID number is a 4-digit number that is automatically generated when you submit your online application. It is confirmation that our Electives Management System has received your application. The ID number should be used on all correspondence as a way to identify your application.

2.  How long does it take to confirm an elective?
Unfortunately there is no easy answer to this question!  Depending on which Department(s) you have requested, it could take as little as two weeks to as long as a couple of months.  All we ask is that you have patience - we're working as hard as we can on your requests!

3. I submitted an online application, but I've since changed my mind about what I want to do. How do I edit my application?
*Effective August 3rd, 2010 changes to applications will not be considered:

All elective applications are to be submitted electronically. Please note that changes or cancellation to requested electives cannot be made and require re-application and additional payment of both the application fee and non-refundable administrative fee.  The Elective fee will be refunded if your request cannot be accommodated.

4. What happens if none of my choices is available?
On the application form you can submit up to six program choices, with three different sets of dates - that's 18 different possibilities! However, if none of your selections is available you will receive an email asking if you have additional choices, or if you wish to abandon your application.

5. How do I pay the elective fee by credit card?
To pay by VISA, MasterCard, or American Express please contact the Electives Coordinator at (902) 494-3797 - please feel free to leave your card number on password-protected voicemail.  Unfortunately we do not have the capability to accept your credit card over the Internet.

6.  My school doesn't provide me with malpractice insurance.  Can I buy insurance from Dalhousie University?
Unfortunately Dalhousie University is unable to provide malpractice insurance for visiting students.  You will have to do some research into finding coverage on your own. International students now require a minimum of $2 million CAD per claim / $5 million CAD aggregate.

 7. Are you able to process my application although I have not submitted all the documentation?

No; Dalhousie does require ALL documentation to be submitted at once in order for your application to be processed.

8.  Will the entire fee be processed all at once?

The non-refundable processing fee will be charged upon receiving all documentation.  The additional application fee will be charged only upon receiving confirmation from the department.

9.  I have not submitted an application yet; however, I’m wondering what the chances are of getting placed for an elective?

Due to the volume of clerkship activities, we do not keep a central database of available positions and thus cannot provide you with what elective spots are available before submitting an application.

Only after sending your application to the hospital will we know if your elective request can be accommodated. Once this process has begun, it generally takes 2-4 weeks for the Departments to report availability.

10.  I want to apply for more than one elective, do I have to send in two applications along with two University Confirmation Forms and payment?

No; please submit one application with all your requests.  Dalhousie will only process one application per student.  The online application does provides 6 program choices along with three different sets of dates.

11.  Can I speed up the process by contacting a physician/ department directly?

No; you are taking a big risk if you approach a preceptor directly to arrange an elective. You may get agreement from a preceptor, but each division takes a limited number of electives, and the person you talked to may be subsequently overruled, leaving you without an elective. For your own protection, you are asked to apply through Dalhousie University.   This also applies to contacting Departments directly.