Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1.  I am not a medical student; can I apply for elective posting?

No, applicants must be a bona-fide undergraduate student at a medical school and already in their clinical years. Regrettably, nursing, pharmacy, or allied health faculty students are not accepted.

2.  Can I apply if I am in pre-clinical years?

No, our elective postings are only open to applicants who are bona-fide medical school students and already in their clinical years.

3.  Can I apply less than 6 months in advance?

No, applicants must submit their application at least 6 months in advance, regardless of prior arrangements. Otherwise, the application will not be considered. At maximum, applicants may apply twelve months in advance.

The stipulated time is required to coordinate with the departments and prepare for the student's posting.

4.  Can I start the posting if I have not submitted all the required documents?

No, you will not be allowed to start your posting until the NUS team receives all required documents for processing.

5.  Can I make changes to the application submitted?

Applicants are strongly advised against making any changes and should be certain of their preferred posting choices and dates before application submission.

Requests for change in discipline / department of postings will NOT be entertained after the application is submitted.

For changes in posting date (for any confirmed posting), applicants will be charged a non-refundable administrative fee of S$54.24 (to NUS) for each change request, even if the department is unable to accommodate the change of dates. Please note that changes are subject to the availability of vacancies, supervision, and the Dean's approval.

6.  What is the minimum and maximum posting period?

The minimum and maximum total posting periods are 2 weeks and 8 weeks, respectively. Postings are counted in weeks, commencing on a Monday and ending on a Friday.

7.  What is the availability of vacancies in each clinical department?

Our office cannot advise on posting availability in the departments as the acceptance and placement will depend on the department's approval.

Applicants must send their applications, and we will channel them to the departments for their consideration.

8.  Will my application fee be refunded if my application is unsuccessful?

No, the application fee is strictly non-refundable under any circumstances.

9.  Can I do a research project during my electives at Singapore General Hospital?

Yes, you must email the SGH Campus Education Office @ adminado@sgh.com.sg at least before the commencement of the elective attachment. The request is subject to the department's approval.

10.  Can I get the SGH Campus Education Office to endorse forms or documents requested by my School?

SGH will not endorse any documents from your University or any other special request forms containing statements like "the student has had the same rights, duties, responsibilities like the regular medical students of the University..." or with the same meanings. Our legal counsel has advised us to discontinue the practice of acknowledging these forms in view of possible legal implications.

11.  What should my Health Insurance cover?

Your health insurance should cover the cost of your medical expenses incurred during the period of your posting at Singapore General Hospital.

12.  Where can I purchase the Professional Indemnity Insurance/ Malpractice Insurance?

While some students are insured by their parent university, others need to buy travel insurance from their local insurance providers that includes third-party liability coverage. Note: Professional Indemnity Insurance is also known as Personal Liability Insurance, which is also acceptable.

You can contact the Medical Protection Society, Singapore, at https://www.medicalprotection.org/singapore if you have trouble obtaining Professional Indemnity Insurance. 

As a medical student, joining MPS is simple and free. For more information and assistance, please email: mps@sma.org.sg

Alternatively, you may purchase health/travel insurance from your home country that includes personal liability coverage.

Note: Students are to ensure sufficient coverage throughout their placement in Singapore.

13.  Is submitting the "Letter Certifying Completion of Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS)" compulsory?

Yes. Students who are not able to submit the documentary proof before the posting start date will not be allowed to proceed with the posting.

14.  I will be doing my elective at Singapore General Hospital. Where can I obtain the BCLS certificate?

You may obtain the letter from your University as proof of certification for your completion of Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS).

15.  What are the details stated on the “Letter of Completion”?

Apart from the student's name and the name of Parent University, the other details include:

a) Name of posting department

b) Name of the teaching hospital

c) Posting period

d) Posting objectives

16.  What are the accommodation options available?

Unfortunately, no accommodation options are available on the Singapore General Hospital campus. For short-term stay (less than 3 months), student can search for "student hostel Singapore" for list of providers. Please contact the respective co-living or hostel owners for more details. These option offers greater flexibility for students, allowing them to find accommodations closer to their assigned hospital (s) at affordable rates.

All applicants must be self-financed. The Hospital will not be responsible for the applicant's travel arrangements (including VISA and/or any Pass fees required by the authorities), insurances (medical, travel and/or malpractice), accommodation or any fees charged during his/her stay in the Hospital.

17.  Where do I report on the first day of my posting?

Reporting details for the first-day orientation will be given a week before the commencement date.

Note: The dress code is smart office wear, and your general dressing should be in keeping with proper decorum in the hospital. Please note that jeans, shorts, T-shirts, or slippers are not allowed.