Funding your elective

The idea of spending 8 weeks abroad can be so exciting but also financially daunting.

As a result of this, many students resort to either staying locally or through bank loans however, funding your elective can be straight forward if you do it properly!

There are many charities, trusts and organisations that annually give substantial amounts of money to medical students to pay for their electives

how much money will I need?

This varies on where you would like to go consider these things: -

  • Flights
  • Accommodation – your host supervisor might have suggestions
  • Food
  • Immunisations
  • Visa
  • Travel insurance
  • Transport
  • Equipment – luggage, backpack, first aid kit, laptop/ipads etc
  • Indemnity insurance

It is recommended to use a cost breakdown spreadsheet/list that can be found on Excel or Notion, or even Pinterest has blank options.

Where do I look for funding?

  • The University of Aberdeen
    • The Alumni Annual Fund gives students study support grants in exchange for a report on completion of the project – small price to pay considering a report is due at the end anyway!
  • The internet
    • Look for trusts/organisations that give money to medical students for electives
  • Look locally
    • Clubs such as the Rotary Club are well known for donating money to locals with worthy cause
  • Other sources such as companies and local businesses

Make a list of the awards/grants you have found that you think you are eligible for – the more you find, the more likely you are to be successful in your application

How do I apply?

  • Cover letter
    • You will need to tailor this to suit each organisation
    • If possible, find the contact name of the person you are sending your application to – address them to make it more personal
    • No more than one side of A4 paper, 2-3 paragraphs – state who you are, brief plan and that you understand they offer a grant that you would like to be considered for.
  • Project outline
    • Keep it brief
    • Some background of chosen field
    • Explain what you intend to do and how you will do this
    • Explain your objectives
    • Include details such as what kind of equipment and data collection method you will use and reference any papers you have quoted
  • Cost breakdown
    • Include your budget plan – gives an idea of cost of the project and what their donated money will be spent on
  • CV
    • Your CV should highlight any achievements and professional skills and development throughout your time at university
    • Section on CV writing has more guidance
  • Reference from university
    • Confirms you are who you say you are and explains what an elective is and that you need to do it to graduate
    • The medical school office can help with this
    • You can also download a “Deans Letter” from this website
  • University transcript
  • Send your finished proposal either as an email or a stamped addressed envelope with your details enclosed so they can reply.
    • If you have sent it in an envelope, allow enough time for it to reach the destination and then phone to ensure they have received it

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