Visiting Student Electives
Electives
The following types of electives are offered at RCSI Bahrain:
- Clinical Electives: A limited number of visiting students are accepted throughout the year and preference is given to those registered at medical schools with a formal or informal agreement with the RCSI Bahrain. If you are uncertain if your school has an agreement with RCSI Bahrain, check with a school official before submitting your application.
- Research Elective: Research experiences are offered on a space available basis to medical students who submit appropriate application materials.
Application process
There is an administrative fee of US$200. Once we have received the dates you wish to do the Elective and if we are in a position to facilitate you, we will then require you to send a US Bank Draft to the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland - Medical University of Bahrain.
The application form may be downloaded and forwarded to the Head of School of Medicine by registered post to the address mentioned below.
The Application Form must be accompanied by the following documents:
- One passport sized photo
- Curriculum vitae
- Reference and letter of good standing from the Dean of the Medical School / official transcript of examination results
- Immunisation records (hepatitis B, tuberculosis, mumps, measles, rubella) / RCSI Bahrain code of conduct
- Personal health insurance with international coverage
RCSI Bahrain Electives FAQs
How soon can I begin the application process?
Applications are accepted throughout the year and students are encouraged to apply up to 6 months before the start of the elective.
What is an official transcript?
An official transcript is a transcript that has been generated by your school for use by our institution to support your application. We will accept a transcript in a sealed envelope from your school along with your other application materials.
Can I fax or email my application?
Applications are ONLY accepted by post.
What is the duration of an elective?
Clinical electives are scheduled for 4 weeks with a maximum of two allowed per academic year. Research electives are typically scheduled for based on availability.
Do I need to follow the RCSI Bahrain academic calendar for my elective choices?
No, you do not need to follow the RCSI Bahrain academic calendar for your elective choices.
Which electives are available?
RCSI Bahrain does not have a definitive list of available electives. Please list your areas of interest and we will endeavour to accommodate you.
Are there prerequisites for electives?
The only prerequisite for clinical electives is completion of basic clerkship in elective speciality. Your application will not be considered unless your official transcript contains proof of completion of the prerequisite courses.
Can you tell me if space is available for an elective before I apply?
No. A determination cannot be made until your completed application is received and reviewed.
I've spoken to a faculty member who has already accepted me for an elective. What do I need to do next?
Having had communication with a faculty member does not guarantee acceptance for an elective. All scheduling is done on a space-available basis and processing is the same for all students. You may include a letter of support from the faculty member with your application. However, all application processing initiates with the Visiting Student Coordinator and offers of acceptance can only be extended by the Office of the Head of the School of Medicine.
What are my chances of acceptance?
Summer months, in particular, are extremely full. To maximize placement, you may include 3 elective choices on your application.
Can I apply for more than 3 electives?
You can apply for a maximum of 3 electives per application and we will accept one application per semester. If we are unable to place you for an elective, you will be notified by email. If you choose to do so, you can reapply with a new completed application for another semester.
How will I know if my application has been received?
You will receive email confirmation from RCSI Bahrain when your application is received. If your application is received incomplete, you will receive an email which details the missing and/or erroneous items of your application. Once your application is complete, you will receive an email that states your application has been received and is being forwarded for consideration.
How can I find out about the status of my application?
Please allow a minimum of 30-60 days for your application to be reviewed. Please do not call the University to check on the status of your application. You may contact the Visiting Student Coordinator at electives@rcsi-mub.com no earlier than 30 days after you have received email notification that your application has been sent for review to inquire as to the status. DO NOT contact faculty regarding the status of your application.
What are the visa requirements? How do I apply for a visa?
All visiting medical students, regardless of nationality, are required to apply for a visa before travelling to Bahrain. The Visiting Student Coordinator will assist you with your visa AFTER you have been accepted for an elective at RCSI Bahrain. The visa application process and services offered will be provided once you have been accepted for an elective and will be for a chargeable fee.
What housing options are available?
A limited number of furnished units adjacent to campus are available from BHD700 per month. Housing information for options off campus and adjacent to campus will be provided if you are accepted for an elective.