International Academic Program
The International Academic Program for Health Sciences Students is a clinical and research based medical program for international medical students, residents, those studying public health and nursing students. Though we will take medical students at any stage of their program, it will be of greatest benefit for later year medical students and early to later year residents. (Physicians please register for your respective program on the Physician Enhancement Program webpage). There are 3 tracks: research, clinical or a mix of research and clinical work. Clinical observation track for medicine is currently limited to mental health/psychiatry, surgical simulation and radiology/nuclear medicine. This elective is offered by the Office of International Programs, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry at the University of Alberta. We accept candidates year-round, pending capacity.
The program involves observation, shadowing, participation in professional meetings and exposure to health care practitioner-patient relationship models within the context of Alberta Health Services.
Program Content
- Clinical observation
- Access to training program resources
- Exposure to basic and clinical research training methods
- Familiarity with the Canadian healthcare system
- Understanding of physician-patient relationship models in Canada
- Experience Canadian society and culture
- Observe medical practice in Canada in different settings
- Enhance English communication skills with patients and colleagues
Program Curriculum
- Clinical
- Academic
- Research
Program Requirements
- Must be a medical student, nurse or resident.
- Adequate English comprehension and speaking skills
- Canadian entry visa
- Cell phone
Program Fees
The program fee per trainee are as follows:
- Research track: $2,000 CAD/month
- Clinical track: $4,000 CAD/month
- Combined research & clinical track: $3,000/month
The program fees include:
- Clinical observership
- 1-2 months of structured clinical/basic research lab experience
- Medical malpractice insurance (if required)
- Personal emergency health insurance
Program participants may attend this program from 1 to 3 months at any time of the year, in any specialty, as capacity permits.
Programming is individualized according to each participant. Program participants will visit the University of Alberta and our partners at the University of Alberta Hospital (UAH), the Royal Alexandra Hospital (RAH), Grey Nuns Hospital (GNH), Misericordia Hospital (MH) and Alberta Hospital Edmonton (AHE).
For those applying during the summer, it is highly recommended that they integrate their experience with our 4-week Global Health Science Program (GHSP), either as part of or in addition to their overall stay at the University of Alberta.
We require completion of the IAP application form and a signed letter written on the candidate’s home institution's letterhead stating the candidate's credentials i.e. current program, type of program, years completed, and degrees awarded if applicable. Once payment is received, we will issue an invitation letter to apply for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV). Check out processing times for your country here.
The International Academic Program (IAP) is now open and receiving applications. Questions? Contact iaep@ualberta.ca
The payment links below are for 1 month. If your elective is longer, increase the quantity at checkout by the number of months of your elective.
To pay for the clincial track go here
To pay for the research track go here
To pay for the combined track go here
The cost of accommodations for all lengths of stay are in addition to the above fees. Candidates are responsible for arranging their own accommodations.
If participants depart prior to completing their program, the full fees for that period apply and no refunds are offered.
For more information about the research stream contact Dr. Dawei Zhang at dzhang@ualberta.ca. For more information about the clinical stream, contact Dr. Pierre Chue at pchue@ualberta.ca.