Overview
National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU) and affiliated teaching hospital, Taipei Veterans General Hospital (TVGH) offer an exceptional opportunity for medical students from partner institutions worldwide to undertake clinical electives. Renowned for the excellence in medical education, research, and healthcare services, both institutions are situated in Taipei, Taiwan, a city known for its vibrant culture, world-class healthcare system, and commitment to medical innovation.
About National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University
NYCU is a leading comprehensive university in Taiwan with a strong emphasis on translational research and interdisciplinary collaboration. The university has gained international recognition for its robust programs in medicine, life sciences, and engineering. The School of Medicine at NYCU fosters a dynamic learning environment, combining cutting-edge research facilities with a patient-centered approach to medical education.
About Taipei Veterans General Hospital
TVGH, affiliated with NYCU, is one of Taiwan’s largest and most prestigious national teaching hospitals. The hospital is acclaimed for its comprehensive care, pioneering clinical research, and advanced medical technology. With over 3,000 beds and specialized centers in fields such as oncology, cardiology, neurology, and surgery, TVGH serves as a prime location for clinical training.
Eligibility
The clinical elective program is open to all eligible international medical students.
For students from NYCU partner universities (institutions that had signed agreements with School of Medicine, NYCU), please submit your application via the link below.
For students from other institutions, please go to the Taipei VGH Application Management System (TAMS) for your application.
✽ Eligible students must:
- Be in their clinical years (the final two years of medical school).
- Have a solid academic record and good proficiency in English or Mandarin.
✽ According to Taiwan Ministry of Health and Welfare regulations, all electives are observership only, and students are not allowed to provide any direct patient care.
✽ The minimum and the maximum length of the clinical elective is 4 and 8 weeks, and the minimum duration for each division is 2 weeks.
Available Departments and Specializations
Students can choose from a variety of clinical departments, including but not limited to:
- Internal Medicine
- Surgery
- Obstetrics & Gynecology
- Pediatrics
- Neurology
- Psychiatry
- Emergency Medicine
- Oncology
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Radiology
Application Process
Students from NYCU partner universities who are interested in applying for clinical elective program in Taipei VGH should complete the Application Form and submit the following documents at least 90 days before the first elective day:
1.Digital passport-sized photo
2.A Copy of Passport
3.A Copy of Student ID (with valid dates) or a certificate of enrollment
4.A Recommendation Letter from the Dean or faculty, verifying the student is in the clinical years
5.Curriculum vitae
6.Official academic transcript(s)
7.Proof of personal travel and health insurance (coverage approx. above NT$1,000,000; may be submitted to Taipei VGH after approval)
8.Chest X-ray report within 90 days prior to the elective start date (may be submitted to Taipei VGH after approval; must show no suspicion of TB)
9.COVID-19 vaccination record (if available)
10.Proof of valid health and liability insurance.
✽ Taiwan Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) requires all the documents must be in English or Traditional Chinese. An authorized seal/stamp must be included for official translations.
✽ After acceptance, the following must be submitted at least one week before the first elective day:
‧ Flight itinerary
‧ Chest X-ray report (if not previously submitted)
Frequent Asked Questions
✽ Tuition
- 4 weeks – NT$10,000
- 6 weeks – NT$15,000
- 8 weeks – NT$20,000
- Notice:
Applicants should prepare their own personal travel and health insurance, accommodation, meal, transportation, disease treatment and other life’s essentials during the entire duration of stay in Taipei VGH.
✽ Elective Date and Period
Reporting Calendar is provided by Taipei VGH. Each international student may select a 4 weeks, 6 weeks, or 8 weeks elective application per year. The minimum length for each division is 2 weeks.
Reporting days are shown in green in the reporting calendar, and are scheduled on Monday after 8:30 A.M.
✽ Certificate
Taiwan MOHW allows international medical students to come for elective in Taiwan hospitals during their clinical year (medicine students should be in the final two years of their academic program).
Taipei VGH gives no credits to international trainees; however, the trainee qualified for the regulations of MOHW may request a Taipei VGH certificate. A copy will be charged for NT$200.
*Notice: Date of the certificate would be your last day in Taipei VGH.
✽ Changes
Each international medical student may change the dates or programs for once and once only with the agreement between your supervisors and expect to request any changes forty-five days before your first day of elective as our local students do. Therefore, please consider thoroughly before you submit your application.
✽ Evaluation
Your supervisor or supervisors at Taipei VGH will be in charge of the evaluation required by your school. Please inform your supervisors soon after you arrive.
✽ Housing
The Taipei VGH Residential Hall is located in the east of the hospital within a 5-minute walk. The Housing Office is on the first floor of the Residential Hall; however, it is closed on holidays and weekends (Saturdays and Sundays). Therefore, please check-in on Mondays after 8:10 A.M.
Please note that starting from 2016, the residential hall will be renovated for several years. Not all types of rooms are available in the process of renovation. Availability is not guaranteed. Please arrange your accommodation before you arrive.
Students are allowed to apply for the shared room.
- Four to six people are accommodated in one room with basic bedding.
- Loft beds with beds separated.
- Bathrooms are within the same floor, but may not be in the rooms.
- Please bring your own hair dryer or purchase one after your arrival.
- The rooms have no heat, but are air conditioning.
- Laundry facilities are equipped on each floor.
- Men and women stay at different floors.
- There are water dispensers in every floor, but No cooking is allowed.
- No visitors are allowed to stay. If they do, we will call the police, terminate your elective or study, and leave TVGH with no hesitation.
- It costs NT$3,400 per person per month.
✽ Visa
Applicants should manage themselves to get valid visa and passport to cover the whole length of the study period. Taipei VGH can help upon the request, but is not under any obligation to assure anything to do with legitimacy, for which the applicants must take the full responsibility. Please consult your local travel agents or refer to https://www.boca.gov.tw/np-137-2.html
Contact Information
For more information or to submit your application, please contact:
Ms. Sophie Wang
School of Medicine, NYCU
National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University
Email: sophie.wang@nycu.edu.tw
We look forward to welcoming aspiring medical professionals to NYCU and TVGH for an enriching and transformative learning experience!