International Opportunities for uOttawa Learners and Faculty- IGHO

The International and Global Health Office (IGHO) collaborates with departments across the Faculty of Medicine to provide a wide range of international opportunities for uOttawa learners, faculty members, and academic visitors from around the world.

Through partnerships with educational and medical institutions worldwide, the IGHO supports clinical and global health group electives, observerships, residency placements, summer institutes, and research and training opportunities. Details on each opportunity and how to apply can be found below.

Mobility Opportunities by Academic Program

IGHO international mobility opportunities

Learners across the Faculty of Medicine can participate in various international mobility opportunities that enhance their academic, clinical, and research experience.

Explore the options and available funding by program below:

Mobility Opportunities for Undergraduate Medical Education (UGME) Learners
Mobility Opportunity	Brief Description	Available Funding
Benin	Year 4 UGME learners participate in an interdisciplinary program that combines hospital clinical rotations with a rural community clinic placement. Participants collaborate with local healthcare professionals across Cotonou, Porto-Novo, Zinvié, and Kolli, supported by on-site uOttawa preceptors and nurses to broaden their training and strengthen culturally informed, socially accountable care.	International Mobility Bursary Equity and Access Travel Reimbursement
France - Université Claude Bernard Lyon I, Université Paris-Cité, Université Paris-Saclay	UGME learners complete clinical electives at partner institutions in France, exploring a range of specialties within diverse French healthcare settings.	International Mobility Bursary Equity and Access Travel Reimbursement
Medicine and Humanities International Program (MHIP)	UGME learners participate in this week-long medical humanities summer school, which focuses on interdisciplinary learning and strengthens empathy, professionalism, reflection, and critical thinking.	International Mobility Bursary Equity and Access Travel Reimbursement
Tanzania	Year 4 UGME learners complete a global health placement at KCMC University, developing clinical skills and cultural awareness through supervised training.	International Mobility Bursary Equity and Access Travel Reimbursement
Independent International Elective	UGME learners independently source international electives that align with their academic interests and future career goals, fostering cross-cultural and clinical competencies.	International Mobility Bursary Equity and Access Travel Reimbursement

Mobility Opportunities for PharmD Learners
Mobility Opportunity	Brief Description	Available Funding
Benin	Year 4 PharmD learners participate in an interdisciplinary program that combines hospital clinical rotations with a rural community clinic placement. Participants collaborate with local healthcare professionals across Cotonou, Porto-Novo, Zinvié, and Kolli, supported by on-site uOttawa preceptors and nurses to broaden their training and strengthen culturally informed, socially accountable care.	International Mobility Bursary Equity and Access Travel Reimbursement
France - Université Grenoble Alpes	Year 4 PharmD learners engage in a structured six-week international practical internship with an established academic partner. Students benefit from meaningful cross-institutional collaboration, supervised learning, and exposure to a new healthcare environment.	International Mobility Bursary Equity and Access Travel Reimbursement

Mobility Opportunities for Postgraduate Medical Education (PGME) Learners
Mobility Opportunity	Brief Description	Available Funding
Benin	Residents participate in an interdisciplinary program that combines hospital clinical rotations with a rural community clinic placement. Participants collaborate with local healthcare professionals across Cotonou, Porto-Novo, Zinvié, and Kolli, supported by on-site uOttawa preceptors and nurses to broaden their training and strengthen culturally informed, socially accountable care.	PGME Global Health Elective Reimbursement
Tanzania	Residents complete supervised clinical electives at KCMC University, strengthening their global health knowledge and clinical acumen.	PGME Global Health Elective Reimbursement
Independent International Elective	Residents independently arrange international elective experiences that align with their specialty and professional objectives, expanding their exposure to global clinical practices and health systems.	PGME Global Health Elective Reimbursement

International Electives and Experiences

The Faculty of Medicine supports international electives and global health experiences that enrich academic learning, clinical exposure, and cultural understanding.

Learn how to apply, review key deadlines, and explore available mobility opportunities below:

Application Process:

Step 1 – Apply to the Program

Submit the required application for your chosen opportunity. For independently sourced electives, this involves applying directly to the external institution. For Faculty partnership programs, complete the designated application form by the stated deadline.

Step 2 – Submit the Request for Approval of an International Elective and Funding

After applying to the program, all learners must submit a Request for Approval of an International Elective and Funding, which also serves as the request for mobility funding. Learners must meet the deadlines outlined in the table below to remain eligible for mobility funding. The form can be found under each opportunity listed in the Available Mobility Opportunities section below. This form is reviewed jointly by the relevant academic department(s) and the International and Global Health Office (IGHO) to ensure the proposed experience meets academic, safety, and ethical standards.

Request for Approval of an International Elective and Funding - UGME/PharmD (PDF, 732.8 KB)
Request for Approval of an International Elective and Funding - PGME (PDF, 397.3 KB)

After Approval

Once approved, learners must complete all IGHO pre-departure and post-elective requirements, including mandatory pre-departure training, required documentation, and post-experience reporting.

Key Deadlines:

The deadlines below apply to both elective participation and mobility funding. Learners must submit a Request for Approval of an International Elective and Funding by these dates to be considered for funding.

Funding is available to UGME, TMM, PharmD, PGME, and Graduate/Postdoctoral learners. Awards are confirmed at the start of the mobility term and are typically disbursed before that term’s tuition-payment deadline.

Travel Term	Application Deadline
Fall (Sept–Dec)	April 1
Winter (Jan–Apr)	December 1
Summer (May–Aug)	March 1

Available Mobility Opportunities:

Eligibility:	UGME (Year 4), PGME, and PharmD (Year 4)
Nature of Placement:	Community-based global health elective with clinical and public health components
Host Site(s):	Benin – multiple community sites (Cotonou, Porto-Novo, and Kolli)
Dates:	November 23 to December 18, 2026
Duration:	Up to four weeks
Application Deadline:	April 1

For over two decades, the University of Ottawa Faculty of Medicine has offered an international elective in Benin, providing Faculty of Medicine learners with opportunities to diversify their education and gain meaningful experience in global health. The elective reflects the core principles of community engagement and social accountability in Global Health. Participants work alongside local healthcare professionals in Cotonou, Porto-Novo, and Kolli, gaining firsthand insight into community health systems, clinical practices, and healthcare delivery in low-resource settings. The group is housed together in a shared accommodations in Cotonou and in Kolli. Learners are accompanied by uOttawa preceptors for the duration of the elective experience.

Available Funding:

Some direct participation costs, such as housing, transportation and some meals will be covered directly by the IGHO. In addition, learners can apply to the following funding opportunities to offset the cost of flights, travel vaccinations, etc.:

International Mobility Bursary (UGME, PharmD)

Equity and Access Travel Reimbursement - Fund Stream 2: Financial Need Only (UGME, PharmD)

PGME Global Health Elective Reimbursement (PGME)

Application:

Apply here:

Benin – Global Health Elective Application Form

Submit the Request for Approval of an International Elective and Funding:

Request for Approval of an International Elective and Funding - UGME/PharmD (PDF, 732.8 KB)
Request for Approval of an International Elective and Funding - PGME (PDF, 397.3 KB)

Eligibility:	PharmD (Year 4)
Nature of Placement:	Practical Internship
Host Site(s):	Université Grenoble Alpes
Dates:	TBD
Duration:	6 weeks
Application Deadline:	TBD

The Université Grenoble Alpes mobility experience provides Year 4 PharmD learners with a structured six-week international practical internship with an established academic partner. Students benefit from meaningful cross-institutional collaboration, supervised learning, and exposure to a new healthcare environment.

Available Funding:

International Mobility Bursary

Equity and Access Travel Reimbursement

Application:

Application form will be made available during the application period.

Eligibility:	UGME (Year 1, 2, and 4)
Nature of Placement:	Clinical Observership (Years 1 & 2), Clinical Elective (Year 4)
Host Site(s):	Université Claude Bernard Lyon I, Université Paris-Cité, and Université Paris-Saclay
Dates:	Years 1 & 2: June-August Year 4: during available elective blocks
Duration:	4-6 weeks
Application Deadline:	Years 1 & 2: March 1 Year 4: Deadlines vary depending on the term in which the learner will travel. See the table above.

Learners can complete clinical electives and observerships at our partner institutions in France, choosing from a variety of specialties within affiliated hospitals and health institutions. These placements provide exposure to the French healthcare system, opportunities for international collaboration, and, for some learners, a chance to further develop French language skills. This program is open to 1st, 2nd and 4th-year UGME students with at least intermediate French proficiency.

Available Funding:

International Mobility Bursary

Equity and Access Travel Reimbursement

Application:

Apply here:

International Elective Opportunities for Year 1 & 2 MD Learners Application Form

Submit the Request for Approval of an International Elective and Funding:

Request for Approval of an International Elective and Funding - UGME/PharmD (PDF, 732.8 KB)

Eligibility:	UGME (Year 1 and 2)
Nature of Placement:	Immersive academic program
Host Site(s):	Rotates annually between Canada, France, and China. The summer 2026 program will be hosted in China
Dates:	July, usually first in one of the first two weeks. Exact dates TBD
Duration:	1 week
Application Deadline:	March 1

The Medicine and Humanities International Program (MHIP) is a summer school jointly offered through a partnership between the University of Ottawa (Canada), Université Claude Bernard Lyon I (France), Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine (China), and the Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (China). Each year, the program is hosted by a different partner, including uOttawa. The summer school explores the history of medicine through art, literature, philosophy, and human sciences, promoting critical thinking, professionalism, and empathy.

Available Funding:

International Mobility Bursary

Equity and Access Travel Reimbursement

Application:

Submit a letter of intent (max. 250 words) along with your CV to [email protected] using "Application_MHIP" as the subject line.

Submit the Request for Approval of an International Elective and Funding:

Request for Approval of an International Elective and Funding - UGME (PDF, 732.8 KB)

Established in 2021, the uOttawa Faculty of Medicine’s collaboration with KCMC University is grounded in shared academic goals in teaching, research, and clinical care, with particular strengths in public health, epidemiology, microbiology, immunology and sub-specialty clinical care.

UGME Learners

Eligibility:	UGME (Year 4)
Nature of Placement:	Group Elective with Clinical Rotations, incorporating Community Learning
Host Site(s):	KCMC University
Dates:	November 23 to December 18, 2026
Application Deadline:	April 1

Each November, UGME Learners may travel to KCMC University for a global health clinical elective that combines clinical rotations with community engagement. Learners build diagnostic and communication skills in low-resource environments while strengthening cross-cultural competence. The group is housed together in Staff House A.33 on the KCMC University Doctor’s Compound. Learners will be accompanied by uOttawa faculty or staff preceptors for the duration of their elective.

PGME Learners

Eligibility:	PGME
Nature of Placement:	Individual Clinical Elective supported by existing faculty collaborations
Host Site(s):	KCMC University
Dates:	Year-round, during available rotation blocks
Application Deadline:	Deadlines vary depending on the term in which the learner will travel. See the table above for details.

PGME learners can also complete clinical electives at KCMC University at various times throughout the year during eligible rotation blocks, in accordance with the mobility application deadlines below. Please reach out to [email protected] to learn about existing collaborations between your department and KCMC University, and corresponding elective opportunities.

Available Funding:

Some direct participation costs such as housing, transportation and some meals will be covered directly by the IGHO. In addition, learners can apply to the following funding opportunities:

International Mobility Bursary (UGME)
Equity and Access Travel Reimbursement - Fund Stream 2: Financial Need Only (UGME)
PGME Global Health Elective Reimbursement (PGME)

Application:

Apply here:

Tanzania – Global Health Elective Application Form

Submit the Request for Approval of an International Elective and Funding:

Request for Approval of an International Elective and Funding - UGME/PharmD (PDF, 732.8 KB)
Request for Approval of an International Elective and Funding - PGME (PDF, 397.3 KB)

Eligibility:	UGME (Year 1, year 2, and year 4), PGME
Dates:	Year-round, during available rotation blocks
Duration:	A minimum of 2 weeks
Application Deadline:	Deadlines vary depending on the term in which the learner will travel.* See the table above. *Important note: Electives requests made outside of the deadlines will still be considered for approval but no funding will be available.

Learners may independently arrange international electives that align with their academic interests and professional goals. All placements must meet the Faculty of Medicine’s ethical, academic, and safety standards, and the relevant academic department or the International and Global Health Office (IGHO) may deny approval if these standards are not met.

For global health electives in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), placements must demonstrate mutual partnership, community engagement, sustainability, and cultural respect, in alignment with the Faculty’s ethical commitments and the Brocher Declaration. For hospital-based electives in high-income countries (HICs), learners must uphold professional and clinical standards consistent with Canadian training, including appropriate supervision, confidentiality, and adherence to institutional policies.

Before arranging an elective, learners must ensure the placement fits their program requisites and timelines, meets the Faculty’s ethical requirements, and is submitted for review through the Request for Approval of an International Elective and Funding at least two months before the planned start date.

Available Funding:

Some direct participation costs such as housing, transportation and some meals will be covered directly by the IGHO. In addition, learners can apply to the following funding opportunities:

Application:

Submit the Request for Approval of an International Elective and Funding:

Request for Approval of an International Elective and Funding - UGME/PharmD (PDF, 732.8 KB)
Request for Approval of an International Elective and Funding - PGME (PDF, 397.3 KB)

International Opportunities for uOttawa Learners and Faculty

Mobility Opportunities by Academic Program

Undergraduate Medical Education (UGME) arrow_drop_down

PharmD arrow_drop_down

Postgraduate Medical Education (PGME) arrow_drop_down

International Electives and Experiences

Application Process:

Key Deadlines:

Available Mobility Opportunities:

Benin – Global Health Elective arrow_drop_down

France – Université Grenoble Alpes arrow_drop_down

France – Université Claude Bernard Lyon I, Université Paris-Cité, Université Paris-Saclay arrow_drop_down

Canada, China, France – Medicine and Humanities International Program (MHIP) arrow_drop_down

Tanzania – KCMC University arrow_drop_down

UGME Learners

PGME Learners

Independent International Elective arrow_drop_down