Raising funds for your placement doesn't have to be hard
Applying for bursaries and grants is one of many ways of getting the cash together. There are quite literally hundreds of grants and bursaries relevant to funding a healthcare elective, and the more you apply for, the better your chances.
On this page you'll find all the information you need on:
- When to apply
- Application criteria
- How much to apply for
- How to write a strong application
- University requirements
- Grant and bursary lists
WHEN SHOULD I START EXPLORING OPPORTUNITIES?
As early as possible. We advise doing some solid research before whittling down your options. Keep in mind that sometimes policies and procedures change, so be sure to refresh your knowledge closer to the time of your application.
You can book your elective dates up to two years in advance, so you'll have plenty of time to research. We recommend securing your space as early as you can to give you plenty of time to raise the funds you need.
Start by speaking to your course supervisors/elective lead and university bursar. Your university may even offer bursaries for overseas electives so start close to home.
WHAT ARE THE CRITERIA?
Each funding group, bursary, and prize has different application criteria. Our advice is to focus on one funding body at a time to maximise your chances of receiving a grant.
Most groups will require you to apply with the specific details of your overseas elective and your reasons for undertaking one. They’ll also want to know how the work you’ll be doing will support them as an institution. Others will ask you to conduct work to support your application, do specific project work while you’re abroad, or even write reports back home.
Many funding bodies will ask you to work on ‘data collection projects’ or ‘reflective essays’ during your elective. It’s worth noting that as data collection projects will almost certainly involve lab and clinical research, this type of elective funding might not be suitable for you.
On the other hand, reflective writing projects work well with the type of electives we offer at Work the World. This is because they encourage you to think about how your time spent practising in a developing country has affected your personal and professional development.
HOW MUCH MONEY SHOULD I APPLY FOR?
Some bursaries award fixed amounts, but under certain circumstances you’ll have to apply for the amount you think you’ll need. You can use the list of bursaries and grants at the bottom of this page to get an idea of how much you might be eligible to receive.
If you’re travelling with Work the World the process will be easy — we’re very clear about the cost of our programmes and the money you’ll need for whichever destination you choose.
For a detailed breakdown of our prices and what they include, head to our prices page or read our FAQs.
PRICES
HOW DO I MAKE MY APPLICATION STAND OUT?
You first need to get clear on why you want to go to a developing country, what you hope to learn there and when you’re planning on making it happen. If you’re familiar with the above, your application is more likely to be clear and concise.
If the funding body asks you to complete a reflective project, you should write up a project outline that has a title relevant to the elective you’re undertaking. With it you should provide a brief background summary relevant to the area they’ve asked you to focus on.
Do some background reading and exclude external references for extra points. Remember, this isn’t only for their benefit — having a pre-written plan when you’re in-country will remind you what you need to pay attention to. When it comes time to write up what you’ve learned, the project outline will speed up the process.
Your CV
Although it might seem like an unnecessary formality, bursars will want to get familiar with the students they’re funding. While your CV might not fully encapsulate the unique and wonderful individual that you are; it will help the funding bodies make a better informed decision as to aiding your funds.
With this in mind, polishing up your personal statement to include any relevant experience you might have, your ambitions in healthcare and attaching a transcript of your grades is a small price to pay for what you could gain in return.
WHAT WILL MY UNIVERSITY ASK FOR?
Regardless of whether you’re working overseas or not, your university will likely ask you to provide a comprehensive summary of your elective plans and then ask you to discuss them with your supervisors.
If you’re applying for a grant from your university, the above process is more or less a given.
We work with a large number of universities all over the world and each has different requirements when it comes to electives. Because we know this can be a hassle, we do everything in our power to provide you with as much information as possible on your placement, in-country supervisors and the hospitals you’ll be working in.
We also supply signed and sealed supporting documents which bring validity to your placement (useful if you’re applying for a grant, too).
IS IT WORTH THE EFFORT?
You'll probably only get one chance to undertake an overseas elective placement, so don't let a lack of funds stand in your way. Getting hands-on experience in an overseas setting is one of the most beneficial ways you can develop as a healthcare professional.
There’s every reason to think you stand a good chance if your application is well thought out. Approach each application with time and consideration, and you’ll stand a better chance than those who’ve hammered out hundreds. It’s also worth bearing in mind that the narrower the niche, the less competition you’ll have. Up your chances by applying to smaller organisations local to you. Lastly, presentation is paramount, so slip your final copy into a new folder and send it off with plenty of time to spare.
After a couple of weeks, it’s a good idea to contact the organisation to confirm they’ve received your application, but don’t go so far as to hassle them. You can also use this opportunity to find out how long you can expect to wait for a response.
Jack Petchey Foundation - all healthcare disciplines
This programme is for young people who want to take part in a volunteering project! Whether the project is in the UK or abroad, the Jack Petchey Foundation can help with a one-off grant of up to £400 per person. They will fund up to 50% of the cost of the young person’s project and no more than £400 per person.
Who can apply?
Any young person aged 11-25 living in London or Essex can apply. Those interested should ensure that their project includes voluntary work and is organised through a UK-based organisation.
When should you apply?
2-9 months before your placement starts
More information and how to apply?
Full information can be found on their website along with the application form
Medical Grants and Bursaries
*Please note that Work the World is not affiliated with any of the bursaries or grants below. The medical elective bursaries summarised below are advisory — you must thoroughly check each grant or bursary website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
The Association of Anaesthetists of Great Britain and Ireland Elective Funding
Maximum of £750 for students whose electives prepare them for a successful career in anaesthesia, pain, peri-operative, and intensive care medicine.
The Simmonds Bursary of £250 for a medical school student undertaking their elective within the next twelve months in the UK or abroad, with a research component.
British Association of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons
Ten awards of £500 each, available annually. These provide financial support for medical students who wish to undertake research, travel, or undertake an elective in a subject related to plastic surgery.
Grants of up to £500 to medical students to enable them to make use of their elective period for a project concerned with health or healthcare in old age.
The Mobbs Travelling Fellowships - Medical Student Electives
Fellowship awards can contribute to living and/or travel expenses up to £2,000 to enable students and junior doctors to experience work in an occupational health/medicine environment overseas.
Medical elective bursaries of up to £800.
Grants of £100 - £500 and above are awarded to female medical students to assist them with elective costs. Please note this bursary is only available to MWF members.
BMDST-RSM Student Elective Awards
A grant of £500 - £1,000 to undertake a specific project on a medical elective.
British Neuropathological Society
two grants of £600 each to provide financial support for a medical student training in a UK university to undertake a period of elective study in neuropathology or in neuroscience related to neuropathology during their training.
The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh is offering a number of bursaries to Undergraduate Affiliates of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, enrolled at UK universities, who have planned to carry out their elective placements in Africa.
Ethicon Student Elective Award
The RCOG, with the kind and generous support of Ethicon, was pleased to offer up to £500 of funding towards approved student medical electives in obstetrics and gynaecology.
Target Ovarian Cancer Essay Prize
First prize: £500; Second prize: £200 - This essay prize is open to all undergraduate medical students across the UK.
The RCS Elective Prize is an award of up to £500 for clinical students wishing to pursue a career in surgery and planning to undertake an elective in surgery in the ‘developing world'.
Typically £500 — Any student undertaking an elective which incorporates the following areas: Christian work, the homeless, rehabilitation medicine, paediatrics, the disabled and their carers, the elderly, those with special needs, and the poor.
The Hilda Martindale Trust gives awards to British women who are training or studying for a career in a profession where women are under-represented. The maximum award is £3,000.
Clinical Immunology & Allergy Section: Professor Jonathan Brostoff Award
£750 to be used towards research or training in clinical immunology and allergy, and a year's free RSM membership.
Digital Health Section: Prize for Innovation
First prize: £500 and a year’s free RSM membership - Submit a 500-word paper on a digital innovation project that is applying a digital voice to improve healthcare or social care.
Gastroenterology & Hepatology Section Prize
First prize: £100 and a year’s free RSM membership; Second prize: £50 and a year’s free RSM membership.
General Practice with Primary Healthcare Section: Medical Student and Trainee Poster Prize
First prize: £100 and a year’s free RSM membership; Second prize: £50 and a year’s free RSM membership.
Geriatrics & Gerontology Section: A.C. Comfort Essay Prize
£300 prize.
Odontology Section: Colyer Prize
First prize: £200; Second prize: £100.
Ophthalmology Section: Students and Trainees Prize
First prize poster: £150; First prize paper: £150.
Orthopaedics Section: President’s Prize
First prize: £600; Second prize: £400; Third prize: £200.
Paediatrics & Child Health Section: President’s Prize
£250 prize.
Sexuality & Sexual Health Section: Medical Student and Trainees’ Essay Prize
First prize: £250 and a year’s free RSM membership.
Venous Forum: Annual Meeting Prize
First prize: £250; Second prize: £200; Third prize: £150; Poster prize: £200.
Up to £400 available from the Jack Petchey Foundation for individuals who want to volunteer abroad.
Funding for students from select universities in Wales for international experienes (travel to Vietnam only).
GRANTS AND Bursaries exclusive to particular universities:
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University of Aberdeen
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Queen Mary University of London
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Keele University
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University of Glasgow
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University of Leeds
- UCL
If you're studying medicine at the University of Liverpool, speak to your medical school as you may be eligible for one of 20 £100 - £500 funding pots for your trip.
Nursing Grants and Bursaries
*Please note that Work the World are in no way affilliated with any of the below bursaries or grants. The nursing placement bursaries below are advisory — you need to thoroughly check each grant or bursary website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Gane Trust - Travel Scholarship
Three £1,000 Gane Scholarships, each to a student in the second year of study, selected by staff tutors from applications by anyone in the year.
£500 grants if you are vegetarian or vegan
Leverhulme Charity offers a bursary
£3,000 for students who are either the spouse or child of a commercial traveller, pharmacist or grocer, and who are in "financial need".
Bursary awards of up to £3,000 are awarded to students in need of financial assistance for a maximum of three years, and who are studying an undergraduate degree at any of the Greenwich Hospital partner Universities.
Dame June Clark Travel Scholarship
Up to £1000 during financial year 2019-2020 — Applications are invited from nurses working in Wales who hold a statutory nursing qualification or students undertaking an approved course in Wales leading to a statutory nursing qualification; preference will be given to applicants who are early in their nursing career
Funding for students from select universities in Wales for international experiences (travel to Vietnam only).
Bursaries and grants exclusive to particular universities:
Midwifery Grants and Bursaries
*Please note that Work the World are in no way affilliated with any of the below bursaries or grants. The summaries below are advisory — you need to thoroughly check each grant or bursary website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Gane Trust - Travel Scholarship
We give three £1,000 Gane Scholarships, each to a student in the second year of study, selected by staff tutors from applications by anyone in the year.
£500 grants for being a vegetarian or vegan
£500 grants for having the surname Graham and living in the Glasgow area
Leverhulme Charity offers a bursary
£3,000 for students who are either the spouse or child of a commercial traveller, pharmacist or grocer, and who are in "financial need".
Bursary awards of up to £3,000 are awarded to students in need of financial assistance for a maximum of three years, and who are studying an undergraduate degree at any of the Greenwich Hospital partner Universities. The scheme provides support to students who are former members of the Royal Navy or Royal Marines or the children of current or former members of the Royal Navy or Royal Marines.
Up to £400 available from the Jack Petchey Foundation for individuals who want to volunteer abroad. Must be travelling through a UK based sending organisation. Must live in London or Essex
Funding for students from select universities in Wales for international experienes (travel to Vietnam only).
Paramedic Science Grants and Bursaries
*Please note that Work the World are in no way affilliated with any of the below bursaries or grants. The summaries below are advisory — you need to thoroughly check each grant or bursary website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Gane Trust - Travel Scholarship
We give three £1,000 Gane Scholarships, each to a student in the second year of study, selected by staff tutors from applications by anyone in the year.
£500 grants for being a vegetarian or vegan
£500 grants for having the surname Graham and living in the Glasgow area
Leverhulme Charity offers a bursary
£3,000 for students who are either the spouse or child of a commercial traveller, pharmacist or grocer, and who are in "financial need".
Bursary awards of up to £3,000 are awarded to students in need of financial assistance for a maximum of three years, and who are studying an undergraduate degree at any of the Greenwich Hospital partner Universities.
Up to £400 available from the Jack Petchey Foundation for individuals who want to volunteer abroad. Must be travelling through a UK based sending organisation. Must live in London or Essex.
Funding for students from select universities in Wales for international experienes (travel to Vietnam only).
Grants And Bursaries exclusive to particular universities:
Physiotherapy and OT Grants and Bursaries
*Please note that Work the World are in no way affilliated with any of the below bursaries or grants. The summaries below are advisory — you need to thoroughly check each grant or bursary website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Gane Trust - Travel Scholarship
We give three £1,000 Gane Scholarships, each to a student in the second year of study, selected by staff tutors from applications by anyone in the year.
£500 grants for being a vegetarian or vegan.
£500 grants for having the surname Graham and living in the Glasgow area.
Leverhulme Charity offers a bursary
£3,000 for students who are either the spouse or child of a commercial traveller, pharmacist or grocer, and who are in "financial need".
Bursary awards of up to £3,000 are awarded to students in need of financial assistance for a maximum of three years, and who are studying an undergraduate degree at any of the Greenwich Hospital partner Universities.
CSP Elective Clinical Placement Award
Up to £750 to help with the cost of elective.
Up to £400 available from the Jack Petchey Foundation for individuals who want to volunteer abroad. Must be travelling through a UK based sending organisation. Must live in London or Essex.
Funding for students from select universities in Wales for international experienes (travel to Vietnam only).
Dentistry Grants and Bursaries
*Please note that Work the World are in no way affilliated with any of the below bursaries or grants. The summaries below are advisory — you need to thoroughly check each grant or bursary website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Gane Trust - Travel Scholarship
We give three £1,000 Gane Scholarships, each to a student in the second year of study, selected by staff tutors from applications by anyone in the year.
£500 grants for being a vegetarian or vegan
£500 grants for having the surname Graham and living in the Glasgow area
Leverhulme Charity offers a bursary
£3,000 for students who are either the spouse or child of a commercial traveller, pharmacist or grocer, and who are in "financial need".
Bursary awards of up to £3,000 are awarded to students in need of financial assistance for a maximum of three years, and who are studying an undergraduate degree at any of the Greenwich Hospital partner Universities. The scheme provides support to students who are former members of the Royal Navy or Royal Marines or the children of current or former members of the Royal Navy or Royal Marines.
Up to £400 available from the Jack Petchey Foundation for individuals who want to volunteer abroad. Must be travelling through a UK based sending organisation. Must live in London or Essex
The Prize for Elective Period Projects
The British Endodontic Society offers a national award annually to the dental student submitting the best report of an elective period project in the field of endodontology. The winner shall receive £1000.
Laurence Usiskin Student Elective Scholarship
Any undergraduate at a Dental School in the United Kingdom in their final two years of training. The chosen topic must be based on orthodontics or closely related . The elective to be undertaken the same calender year as submission. Prize of £1200
Frank Ashley Undergraduate Prize
Two prizes of £500 each are offered by the British Society of Periodontology to encourage dental undergraduates at UK Dental Schools to undertake a project that has a clear educational benefit in periodontology.
Funding for students from select universities in Wales for international experienes (travel to Vietnam only).
Grants and bursaries exclusive to specific universities:
Radiography Grants and Bursaries
*Please note that Work the World are in no way affilliated with any of the below bursaries or grants. The summaries below are advisory — you need to thoroughly check each grant or bursary website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Gane Trust - Travel Scholarship
We give three £1,000 Gane Scholarships, each to a student in the second year of study, selected by staff tutors from applications by anyone in the year.
£500 grants for being a vegetarian or vegan
£500 grants for having the surname Graham and living in the Glasgow area
Leverhulme Charity offers a bursary
£3,000 for students who are either the spouse or child of a commercial traveller, pharmacist or grocer, and who are in financial need.
Bursary awards of up to £3,000 are awarded to students in need of financial assistance for a maximum of three years, and who are studying an undergraduate degree at any of the Greenwich Hospital partner Universities.
Up to £400 available from the Jack Petchey Foundation for individuals who want to volunteer abroad. Must be travelling through a UK based sending organisation. Must live in London or Essex.
Presented to the best paper proffered by a student at UKIO. The winning student is awarded the prize of £200.
Funding for students from select universities in Wales for international experienes (travel to Vietnam only).
