Frequently Asked Questions
I do not speak Nepali or any local dialects. Will this be an issue during my placement?
This will not be a problem. In urban areas of Nepal, a good standard of English is widely spoken, particularly within healthcare settings where clinical documentation, meetings and teaching are sometimes conducted in English. Communication with patients and some staff members will take place in Nepali or local dialects.
For rural placements, a local guide will accompany you, assist with settling in, and provide translation support where required. As part of the programme, we also organise a basic Nepali language lesson for all students. Additional language lessons can be arranged at an extra cost, should you wish.
What does the elective placement fee include?
Full details of inclusions and exclusions can be found on the main website. The placement fee typically includes accommodation, meals, in-country transport (including airport transfers and travel to and from placements), a basic Nepali language lesson, placement fees for one urban and one rural placement, and registration with any relevant local authorities. Additional placements may be subject to an extra fee determined by the host institution.
What accommodation options are available? Can I arrange my own accommodation?
Most students are accommodated in shared housing located just north of Tribhuvan International Airport (see Accommodation page for details). Students who prefer to arrange their own accommodation in Kathmandu may do so, in which case £150 will be deducted from the total placement fee.
How long does it take to receive official confirmation letters from host institutions?
Timeframes vary depending on the institution, location (particularly rural settings), and local festive periods. We aim to provide official confirmation letters within 2–3 weeks of receiving the invoice payment and all required documentation. If you require documents urgently to meet a university deadline, please inform us and we will do our best to expedite the process.
What documentation is required to apply?
Detailed information is available in the “About” section of the website. Required documents include:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Motivation letter
- University letter of recommendation
- Academic transcript
- Copy of passport
What support will I receive while in Nepal?
You will be supported locally by your host institutions, alongside 24/7 in-country support from our team in Nepal and in the UK. Once accepted onto the programme, you will be added to a WhatsApp group where questions or concerns can be raised at any time.
What funding options are available to support my elective?
Eligible UK medical students in their final or penultimate year may be able to access the NHS Bursary (please confirm eligibility with your university). The elective must last a minimum of four weeks and may cover costs such as accommodation, visa fees, vaccinations and in-country transport. Funding may differ across England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and UK Crown dependencies/ Overseas territory.
Please check with your UK institution about full details but some can be found here:
Additional funding may be available through Royal Colleges, trusts or charitable organisations. Further information can be found here:
https://www.medschools.ac.uk/for-students/current-medical-students/elective-bursaries/
If you require assistance identifying suitable funding opportunities, please contact us and we will be happy to advise.
What vaccinations are required?
We strongly recommend that all students book an appointment with a travel clinic or their GP well in advance of departure to ensure appropriate vaccinations are administered. Up-to-date guidance for Nepal can be found at:
https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/country/159/nepal#Vaccine_Recommendations
What level of clinical involvement can I expect during my elective?
Clinical involvement during your elective placement will be primarily observational. Students typically shadow doctors and other healthcare professionals, with opportunities to observe ward rounds, outpatient clinics and theatre sessions, depending on departmental schedules.
Any hands-on involvement is not guaranteed and will only occur if permitted by the host institution, in line with local policies, university requirements, risk assessments, and under direct supervision. The level of involvement may also depend on your stage of training and your personal preferences.
Our role is solely to facilitate the placement between the student and the host institution. All decisions regarding clinical activities and responsibilities are made by the host institution and supervising clinicians, and students must practise strictly within their level of competence.