更新日：2026年1月20日

Medical Elective Program

Nara Medical University (NMU) welcomes medical students from around the world to participate in our medical elective program. Please note that priority will be given to students from universities with which NMU has established exchange agreements. Placements for students from non-partner universities are limited.

How to Apply

1. Check Eligibility

Confirm that you meet the program requirements (see “Eligibility”).

                    ▼

2. Select Departments

Select up to three preferred clinical departments.

                    ▼

3. Prepare Application Documents

Complete the online application　https://forms.gle/WDpymwnDf4Yv92nDA　and prepare all required documents (see “Application Documents”).

                    ▼

4. Submit Application

Submit your application during the designated application period for your chosen block (see “Duration and Application Periods”)

                    ▼ 

5. Review and Placement

Once all documents are received, NMU will review your application and check availability with the selected departments. Please note that acceptance is not guaranteed.

                    ▼

6. Pre-Arrival Requirements

Submit proof of insurance and immunization records at least 60 days before your elective start date.        

                    ▼

7. Arrival and Orientation

Arrive at NMU on the designated start date. Orientation will be held in the afternoon of the first day of your elective.

 

---

 

Eligibility

• Students from non-partner medical schools must have completed at least 12 months of clinical training prior to the elective.
• Applicants must have sufficient proficiency in English to communicate effectively in clinical settings.

 

---

 

Clinical Departments

Applicants may select up to three preferred departments.

 

---

 

Duration and Application Periods

Electives are organized into three blocks each year:

Block	Application Period	Elective Start Period
A	February 10 – March31	September – November
B	May 10 – June 30	December – March
C	October 10 –November30	May – August (following year)

 

• Students will apply for one of the blocks from A to C, and they will undertake their elective in one or two departments within the period of the selected block.
• The maximum length of an elective block is 8 weeks. Each elective must be between 2 and 8 weeks.
• Acceptance into one of the preferred departments is not guaranteed.

 

Start Dates

• Please determine the appropriate block (A, B, or C) based on your preferred starting date.

Example: If your preferred training period is from November 30, 2026, to January 22, 2027, it corresponds to Block A.

• Electives begin on Monday (or on the next weekday if Monday falls on a public holiday).

 

Blackout Periods

Please note that placements cannot start during the following periods:

• 　December 29 – January 3, and April 1 – May 6

• 　All other national public holidays (please refer to the Japanese calendar for details)

 

---

 

Application Documents

Applicants must submit:

1. Online application form　 https://forms.gle/WDpymwnDf4Yv92nDA
2. Scanned copy of passport identification page
3. Curriculum Vitae (CV) in English or Japanese
4. Statement of Reasons: Why I Chose Nara Medical University for My Medical Elective Program
5. Short letter of recommendation signed by the Dean or an authorized person of the home institution

 

Additional requirements:

• At least 60 days before elective start:     

1. Proof of professional liability insurance covering clinical practice in Japan, and proof of overseas travel insurance covering medical expenses

If you are unable to submit an official certificate confirming that you are covered by insurance during your training period in Japan, you will be required to enroll in the insurance plan commonly used by our students at the time of orientation after your arrival.

The total cost is 1,520 yen, which includes “Gakkensai” (Student Accident Insurance) and “Igakubai” (Medical Liability Insurance)

2. Immunization record

3. Signed copies of the Risk Agreement and Medical Information Confidentiality Agreement

• Before returning home:

Post-Elective Report (questionnaire)

Submission of this report is part of the program. Certificates of completion will not be issued unless this report is received.

 

---

 

Additional Notes

a. All costs (travel, insurance, accommodation, living expenses) must be covered by the student.

b. Once accepted, cancellations or changes to the elective period will not be permitted.

※Requests for leave must be stated in the application form under “Additional Information.” Later requests will not be accepted. Depending on the requested leave, placement may be cancelled.

c. Requests for official certificates must be sent by email before orientation day. Requests after orientation will not be accepted.

d. If you were referred by someone, please provide the referrer’s full name in the “Additional Information” section.

e. Students must arrange their own accommodation. Students from partner universities may be eligible for accommodation in the NMU Guest House (information will be provided if applicable).

f. Orientation will be held on the afternoon of the first day of the elective. Details will be provided via email.

 

---

 

Orientation Session

 

Date & Time: Afternoon of the elective start date (usually Monday)
 

Contents:

• Verification of submitted documents
• Explanation and enrollment procedure for insurance (Gakkensai)
• Registration for LINE open chat (for communication)
• Confirmation of post-elective report and photo submission
• Short self-introduction presentation and request for materials for NMU publications

 

---

 

Contact Information

For inquiries regarding the Medical Elective Program, please contact:

International Center
Nara Medical University
E-mail: kokusai@naramed-u.ac.jp