International Observership Programme

Great Ormond Street Hospital is the UK's largest paediatric centre for many services including Cardiology, Critical Care and Oncology.

The clinical specialties considering observerships are listed below. If the specialty you are looking for is not listed, kindly inquire with a member of our team and we will verify availability with the specialty.

Please note that GOSH does not provide services in Accident and Emergency, maternity care, or gynaecology. Consequently, observerships in these areas are unavailable.

Candidates must meet the following requirements in order to be eligible for the programme:

• Be sponsored or self-funded to cover the fees at a rate of £900 for the first week and £750 per week thereafter.
• Hold a healthcare qualification in their home country.
• Be in possession of a clinical contract of employment in their home country.
• Applicants must be able to speak and understand English. It is recommended that candidates achieve an equivalent of either an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 7.0 or Occupational English Test (OET) score of B.

Please note that GOSH does not provide scholarships or funding for this programme.

If you are from a lower-middle-income economy, please contact us directly as a reduced rate may be available.

All eligible candidates are required to submit an application form plus the following supporting documentation:

• detailed resume or curriculum vitae to include qualifications, employment history and clinical experience
• one professional letter of recommendation
• verification of funding arrangements

By submitting your application you confirm that you have reviewed the eligibility criteria and confirm your eligibility.

The International Observership Programme is managed by the GOSH Learning Academy who will process your application, and support you throughout your placement.

The International Education Team will assess your application before sending it to the relevant specialty. The specialty education lead will then thoroughly review your application and supporting documents. The specialty will determine if they can accommodate your request for an observership within your preferred timeframe and to align with your learning objectives.

Upon acceptance, the International Education Team will provide candidates with an acceptance letter and necessary onboarding paperwork, as well as request any additional documentation if needed. All candidates must undergo a selection process, provide satisfactory references, undergo background checks, and obtain a valid visa for entry into the country. Kindly note that we do not directly assist candidates in securing visas or complete visa application forms for observers.

Candidates will need to submit full payment four weeks before their observership. Upon payment confirmation, candidates will receive an observer contract and clearance to commence your observership.

For details on cancellations and refunds, please review our Cancellation Policy. Please refer to the GLA Observerships section for specific terms related to this programme.

Additionally, one week before the observership begins, candidates will receive their clinical orientation pack and instructions about their starting arrangements.

• Payment must be received four weeks before the observership commencement date. Failure to meet this deadline will require the process to restart and observership dates may need to be rescheduled.
• If you need to cancel your observership, please refer to our Cancellation Policy. Ensure you review the GLA Observerships section for terms specific to this programme.
• Candidates are responsible for organising their own living arrangements as we are unable to provide assistance with accommodation.
• Candidates will be provided with a certificate of attendance, however due to the observational nature of the programme, GOSH is unable to supply letters of recommendation or complete evaluation forms for observers.
• Candidates will not be able to engage in any direct patient contact or care for the duration of their observership.
• Candidates will not normally be given access to hospital systems. In exceptional circumstances, this can be arranged but must be discussed and aligned to candidate learning objectives.

For any queries regarding the International Observership Programme, please contact our International Education Team.