International Observership Programme

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

• Be sponsored or self-funded to cover the applicable programme fees.
• Hold a relevant professional, healthcare, academic, educational, scientific, or technical qualification in their home country.
• Be employed, enrolled in professional practice, academic work, research, education, or a related field in their home country.
• Be able to communicate effectively in English, both spoken and written. Formal English language qualifications are not required; however, applicants should have a level of proficiency equivalent to IELTS 7.0 or OET Grade B to fully engage with the observership.

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.

Step 1: Apply Online

Complete the International Observership Application Form and submit supporting documentation.

Step 2: Application Review

Applications are reviewed to ensure all required information has been provided.

Step 3: Specialty Assessment

The host speciality reviews suitability, learning objectives and capacity to support the placement.

Step 4: Offer

Successful applicants receive an offer outlining placement details, dates and duration.

Step 5: Registration & Compliance

Applicants complete required documentation and identity checks before arrival.

Step 6: Payment

Full payment must be received before the observership start date.

Step 7: Start Your Observership

Meet your host team and begin your observership experience at GOSH.

Stage 8: Keep in Contact

Extend your observership. Join the Alumni Programme. Explore our international fellowship programme.

• 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.

• Anaesthesia
• Audiological Medicine
• Bone Marrow Transplant
• Cardiac Imaging
• Cardiac Intensive Care
• Cardiothoracic Surgery
• Children’s Epilepsy Surgery Service
• Cleft Lip and Palate
• Clinical Genetics
• Cochlear Implant
• Craniofacial
• Cystic Fibrosis
• Dental and Maxillofacial
• Dermatology
• Endocrinology
• Gastroenterology
• Haematology and Oncology
• Haemophilia
• Immunology
• Infectious Diseases
• Interventional Radiology
• Metabolic Medicine
• Neurodisability
• Neuromuscular Disorders
• Neurology
• Neurophysiology
• Neurosurgery
• Ophthalmology
• Orthopaedic and Spinal Surgery
• Paediatric and Neonatal Intensive Care
• Palliative Medicine
• Pathology and Neuropathology
• Plastic Surgery
• Radiology
• Respiratory
• Rheumatology
• Specialist Neonatal and Paediatric Surgery
• Tracheal
• Urology

The programme is open to qualified healthcare professionals and other relevant professionals, including doctors, nurses, allied health professionals, pharmacists, healthcare scientists, dentists, veterinarians, academics, researchers, and educators.

The programme is intended for graduates and qualified professionals. If you are a medical student, please visit our Electives Programme webpage

Applications must be submitted via the online application form (insert link).

Applicants should provide:

• A current CV
• A letter of recommendation dated within the last 12 months
• Clear learning objectives

Applications can be submitted up to 12 months before your preferred start date. We recommend applying at least 8 weeks in advance to allow sufficient time for specialty review, approvals, administration, and onboarding.

The standard observership fee is £900 for the first week and £750 for each additional week. Reduced fees may be available for applicants from eligible Lower Middle Income Economies please contact International.Education@gosh.nhs.uk with any questions.

Full payment must be received before the observership start date.

GOSH is based in Central London and participants are responsible for arranging and funding their own travel, accommodation, insurance, visa applications, and living expenses.

GOSH can provide supporting documentation where required for visa applications; however, applicants remain responsible for obtaining the appropriate visa and meeting any immigration requirements.

Yes. We accept applicants who are self-funded, sponsored by their employer or organisation, or funded through recognised schemes such as Erasmus+.

However, GOSH is unable to provide funding or assist applicants in securing sponsorship. Applicants are responsible for arranging and confirming any sponsorship or funding before applying to the programme.

Observerships are observation-only placements. Participants may observe clinical practice where appropriate but must not provide patient care, undertake hands-on clinical activities, make clinical decisions, or access patient records. These restrictions are in place to protect patient confidentiality, comply with information governance requirements, and ensure patient safety.

Requests to extend an observership are considered on a case-by-case basis and are subject to specialty capacity, departmental approval, and completion of any additional administrative requirements and fees.

If you need to cancel or amend your observership, please notify the International Observership Team as soon as possible. Any refunds will be subject to the programme's cancellation terms and conditions.