Frequently Asked Questions

1. When may I apply for an elective?

The application window will open on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, and close on Friday, October 31, 2025. Students are eligible to apply for elective courses beginning at the start of the enrollment period.

2. Is there an application fee?

A one-time, non-refundable application fee of $100 is required upon acceptance. 

3. Is the USMLE Step 1 exam required for international applicants?

USMLE Step 1 score reporting is reported as pass/fail only for exams taken on or after January 26, 2022. USMLE Step 1 scores are required from applicants at international schools. We are unable to review applications submitted without USMLE Step 1 scores.

4. Will I be charged tuition for my elective(s)?

Memorial Hospital does not charge tuition for medical student electives.

5. Are electives available for alternative dates?

Electives are only available for the dates published on our website.

6. What is the maximum amount of time I can spend in Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center’s Elective Program?

Students may participate in MSK’s Elective Program for a maximum of eight weeks. 

7. When and how will I know if I have been accepted?

Due to the highly competitive nature of Memorial Sloan Kettering’s elective program and the substantial volume of applications received, applicants can generally expect to be notified of the decision via email within eight to ten weeks of submission. Kindly note that processing and review times may be prolonged during peak application periods. Regrettably, individual status inquiries cannot be accommodated.

8. May I contact faculty sponsor(s) for the program directly?

Applicants are strictly advised against sending unsolicited CVs or application materials directly to departments or elective directors, as doing so will result in immediate disqualification from the selection process.

9. What kind of visa will I need?

International medical students accepted for clinical or research electives at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center are required to enter the United States under a B-1/B-2 visa or the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Pursuant to guidance from the U.S. Department of State, these visa categories are deemed appropriate for students undertaking unpaid elective clerkships as part of their foreign medical education. Participants will not receive remuneration from MSKCC and are responsible for all travel and living expenses. Furthermore, students bear full responsibility for the visa application process and all associated costs.

10. Is there a deadline for accepting my elective placement?

Students have one week from the day they receive their acceptance email to confirm their participation. Those who do not respond within one week will forfeit their elective placement(s).

11. May I request a change to my elective assignment?

All assignments are final. Please carefully review module dates and elective descriptions when making your selections.

12. Does Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center provide housing to visiting medical students?

If you did not find the answer to your question in the Frequently Asked Questions section, please send your question to medstudent@mskcc.org.