Clinical Electives

The programme features two signature courses: 
 

1. Surgical Frontiers

It introduces the evolution of modern surgical techniques through lectures and hands-on skills training; 
 

2. Exploring Traditional Chinese Medicine

The course provides an academic overview of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and its cultural foundations.

Participants will also take part in the Model International Conference for Medical Students, where they engage in simulated academic discussions and presentations.

Through lectures, practical training, and intercultural interaction, the programme aims to strengthen students’ academic communication skills, clinical thinking, teamwork, and cross-cultural collaboration, helping them develop a broader global perspective in medicine.

This programme is open to students enrolled in the clinical years of the Medicine and Surgery degree programme. It is not open to Chinese citizens. 

During the selection process, priority will be given to students enrolled in the 4th and 5th year of the Medicine and Surgery degree programme. Students in the 6th year will be considered only if places remain available.

Students enrolled in the Italian-taught Medicine and Surgery degree programme may also be considered if places remain unfilled.

Summer session

• Programme dates: 5 July – 17 July 2026
• Application deadline: 6 April 2026

Participants may also apply for an optional 2-week observership at West China Hospital from 20 July to 31 July, in either Internal Medicine or Surgery.

Please note that selected students must complete  an online application through the Sichuan dedicated portal by April 27, 2026.

As part of the application students are invited to participate in Model International Conference for Medical Students, either individually or in teams.

4 places available

Step 1 – Apply through Cattolica 

Complete the online application through your personal iCatt page: 
Services and Opportunities → International Mobility → Mobility Calls → Select “Sichuan University – Summer Clinical programme – Summer Clinical Programme”.
 

Upload the required document:

• English language certification (IELTS 6.0 or equivalent is recommended).

Step 2 – Application fee 

Pay the non-refundable € 35 application fee.

Applications will be evaluated based on the academic merit (exams taken with results recorded by the end of the call for applications).

Students are responsible for:

• € 100 Cattolica Programme fee, which includes Student Safety Package
• Travel expenses
• Visa costs
• Meals

Sichuan University will cover the following costs:

• Programme fees for either 2- week or 4- week placement
   
• A contribution of CNY 150 per day for accommodation for the first two weeks of the programme. 
  Any additional accommodation costs or amounts exceeding this contribution will be the participant's responsibility. The accommodation rate will remain CNY 150 per day.
   
• Contribution of CNY 3,000 for flight expenses.
  Participants are required to retain their official flight itinerary, receipt, and boarding pass, which are necessary for applying for financial assistance after arrival.

Scholarships of € 500 per month are available and will be reimbursed as expenses.

These scholarships are available exclusively for students who also apply for the optional 2-week observership. 

The programme application will automatically be considered as the scholarship application; no separate application is required.

Students can apply for recognition of the programme as Clinical or Research electives. 

The academic recognition form must be completed and submitted to Cattolica International at the end of the programme.

The programme includes the activation of the Student Safety Package, which provides: 

• Insurance cover valid for the entire duration of the mobility period abroad.
• Activation of the Student Safety app, which helps manage emergencies

Note that Medical Malpractice/Professional Liability Insurance is not included, and selected students will bear this additional cost.