Questions to ask before applying

About the role

• Is this clinical, research or observational, and what does the programme mean by that?
• What level of operative participation can I expect, and what does it depend on?
• Who supervises me, and who is the named programme lead?
• How many fellows are in the programme at the same time?
• What is the on-call and outpatient commitment?

About eligibility and registration

• What training stage and qualification are required?
• Are applicants from my country or training system accepted?
• What registration or permission will I need, and does the programme help to obtain it?
• What language requirement applies, in writing?

About money and conditions

• Is there a salary, stipend, grant or no funding?
• What fees, insurance and indemnity costs will I pay?
• What is covered for travel, accommodation or relocation?
• Which immigration route is used and who sponsors it?
• What is the duration, start date and whether it can change?

About outcomes

• What certificate, letter or recognition do I receive at the end?
• What did recent fellows go on to do?
• Are research, publications or registries part of the experience?
• Does the programme support continued contact after I leave?

About the application

• What is the deadline or intake, and is it fixed or rolling?
• Which documents, references and fees are needed?
• How and when are applicants interviewed and notified?
• Who should I contact, and how long does a reply take?

How to use the answers

Record each answer with the date and source, preferably in writing. Where the programme page already answers a question, check that it is current and do not ask again. Where an answer is missing, mark it as unknown in your tracker. You can then compare programmes on the compare page and decide which are worth applying to. The enquiry guide shows how to ask concisely.

Related guides

• Write a concise programme enquiry
• Compare offers beyond prestige
• International applicant guide