Max Kade Foundation - AAF Max Kade Clinical Clerkships in the USA

What you get

You will receive a travel grant of about 1,840 EUR (2,000 USD), as well as a clinical placement (an internship) organised for you at a leading medical school in the USA. The placement will last for at least one month. Possible placement locations include George Washington University in Washington, D.C., the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia or Weill Cornell Medicine in New York City. The programme is run by the American Austrian Foundation in collaboration with the Max Kade Foundation. You will be responsible for the costs of accommodation, meals and all other expenses.

Who can apply

• Where you study: You are a medical student at an Austrian university and will remain enrolled for the duration of the placement.
• Field of study: Medicine only.
• Study phase: You are applying in your 5 year of study to undertake the work placement in your final (6) year of study.
• Core practicals: Before starting the rotation programme, you will have completed your core placements (practical training blocks) in the departments of Internal Medicine, Surgery, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Paediatrics and Psychiatry. George Washington University also requires a placement in the field of neuroscience.
• Chosen specialty: You have completed an internship lasting between 6 and 8 weeks in the specialism in which you wish to undertake your rotation placement.
• English: You are a native speaker or hold an official certificate (TOEFL iBT or USMLE Step 2).
• Timing: You apply 6 12 months before the rotation.

How to apply

Applications must be submitted by email, attaching the application form, your academic transcript, a letter of recommendation, an essay, your CV and proof of payment of the application fee of 70 EUR. The application deadline for the academic year 2027/2028 is 15 January. Once the deadline has passed, the Foundation will select the candidates and assign each of them to a host institution in the US. You will then apply directly to that institution and fulfil its requirements.

How realistic are your chances?

This scholarship is awarded on a highly selective basis. Only Austrian medical students in their final year of study who have completed the required core clinical placements and can demonstrate a very good command of English are eligible, and there are only three host institutions in the USA. This means that the pool of applicants remains small. If you clearly meet the requirements regarding your stage of study, clinical placements and English language skills, and apply early within the period from 6 to 12, your chances are good.