Exchange Program

It's an IFMSA (International Federation of Medical Students' Association) program that started in 1951, aiming to provide a chance for all medical students to exchange cultures and knowledge, enlightening their minds and scope.

It's one of IFMSA NMOs (National Member Organizations) participating all over the world in the process of exchange.

HMSA, “Helwan Medical Students Association,” is IFMSA’s local committee. HMSA represents the medical students at Helwan University and works on supporting the students’ passion, skills, and knowledge.

No, It’s just a must to be a student of the Faculty of Medicine at Helwan University.

The exchange program allows you to gain more medical experience, either in the clinical or research divisions. You will also receive a certificate from the International Federation of Medical Students Association (IFMSA), which will enrich your CV. In addition, you will have an unforgettable cultural exchange experience and explore different healthcare systems around the globe.

SCOPE contract and SCORE contract

- SCOPE: is a clinical professional observership placement in a clinical department in the hospital of the hosting University (i.e., in which you may attend operations or outpatient clinics)

- SCORE: is a research placement in a department in the hospital of the hosting University (i.e., in which you will participate with a research group in their study) 

(N.B., you can have any of them by choosing the contract type in the form and getting the required score in the exam and the interview. To get a SCOPE contract, you should be in the third year at least.)

You can start traveling in any month from April 1st, 2026, to the end of March 2027. Note: In very limited cases, the contract may be conditioned, meaning it’s only available for specific months. In this case, the exchange officer will state the contract and its specific month before the exam.

Yes, only if you attended 80% of the required working hours (6 hours per day for 5 days in the week) and filled out the evaluation form provided by the team there.

• Accommodation for 4 weeks (in a Students' Flat / Hostel)

• Tuition fees for the time of your placement (Hospital training)

• Daily meal (a meal per day) or pocket money for the 4 weeks

• Allocated Clinical Supervisor

• Academic handbook

• Certificate on successful completion of the placement

(N.B. Plane tickets and visa expenses are not provided by our program as they are under the responsibility of the applicant.)

• Most importantly, a valid passport by 6 months after the period you choose for the contract (e.g., if you travel in October 2026, your passport must be valid (not expired) until the end of April 2027).

• Documents from the faculty (proof of enrollment, student record, etc.)

• Other papers depend on each country’s conditions (e.g., COVID-19 vaccination, HBV vaccination, Police record, etc.)

After you get the contract, you should look for the online website of the country’s embassy in Egypt and search for the required papers to get them done. (N.B.: Both previous questions will be extremely detailed in a session in the PRE-DEPARTURE TRAINING only for those who will get the contracts.)

After you get the contract, prepare your papers, and get the visa, you look for the best flight that suits you through online airlines’ websites or flight apps (e.g., Wego flights); the earlier you book the flight, the cheaper it’s.

The package covers the items mentioned above; any further expenses are paid for by the student (souvenirs, social outings, etc.)