Connecting students to a global movement for health equity
As the UK’s National Member Organisation of the International Federation of Medical Students’ Associations (IFMSA), Students for Global Health connects our members to one of the world’s largest student-led global health networks.
From international exchanges and conferences to global advocacy and leadership, our members can engage with opportunities spanning 130 countries and collaborate with over 1.3 million medical students worldwide.
What is IFMSA?
The International Federation of Medical Students’ Associations (IFMSA) is one of the world’s oldest and largest student-run organisations, representing medical students across more than 130 countries. Through our membership, Students for Global Health ensures that UK students have a voice in shaping global health discussions and can engage with an international community committed to health equity.
130+
Countries
139
National Member Organisations
1.3 million
Medical students
1951
Founded
Global Opportunities
Electives
Access clinical and research electives around the world through IFMSA’s Professional and Research Exchange Programmes.
European Regional Meetings
Represent Students for Global Health at IFMSA’s annual European Regional Meeting, connecting with students from across Europe through policy discussions, workshops and collaborative sessions.
IFMSA General Assemblies
Join the UK delegation to IFMSA’s global March and August Meetings, where students from around the world shape policy, share ideas and set the direction of the Federation.
Global conferences
Apply to attend major international gatherings such as the World Health Summit and other conferences addressing global health, policy and youth leadership.
United Nations events
Engage with international advocacy through selected United Nations commissions, assemblies and global policy events, representing student perspectives in discussions that shape health and development.
International training
Develop your skills through IFMSA Sub-Regional Trainings, Standing Committee weekends and specialist international workshops delivered across Europe and beyond.
Unlock international opportunities through SfGH
International opportunities offered through Students for Global Health – including IFMSA exchanges, UK delegations, funded conference places, international training and representation opportunities – are available exclusively to SfGH members.
Become a member to receive opportunity alerts, submit applications and access support from our International Team.
IFMSA Standing Committees
FMSA organises much of its work through six Standing Committees, each focused on a different area of health, education, rights or international exchange.
Students for Global Health is currently active across five of these committees. We have a long-established presence within SCORE and SCOPE, which coordinate our international research and clinical electives, and in 2026/27 we have appointed National Officers for SCOME, SCORP and SCORA.
This growing structure gives our members more ways to connect with IFMSA, contribute to international work and develop activity within the UK – with scope to expand our involvement further in future years.
Coming in September 2026
We will be recruiting members for new SCORA and SCORP National Working Groups, each developing a student-led policy paper during 2026/27.
Look out for applications through our member communications and social media.
Standing Committees
SCORE connects medical students with supervised research projects abroad, combining research experience with intercultural learning.
Students for Global Health has supports research exchanges through SCORE for as part of our established electives programme.
SfGH leads: Rebecca and Alex, National Officers for Research Exchange
SCOPE enables medical students to undertake supervised clinical placements abroad, providing opportunities to experience different healthcare systems, cultures and approaches to medical practice.
Students for Global Health previously ran a clinical exchange programme through SCOPE and has continued to appoint National Officers in this area. However, restoring active exchanges requires agreements with universities and clinical partners in the UK and internationally. We are currently working to rebuild the programme sustainably. Clinical exchanges are therefore not yet available, but we hope to reopen opportunities for members in future.
SfGH leads: Adhija and Chloe, National Officers for Professional Exchanges
SCOME brings students together to improve medical education through advocacy, research, capacity building and meaningful student involvement in educational decision-making.
In 2026/27, Students for Global Health has dedicated National Officers for Medical Education, strengthening our connection to SCOME and creating new opportunities for members to engage.
SfGH leads: Rosie and Elamin, National Officers for Medical Education
SCORP empowers students to promote and protect human rights and peace through advocacy, education, capacity building and community action.
Our National Officer for Human Rights and Peace leads Students for Global Health’s engagement with SCORP. In September 2026, we will recruit a National Working Group to develop a new student-led policy paper in this area.
SfGH lead: Amirah, National Officer for Human Rights and Peace
Applications opening September 2026
SCORA brings together students committed to advancing sexual and reproductive health and rights, including work relating to HIV and AIDS, comprehensive sexuality education, gender-based violence and reproductive justice.
Our National Officer for Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights leads Students for Global Health’s engagement with SCORA. In September 2026, we will recruit a National Working Group to develop a new student-led policy paper in this area.
SfGH lead: Lara, National Officer for Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights
Applications opening September 2026
Member Stories
International opportunities, told by the students who experienced them
From electives and international meetings to conferences, advocacy and training, our members have represented Students for Global Health across the world.
Explore their stories to learn what these opportunities involve, what they gained from taking part and their advice for members hoping to follow in their footsteps.
Ready to represent the UK?
Through our membership of IFMSA, students can access opportunities that span every continent – from research electives and international conferences to global policy-making and leadership roles.
Get in touch
Our International Team supports members across every aspect of our international programme – from electives and General Assemblies to Standing Committees and international leadership opportunities.
Have a question? We’d love to hear from you.
Students for Global Health 