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Short-term International Fellowships: FAQ for applicants

Short-term International Fellowships: FAQ for applicants

Owned by Franca Hess
17 Apr 2025
4 min read

1. General information

When can I apply for an AO fellowship?

For information on the opening and closing dates of the call, please refer to the link provided below.

Can I reapply for an AO fellowship?

Yes, you may reapply for a fellowship. However, if you have already completed one, priority will be given to first-time applicants.

What language skills are required?

In general, you need to be able to communicate in the local language or interact in English during your fellowship. Please note that daily staff meetings may be conducted in the local language.

What is the minimum duration of an AO fellowship? 

  • The AO Trauma fellowship program is from 6 to 12 weeks 

  • AO Trauma Visit-the-Expert fellowships have a duration of 2 to 4 weeks

  • AO Spine offers short-term fellowships that range in duration from 4 weeks up to 12 weeks 

  • The duration of the AO CMF Fellowship Program is from 6 to 8 weeks  

  • The duration of the AO Recon Fellowship Program is 6 to 12 weeks 

  • AO VET Fellowships are from 2 to 12 weeks 

Where can I find the list of all AO Fellowship Host centers? 

 Please find the list of Host centers with detailed description on our websites: 

How can I choose the right hospital as my Fellowship Host center?

Choosing the right hospital for your fellowship is a crucial step in shaping your experience and professional growth. Here are a few important points to consider when selecting your Host center:

  1. Specialties offered 

  2. Scrub-in opportunities 

  3. Country & location 

  4. Visa & immigration 

  5. Research opportunities 

Explore our Host centers network:
We’ve gathered detailed information on all of our partner hospitals on our website. Take a look and find the center that best suits your goals! It is also important to note that we strive to respect your preferences as much as possible, within the limits of available spaces.

Should applicants communicate directly with the host fellowship institution, or should all communication and placement arrangements be handled exclusively through AO?

We kindly request that you do not contact any Host centers at this time. Only after your fellowship has been confirmed and we have sent you the confirmation and agreement will we ask you to contact your Host center.

However, for our AO VET and AO Trauma Visit-the-Expert Fellowships, you will need to contact your chosen Host center before applying.

Which courses do I have to complete before applying? 

 You can find an overview of all documents and course certificates you must attach on our website in the section titled “Application process”. Please make sure that none of your documents are password-protected.  

I plan to take the required course after the application deadline. Am I still eligible to apply? 

 Yes, you may still apply. Please include the payment receipt for the course in your application. Once you have completed the course and received your certificate, kindly send it to us, and we will update your application accordingly. 

Could you please provide more information on the membership requirements for the AO CMF/Spine Fellowship program?

To apply, you need to have an active AO CMF/Spine membership. Having at least two years of active membership before applying will be an important part of the selection process for a 2026 Fellowship. This helps us recognize applicants who are engaged with the AO community and show long-term interest.

2. Submitting your application

Where do I find the application form?

You can find the link to the application form on our websites listed below. An example PDF is also available for download, outlining the information you will need to provide. These example PDFs are located in the 'Application Process' section of the website.

I am unable to access the link, what should I do?

Do you have an active membership? Access is only granted to active members. If you have an active membership and still encounter issues, please try the following troubleshooting steps: 

  • Use Edge or Chrome browser 

  • Clear cache/delete cookies or open a private window 

  • Restart the process from the beginning 

  • If the issue persists, switch to another browser and/or device. If none of these steps work, feel free to contact us for further assistance.

Which documents do I have to attach to the application form?

You can find an overview of all documents you have to attach on our website in the section titled “Application process”. Please make sure that none of your documents are password-protected.

Can I add documents after the call has closed?

No, you can only add documents before submitting your application. After submission, no further changes or additions are possible.

What should the confirmation letter from the AO VET faculty surgeon at the Host center include?

The confirmation letter from the AO VET faculty surgeon at the host center must include:

  • Official letterhead

  • Signature of the AO VET faculty surgeon

  • Name of the fellow

3. Evaluation of your application

How long will it take to receive the decision?

You can expect to receive our decision by the end of October at the latest.

How do I get informed about the decision?

You will receive an email informing you about the decision.

4. Next steps for selected fellows

What happens after I am accepted?

After being informed of your acceptance as a fellow for the following year, you will receive a proposal with dates and a Host center. We strive to accommodate all your preferences as much as possible, within the limits of available spaces.

5. Contact information for further questions

If this FAQ does not answer your questions, please feel free to contact us:

 

 

 

 

 

 

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