How Much Does a Medical Internship in Africa Cost? (2025 Guide)

Planning an elective or medical internship abroad is an exciting step for any pre-med, medical, or physician assistant student. But it also comes with financial considerations. If you’re thinking about interning in Africa, it’s important to understand what the true cost of the experience is and what that fee includes.

This guide breaks down the average cost of medical internships in Africa, what’s included, hidden expenses to watch out for, and why programs like Go Elective offer great value for money.

We believe in accessibility, hassle-free planning, and affordability because we were once students ourselves. We know what it means to pursue global health while on a student budget — and we want our interns to focus less on financial stress and more on learning, growing, and exploring.

Typical Costs for a Medical Internship in Africa

The cost of a medical internship in Africa varies depending on:

The country and city (e.g., Kenya vs Tanzania)
The provider (nonprofit vs private organization)
The duration of your stay (2 to 12+ weeks)
What’s included (accommodation, meals, transport, supervision, excursions)

Here’s a general range based on reputable programs:

Duration	Average Cost (USD)
2 weeks	$2,000 – $3,900
3 weeks	$2,800 – $4,500
4 weeks	$3,400 – $5,200
6–8 weeks	$4,500 – $6,800+

Note:

As of publishing this article, a 2-week program with Go-Elective is $2,600 (inclusive of reservation deposit) and covers your housing, meals, clinical placement, airport transfer, in-country transport, and more. View full pricing here.

What’s Typically Included in the Fee

Programs like Go Elective’s medical internships in Kenya and Tanzania are all-inclusive, meaning your payment covers nearly everything you need on the ground:

Hospital placement and clinical supervision
Accommodation in a safe, fully serviced intern house
Daily meals (usually breakfast and dinner)
Airport pickup and drop-off
In-country transportation to and from your placement site
Program coordination and 24/7 support
Pre-departure orientation and visa guidance
Academic documentation for elective credit (if applicable)
Cultural excursions and weekend travel guidance

Programs like these are designed to take the logistical pressure off, allowing you to focus on learning, networking, and enjoying the experience.

Additional (Out-of-Pocket) Costs to Budget For

Even with an all-inclusive program, you’ll want to prepare for some extra expenses:

#1. Flights to Africa:

Round-trip airfare ranges from $900–$1,200, depending on your location and season.

#2. Travel Insurance:

$50–$200, often required.

#3. Visa Fees:

Kenya and Tanzania require a visa or eTA, usually around $35.

#4. Vaccinations and Health Prep:

Costs vary but may include yellow fever, typhoid, hepatitis A/B, and malaria prophylaxis. Budget $200–$600 depending on your provider and insurance.

#5. Personal Expenses:

Snacks, souvenirs, eating out, weekend activities ($50–$200 per week depending on your lifestyle).

#6. Excursions:

Optional safaris, island getaways (like Diani or Zanzibar), or guided hikes may cost $100–$500.

Example Breakdown: 3-Week Internship in Mombasa, Kenya (Go Elective)

Item	Estimated Cost (USD)
Program Fee (3 weeks)	$3,050 (including deposit)
Flight from U.S. or Europe	$900 – $1,200
Visa (Kenya eTA)	$30 – $35
Vaccinations & Travel Health	$300 – $500
Travel Insurance	$75 – $120
Personal Spending	$150 – $400
Total Estimate	$4,500 – $5,200

Note:

Go Elective offers a transparent fee structure with no hidden charges. We also accept paying in installments.

Do a quick comparison and you’ll see that Go Elective offers some of the most affordable, all-inclusive medical internships in Africa — without cutting corners on quality. Wanna prove us wrong? Search around and show us another program with comparable offerings at a better price.

Why Medical Internships in Africa Are Worth the Cost

Despite the costs, interning in Africa offers high return on experience compared to local or virtual shadowing. Here's why students from top universities choose Africa:

Unmatched clinical exposure: Work in real hospitals with high patient volumes
Mentorship from experienced clinicians across departments
Cultural immersion: Learn to provide care in diverse, resource-constrained settings
Personal growth: Build resilience, independence, and global health awareness
Standout application material: Medical school committees value global clinical experience

Ways to Offset the Cost

If cost is a concern, consider:

Fundraising:

Many Go Elective students use crowdfunding platforms like GoFundMe or host events to support their trip.

University Grants:

Some colleges offer travel scholarships, pre-health grants, or global study funds.

Group Discounts:

If you’re traveling with classmates, Go Elective offers discounted rates for groups.

Referral Rewards:

Students can refer friends or peers for credit toward their program.

Learn more here Go-Elective Fundraising Aid

Final Thoughts

The cost of a medical internship in Africa may seem significant, but it’s a life-changing investment in your future as a healthcare professional. With the right program, the value you gain — clinically, academically, and personally — far exceeds the expense.

Start planning your internship today by exploring available options on Go Elective’s official site, or reach out to the team to discuss budget-friendly options that fit your timeline and goals.

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Go Elective offers immersive opportunities for medical students, pre-med undergraduates, residents, nursing practitioners, and PAs to gain guided invaluable experience in busy hospitals abroad. Discover the power of study, travel, and impact.