What is an eligibility application?
The eligibility application is a pre-application process used by the UKFPO to determine if an applicant is eligible to apply to the 2-year UK Foundation Programme.
An eligibility application consists of an online application form and supporting documentation. The eligibility application form is completed on Oriel, which is the national online application system for medical training in the UK. Some supporting evidence can be uploaded as part of the online application.
These webpages provide guidance about how to submit an eligibility application for the 2026 UK Foundation Programme. Eligibility applicants are also required to read the specific guidance for applying to the 2-year Foundation Programme, which is a separate application process that takes place after the eligibility application process has concluded.
Non-urgent advice: Eligibility is a pre-application process
The eligibility process is a pre-application process, and you must submit an eligibility application before making a UKFP 2026 application. If you are deemed eligible to apply to the Foundation Programme, you must then complete a separate Foundation Programme application form to enter the FP recruitment process in September 2025. You will also have the option to apply for Foundation Priority Programmes (FPP).
Do I need to complete an eligibility application?
Yes, if:
- You are studying at or have qualified from a non-UK medical school; OR
- You have qualified from a UK medical school on or prior to 04 August 2024; OR
- You are studying at or have qualified from a UK medical school campus outside of the UK, i.e. St George’s University of London in Cyprus, Newcastle University Medicine in Malaysia (NUMed), or Queen Mary University of London in Malta. (This applies to both non-UK applicants and settled UK nationals).
- One of the above applies to you AND you either applied in a previous recruitment cycle and your application was unsuccessful, or you withdrew your application and did not begin your Foundation training programme. (Applications do not carry forwards from year to year, and you must submit a new application for the relevant recruitment year).
No, if:
- You are a UK medical student expecting to qualify by 04 August 2026; OR
- You qualified from a UK medical school on or after 05 August 2024.