Visit our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
We have a comprehensive list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) available on our website, organised by topic. You can find further information about the application process and our other processes, as well as information about the different types of programme which we offer. Visit our FAQs here.
New Applicant? Make sure you apply for GMC Registration
Before you can commence the UK Foundation Programme you must have obtained registration with the General Medical Council (GMC). This means that, when you start applying, you should have identified which type of registration you are eligible for, and ideally started the process of applying for registration. There are two forms of registration relevant to the Foundation Programmes:
To apply for the two-year UK Foundation Programme, you must be eligible for Provisional Registration.
To apply for the F2 Stand-alone Programme, you must be eligible for Full Registration.
Registration, Licencing and Revalidation
What is provisional registration with the GMC?
Provisional registration with a licence to practise allows you to take part in an approved Foundation Year 1 (F1) Programme in the UK. Information about provisional registration can be found on the GMC’s website.
If you will obtain provisional registration with the GMC and meet the essential criteria of the person specification you can apply for the two-year foundation programme.
You cannot apply to the F2 Standalone Programme if you are eligible for provisional registration.
What is Full Registration with the GMC?
Doctors need full registration with a licence to practise to either move on to the second year of the Foundation Programme (F2) in an approved training programme, or to work in unsupervised medical practice in the NHS or UK private practice. Information about full registration can be found on the GMC’s website here.
If you will obtain full registration with the GMC and meet the essential criteria of the person specification, you can apply for the F2 Standalone Programme.
You cannot apply to any of the two-year Foundation Programmes (FP, SFP, FPP) if you are eligible for full registration.
How do I know which registration status I am eligible for?
We would advise you to use the GMC’s online applicant registration tool to identify which registration status you are eligible for, and for guidance on the steps you need to take.
If you are a student at a UK medical School, the GMC should contact you towards the end of your course, but you can also use the applicant registration tool above.
If your qualification is/will be from a medical school in the European Economic Area or Switzerland, please check if you are eligible for provisional or full registration on the GMC’s website.
Which training programme am I eligible for? – use our programme flowchart to determine which programme is best for you.