UK Foundation Programme

UK Foundation Programme

You can find information about how to apply to the 2-year Foundation Programme and Stand-alone Programme, as well as FP curriculum guidance.


Non-urgent advice: 2026 UK Foundation Programme Application Statement

At the close of national application to the 2026 UK Foundation Programme on 08 October 2025, the UKFPO had received 11,752 applications. Since then, the number remaining in the application process has reduced, so that as of 11 February 2026 there are 11,564 applicants in the system. 

Further guidance outlining the allocation process and timelines for foundation school allocation, group and programme matching will follow as soon as possible.

Non-urgent advice: Important update on Foundation Programme 2026 recruitment, Foundation Priority Programmes (FPP) 2026 and F2 Stand-alone 2026 recruitment

The Government has introduced the Medical Training (Prioritisation) Bill to prioritise UK medical graduates for foundation programme training and give preference to UK graduates and doctors with significant NHS experience for specialty training. This legislation is now going through Parliament.

Read more about this announcement on this news post.

Education and Support quick links

Non-urgent advice: UKFPO Helpdesk

We are continuing to experience an issue receiving emails to helpdesk@foundationprogramme.nhs.uk. If you have emailed us and not received an auto-response acknowledging receipt of your email, or received an error message or undeliverable notification, please re-send your email to england.helpdesk.foundationprogramme@nhs.net.

Upcoming Events

Latest news

UKFPO Fellowship – Recruitment for August 2026 is now open

The application window is open from Monday 2 March 12:00 – Monday 9 March 09:00.    The UKFPO are currently recruiting two F1 doctors to serve as UKFPO Fellows for the duration of their F2 year […]

UKFPO Bulletin

March Bulletin Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month  Nutrition and Hydration Week – 16 – 22 March  International Women’s Day – 8 March  Other national campaigns this month  Action for happiness calendar – ‘Mindful March’  Introduction Welcome to the March […]

The Childhood Dream vs Reality

When I was younger, I jumped between a few career options. “I want to be a doctor, I like this stethoscope my parent’s doctor friend has given me to play […]

The Impostor Among Us

I put on my badge, my name clear and true, Foundation Doctor, FY2. I know the rota, the ward, the day, But doubts walk with me anyway. On ward rounds […]

F2 Stand-alone 2026 – Notification of indicative programme numbers

As at time of publication, there are approximately 22 programmes available across the UK for F2 Stand-alone 2026. Please note these numbers remain subject to change, and not all Foundation […]

2026 UK Foundation Programme Application Statement

At the close of national application to the 2026 UK Foundation Programme on 08 October 2025, the UKFPO had received 11,752 applications. Since then, the number remaining in the application process has reduced, so that […]

UKFPO Fellowship 2026

Applications open on Monday 2 March 12:00 – Monday 9 March 09:00.   The UKFPO will shortly be recruiting two F1 doctors to serve as UKFPO Fellows for the duration of their F2 year (August 2026 to July […]

UKFPO Bulletin

February Bulletin Heart Month  Rare Disease Day – 28 February  Time To Talk Day Day – 6 February  Other national campaigns this month  Action for happiness calendar – ‘Friendly February’  Introduction Welcome to my 2nd bulletin blog […]

Stepping into the unknown: reflections on becoming a foundation doctor

Starting foundation training is like standing at the edge of a vast, shifting landscape. The final year of medical school prepares you with knowledge, but it cannot replicate the immediacy […]

F2 Stand-alone 2026: Longlisting outcomes delayed

The F2 Stand-alone longlisting outcomes that were due to be released to applicants on 28 January 2026 will be delayed until 29 January 2026. This is due to the volume […]

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