Visit this section regularly to see the new frequently asked questions posted. Our questions are split into groups to make them easier to view.
General
Who is eligible to apply for the Foundation programme?
– UK medical school applicants who have been nominated by their medical school.
– UK medical school graduates who qualified more than two years before the start of the programme (refer to the exact dates which can be found in the Eligibility guidance) who have applied through the UKFPO’s Eligibility process and their application has been deemed eligible.
– Applicants who have qualified from a non-UK medical school who have applied through the UKFPO’s Eligibility process and their application has been deemed eligible.
How do I apply for the Foundation Programme?
Applicants will either be nominated by a UK medical school or will first need to apply through the UKFPO’s Eligibility process.
All applications must be submitted through Oriel (the national online application system). Applicants can access Oriel via https://www.oriel.nhs.uk.
Once you have been nominated and have registered on Oriel, or deemed eligible through the UKFPO’s Eligibility process, you will need to search for the Foundation Programme (FP) vacancy in Oriel.
Am I required to sit the Situational Judgement Test (SJT)?
No. The Situational Judgement Test (SJT) is no longer part of the FP application process and no FP applicant is required to sit it.
Some of my documents are in a different name (for example, previous last name), can I still apply?
Yes. If the names given on your passport, eligibility application form, medical school degree certificate do not match, you must upload documentation to Oriel confirming an official name change (for example, a copy of your marriage certificate or divorce decree certificate).
You must complete all documentation and the online applications using the same name, in the same format each time it is shown. For example, if your name is written as John Smith on the eligibility application form, then it must appear that way in all future documentation and correspondence, not as Jonathan Smith, John A Smith, JA Smith, Smith John, etc. The name you record on your online eligibility application form must match the name on your passport.
I have more than one nationality, which one should I include on my application form?
If you have dual nationality / multi citizenship, please ensure that you complete the online Oriel application with information on the most relevant nationality regarding providing evidence of your right to work in the UK and upload the relevant passport / ID card.
I am studying medicine at a non-UK medical school; can I apply to the Foundation Programme?
Yes. You will need to apply through the UKFPO’s eligibility process first over the summer months. Please refer to the Eligibility Applicant Guidance on the Eligibility page.
Can I link my application to another applicant?
Yes. You can link your FP application to that of another applicant to request you are both allocated to the same Foundation School. You can only link to one other applicant. Refer to the linking guidance for details of the application and allocation process for linked applicants. Also refer to information about how linking works with the Preferece Informed Allocation process.
If I applied for the Foundation Programme in a previous recruitment round but did not start in post, and I am now applying for the Foundation Programme again, will this affect my computer-generated rank for PIA?
No. This will have no bearing on your allocation to a foundation school via PIA, nor on your computer-generated rank. No part of an application from any previous recruitment round is carried over.
I have a UK medical degree from a school outside of the UK, will my medical school nominate me?
No, you will need to apply through the UKFPO’s eligibility process.
How will I be allocated to a place/how does the allocation process work?
The allocation process for the Foundation Programme changed in 2024. Refer to the Allocation page for information about how Preference Informed Allocation works.
Can I appeal against the outcome of my application?
Allocations to foundation schools are final and applicants are not able to appeal their allocation results. Applicants can only appeal against certain national elements of the application process. There is an appeal process for the UKFPO’s Eligibility process, clinical assessment, pre-allocation and IFST application process. Guidance for these processes can be found on our Appeals page.
What is the process for providing references for the Foundation Programme?
Referees will be able to submit references online through Oriel during the reference submission window. Refer to the main application timeline for these dates. After this time, your employing organisation will chase referees for references. It is not a problem if your referees do not complete a reference on Oriel, as your employer will seek a reference for you offline, and via email.
How do I apply as a refugee doctor?
Everyone has to apply through Oriel. You can contact the UKFPO team directly for further advice and support in your application via helpdesk@foundationprogramme.nhs.uk.
I only wish to be considered for Less Than Full-Time training, what should I apply for?
Once you have been nominated and have registered on Oriel, or deemed eligible through the UKFPO’s Eligibility process, you will need to search for and apply to the Foundation Programme (FP) vacancy (once it is open). You will be able to indicate on your application form for FP if you wish to be considered for less than full-time (LTFT) training and will later be required to apply for LTFT training directly with your allocated foundation school.
You can also apply for Specialised Foundation Programmes (SFP) and Foundation Priority Programmes (FPP) through the main FP vacancy. You will need to rank programmes once you have submitted your application form. You should rank only the programmes you wish to be considered for, for example, those that offer less than full-time models of working. Programmes you would not accept should be listed in the ‘not wanted’ column.
All foundation schools offer LTFT working options. Review foundation school websites for their local process for applying for LTFT training.
Disclaimer for Right to Work Information
Disclaimer for Right to Work Information
Although every effort has been made to ensure that this guidance is accurate and up-to date at the time of publication, the right for non-UK nationals to work in the UK is governed by legislation which may change from time to time, and is ultimately a matter for Parliament and the courts. The UKFPO accepts no responsibility or liability where the content of this guidance is relied upon and later found to be inaccurate, or legislation is changed. You are advised to check the up-to-date position using the web links provided.
Applying to work as a European doctor in the UK
Immigration rules and the points-based system
The UK’s points-based immigration system – further details
What should I do once I have received my match to programme outcome?
If you do not want to accept the programme you have been matched to, you will need to withdraw your application from the FP process entirely and reapply next year. If you wish to accept the programme you have been matched to, there is nothing further you need to do. Your foundation school and employer will contact you about next steps. Further guidance is available within the Application process pages.