Non-urgent advice: Important Update: Medical Training (Prioritisation) Act becomes law
The Government’s Medical Training (Prioritisation) Act has now been passed by Parliament and become law. The Act brings in new rules which prioritise UK medical graduates for Foundation training and give preference to UK graduates and doctors with significant NHS experience for Specialty training.
The Government has confirmed that these changes will take immediate effect. This includes recruitment to all Foundation and Specialty training programmes commencing from August 2026.
We encourage applicants to review the Prioritisation FAQs for the Foundation Programme and to continue checking our website for further information. We are unable to respond to individual enquiries regarding the rationale for the introduction of the bill.
Please also refer to the NHS England Frequently Asked Questions for information on the bill and background on its introduction.
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.
Recruitment reminders and quick links
Education and Support quick links
- UKFPO Fellowship – Recruitment for August 2026 is now open
- UKFP Curriculum Resource – links to elearning and webinars relevant to each FPC
- UKFPO Fellow Project Summary – The Left Field Shift – Dr Kaveeta Malhi (UKFPO Fellow 2025-26)
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