Eligibility Applications for UK Foundation Programme (UKFP) 2024 entry – Timeline & Deadlines

04 July

Eligibility application window opens

From 04 July

Applicants who need to sit PLAB 1 must email PLAB@gmc-uk.org to ask for access to available PLAB 1 places. Applicants will be required to attach the email confirmation from Oriel to show they have submitted their eligibility application to the UKFPO.

25 July 12:00 midday (BST)

Deadline to submit an Eligibility application

10 August

Eligibility outcomes released on Oriel

24 August

Final date for applicants to set up their GMC Online account for PLAB, including providing valid English language evidence to the GMC

31 August

Deadline to request a PLAB 1 test booking with the GMC. Bookings made after 31 August 2023 will not be recognised for the UKFP 2024 application process by the UKFPO and applicants will be withdrawn

12 September 12:00 midday (BST)

Deadline to send confirmation of your PLAB 1 booking to UKFPO. Failure to send confirmation of your PLAB 1 booking by this time will result in your application being withdrawn. The PLAB 1 examination date must be on or before 02 November 2023

20 September 09:00 (BST) – 04 October 12:00 midday (BST)

National application window for FP, SFP, and FPP programmes.

Applicants who are deemed eligible or eligible with conditions must also complete the separate application for the two-year Foundation Programme for 2024 on Oriel. Please refer to the “UKFP 2024 Application Timeline”, “UKFP 2024 Applicant Handbook”, and “UKFP 2024 Guidance on how to apply to the Foundation Programme” documents for detailed information.

20 September 09:00 (BST) – 04 October 12:00 midday (BST)

Pre-allocation application window (application via main Oriel application form). Please refer to the “UKFP 2024 Applicant Guide to the Pre-allocation Process” document for detailed information.

03 October

Deadline to qualify from medical school for applicants who require PLAB

04 October 12:00 (BST)

Deadline to submit the separate application for the two-year Foundation Programme (including SFP and FPP) for 2024 on Oriel

04 October 12:00 (BST)

Deadline to submit Pre-allocation application (via main Oriel application form)

02 November

Last possible examination date for PLAB 1 if applying for UKFP 2024. Applicants must pass PLAB 1 to remain eligible for the foundation programme. Examinations that are sat after the 02 November 2023 will not be accepted for the 2024 foundation programme.

07 – 10 November

Clinical Assessment test dates. Those requiring clinical assessment will only be required to attend one date. Applicants will be notified of their date closer to the time

21 December 12:00 midday (GMT)

Deadline to send PLAB 1 results to the UKFPO

Applicants who have failed/not taken/failed to provide their results for PLAB 1 will be withdrawn from the application process after this date (no exemptions permitted)

31 January

Deadline to request a PLAB 2 test booking with the GMC. Bookings made after 31 January 2024 will not be recognised for the UKFP 2024 application process by the UKFPO and applicants will be withdrawn

13 February 12:00 midday (GMT)

Deadline to send confirmation of your PLAB 2 booking to UKFPO. Failure to send confirmation of your PLAB 2 booking by this time will result in your application being withdrawn. The PLAB 2 examination date must be on or before 31 May 2024

April 2024

Applicants are advised to apply for provisional registration with the GMC at least three months before the start of the foundation programme. Applicants are advised to have their GMC registration in place before the start of their mandatory induction and shadowing period. Employers will confirm individual start dates for induction and shadowing and these will be communicated directly to allocated applicants. Please note these dates can vary between employers.

31 May

Last possible examination and pass date for PLAB 2 if applying for UKFP 2024

05 July

Deadline to send PLAB 2 results to the UKFPO

Applicants who have failed/not taken/failed to provide their results for PLAB 2 will be withdrawn from the application process after this date (no exemptions permitted)

Deadline for applicants to submit their application for GMC registration

Applicants must have theirapplication evidence ready ahead of time and should not wait until their PLAB 2 results are published to start preparing their application. Applicants should make sure they are familiar with the guidance on the GMC website about  applying for registration, and should start the process of verifying their qualifications as soon as possible.  

06 August

All applicants must have qualified from medical school and hold provisional registration by this date