All applicants must provide proof of English language proficiency using one of the following methods:
Dean’s Statement
The Dean’s statement must be completed by the medical school Dean (or their nominated representative). The Dean’s Statement is used to confirm the following information relating to English language proficiency:
Language of instruction, examinations and at least 75% of clinical interaction undertaken by the applicant, including personal contact with patients, their families and other healthcare professionals, was conducted in English – that is, without any translation support.
Non-urgent advice: Important
The GMC maintains a list of institutions from which they will not accept evidence of English language proficiency. Applicants whose medical school appears on this list cannot use a Dean’s Statement as confirmation of their English language proficiency.
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or Occupational English Test (OET)
Applicants whose medical school appears on the list maintained by the GMC cannot use a Dean’s Statement as confirmation of their English language proficiency. Therefore, applicants from these medical schools must submit a valid IELTS Test Report Form (TRF) or OET at the time of application, even if their Dean’s Statement confirms that their primary medical qualification has been undertaken solely in English.
International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
The UKFPO’s minimum required standard for IELTS examinations is a score of 7.5 in each domain (speaking, listening, reading, and writing). The scores must have been achieved in one sitting.
If you have scored below 7.5 in any domain, your IELTS will not be accepted as proof of English language proficiency (even if your overall score is 7.5 or greater).
For entry to UKFP 2024: The UKFPO will accept the following versions of the IELTS test: Academic, General Training, and UKVI.
For entry to UKFP 2025 onwards: Prospective applicants for the UKFP should be aware that the UKFPO will only accept IELTS Academic for applications to UKFP 2025 onwards.
The UKFPO does not accept the IELTS indicator; however, IELTS proctored exam is accepted.
Applicants with a satisfactory IELTS score will be asked to provide the Test Report Form (TRF) number on their eligibility application form in Oriel.
The UKFPO will verify IELTS results online using the TRF number to check that the result meets requirements.
Occupational English Test (OET)
The UKFPO’s minimum required standard for OET examinations is a score of 400 in each domain (speaking, listening, reading, and writing). The scores must have been achieved in one sitting.
Applicants must share their OET results with the UKFPO. If results are not shared, the UKFPO will be unable to verify the result and the application may be marked as ineligible. Instructions on how to share OET results through the OET online account can be found here.
Applicants with a satisfactory OET score will be asked to provide the Candidate Number on their eligibility application form in Oriel.
The UKFPO will verify OET results online using the Candidate Number to check that the result meets requirements.
Non-urgent advice: Ensure the TRF or Candidate Number is correct
Applicants are reminded to ensure that the IELTS TRF / OET Candidate Number is correct in their application form. Applicants will not be able to amend any part of their application once it has been submitted. If the UKFPO are unable to verify the evidence using the TRF or Candidate Number provided, the application will be deemed ineligible.
General information for IELTS and OET
– The IELTS certificate/OET results must have been obtained no earlier than 06 August 2022 (the test sitting must have been on or after this date).
– English language evidence is due at the time of application. Please note that if there is a delay to IELTS/OET results, due to quality checks for example, the window will not be extended, and evidence will not be accepted following the close of the application window.
– The requirements for satisfactory IELTS and OET are set at a higher level than the requirements for the GMC. Applicants with GMC registration will still be required to meet the English language requirement for entry to the Foundation Programme.
– Scores for both IELTS and OET must have been obtained in one sitting.
– School examinations such as UK GCSEs or A Level results are not considered satisfactory evidence of English language proficiency. The assurances that are needed to ensure satisfactory English language proficiency for entry to foundation training are specifically in relation to patient contact and communications.
Frequently Asked Questions on English Language Eligibility can be found here.