UKFP 2026 Eligibility Applications – Timeline and Deadlines

02 – 23 July 2025 12:00 midday (BST)

Eligibility application window opens. You can complete and submit your eligibility application form on Oriel between 02 – 23 July 2025 12:00 midday (BST).

02 July – 31 August 2025

If you need to take PLAB and have not already booked PLAB 1 at the point of application, log into your GMC Online account to view and book available PLAB places. Refer to the PLAB guidance for more information.

06 July 2025

Planned Oriel downtime (AM only). The Oriel website will be offline and unavailable for use in the morning.

23 July 2025 12:00 midday (BST)

Deadline to submit an Eligibility application.

14 August 2025

Eligibility outcomes released on Oriel.

22 August 2025

If you do not already have a GMC Online account, the latest date to set up an account is 22 August 2025 if you need to request priority access to UKFP-compliant PLAB 1 places. You only need to request priority access if you have already searched for available places and cannot find a date which is compliant with the UKFP timeline and deadlines. Refer to the PLAB guidance for more information.

31 August 2025

Final date to qualify from medical school if you are required to undertake PLAB.

31 August 2025

The deadline to request priority access to UKFP-compliant PLAB 1 places with the GMC. You only need to request priority access if you have already searched for available places and cannot find a date which is compliant with the UKFP timeline and deadlines. The GMC will not be able to give priority to UKFP applicants who request a PLAB 1 booking after this date.

04 September 2025 12:00 midday (BST)

Deadline if your primary medical qualification (PMQ) appears on the GMC’s list of overseas medical qualifications they may accept, to provide evidence to the UKFPO that your PMQ will be accepted by the GMC.

24 September – 08 October 2025 12:00 midday (BST)

The FP and FPP application window for UKFP 2026 will open 24 September and close 08 October 2025 12:00 midday (BST).

If you are deemed eligible or eligible with conditions, you must also complete the separate application for the two-year Foundation Programme for 2026 on Oriel. You will have the opportunity to apply for FPP programmes in addition to the main Foundation Programme (FP). Refer to the UKFP 2026 Applicant guidance for the 2-year Foundation Programme for detailed information.

24 September – 08 October 2025 12:00 midday (BST)

Pre-allocation application window (application via main Oriel application form). Refer to the UKFP 2026 Applicant guidance for the 2-year Foundation Programme for detailed information.

05 October 2025

Planned Oriel downtime (AM only). The Oriel website will be offline and unavailable for use in the morning.

08 October 2025 12:00 midday (BST)

Deadline to submit the separate application for the two-year Foundation Programme (including FPP) for 2026 on Oriel

08 October 2025 12:00 midday (BST)

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

03 – 06 November 2025

Clinical Assessment test dates. If you are required to undertake the Clinical Assessment, you will only need to attend on one of these dates. You will be notified of your assessment date closer to the time.

06 November 2025

The latest PLAB 1 exam date that is compliant with the UKFP’s timeline for entry to FP 2026. If you sit PLAB 1 after this date, you won’t be able to meet the deadline to send us your results – your eligibility application will be withdrawn. Refer to the PLAB guidance for more information.

23 December 2025 12:00 midday (GMT)

Deadline to provide the UKFPO with evidence that you have passed PLAB 1. Evidence must be sent to helpdesk@foundationprogramme.nhs.uk, quoting the Oriel PIN number associated with your application. If you can’t provide us with the evidence we require by this deadline, your eligibility application will be withdrawn from the process. Refer to the PLAB guidance for more information.

15 January 2026

The deadline to request priority access to UKFP-compliant PLAB 2 places with the GMC. You only need to request priority access if you have already searched for available places and cannot find a date which is compliant with the UKFP timeline and deadlines. The GMC will not be able to give priority to UKFP applicants who request a PLAB 2 booking after this date. Refer to the PLAB guidance for more information.

01 May 2026

The latest PLAB 2 exam date that is compliant with the UKFP’s timeline for entry to FP 2026. If you sit PLAB 2 after this date, it is unlikely that you will be able to meet the deadline to send us your results. Refer to the PLAB guidance for more information.

Throughout May 2026

You are advised to apply for provisional registration with the GMC at least three months before the start of the Foundation Programme. You are advised to have your GMC registration in place before the start of your mandatory induction and shadowing period. Employers will confirm individual start dates for induction and shadowing and these will be communicated directly to you. Please note these dates can vary between employers.

08 June 2026 12:00 midday (BST)

Deadline to provide the UKFPO with evidence that you have passed PLAB 2 (or entry onto GMC register). Evidence must be sent to helpdesk@foundationprogramme.nhs.uk, quoting the Oriel PIN number associated with your application. If you can’t provide us with the evidence we require by this deadline, your eligibility application will be withdrawn from the process. Refer to the PLAB guidance for more information.

12 June 2026

Deadline to submit your application for GMC registration. You must have your application evidence ready ahead of time and should not wait until your PLAB 2 results are published to start preparing your application. Ensure that you are familiar with the guidance on the GMC website about applying for registration, and start the process of verifying your qualifications as soon as possible.  

04 August 2026
All applicants must have qualified from medical school by this date.

05 August 2026
You must hold provisional GMC registration by this date.

05 August 2026
Foundation Programme start date.