Non-urgent advice: Important information regarding release of timeline dates
Please note the key dates for UKFP 2026 entry will be released on an incremental basis. Please refer to the website regularly to ensure that you are viewing the most up-to-date information.
Eligibility Key Dates
July 2025
02 – 23 July 2025 12:00 midday (BST)
Eligibility application window opens. Applicants complete and submit their eligibility application form on Oriel between 02 – 23 July 2025 12:00 midday (BST)
From 02 July 2025
Applicants who have not booked PLAB 1 at the point of application must email PLAB@gmc-uk.org to ask for access to available PLAB 1 places. Please 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.
August 2025
14 August 2025
Eligibility outcomes released on Oriel.
22 August 2022
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 priority access to PLAB 1 places. Please refer to the PLAB guidance for more information.
31 August 2025
Final date to qualify from medical school for applicants who are required to undertake PLAB.
31 August 2025
The deadline to request priority access to UKFP-compliant PLAB 1 places with the GMC. The GMC will not be able to give priority to UKFP applicants who request a PLAB 1 booking after this date.
September 2025
04 September 2025 12:00 midday (BST)
Deadline for applicants whose primary medical qualification (PMQ) appears on the GMC’s list of overseas medical qualifications they may accept, to provide evidence to the UKFPO that their 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).
Applicants who are deemed eligible or eligible with conditions must also complete the separate application for the two-year Foundation Programme for 2026 on Oriel. Applicants will have the opportunity to apply for FPP programmes in addition to the main Foundation Programme (FP). Please 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). Please refer to the UKFP 2026 Applicant guidance for the 2-year Foundation Programme for detailed information.
October 2025
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)
November 2025
03 – 06 November 2025
Clinical Assessment test dates. Those required to undertake the clinical assessment will only need to attend on one date. Applicants will be notified of their 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 is 06 November 2025. 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. Please refer to the PLAB guidance for more information.
December 2025
23 December 2025 12:00 midday (GMT)
The 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 their application. Please refer to the PLAB guidance for more information.
January 2026
15 January 2026
The deadline to request priority access to UKFP-compliant PLAB 2 places with the GMC. The GMC will not be able to give priority to UKFP applicants who request a PLAB 2 booking after this date. Please refer to the PLAB guidance for more information.
May 2026
Date TBC
The latest PLAB 2 exam date applicants who are given priority will be offered by the GMC. Applicants are not required to send evidence of their PLAB 2 booking to the UKFPO. Please refer to the PLAB guidance for more information.
Throughout May
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.
June 2026
08 June 2026 12:00 midday (BST)
Applicants must forward the email confirmation they receive from plab@gmc-uk.org stating that they have met the required standard for part 2 of the PLAB test, by no later than 12:00 midday (GMT) on 08 June 2026. Evidence must be sent to helpdesk@foundationprogramme.nhs.uk, quoting the Oriel PIN number associated with their application.
Date TBC
Deadline for applicants to submit their application for GMC registration. Applicants must have their application 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.
August 2026
04 August 2026
All applicants must have qualified from medical school
05 August 2026
Applicants must hold provisional GMC registration.
05 August 2026
F1 training programme commences.