Key changes for Pre-allocation, UKFP 2026

Non-urgent advice: Important information about UKFP 2027 guidance

Please note that the updated 2027 Pre-allocation guidance and application forms will be available soon. In the meantime, you may wish to refer to the UKFP 2027 Key Changes webpage which summarises the changes to the UKFP 2027 application process.

The following changes have been made to the Pre-allocation criteria for UKFP 2026

Changes to the pre-allocation criteria

Significant caring responsibilities – changed to Primary Carer

The criterion for Significant Carer will now be Primary Carer only.

For the Primary Carer criterion, applicants will be required to submit a care plan as part of the evidence required for their application.

Pre-allocation for the Primary Carer criterion will only be to the foundation school local to the medical school to reflect the current personal circumstances (unless the applicant has applied via the Eligibility route or has qualified and is being renominated for the application process by their UK medical school. Refer to the full guidance for this criterion).

Note: the above wording for criterion 2 Primary Carer was updated on 16 September 2025.

Educational circumstances – removed

The educational circumstances criterion has been completely removed. Medical schools will no longer be able to nominate up to five applicants for pre-allocation under this criterion.

Widening Participation – allocation to local foundation school only

Pre-allocation under this criterion will now only be to the foundation school local to the medical school to reflect the current personal circumstances.

Other changes

Proof of address – driving licence removed

Driving licences will no longer be accepted as proof of address (this includes full and provisional).

Applicants should refer to the list of acceptable evidence for proof of address.

Applicant guidance moved to web format

In line with our organisational website and accessibility guidelines, applicant guidance is gradually being moved out of Word and PDF documents and directly onto the website pages.

The pre-allocation applicant guidance has been moved onto the website for the UKFP 2026 application process.