Inter-foundation School Transfer Process

Applicants/foundation doctors who are considering an IFST should first discuss this with their local Foundation Training Programme Director, Foundation School Director and/or foundation school team.

IFST applications must be submitted to the current/allocated foundation school by the national deadline. Applicants should read the IFST Applicant Guidance and IFST Applicant Timeline carefully before submitting an application.

Foundation School contact details can be found on the Contact Us page.

The 2026 IFST application timeline will be published in due course, ahead of the application window which will be in early spring 2026.

The IFST guidance for the 2026 application process will be published in time for the new application window. Applicants can refer to the 2025 guidance, but should note that the process is subject to change.

Inter-foundation School Transfer Applicant Guidance 2025 [PDF 372KB]

Updated application forms will be published in time for the 2026 application window.

Current F1 or F2 doctors who need to apply outside of the national application window for an IFST should email england.helpdesk.foundationprogramme@nhs.net to request a copy of the 2025 application form.