UKFPO 2026 for IMG Doctors: Eligibility, Assessment and Deadlines, NCA
If you are an IMG doctor and have recently completed your medical school, you may choose to apply to the UK Foundation Programme (UKFP) directly. This blog covers the key things you need to know about when thinking about applying to the UKFP.
– Join Arora UKFP Clinical Assessment+ Package here.
– Join Arora UKMLA PLAB 1 Ultimate Package here.
– Join Arora UKMLA PLAB 2 Academy+ Package here.
Eligibility applications
International Medical Graduate (IMG) doctors who are interested in applying for the 2 year UK Foundation programme will need to complete a pre-application process known as the eligibility application.
The eligibility application checks that you meet the eligibility criteria to apply for the UK Foundation programme. Once this application is accepted you will then be required to complete the actual UK Foundation programme application separately.
List of documents and assessments required to be eligible for UKFPO:
– Medical degree eg MBBS (see below)
– Evidence of English language proficiency (see below)
– Proof of ID
– Evidence of right to work in the UK (if sponsorship is required please tick this box on application form)
– GMC provisional registration (if you still need to book PLAB please mention it on the form)
– Booking of Clinical Assessment
For 2026 UKFP applicants, there have been some key changes introduced. The key changes to eligibility criteria are highlighted below.
Removal of the Dean’s statement
For UKFP 2026, candidates will no longer be asked to provide a Dean’s statement. Instead candidates will be asked to provide evidence of their Primary Medical Qualification (PMQ). Evidence of PMQ can be provided in the following ways:
1. Copy of completed medical degree certificate
2. If you have qualified, but not received your degree yet: a letter can be provided by the medical school dean confirming qualification
3. If you have not yet qualified from medical school: a letter from the medical school dean confirming future qualification
Changes to Evidence of English Proficiency
There are now 3 ways to provide evidence of English proficiency:
1. PMQ (primary medical qualification)
Please note PMQ will only be accepted if you graduated from a medical school/university in a country where English is the first and native language. The GMC has a list of countries which meet this requirement.
2. IELTS certificate
For 2026 applications, only ‘Academic’ and UKVI (academic) versions of the IELTS will be accepted. IELTS ‘general’ training certificates will no longer be accepted.
The standard and minimum period of validity has not changed for IELTS. Applicants will need to achieve a score of 7.5 in speaking, listening, reading and writing. The scores must be part of the same Test Report Form (TRF). If you are applying for UKFP 2026 the IELTS exam should not be earlier than 5th August 2024 to ensure that your certificate is valid.
For IELTS One Skill Retake – for candidates who have completed this, please bear in mind that UKFPO will need to view and verify the results via the IELTS verification portal.
3. OET certificate
Applicants will need to achieve a score of 400 in speaking, reading, listening and writing. This score must be achieved in one sitting. The OET exam was taken no earlier than 5th August 2024 and before the 1st July 2025.
What is the Clinical Assessment?
The Clinical Assessment is only necessary for applicants who have qualified from medical school prior to 5th August 2024 (ie 2 years prior to the start of the UKFPO 2026 programme). It is an assessment to ensure that a doctor can demonstrate competency in clinical skills expected of a doctor about to start their Foundation training.
The format of the exam includes 12 stations which last 10 minutes, including 1 minute for preparation. Each station will assess a range of skills and knowledge domains. The exam lasts approximately 4 hours per sitting. There will be clear instructions posted outside the station for the student to read in their 1 minute of preparation time.
The exam takes place at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust on the 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th November 2025. No feedback will be given on the day.
Candidates will receive their results via email. More information about how to prepare for the Clinical Assessment can be found here.
Key dates and Timeline
– Eligibility applications open in Oriel: 02nd-23rd July 2025
– Results of eligibility application release: 14th August 2025
– Application for Foundation Programme: 24th September – 8th October 2025
– Arora UKFPO NCA Course: 29th September-3rd October 2025 (click here)
– National Clinical Assessment (Manchester): 3rd-6th November 2025
– Clinical Assessment Results: End November 2025
– Start of Foundation Programme: August 2026
If you need to take UKMLA PLAB, there are separate deadlines for booking and passing PLAB 1 and PLAB 2 – that you would need to meet.
– Join Arora UKFP Clinical Assessment+ Package here.
– Join Arora UKMLA PLAB 1 Ultimate Package here.
– Join Arora UKMLA PLAB 2 Academy+ Package here.
How to Apply for UKFP 2025?
Applicants first need to create an account on ORIEL. Once the account is created you would need to select the ‘UK Foundation Programme’ under the Applicant section.
Following this the eligibility application form will need to be completed and evidence uploaded (see above for details).
What happens next?
Applicants will need to await the outcome of the Eligibility Application.
If successful they will need to complete the Foundation programme application separately once the application opens (mid August) and then meet the relevant deadlines for the different requirements (see above).
How Arora can help you Pass NCA
For our most comprehensive ‘all-you-need’ UKFPO Assessment+ Package click here
For all other Arora UKMLA PLAB 1 resources (Gold Package, Mocks, Online course, etc) click here
For all other Arora UKMLA PLAB 2 resources (Gold Package, Mocks, Online course, etc) click here
To join our Free UKMLA PLAB 2 Telegram teaching group click here
For Dr Aman’s UKMLA PLAB 2 YouTube videos click here
Other blog that may help you
Author Bio — Dr Aman Arora
Hi! I’m Dr. Aman Arora, a Portfolio GP with over a decade of clinical and teaching experience, dedicated to helping doctors achieve their goals with confidence. Having had the privilege of supporting more than 50,000 doctors worldwide across exams such as MRCGP AKT, SCA, MSRA, PLAB 2 and PLAB 1, I understand the challenges you face and the strategies needed to overcome them. Through personalised face-to-face sessions, engaging online courses, mocks, audio and a vibrant social media community, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Whether you’re looking to pass crucial exams or take the next big step in your medical career, we’re here to help you succeed. Feel free to get in touch with any thoughts, questions, or ideas — I look forward to working with you and being part of your journey.
Author Bio — Dr Pooja Arora
Dr Pooja Arora is a GP with a background in Medical Politics, where she passionately focuses on improving the opportunities and working conditions for junior doctors. She is proud to hold FRCGP (Fellow of Royal College of General Practitioners).
You can find out more about Pooja’s previous roles and qualifications here.
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