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← The Foundation Programme
STEP 2 OF 5 · EVERYONE

Applying for the Foundation Programme

Timeline, eligibility, and how places are allocated.

  • ⏱ 8 min read
  • Everyone
  • Step 2 of 5
  • Reviewed 24 October 2026

UK medical students apply in the autumn of their final year. For the 2027 programme (starting August 2027), the UKFPO published this timeline:

StepDate
Eligibility applications (for those who need them)1 – 22 July 2026
Nominations from UK medical schools15 September 2026
National application window23 September 2026 – 7 October 2026 (12:00 midday BST)
Pre-allocation (for example couples, caring responsibilities)Submitted in the same window; review panels follow
Allocation and offersAnnounced by the UKFPO (see their timeline)

How places are allocated

Allocation moved to a Preference Informed Allocation (PIA) system for the 2024 programme. Applicants state their preferences rather than being ranked by a Situational Judgement Test and Educational Performance Measure score, as in earlier years. Some posts are also filled through school-led pathways. Check the UKFPO pages for how the current round works.

Your checklist

  • Noted the UKFPO application dates
  • Checked eligibility
  • Prepared the application

Fees, English-test scores and dates were last checked against official sources on 24 October 2026.

This page is general education, reviewed 24 October 2026. Rules, fees and dates change: always confirm with the official sources below. It is not medical, legal or immigration advice.