International medical graduates may in some circumstances apply to the Foundation Programme, but the eligibility application and the priority rules make this route much narrower than before. Most IMGs begin in service posts instead.
- The UKFPO publishes the groups who must submit an eligibility application and the deadlines; for the 2027 programme the eligibility window was 1 – 22 July 2026.
- The Prioritisation Act gives priority to UK (and certain other) graduates for foundation places.
- IMGs who already have substantial experience may be able to show foundation competences in other ways and apply directly to specialty training. This depends on the specialty’s person specification and the sign-off process, so check the specialty’s own recruitment pages.
Questions to ask
- Am I required to submit an eligibility application and by when?
- Does the priority group include me through residence, qualification or other criteria?
- What do my alternatives look like, for instance a service post and a later specialty application?
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.