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STEP 4 OF 4 · ROUTE A · UK MEDICAL SCHOOL

Graduating and registering with the GMC

Provisional registration, Foundation Year 1 and full registration.

  • ⏱ 6 min read
  • Route A · UK medical school
  • Step 4 of 4
  • Reviewed 24 October 2026

UK graduates apply to the GMC for provisional registration with a licence to practise in the weeks before they graduate. This lets you work only in the Foundation Programme (FY1) under supervision.

  1. Create a GMC Online account as a final-year student.
  2. Pass the UKMLA and complete your degree.
  3. Apply for provisional registration (your medical school confirms your graduation).
  4. Start FY1 in early August.
  5. On satisfactory completion of FY1 you apply for full registration with a licence to practise.

Timeline in your final year

WhenWhat
AutumnFoundation Programme application (see the Foundation stage). UKMLA preparation.
Winter–springApplied Knowledge Test and clinical assessments; elective or assistantship placements.
Late spring–summerFinal exams, Foundation allocation, applying for provisional registration through GMC Online.
Early AugustStart FY1 (many schools include a shadowing or induction period first).

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.