Dr Kamarzaman
UK Foundation Programme
Guide
for International Medical Graduates (IMGs)
This guide is written to summarise the whole process of standard UK FP application for the
convenience of IMG applicants. All of the information can be found on the UKFPO website
as of March 2020.
It is the responsibility of all applicants to read the guidance provided by UKFPO entirely
(once they are available on the website), keep track on timeline/deadlines and supply the
supporting documentation as required.
UKFPO website: https://foundationprogramme.nhs.uk
UK FP GUIDE FOR IMGs !1
, Dr Kamarzaman
My personal experience applying for UK FP 2020 as a non-EU IMG:
I spent a week compiling guidances relating to UK FP application and reading through them
all to finally gathered the idea on how to apply for FP in April 2020. When I applied, it wasn’t
certain that I’d get through the application process as applicants were required to supply
evidence of right to work to be allocated on the primary list. The announcement of RLMT
exclusion for non-EU applicants in October last year was a blessing and completely
eradicated the barrier restricting IMGs to apply for the FP.
I’ve sat the OET for GMC registration(I provided my English language proficiency evidence
via Dean’s statement for UKFPO eligibility application), PLAB 1, clinical assessment, PLAB 2
and SJT throughout the FP application process (all in 7 months). This is to say, yes, it is
possible to complete PLAB and GMC registration while applying for the FP.
I’m finally allocated to the primary list(my first preference) on 12th March and thought I need
to give back to the PLAB/IMG community hence the guide. My deepest gratitude goes to my
spouse and daughter without whom I wouldn’t be standing where I’m now. Also, thanks to the
support and prayers of our family and friends who had helped eased our journey so far.
Please find in the guide answers to the most frequently asked questions by many IMGs,
expected timeline and deadlines as well as links to the official guidances for applicants by
UKFPO.
Abbreviations:
FP - Foundation Programme
UKFPO - UK Foundation Programme Office
FY1 or FY2 - Foundation Year 1 or 2, also known as F1 or F2
AFP - Academic Foundation Programme
FPP - Foundation Priority Programme
PFF - Psychiatry Foundation Fellowship
SJT - Situational Judgement Test
EPM - Educational Performance Measure
CA - Clinical Assessment
PMQ - Primary Medical Qualification
IMG - International Medical Graduate
UK FP GUIDE FOR IMGs !2
UK Foundation Programme
Guide
for International Medical Graduates (IMGs)
This guide is written to summarise the whole process of standard UK FP application for the
convenience of IMG applicants. All of the information can be found on the UKFPO website
as of March 2020.
It is the responsibility of all applicants to read the guidance provided by UKFPO entirely
(once they are available on the website), keep track on timeline/deadlines and supply the
supporting documentation as required.
UKFPO website: https://foundationprogramme.nhs.uk
UK FP GUIDE FOR IMGs !1
, Dr Kamarzaman
My personal experience applying for UK FP 2020 as a non-EU IMG:
I spent a week compiling guidances relating to UK FP application and reading through them
all to finally gathered the idea on how to apply for FP in April 2020. When I applied, it wasn’t
certain that I’d get through the application process as applicants were required to supply
evidence of right to work to be allocated on the primary list. The announcement of RLMT
exclusion for non-EU applicants in October last year was a blessing and completely
eradicated the barrier restricting IMGs to apply for the FP.
I’ve sat the OET for GMC registration(I provided my English language proficiency evidence
via Dean’s statement for UKFPO eligibility application), PLAB 1, clinical assessment, PLAB 2
and SJT throughout the FP application process (all in 7 months). This is to say, yes, it is
possible to complete PLAB and GMC registration while applying for the FP.
I’m finally allocated to the primary list(my first preference) on 12th March and thought I need
to give back to the PLAB/IMG community hence the guide. My deepest gratitude goes to my
spouse and daughter without whom I wouldn’t be standing where I’m now. Also, thanks to the
support and prayers of our family and friends who had helped eased our journey so far.
Please find in the guide answers to the most frequently asked questions by many IMGs,
expected timeline and deadlines as well as links to the official guidances for applicants by
UKFPO.
Abbreviations:
FP - Foundation Programme
UKFPO - UK Foundation Programme Office
FY1 or FY2 - Foundation Year 1 or 2, also known as F1 or F2
AFP - Academic Foundation Programme
FPP - Foundation Priority Programme
PFF - Psychiatry Foundation Fellowship
SJT - Situational Judgement Test
EPM - Educational Performance Measure
CA - Clinical Assessment
PMQ - Primary Medical Qualification
IMG - International Medical Graduate
UK FP GUIDE FOR IMGs !2
