Applying to the UK foundation programme from a European medical school

For students graduating from medical schools in the United Kingdom, the route into the foundation programme is relatively straightforward. It can be more complicated if you are a student who has studied medicine outside the UK, because you will need to fulfil several additional requirements, and medical schools are often poorly equipped to advise on the application process. Here we explain what you need to know about coming to the UK to continue your medical training once you have graduated from a medical school in Europe.

Firstly, you need to check whether your degree is recognised by the General Medical Council.1 The type of qualification will then determine whether you are eligible for provisional or for full registration with the GMC when you graduate.

If your medical school awards a degree that gives you equivalence for provisional registration, you are eligible for a provisional licence to practise, and you will