NVU UK Academy • UKFP Entry Options
Two clear routes into the UK Foundation Programme for NVU graduates
Use this page to choose the correct pathway and then proceed to the full NVU Roadmap for detailed timelines, document lists, and common pitfalls.
Quick rule for students
No recognised 12-month internship? → you usually need provisional GMC registration → apply to Plan A (FY1+FY2).
Completed a recognised 12-month internship? → you may be eligible for full GMC registration → you are typically ineligible for Plan A and should consider Plan B (Stand-alone FY2).
✅ PLAN A
No internship → UK Foundation Programme (2-year FP: FY1 + FY2)
For NVU graduates who do not complete a GMC-recognised internship and therefore need provisional GMC registration to start FY1.
Graduate with MD (Jan 2026 or July 2026)
No postgraduate internship
Apply via UKFPO eligibility route for the 2-year Foundation Programme (example: application start July 2026 for August 2027 entry)
Apply for PROVISIONAL GMC registration
Provisional registration is awarded only once you have passed PLAB 1 and PLAB 2 (with your MD degree) and meet other GMC requirements.
Start FY1 in August 2027
You must have secured provisional GMC registration before starting the Foundation post.
Progress to FY2 (start August 2028)
✅ PLAN B
MD graduation → Internship → Full GMC Registration → Stand-alone FY2 (bypass FY1)
For NVU graduates who complete a GMC-acceptable 12-month internship and then pursue full GMC registration, enabling application to Stand-alone FY2.
Graduate with MD (Jan 2026 or July 2026)
Complete a GMC-acceptable 12-month postgraduate clinical internship (overseas)
- Supervised clinical post
- Minimum 3 months medicine + 3 months surgery
- Total duration ≥12 months, continuous
Pass PLAB 1 and PLAB 2 (during internship)
Apply for FULL GMC registration
Full registration is awarded only if you have MD + completed 12-month internship + passed PLAB and meet other GMC requirements.
NOT eligible for the 2-year Foundation Programme (FY1+FY2)
Apply via UKFPO Stand-alone FY2 post (approx. 6-month recruitment cycle)
- Applications open in January 2027 for Stand-alone FY2 posts
- Sit SJT and attend interview
Start Stand-alone FY2 in August 2027
You must hold FULL GMC registration before starting.
Plan A vs Plan B (quick comparison)
| Feature | Plan A (2-year FP: FY1+FY2) | Plan B (Stand-alone FY2) |
|---|---|---|
| Internship | Not required | Required: 12 months (≥3m medicine + ≥3m surgery) |
| GMC registration | Provisional | Full |
| Programme applied to | 2-year Foundation Programme | F2 Stand-alone |
| Selection | UKFP national recruitment process | SJT + interview (vacancy dependent) |
| Typical start | FY1 August intake (example: Aug 2027) | FY2 August intake (example: Aug 2027) |
UKFPO timelines and deadlines vary each year. Always confirm the current cycle on the official UKFP site: foundationprogramme.nhs.uk/programmes. For NVU-specific guidance and sequencing, use the NVU Roadmap: Roadmap page.