Roadmap to GMC & UK Foundation Programme Application Success
Objective: Help New Vision University graduates (MD award: July 2026) secure (1) GMC provisional registration and (2) a two-year UK Foundation Programme (UKFP) post starting 5 August 2027, by managing the two processes in parallel.
Non-negotiables (start early):
- English language evidence (IELTS or OET) is required for both GMC and UKFP pathways.
- Document collection from NVU can be the longest lead-time step—begin in March 2026.
- UKFPO and GMC do not coordinate—you must meet deadlines for each body and keep email evidence.
Fees snapshot: EPIC/ECFMG verification approx $230; PLAB 1 £283; PLAB 2 £1,036; GMC provisional registration fee (from 1 Apr 2026) £26.
Open Oriel (UKFP portal)
UKFP Eligibility Guidance
GMC Online Guides
Create a GMC Online account
EPIC (GMC instructions)
How to use this page: work through the three tables below in order—(1) Key terms & official links, (2) Timeline, (3) Evidence & documents checklist.
| Term | What it is / why it matters | Official link(s) |
|---|---|---|
| EPIC (PMQ verification) | Primary-source verification of your medical qualification (PMQ) through ECFMG/EPIC, with a verified report sent to the GMC. |
EPIC portal EPIC instructions for GMC |
| GMC Provisional Registration | Must be held (with a licence to practise) before starting FY1. |
Provisional registration overview IMG provisional registration guide GMC apply tool |
| GMC Online | Used to manage your GMC account, book PLAB, and progress registration steps (including identity checking). |
GMC Online guides Doctor’s guide to GMC Online Create a GMC Online account |
| PMQ1 (GMC form) | Primary Medical Qualification acceptability query form; used where GMC requests structured evidence about course, clock hours, rotations and delivery. | PMQ1 form (DOCX) |
| PLAB | GMC licensing exams required for most IMGs: PLAB 1 then PLAB 2. |
PLAB 1 PLAB 2 |
| English language evidence | Mandatory for both processes (typically IELTS Academic or OET Medicine). Check current thresholds each year. |
GMC: evidence of English GMC: IELTS | Book IELTS GMC: OET | Book OET |
| UKFP Eligibility (Oriel) | IMGs submit an eligibility application first; once accepted, apply for the UKFP/FPP during the main window. |
Eligibility guidance Timeline & deadlines (example: UKFP 2026 page) PMQ confirmation form (DOCX) |
| Right to work | Evidence required for UKFP (and later employer onboarding) depending on nationality/visa route. | UKFP: right to work |
| # | When | Organisation | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mar 2026 | IELTS / OET | Obtain valid English language evidence (meets GMC + UKFP requirements). |
| 2 | Apr–Jun 2026 | NVU | Start document collection (NVU letter-headed evidence + transcripts + rotation details). Prepare colour-scanned PDFs. |
| 3 | Jun–Jul 2026 | GMC |
|
| 4 | Early Jul 2026 | UKFP (Oriel) | Create Oriel account and submit Eligibility Application. If PMQ certificate not yet issued, upload the PMQ confirmation form signed by the Dean. |
| 5 | Mid Aug 2026 | UKFP | Receive eligibility outcome (“eligible” or “eligible with conditions”). |
| 6 | By early Sep 2026 | GMC → UKFPO | If required by UKFPO, email evidence from GMC confirming your PMQ is acceptable (pending PLAB) to england.helpdesk.foundationprogramme@nhs.net quoting your Oriel PIN. |
| 7 | Late Sep–Oct 2026 | UKFP (Oriel) | Submit the main UKFP/FPP application during the published window (see UKFPO timeline page for your recruitment year). |
| 8 | Nov 2026 | PLAB 1 | Sit PLAB 1. |
| 9 | By end Dec 2026 | UKFPO | Forward PLAB 1 pass email from plab@gmc-uk.org to england.helpdesk.foundationprogramme@nhs.net (quote Oriel PIN). Book PLAB 2. |
| 10 | By early May 2027 | PLAB 2 | Sit PLAB 2. |
| 11 | By early Jun 2027 | UKFPO | Forward PLAB 2 pass email (or evidence of entry onto GMC register if accepted) to england.helpdesk.foundationprogramme@nhs.net. |
| 12 | By mid Jun 2027 | GMC | Apply for and secure GMC provisional registration (complete ID check and pay fee). |
| 13 | 5 Aug 2027 | UK hospital | Start FY1 (two-year Foundation Programme). |
| Item | Evidence (provide as clear colour-scanned PDF) | GMC | UKFP eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | PMQ certificate (MD) or Dean-signed confirmation form if certificate not yet issued: UKFPO PMQ confirmation form (DOCX) | Yes | Yes |
| 2 | If PMQ does not show the date you passed finals, NVU letter confirming the date. | Yes | — |
| 3 | English language evidence: GMC English requirements | Yes | Yes |
| 4 | Passport (identity document). | Yes | Yes |
| 5 | Right to work evidence (as applicable): UKFP right to work guidance | — | Yes |
| 6 | GMC reference number and, if required by UKFPO, evidence that GMC considers your PMQ acceptable pending PLAB: UKFP: GMC registration evidence | Yes | Yes |
| 7 |
PLAB evidence: only emails from plab@gmc-uk.org accepted by UKFPO. Send to
england.helpdesk.foundationprogramme@nhs.net
quoting Oriel PIN.
UKFP: PLAB evidence |
Yes | Yes |
| 8 | Post-PMQ activity / employment history until FY1 start (for UKFPO) (keep a simple dated log). | — | Yes |
| 9 |
Certificate of good standing (if registered/licensed in the last 5 years). Students should check with the NVU Medical School Office for the recommended Georgian Ministry / authority that can issue this certificate (and any apostille requirements). GMC guidance: certificate of good standing |
Yes | — |
| 10 | Activities / experience over last five years (GMC guidance): GMC: last five years | Yes | — |
| 11 | Fitness to practise declaration (GMC): GMC: declaring fitness to practise | Yes | — |
| 12 | NVU letter-headed evidence supporting PMQ acceptability (course length, clock hours, rotations, online delivery, agreements with providers). If GMC requests structured completion, use: PMQ1 form (DOCX). | Yes | — |
Tip: create one folder called “GMC + UKFP 2027 intake” and save every submission as PDF + screenshot, including confirmation emails (especially PLAB emails).