International Induction Programme (IIP) overview

The International Induction Programme (IIP) provides a supported pathway for overseas qualified General Practitioners (GPs) to be inducted safely into NHS General Practice.

This programme is designed for GPs who have never previously worked in NHS General Practice in the UK.

All GPs are required to be on the General Medical Council (GMC) GP register with a License to Practise, and be on the England Medical Performers List (MPL) before they can practise.

The IIP must be completed before GPs can be approved for full inclusion on to the MPL as an independent NHS general practitioner.

The UK is made up of 4 countries and this guide concerns applications made to practise in England. If you're applying to practise in another part of the UK, please visit the appropriate regional website:

• Northern Ireland
• Scotland
• Wales

Features of the programme

Once registered for the programme, you will be invited to complete our entry assessments. These assessments can be undertaken in the UK or overseas. Applicants must book to undertake the assessments within four months of registering for the programme.

You will also be provided with access to our online educational resources to help you prepare for the assessments.

Applicants that successfully pass the assessments will then be invited to a career and educational needs review meeting with a local educational lead.

This dedicated educational lead will help guide you through the entire process and provide support with the following: 

• Developing a personal educational pathway suited to your needs
• Finding a suitable practice that is able to offer you a placement or offering advice in relation to undertaking the programme whilst employed by a practice
• Guidance on completing forms and paperwork
• Assistance with arranging occupational health assessments

The programme provides financial support to candidates via a monthly bursary of up to £4000 per month for GPs in a practice payment or a comparable salary for GPs undertaking the programme whilst employed by a practice.

Further information regarding help with funding can be found on our financial support and funding page.

Completing the programme

To successfully complete the IIP and be entered onto the MPL without restrictions, there are a number of requirements.

• Successfully completed the IIP placement

• A satisfactory Workplace Based Assessment (WPBA), End of Placement report (including an online Multi-Source Feedback and Patient Satisfaction Questions) all of which should be submitted to the local educational lead and local NHS England medical team along with any other required evidence

• Completed the mandatory e-Learning for Health modules on GP induction, which includes the Safeguarding Children and Adults modules. This should be completed before starting the clinical placement

• Started your portfolio preparation for an early formal NHS Appraisal in the placement. This will be a MPL requirement on exit from the IIP placement, usually after 3 to 6 months (see IIP and RtP appraisal guidance)

• Received confirmation from the local NHSE team where you plan to work that you are included on the MPL without conditions.