Registering for the programme

The programme has now temporarily closed to new applications for 2025/26. It will reopen for new applications during April 2026.

GPs that would like to apply for the programme when it reopens in April 2026 can prepare in advance by:

• Completing GMC registration and applying to join the GMC GP register
• Collating all of the documentation and evidence that will be required for their Medical Performers List application
• Learning more about the visa sponsorship system in the UK
• Exploring employment opportunities for GPs in England
• Learning more about the role of General Practice in the NHS

Please note that the International Induction Programmes in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland remain open to new applications.

Employment options

GPs accepted on to the programme may choose whether to undertake the programme as an educational placement or whilst employed as a GP by a practice.

As part of your Learning Needs Assessment after joining the programme, there may be an agreement that you should receive some clinical and educational supervision to support your induction into UK practice.

This supervision would usually be provided as part of a clinical placement within a training practice. During which time you would be eligible for a monthly bursary of £4,000 per month, whole time equivalent (WTE).

You may however request to receive this clinical supervision whilst directly employed by a practice. This could either be your existing employer or within a new employer.

The benefits of undertaking the programme whilst employed are that you will have a contract of employment with the practice, receive a salary and gain access to employment rights such as annual leave and sick pay.

As an applicant, you will need to consider the relative benefits and disadvantages of both options.

Where you choose to undertake the programme in employment, NHS England is not responsible for finding you employment but may be able to offer some guidance on looking for vacancies. It would however be your responsibility to identify and apply for local vacancies before progressing through the programme.

Where you choose to undertake the programme as a placement, NHS England will identify a suitable practice from its training practice network.

You will have the opportunity to discuss these options further during your Learning Needs Assessment interview.

Please note that there are separate arrangements in place for GPs on the programmes that will require visa sponsorship.

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) Assessment

Once the GP NRO has been informed that you will be taking the MCQ Assessment, you may register to sit the MCQ in a UK based Pearson Vue test centre or an approved overseas test centre. Once registered the GP NRO will notify the local NHS England team of your application.

The MCQ assessment must be passed for entry to the programme, where required, and up to four attempts are permitted. For further information visit the MCQ page.

At the same time, you should apply for inclusion onto the England MPL via Primary Care Support England.

Please be aware the MPL application can take up to 3 months, or occasionally longer especially if checks are required from outside the UK.

There is limited financial support to help with formal application. Please visit the financial support and funding page for further information.