Registering for the programme

The programme is currently open to new applications for 2026/27, and the current application window will be closed from 1 May 2026.

The deadline for applications is 30 April 2026.

The programme will then reopen for one further application window in 2026/27 from 1 to 31 October 2026.

Places on the programme are limited and regions that receive a high volume of applications may opt-out of participating in the second application window in October. It is unlikely that London will participate in the second application window due to the programme already being oversubscribed in the region.

Regions that receive a high volume of applications may also be required to prioritise applications from applicants that are already resident in the area, have previously been resident in the area or have family connections to the area.

For these reasons, it is recommended that applicants consider applying to undertake the programme in regions outside of London and the South East where there is likely to be more placement capacity. These areas may also offer more long-term job opportunities for applicants after completing the programme. Please do contact us via [email protected] if you would like more guidance about applying to other regions.

Please note that all applicants must be on the General Medical Council (GMC) GP Register at the point of application. Applications from GPs not already on the GMC GP Register will be rejected.

During periods where the programme is closed to new applications, GPs that would like to apply for the programme when it reopens 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 have their own processes and are not impacted by the application arrangements in England.

Employment options

GPs approved to join the programme may choose whether to undertake a period of clinical supervision as an educational placement or whilst employed as a GP by a 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 your application has been reviewed to confirm that you are eligible to undertake the International Induction Programme, you will be invited to register to sit the MCQ assessments in a UK based Pearson Vue test centre or an approved overseas test centre.

You must register for the assessments within four months of receiving the invitation. Applicants that do not register within this time period will be removed from the programme, and be required to reapply.

The MCQ assessment must be passed for entry to the programme, and up to a maximum of two attempts are permitted.

Once you have passed the assessments, your application will be passed to your local education team who will invite you to attend a Learning Needs Assessment Interview.

For further information on the assessments, scoring and resits, please visit the MCQ pages.