Less Than Full Time Training

If you are applying to enter specialty training but are unable to train full time, you may apply for less than full time training (LTFT).

Providing you can show that training on a full time basis would not be practical for you for well-founded reasons you may apply for less than full time training (LTFT). Well-founded reasons may include, for example, disability, ill health, caring responsibilities, religious commitments and unique opportunities for personal or professional development.

Less than full time training must meet the same requirements as full-time training, except that there will be fewer hours of work per week.

You will need to secure a full-time post in open competition before you can make an application to work LTFT. You should apply for eligibility through your current NHS England local office/devolved nation Deanery ahead of this and indicate your desire to work less than full time on your application form.

If you are, or will be, on a Tier 2 visa, your pro rata salary must meet the minimum salary threshold for Tier 2. Please contact the Lead Recruiter if you are planning to apply for LTFT training and will require a Tier 2 visa.

Less Than Full Time Training Recruitment Pilot

A less than full time recruitment pilot will be be run in the 2025 specialty recruitment process.  

Participating specialties and regions will advertise posts as less than full time.  Those appointed into these pilot posts will be able to train LTFT without needing to go through the normal application and approval process, giving successful applicants certainty on their training rotation earlier in the process.