Application Process Overview
The only way to secure a place on a 2-year Foundation Programme in Scotland is through the national UK application process. The Applicant Guidance for the 2-year Foundation Programme outlines the national application process, including the timeline and the stages involved. From completing the application form on Oriel to final allocation to a Foundation School, each step is clearly explained with this resource. Allocation to a Foundation School, Group and Programme is based on Preference Informed Allocation (PIA). Scotland is one Unit of Applicant (UoA) and consists of four regions East, North, South-East and West all offering different opportunities and experiences.
2027 Applications
Applications for the 2-year Foundation Programme are submitted through Oriel, the national online application system. Oriel is the UK-wide recruitment portal for eligible applicants applying for Foundation Training. The website can be found here.
Applicants should refer to the UKFPO application timeline for key dates and deadlines, including the application window, allocation to Foundation Schools, and subsequent group and programme matching stages. No late applications are accepted.
Before applying, applicants are encouraged to review the Person Specification for Foundation Programmes, available in the Resources section of the UKFPO website, to ensure they meet the required criteria.
Applicants must hold Provisional GMC Registration with the General Medical Council (GMC) before starting the mandatory shadowing and induction period and before commencing F1 training.
UK graduates are nominated by their medical school. Some applicants may need to complete an eligibility application before they can apply for the Foundation Programme through UKFPO.
Applicants who need to remain in a specific geographical area for personal circumstances may be able to apply for pre-allocation. This national process allows eligible applicants to request allocation to a specific Foundation School where there is a demonstrated need to be based in that area during Foundation Programme training. Applications for pre-allocation must be submitted on Oriel during the national application window, alongside the main Foundation Programme application, and by the published deadline. Further information, including the criteria, timeline and application forms, is available on the UKFPO pre-allocation pages. Applicants should also contact their medical school for guidance and support.
If your pre-allocation application is approved by the national panel and you are allocated to Scotland, please refer to After Allocation to Scotland (UoA) for information about the Scottish allocation process.
Applicants who wish to be allocated to the same Foundation School as another applicant may choose to link their Foundation Programme application on Oriel. Further information is available on the UKFPO linking applications page.
If you are allocated to Scotland and have linked your application, please refer to After Allocation to Scotland (UoA) for information about how linked applications are managed during the Scottish group and programme allocation process.
Please see the applicant guide if you need to change your reference/referee in Oriel. Applicants should note that once your application has been submitted you can only amend your personal contact details, referee, and UoA preferences.
Competition and First Preference Ratios
Details of previous years competitions ratios are available on the UKFPO website. These figure may provide you with valuable insight into the application landscape for Foundation Programmes in the UK. Please also see the information on first preference ratios published by the UKFPO.
This page was last updated on: 24.07.2026 at 11.42