IMGs can secure positions in the FY2 Stand-alone Programme in the UK by following a specific application process and meeting eligibility criteria. Many IMGs aim for Foundation Year 2 (FY2) posts as a structured entry point into the UK medical system.
1. What is FY2?
FY2 (Foundation Year 2) is the second year of the two-year UK Foundation Programme (UKFP). It's a paid training program that all UK medical graduates must complete before starting specialty training.
In FY2, doctors remain under clinical supervision but take on increasing responsibility for patient care, making management decisions as they progress towards independent practice.
Satisfactory completion of FY2 leads to the award of a Foundation Programme Certificate of Completion (FPCC), a key eligibility requirement for entry into UK specialty training.
2. FY2 Stand-alone Programme for IMGs:
The FY2 Stand-alone programme is a 12-month fixed-term training post specifically for doctors who hold or are eligible for complete GMC registration.
It offers the same educational resources and teaching opportunities as the second year of the two-year foundation program.
It's a popular entry point for IMGs who need 12 months of post-internship experience to apply for specialty training or who wish to start their UK career in a structured program.
3. Eligibility for FY2 Stand-alone (Key for IMGs):
Full GMC Registration: IMGs must hold or be eligible for complete registration with the General Medical Council (GMC) by the time the programme starts in August.2 This typically requires passing PLAB 1 and PLAB 2 (or the UKMLA from 2025 onwards) and completing a 12-month internship or equivalent post-graduation experience.
English Language Proficiency: IMGs need to demonstrate proficiency in English through one of the following:
IELTS Academic or General: Minimum score of 7.5 in each of the four components (listening, reading, writing, and speaking) in a single sitting. The test must be taken no more than two years before the start date of the FY2 Stand-alone programme.
OET (Occupational English Test): Minimum score of 400 in each of the four components (listening, reading, writing,
Confirmation from an NHS Consultant: A letter from a consultant the IMG has worked with in a paid role within the NHS for at least three months, confirming their English language proficiency.3 Observerships or clinical attachments do not count.
Exemption based on Medical Qualification: If the IMG's primary medical qualification was obtained in a country where English is the first and native language, and the medical education and exams were conducted entirely in English, they might be exempt. The GMC website provides a list of these countries.
Not currently in a 2-year Foundation Programme: Applicants cannot work in the 2-year UK Foundation Programme (as an FY1) or have already completed an FY2 year and received a Foundation Programme Certificate of Completion (FPCC) or its equivalent.
Right to Work in the UK: Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK by the programme's start date.
Immediate Life Support (ILS) Certification: Completing an ILS course (or equivalent, such as ALS) is usually required by the program's start.
4. Application Process:
Oriel Registration: Applications are submitted online through the Oriel system (www.oriel.nhs.uk). IMGs need to register an account on Oriel.
Application Form: The application window typically opens in early January for posts starting in August of the same year and lasts for approximately two weeks.4 The application form requires detailed information, including personal details, contact information, employment history, training history, and referee details.5
References: Usually, contact details of three referees who have supervised the applicant in the last two years of their training or undergraduate career are required.6 One referee must be the current supervisor, if applicable. Referees are typically contacted after an offer has been accepted.
Situational Judgement Test (SJT): Applicants who meet the initial eligibility criteria (longlisting) are invited to book and take the SJT.7 This is a computer-based test that assesses professional attributes and how the applicant would respond to various workplace scenarios based on the GMC's Good Medical Practice guidelines. A satisfactory score on the SJT is essential to proceed to the interview stage. The SJT usually takes place in March.
Interview: Candidates who achieve a high score on the SJT are invited for an interview, which typically takes place online in April. The interview is usually around 20 minutes long and involves a panel of at least two members. Questions often include clinical scenarios, ethical dilemmas, and communication skills assessment.
Preferencing and Offers: Successful interview candidates are invited to preference available FY2 Stand-alone programmes across different Foundation Schools in the UK. Offers are then made based on the interview scores and the applicant's preferences. There are usually several rounds of offers.
Accepting the Offer: Once an offer is received, applicants have a limited time (usually 48 hours) to respond.
5. Key Steps to Secure a Position:
Start Early: Prepare well in advance, focusing on meeting the eligibility criteria, particularly GMC registration and English language proficiency.
GMC Registration: Initiate the GMC registration process as early as possible, including completing the necessary exams (PLAB or UKMLA).
English Language Test: Book and pass the required English language proficiency test (IELTS or OET) with the necessary scores before the application deadline. Ensure the certificate's validity period covers the programme start date.
Understand the Application Timeline: Track the crucial dates for application opening and closing, SJT booking and testing, and interviews.
Prepare Thoroughly for the SJT: Familiarize yourself with the format of the SJT and practice with available resources to achieve a competitive score.
Prepare for the Interview: Practice answering common interview questions, including those related to clinical scenarios, ethics, and communication. Understand the FY2 curriculum and the differences between FY1 and FY2 roles.
Research Foundation Schools: Familiarize yourself with the different Foundation Schools in the UK to make informed choices during the preference stage.
Ensure Correct Documentation: Double-check all the information in the application form and ensure all required documents are ready.
Seek References Early: Inform your potential referees well in advance and ensure they are willing and able to provide timely references if you receive an offer.
Important Considerations:
Competition: FY2 Stand-alone posts can be competitive, so meeting the minimum eligibility criteria doesn't guarantee a position. A strong application, a good SJT score, and a successful interview are crucial.
Programme Structure: The FY2 Stand-alone programme is a one-year fixed-term post with rotations in various specialties. It aims to provide similar educational and training opportunities as the second year of the two-year Foundation Programme. Upon satisfactory completion, trainees receive a Foundation Programme Certificate of Completion (FPCC).
Updates: The UK Foundation Programme Office (UKFPO) regularly updates guidance and timelines on their website (https://foundationprogramme.nhs.uk/). It is essential to check the website frequently for the most up-to-date information.
By diligently following these steps and preparing thoroughly, IMGs can significantly increase their chances of securing a position in the FY2 Stand-alone Programme in the UK.