Foundation Programme 2011 is expected to be over-subscribed
Published: 10/09/2010
The UK Foundation Programme Office (UKFPO) monitors the likely number of potential applicants to the Foundation Programme from UK medical schools and from other countries each year.
This year, we have received an unprecedented increase in the number of eligibility applications from outside the UK - around three times the number received last year. Although not all of them have demonstrated that they meet the eligibility criteria to apply, the UKFPO anticipates a significant increase in the number of fully eligible applicants applying this autumn for the Foundation Programme beginning in August 2011.
Based on this information, as well as the number of likely graduates reported from UK medical schools, we are preparing for the possibility that there will be more eligible applicants than vacancies.
The UKFPO is advising medical school graduates that, given the level of competition this year, it is more important than ever to submit a high quality application.
The actual number of applicants will not be known for sure until the end of November, following the deadline for overseas applicants to provide final eligibility documentation. However, the four UK health departments, the UKFPO, BMA and Medical Schools Council are working together to plan ways of managing and supporting those applicants who do not secure a place during the main recruitment round in December.
We will publish full details of this management plan on our website on 30 November 2010
