Applying for a Global Fellowship Scheme post

Obtaining the necessary paperwork and approvals can be time-consuming. While timelines vary, GFS applications typically take three to six months. Please submit complete information promptly to minimise delays.

Step 1:  Applying for a GFS post

It is your responsibility to source your GFS post. This may be done by contacting hospitals directly, or you may find posts at the following websites:

• BMJ Careers
• The Lancet
• NHS Careers

Please ensure that the posts you apply for have been approved by the College for the GFS. 

Step 2:  Upon appointment to a GFS post

Once you are appointed to an approved GFS post, please complete the online GFS application form* and upload the following supporting documents:  

• Certified copy of Primary Medical and Postgraduate degrees.
• Verification of Primary Medical Degree and Postgraduate Degree (by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates).
• Confirmation of appointment from the UK employing authority (offer letter).
• Certified copy of IELTS/OET Certificate or confirmation of being exempt from sitting IELTS or OET as you are a national of a country where English is the first and native language, and you have been awarded your primary medical degree from a country where English is the first and native language.
• Valid Certificate of Good Standing.
• Confirmation that an initial fee of £128 has been paid.
• Scanned copy of your passport.

*You should provide the names and contact details of your nominated referees and the College will contact them directly.

Once an application has been received, please allow approximately four weeks for it to be processed. To avoid delays, please do not contact the International Training team for updates during this period.

We will ask your Trust to pay the £1,472 GFS Trust fee. Once this has been received and your application is approved, we will email you a confirmation letter. If sponsorship for GMC registration is required, an additional administrative fee of £923 will be requested.

Step 3:  Applying for GMC registration

All doctors treating patients in the UK need to be registered with the General Medical Council (GMC). Doctors appointed through the GFS will receive GMC registration sponsored by the College. After completing step two and receiving your approval letter, you can proceed with your GMC application.

When your application begins, you will be given a GMC reference number. Please share this with the College so we can prepare a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to support your application, which will be sent directly to the GMC.

Once your application is complete, the GMC will notify you and invite you to attend an identity check after you arrive in the UK. Following this, your registration will be approved, your name added to the GMC register, and you will be able to begin clinical work.

 Step 4:  Applying for visa

This process is undertaken via the employing Trust. Please keep us informed of how this is progressing and confirm the following for us when they are available:

• Confirmation of visa dates, with a scanned copy provided to the College for our records.
• Confirmation of start and end dates of Fellowships for our records.