Acceptable overseas qualifications for doctors

If your primary medical qualification (PMQ) is from outside the UK, we need to make sure it’s an acceptable overseas qualification before you can take the PLAB test or apply for registration.

If you already hold a relevant European qualification we will accept this and do not need to assess your qualification.

This guide explains when and how we assess whether an overseas PMQ is acceptable. It includes the criteria and factors we consider to reach this decision.

It also includes a list of institutions we do not accept qualifications from. And those we only accept qualifications from in some cases, which we will need to assess.

Why read this guide?
To find out how we assess overseas qualifications and whether yours is acceptable.
Next steps
If you have an acceptable qualification, you can apply using GMC Online. 
  1. Summary
  2. When we assess whether an overseas primary medical qualification is acceptable
  3. When and how to check your primary medical qualification is acceptable
  4. Our criteria for acceptable overseas qualifications
  1. Overseas medical qualifications we do not accept
  2. Overseas medical qualifications we may accept
  3. Information for medical schools and universities
  4. Definitions of terms we use
Next When we assess whether an overseas primary medical qualification is acceptable

Related content

World Directory of Medical Schools Check if your medical school is listed on the World Directory.
Apply for registration If you have an acceptable qualification, apply to join the register here.