Checking you are eligible before you apply

What this article is about
This article explains why you must check eligibility before applying for a training programme.

Who this is for
Applicants considering a postgraduate medical or dental training programme.

What you need to know

• Eligibility requirements are set out in the person specification and applicant guidance for each recruitment round.
• You must normally meet the eligibility criteria at the time specified in the guidance.
• Some criteria may need to be met at application, while others may need to be met by the time the post starts.
• Eligibility may include qualifications, professional registration, right to work, experience, competences, references, immigration requirements and previous training history.
• If you do not meet the eligibility criteria, your application may be rejected.
• It is your responsibility to check the requirements before applying.

What to do

1. Read the relevant person specification and applicant guidance.
2. Check each essential criterion carefully.
3. Make sure you understand when each requirement must be met.
4. Gather evidence that shows you meet the criteria.
5. Check whether there are any restrictions linked to previous training, registration, competences or immigration status.
6. Ask for clarification before the application deadline if you are unsure.
7. Do not submit information that is inaccurate or unsupported.

If this does not work
If you are unsure whether you meet a criterion, raise a query through the recruitment support route before submitting your application. HET may not be able to advise on national eligibility decisions unless the query sits within a local HET process.

Who to contact
Use the recruitment support route for eligibility queries. Use the PGMDE Support Portal for HET local process queries where applicable.

What HET can and cannot help with
HET can help with

• Directing you to the correct recruitment guidance or support route.
• Advising on local processes after recruitment information has been received.
• Supporting new starter registration after offer acceptance where HET is responsible.

HET cannot help with

• Deciding national eligibility outside the recruitment process.
• Waiving eligibility criteria.
• Providing immigration, legal or employment advice.
• Confirming that an application will be successful.

Related articles

• How to apply for a training programme
• Visa requirements for applicants and who to contact
• Dealing with problems in your application

Last reviewed
 Last reviewed: 19 June 2026