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COVID-19: information for international medical graduates

Due to COVID-19, applications for both the Medical Training Initiative (MTI) and the Sponsorship schemes in Pathology are suspended until further notice.
This page contains the latest guidance and advice about how COVID-19 may impact International Medical Graduates. We will update the documents and links on this page when we issue, or are made aware of, any updates.

The Royal College of Pathologists has a longstanding tradition and record of engaging internationally on global health issues and addressing matters relating to the improvement of pathology training, research and practice worldwide. In light of the global COVID-19 pandemic, the College has made the difficult decision not to accept any new applications for our MTI and Sponsorship Schemes from Monday 30 March 2020 until further notice. 

The College is in receipt of a number of ongoing applications and we are aware that many doctors will be keen to proceed with their training in the UK. To this end we will continue to process the MTI and Sponsorship applications for these individuals as far as currently possible. All existing applicants will be advised of this on an individual basis by our International Education Officer.

We cannot at present confirm a timeline by which International Medical Graduates will be appointed to an MTI position in the UK. We will provide updates to our International Medical Graduates as soon as these become available and will announce on the website as soon as we are able to start accepting applications again. Should you have any queries or concerns regarding a secured placement, please contact our International department on international@rcpath.org.

Please be reassured that the College has every intention of reopening the MTI and Sponsorship Schemes as soon as is practically possible.

In light of the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic, and the move in the UK to the ‘delay’ phase of managing the outbreak, the College has taken the hard decision to defer all of our spring examinations.

The examinations will be rescheduled later in the year. We will stay in touch with candidates and examiners regarding dates and arrangements.

Read College President Professor Jo Martin's full statement on the situation.

Other guidance and advice

  • Statement: How unregistered refugee doctors can support frontline colleagues

    Over the past few weeks we’ve received a number of queries about whether refugees who are qualified medics in their home countries can support their colleagues on the frontline.

    General Medical Council April 2020

  • Coronavirus (COVID-19): advice for UK visa applicants and temporary UK residents

    This is advice for visa customers and applicants in the UK, visa customers outside of the UK and British nationals overseas who need to apply for a passport affected by travel restrictions associated with coronavirus.

    UK Visas and Immigration March 2020

  • COVID-19 - Academy of Medical Royal Colleges

    The Academy of Medical Royal Colleges are assembling a collection of other coronavirus guides for doctors.

    The Academy of Medical Royal Colleges March 2020

  • Medical Training Initiative (MTI) - Academy of Medical Royal Colleges

    The Medical Training Initiative (MTI) is a national scheme designed to allow a small number of doctors to enter the UK from overseas for a maximum of 24 months, so that they can benefit from training and development in NHS services before returning to their home countries.

    The Academy of Medical Royal Colleges March 2020

  • Coronavirus information and advice - PLAB tests

    Following the latest advice from the UK government, all PLAB 2 tests from 18 March until at least 1 July 2020 are cancelled. We appreciate the considerable inconvenience this may cause, but your health and safety are our priority.

    General Medical Council March 2020

  • IELTS: COVID-19: Information for our global test taker community

    The IELTS Partners are committed to protecting the health of our test takers, while also trying to minimise disruption to life-changing opportunities for international higher education and migration.

    IELTS March 2020

  • Coronavirus Update | OET

    The health and safety of our candidates, test venue staff and employees is of the utmost importance and at the forefront of all our decision-making as to whether we may proceed with testing in various locations. Sadly, the situation world-wide has worsened to the extent that we have had to make the difficult decision to suspend testing at all of our venues for the entire month of April.

    Occupational English Test (OET) March 2020