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📅 UK Specialty Training Recruitment Timeline 2025–2026 (CT1/ST1 & ST3/ST4) : All Key Dates Explained

Updated: Jul 24

For aspiring doctors aiming to join UK specialty training, it's essential to stay updated with the national recruitment timeline. This blog breaks down all the key application rounds for CT1/ST1 and ST3/ST4 levels, along with important dates, so you can plan ahead and apply confidently.

🕒 All timings mentioned are in UK local time (GMT or BST).📍 Each round indicates the start date of the training post.

🔄 Round 3 (For Posts Starting January–March 2026)

This round is often used to fill remaining vacancies or offer off-cycle training opportunities.

  • Applications Open:🗓 Tuesday, 29 July 2025⏰ 10:00 AM

  • Applications Close:🗓 Thursday, 14 August 2025⏰ 4:00 PM

  • MSRA (Where applicable):🗓

    • Invitation Emails Sent:🗓 Around Late August 2025

    • Exam Window:🗓 4-11 September 2025

  • Interview Window:🗓 Opens: Tuesday, 26 August 2025🗓 Closes: Friday, 17 October 2025

  • Initial Offers Released By:🗓 Tuesday, 21 October 2025⏰ 5:00 PM


🟢 Round 1 (For Posts Starting August–December 2026)

Primarily for CT1/ST1 Entry

This is the main recruitment round for most junior doctor specialty posts in the UK.

  • Applications Open:🗓 Thursday, 23 October 2025⏰ 10:00 AM

  • Applications Close:🗓 Thursday, 20 November 2025⏰ 4:00 PM

  • MSRA (Where applicable):

    • Invitation Emails Sent:🗓 Around early December 2025

    • Exam Window:🗓 Mid to late December 2025 (usually a 10-day window)

  • Interview Window:🗓 Opens: Monday, 5 January 2026🗓 Closes: Friday, 20 March 2026

  • Initial Offers Released By:🗓 Tuesday, 24 March 2026⏰ 5:00 PM


🟠 Round 2 (For Posts Starting August–December 2026)

Primarily for ST3/ST4 Entry

This round targets higher-level specialty training positions.

  • Applications Open:🗓 Thursday, 20 November 2025⏰ 10:00 AM

  • Applications Close:🗓 Thursday, 11 December 2025⏰ 4:00 PM

  • MSRA (Where applicable):🗓

    • Invitation Emails Sent:🗓 Mid to late December 2025

    • Exam Window:🗓 Early January 2026 (estimated)

  • Interview Window:🗓 Opens: Monday, 5 January 2026🗓 Closes: Friday, 10 April 2026

  • Initial Offers Released By:🗓 Tuesday, 14 April 2026⏰ 5:00 PM


🔄 Round 3 (For Posts Starting January–March 2027)

This is another off-cycle round used to fill any remaining positions.

  • Applications Open:🗓 Tuesday, 28 July 2026⏰ 10:00 AM

  • Applications Close:🗓 Thursday, 13 August 2026⏰ 4:00 PM

  • MSRA (Where applicable):🗓

    • Invitation Emails Sent:🗓 Around Late August 2026

    • Exam Window:🗓 4-11 September 2026

  • Interview Window:🗓 Opens: Monday, 24 August 2026🗓 Closes: Friday, 16 October 2026

  • Initial Offers Released By:🗓 Tuesday, 20 October 2026⏰ 5:00 PM


✅ Tips to Stay Ahead

  • Set calendar reminders for opening and closing dates.

  • Prepare your application documents (portfolio, CREST, references) well in advance.

  • Stay updated with the official websites like Oriel and HEE Specialty Recruitment pages.

  • Practice mock interviews and keep track of specialty-specific requirements.


✅ Tips for MSRA Preparation

  • Register early for the MSRA once invited. Slots fill up quickly.

  • MSRA includes Professional Dilemmas (50%) and Clinical Problem Solving (50%).

  • Use practice resources like the GMC Good Medical Practice, MSRA question banks, and previous papers.

  • Consider dedicated prep platforms (e.g., TuringMedSchool’s MSRA AI flashcards and Question Bank).


📌 Whether you're aiming for CT1, ST1, or ST3 level posts, preparation and awareness of these timelines can give you a strong head start. Share this blog with your colleagues, and best of luck in your applications!


For more information, please check out this official NHS recruitment webpage:

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