1. What is the Foundation Programme?

The Foundation Programme is a two year training programme. Your F1 post in

Foundation Programme will be the first medical job that you will have after you graduate.
All medical graduates must undertake this two-year period of training as a house officer
within the Foundation Programme in order to be able to obtain full registration with the
Medical Council of Malta.

2. How does Foundation Training work?

The programme is designed so that you can gain basic competence in core clinical skills as
well as other professional skills. Your first foundation placement will commence in July after
you have completed your final examinations and received your results. You will have already
received your programme of training for a whole year and over 2 years you will build a
portfolio of assessments and achievements under supervision. Once you have successfully
completed your FY1 you will progress to FY2 and successful completion of this will mean
that you will obtain your Foundation Programme Completion Certificate (FPCC) and be
eligible to apply for full registration with the Medical Council of Malta and also be eligible to
apply for training posts in Malta and elsewhere. You cannot progress to speciality training in
Malta unless you have successfully completed Foundation Programme.

3. When can I apply for Foundation Programme?

Applications will open in September of each year for entry into the Programme in July of the
following year. The application process will be available on this website in the Recruitment
section. The list of documents needed can be found on the Call for applications and in the
Checklist available in the Eligibility section. Make sure you go through the list of documents
and get these done in time to avoid disappointments. They would then need to be uploaded
onto the Government of Malta Recruitment Portal. Please see the Timeline section for more
details. No applications can be accepted before the Call for applications is issued.
 4. How and where do I submit my application?

The application process for the filling of posts in the Malta Public Service is via the
Government of Malta Recruitment Portal which can be accessed here. Please register with the
site, then login and look for the relevant Call for applications – Position of House Officer
(Foundation Doctor) in the Ministry for Health. Full details on how and where to submit the
application may be found on the Call for applications.

5. I am not a graduate of the University of Malta. Can I apply to this programme?

Yes if you are eligible, once you produce evidence that your training, once successfully
completed, is eligible for provisional registration with the Medical Council Malta. Please see
full details of eligibility criteria here.

6. How do I present my decile ranking?

You should ask your medical school to provide a certified record of you ranking in deciles. If
you do not, or present it in quartiles, the lowest or lower decile ranking will be considered. A
sample statement of such a document (Dean’s statement) can be found here.

7. Do I need to apply to the Medical Council of Malta for provisional registration before
I apply to FP?

When the call for applications is issued, you will be asked for evidence that the Medical
School of your training and the course you are following are eligible for consideration of
Provisional registration with the Medical Council Malta, if you are accepted into the
Foundation Programme.

You are thus encouraged to make contact with the Medical Council Malta as early as
possible, expressing your wish to apply for the next intake of the Malta Foundation
Programme. You will be asked for details about the Medical School of your training and
details on the course you are following. The reply from the Medical Council will need to be
presented with your application to make you eligible for progress in the Foundation
Programme application process.

You may find contact and other details on the Medical Council Malta here. Please refer also
to FAQ no. 17. Details on Provisional registration with the Malta Medical Council may be
found here.

7. I am not an EU or EEA citizen or coming from one of the countries enjoying

freedom of movement in the EU, and have not graduated from a University in
the EU. Can I still apply to join the Malta Foundation Programme? Would I be
eligible for registration in Malta?

This would make you ineligible to apply to Foundation School Malta. You would need to
contact the Medical Council of Malta on [email protected] for further information on
process to be followed to apply for registration with the Medical Council of Malta.

8. I am not a Maltese citizen. Do I need to apply for a work permit in order to start
Foundation Training in Malta?

No. If you are accepted to Foundation School Malta, the Ministry of Health will apply on
your behalf for the release of a work permit.

9. How do I apply for a Criminal Record/Police Certificate of conduct?

You will need to apply for this through your local police authority. The Criminal Record will
need to be issued not earlier than one (1) month before the closing date of applications.
Candidates who are part of the Malta Public Service do not need to produce a Criminal
Record but would need to produce a Service and Leave Record Form (GP47
form). Certificates which are not in English or Maltese will need to be translated and
notarised.
 10. Do I need to apply for an employment licence to join the Foundation
Programme?

EU nationals do not require an employment licence. If you are a non-EU national, you do not
need to apply for an employment licence at application stage. If you are offered a post with
Foundation School you will be asked to submit a number of documents for your employer to
be able to apply for an employment licence on your behalf. This licence will not be sent to
you prior to your joining the programme but it is important that the documents are submitted
in time for your employment licence to be issued at the start of your programme. Issue of this
licence will also depend on you undergoing a mandatory pre-employment health check.

11. Basic Life Support and Immediate Life Support

Candidates accepted to Foundation Programme will be asked to obtain their BLS before
joining the programme. This is mandatory in order for candidates to be able to follow their
Immediate Life Support (ILS) which will be organised during FY1. Non local applicants are
to produce certificates for equivalence of these courses if already attended.

12. Is the FPCC (Foundation Programme Completion Certificate) issued by

Foundation School Malta equivalent to that issued by any UK Foundation
School?

Yes. Foundation School Malta is affiliated to UKFPO and at the end of your two years you
will achieve your FPCC which is recognised both in Malta and in the UK for applications to
BST (Basic Specialist Trainee) and other posts.

13. Have any doctors who finished the Malta Foundation programme applied for
specialty posts with this FPCC and been accepted?

Yes. Since the start of the programme, several doctors who applied for specialty posts in the
UK were accepted into these programmes. The others applied and were accepted into
specialty posts locally, or went into other programmes or avenues of progression. Third
country nationals (non-EU doctors) should check with the respective specialty programmes
and countries where they intend to pursue their post-Foundation training to ascertain their
requirements to enter these programmes.

14. Is accommodation provided by Foundation Programme?

Accommodation is not provided by Foundation Programme and successful candidates would

have to make their own arrangements. Current International Medical Graduates are usually
happy to help out with tips and advice. The hospitals have on site accommodation for doctors
during on call only.

15. Do I have to pay for Foundation Training?

No you do not have to pay for Foundation training but will receive a salary which will be
indicated in the Call for Applications for House officer. This is a basic figure and will
increase with increments, allowances, bonuses and on call shifts.

16. I am not a graduate of the University of Malta. How can I produce evidence of
equivalency of my degree/diploma or for any diplomas/degrees not issued by the
University of Malta?

You should apply to the Malta Further and Higher Education Authority (MFHEA) for this
and produce their statement of equivalency. Moreover, you will also need to contact the
Medical Council Malta. Please refer also to FAQ no. 7

17. What happens after I submit my application?

You will be informed whether you are eligible to continue the process of selection to the
Malta Foundation Programme as per our Timeline. An examination (Situational Judgement
and Clinical Test-SJCT) and interview will be conducted in November to confirm that you
are suitable for the post.
 18. I am interested in applying to Foundation School Malta. Can I send in my
documents and testimonials now?

Documents will be accepted when the Call for applications is open. This usually takes place
in September of each year. You can start applying for the list of documents you will require
for your application (refer to website). In particular, you should apply for the Criminal
Record from before as this may take some time to process in your country as well as the
Letter of Intent from the Malta Medical Council if you are an International Medical Graduate
(IMG). The Criminal Record needs to be dated not earlier than one (1) month before closing
date of the call for applications closing date (usually towards mid to late October)

19. Do I need to submit a Curriculum Vitae with my application?

Yes. You will need to submit a Europass curriculum vitae together with two passport sized
photographs with your application.

20. My Medical School Dean’s statement does not include academic ranking in
deciles. Will this be accepted?

If your Dean’s statement does not include academic ranking in deciles you will be assigned
the lowest decile. Make sure that all the requested documents required for application are
presented as requested as otherwise this could render your application ineligible.

21. How will the programmes be assigned?

Foundation School will ensure that you are given exposure to the clinical and educational
environment necessary for you to complete your Foundation training. Your personal choice
and ranking achieved after the results of the interviews are published may influence which
placements you will be assigned to but this will also depend on availability of placements.
 22. What will the interview consist of?

The interview usually lasts not more than 15 minutes. You will be asked by the panel to
verify the information provided on the application form. Those applicants not able to support
claims on the application form at this stage will not be able to progress further in the selection
process. The interview will also assess claims on language proficiency, communication and
personal qualities.

23. I am not conversant with the Maltese language. Can I still apply to Foundation
School Malta and will this in any way impede me in my work?

Yes you can still apply. Maltese is the primary language in Malta. However, English is the
second language and widely spoken so communication with colleagues and patients should
not be a major problem if you do not speak Maltese.
Points will be awarded at the interview stage for knowledge of Maltese. International Medical
Graduates with very little or no knowledge of Maltese will be asked to attend a Medical
Maltese course. A Medical Maltese language exam will be held at the end of the year, and
success in this is mandated by the employer to guarantee further employment, and thus
progress in the Programme.

24. What happens if I decide to leave before the end of the 2 year programme?

If you decide to terminate your job/training before the contracted date, you will be required to
either give, and work, a notice period of 4 weeks’ duration or else incur a fine. The fine is
generally calculated to be the sum equal to one half of the full salary to which you would
have been entitled as per contract for the remainder of the time specifically agreed upon. The
written notice of termination has to be submitted to the Human Resources Department copied
in to Malta Foundation School.
 25. Has the departure of the UK from the EU (Brexit) affected the affiliate status of
the Malta Foundation School to the UKFPO?

No, the affiliate status of the Malta Foundation School to the United Kingdom Foundation
Programme Office (UKFPO) is not dependent on membership of the European Union. The
affiliate status of Malta Foundation School was established in a memorandum of
understanding between the UKFPO and the Ministry of Health, Malta signed on 20th
February 2009. This is a bilateral memorandum of understanding between the two signatories
and which is not dependent on EU membership.

27. Will the Foundation Programme Completion Certificate (FPCC), which is the
completion certificate issued after successful completion of the foundation programme
by Malta Foundation School, still be recognised in the United Kingdom in case of
Brexit?

The completion certificate awarded by Malta Foundation School is recognised for the
purposes of entry into specialty training in the UK irrespective of Brexit.

Application process (MANDATORY)

The application process for the filling of posts in the Malta Public Service is via the
Government of Malta Recruitment Portal which can be accessed here. Please register with the
site, then login and look for the relevant Call for applications – Position of Foundation Doctor
in the Ministry for Health. Fill in all the requested personal information and attach the
mandatory documents and any other supporting documentation which may be relevant for the
post. (IMP: Please make sure that you attach ALL the required information in the section
called CERTIFICATION, within the My Profile tab.) When you are sure that you have filled
in and uploaded all the necessary information, click on the Submit button.
Medical School Dean’s Statement (MANDATORY)

This is a statement of good standing and declaration of target date of graduation. It should
also declare your Academic ranking in deciles. This information is not used to determine your
eligibility, but your academic score. Where information regarding the academic ranking is
missing or inconsistent, then the lowest academic score will be used. Download A sample of
the Medical School Dean’s Statement here)

Primary medical qualification

A copy of your original diploma certificate, along with a translation in English as required by
Call for Applications will be required. This is not applicable if you have not yet qualified.
However, it will be MANDATORY to present the original diploma either during the
interview recruitment process or else prior to joining the Programme.

Knowledge of English

A photocopy of a valid pass certificate from the academic version of the International English
Language Testing System (IELTS) showing that your minimum score is 7.5 in each of the
domains: speaking, listening, reading and writing. The IELTS certificate is only valid for two
years. If your IELTS was done before 2 years from the date of the call for applications, you
will need an updated certificate. An IELTS certificate is not required if your Medical School
Dean’s Statement confirms that your primary medical qualification (including the language
of instruction, examinations and a significant amount of clinical contact with patients) has
been undertaken in English.

Your Medical Degree Qualification and Provisional Registration with the Medical Council
Malta (MANDATORY)

It is the responsibility of applicants to obtain a Letter of Intent* from the Medical Council of
Malta that their Medical Degree qualification is registrable by the said Council. This is
essential for the eligibility process to progress. This letter will demonstrate evidence that the
Medical School of your training and the course you are following are eligible for
consideration of Provisional registration with the Medical Council Malta, if you are accepted
into the Foundation Programme. You are thus advised to make contact with the Medical
Council Malta as early as possible, expressing your wish to apply for the next intake of the
Malta Foundation Programme. You will be asked for details about the Medical School of your
training and details on the course you are following. The actual Letter of Intent from the
Medical Council will need to be presented with your application to make you eligible for
progress in the Foundation Programme application process. It is the responsibility of
interested applicants to make sure that they apply for the letter of intent through the Malta
Medical Council in ample time prior to the call of applications. Interested applicants are
urged to access the Malta Medical Council website to view the deadline of applications for
the letter of intent. The Medical Council Malta may be contacted on [email protected].

Other Qualifications:

It is the responsibility of applicants, in possession of qualifications awarded by Maltese or

foreign Universities/tertiary education or other institutions (excluding qualifications
awarded by the University of Malta) to produce a recognition statement on comparability of
qualifications issued by the Malta Further and Higher Education Authority (MFHEA), or
other designated authorities, which statement should be uploadedto the application and the
original presented at the interview.

Malta, EEA and Swiss nationals

You must provide one of the following:

a. A photocopy of your passport visa page, name page and photo page OR

b. National identity card OR

c. Birth certificate issued in Malta which specifies the names of the holder’s parents plus
a copy of a formal document from a previous employer or authority showing your name and
National Insurance number OR

d. Certificate of Registration or Naturalisation as a Maltese Citizen.

Criminal Record / Police Conduct Certificate (MANDATORY)

A clean Criminal record issued by the Police or equivalent Authority not earlier than one (1)
month from the date of this call for applications.

Service & Leave Record Form(GP 47)

This is relevant in case of employees within the Malta Public Service

Curriculum Vitae (MANDATORY)

A detaled curriculum vitae (ideally in Europass format) showing qualifications and

experience should be uploaded as directed on the recruitment portal here. (For ease of
reference, the Europass template may be accessed here. It is the candidate’s responsibility to
make sure that all declarations in their CV are corroborated by documents which provide the
relevant evidence.
Other Qualifications

It is the responsibility of applicants, in possession of qualifications awarded by Maltese or

foreign Universities/tertiary education or other institutions (excluding qualifications
awarded by the University of Malta) to produce a recognition statement on comparability of
qualifications issued by the Malta Further and Higher Education Authority (MFHEA), or
other designated authorities, which statement should be attached to the application and the
original presented at the interview.

Rules on submission of recognition statements in respect of qualifications: (from the ‘General

Provisions’ in the Call for Applications)

With the exception of those qualifications referred to in paragraphs 2. and 3. hereunder,

applicants are required to produce a recognition statement issued by the Malta Qualifications
Recognition Information Centre (MQRIC) within the National Commission for Further and
Higher Education (NCFHE), or by any designated authority, as applicable. Such statement
should be attached to the application and the original presented at the interview.

However prior to requesting recognition statements as per paragraph 1. above in respect of

their qualifications, candidates should first consult the database of regulated qualifications of
the Malta Further and Higher Education Authority (MFHEA). Applicants are exempt from
submitting a recognition statement as mentioned in paragraph 3.1 if they are presenting
qualifications listed on the said database.

The presentation of a recognition statement by MFHEA is also not required in respect of local
qualifications issued by the University of Malta (including those awarded by the MATSEC
Board), the Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST), the Institute of
Tourism Studies (ITS) and awards, certificates and diplomas from Ministries governed by a
protocol with the NCFHE.
In cases of doubt, however, the Selection Board may set aside these exemptions and direct an
applicant to procure a recognition statement from MQRIC. In such a case the applicant shall
be given one month to procure, the statement, subject to the possibility of extension as
provided for in paragraph 5.

In the case of qualifications not covered by paragraphs 2. and 3., applicants are to submit the
recognition statement as described in paragraph 1. Applicants who are not in possession of
such a statement may still apply, provided that they submit a copy of the statement to the
receiving department/directorate as soon as it is available. Applicants who fail to present the
required statement within the one-month period for reasons beyond their control may request
an extension of this time limit, up to a further one month, from the department/directorate
receiving the applications, indicating clearly the reasons for the delay. Requests for
extensions beyond this period are to be submitted for the consideration of the Public Service
Commission.

IMPORTANT RULES GOVERNING DOCUMENT SUBMISSIONS

Qualifications and experience claimed must be supported by certificates and/or testimonials,

scanned copies of which should be uploaded onto the Recruitment Portal. No certificates or
further supporting documentation will be accepted for consideration beyond the closing time
and date specified in the call for applications (for exceptions, refer to paragraph 5. above
under Other qualifications). IT IS MANDATORY THAT ALL ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS
AND SUPPORTING EVIDENCE ARE BROUGHT TO THE INTERVIEW FOR
VERIFICATION.

Provisional Registration

The Medical Council Malta is the Competent Authority for the registration and regulation of
Medical Practitioners and Dental Surgeons in Malta. Registration gives a Practitioner the
right to seek employment in Malta, but this will not provide employment automatically.
The Medical Council is bound by the provisions of the EU Directive 2005/36/EC which
stipulates that ‘Basic medical training shall comprise a total of at least five years of study,
which may in addition be expressed with the equivalent ECTS credits, and shall consist of at
least 5500 hours of theoretical and practical training provided by, or under the supervision of,
a university.’ 'Ref to Art 11 e, Dir 2013/55/EC'. This is the update of 2005/36/EC.

For queries regarding the Foundation Programme Malta, please contact directly the
Foundation School Malta, by sending an email at [email protected].

The Medical Council will only grant Provisional Registration to a Medical Practitioner
once he/she has been approved for the Foundation Programme. However, it is advised to
verify in advance with the Medical Council that the University and the specific pre-medical
course undertaken is eligible for Provisional Registration in Malta. When the Call for
Applications is issued by the Foundation School Malta, the Applicant will be asked to submit
a 'Letter of Intent' from the Medical Council in confirmation that he/she is eligible for
Provisional Registration in Malta.

APPLICATON WITH THE MEDICAL COUNCIL MALTA FOR A LETTER OF

INTENT

A Medical Practitioner who is interested in applying for the next intake of the Malta
Foundation Programme is therefore encouraged to submit an 'Application for a Letter of
Intent to be presented to the Foundation School Malta' (download) along with Pre Medical
and/or detailed transcript of the total course content (curricular) per year and the number of
hours per subject/module, to the Medical Council, as early as possible, by email at
[email protected]. In those cases where the transcript neither provides the number of
hours undertaken nor provides the hours for the last year of the course, a letter from the Dean
of the University clearly stating the total number of hours carried out is to be submitted.
Please note that this is not an Application for Provisional Registration with the Medical
Council, and that incomplete forms will not be considered.

Following successful completion of one's medical studies, an application for Provisional

Registration has to be submitted to the Medical Council. The Foundation School Programme
can only start on having attained Provisional Registration with the Medical Council Malta.

https://healthservices.gov.mt/en/regcounc/medicalcouncil/Pages/Provisional-
Registration.aspx

Exemple de astfel de resurse pot include:

1. "Oxford Handbook of Clinical Medicine" - un ghid clinic comprehensiv și ușor

de utilizat.
2. "Medical Ethics: A Very Short Introduction" de Tony Hope - pentru a dezvolta
înțelegerea eticii medicale.
3. "Situational Judgment Tests: Theory, Measurement, and Application" de Jeff
Foster și Fritz Drasgow - pentru a înțelege tipurile de întrebări posibile într-un
SJT.