ST3 General SurgeryHigher Surgical Training2026 Recruitment

ST3 General Surgery Application Guide

Complete 2026 self-assessment scoring guide for General Surgery ST3. Includes every question with exact score tables, evidence requirements, interview station breakdown, and application timeline.

3.76:1
Competition ratio (2024)
288 candidates
Interview capacity
Remote (Qpercom)
Interview format
40 minutes, 3 stations
Interview duration
49 points
Max portfolio score
By May 2026 diet
MRCS required

2026 Application timeline

Applications open
10am, 20 November 2025
Applications close
4pm, 11 December 2025
Evidence upload portal (GS)
16 December 2025 – 12 January 2026
Interview invites sent
By 10 March 2026
Interview window
26–27 March 2026 (remote, Qpercom)
Initial offers released
5pm, 14 April 2026
Training start date
August/October 2026

Eligibility criteria (longlisting)

✓MBBS or equivalent medical qualification
✓Successful completion of MRCS by the day after results for the May 2026 examination diet are released
✓Full GMC registration with a current licence to practise at time of appointment
✓Evidence of CT/ST1 core surgical competences at time of application; CT/ST2 competences by time of appointment
✓Eligibility to work in the UK
✓Not previously relinquished, released or removed from a training programme in this specialty except under exceptional circumstances
✓Have not previously held, and are not eligible to hold, a CCT or CESR in General Surgery

Shortlisting process, General Surgery 2026

For General Surgery, your self-assessment score is calculated by a panel after reviewing your submitted evidence (verified by your Educational Supervisor). It is not a self-reported score on Oriel. The panel shortlists the top candidates by score, interview capacity is 288 places. Evidence must be uploaded 16 December 2025 – 12 January 2026.

Self-assessment questions, exact scoring tables

Interview stations, 40 minutes total, 3 stations

International medical graduates (IMGs)

IMGs who have not completed UK Core Surgical Training must obtain a Certificate of Readiness to Enter Higher Surgical Training (CREHST), previously the Alternative Certificate of Core Competence. This must be completed and submitted with your application. The 2026 CREHST form is available on the NHS England medical recruitment website. Competencies must be signed off by UK consultants who have directly supervised your clinical work.

Source: NHS England Medical Recruitment, General Surgery ST3 Supplementary Applicant Handbook 2026 and Person Specification 2026. Always verify current criteria at medical.hee.nhs.uk before applying.