Education for Asylum Seeking and Refugee Doctors and Dentists
The Wales Refugee and Asylum Seeker Doctors (WARD) Programme assists doctors living in Wales who are refugees or asylum seekers to gain GMC registration and restart their career within the UK NHS. We are also able to support dentists to pass their IELTS examination.
What is the programme?
The Wales Refugee and Asylum Seeker Doctors (WARD) Programme assists doctors living in Wales who are refugees or asylum seekers to gain GMC registration and restart their career within the UK NHS. We are also able to support dentists to pass their IELTS examination.
The WARD Programme can offer to eligible health professionals:
Weekly IELTS/OET lessons
PLAB resources, preparation courses, and support groups
Payment of exam fees for IELTS/OET, PLAB 1, and PLAB 2
Assistance with GMC registration
A six-month paid supernumerary placement within the NHS after GMC registration
The WARD programme was the first scheme of its kind in the UK, having been established in 2002. WARD is run in partnership with Health Education and Improvement Wales (NHS HEIW), who coordinate supernumerary placements, and provide professional support and guidance.
Who is the programme for?
WARD members must be living in the UK, and either be seeking asylum or have refugee status to be eligible.
WARD provides comprehensive support to doctors, and IELTS (English lessons and examination) support to dentists. Where we have space in classes, we are able to provide English lessons to allied health professionals that need to pass either IELTS or OET.
If you wouldn't be eligible for WARD, we would otherwise suggest contacting:
Breaking Barriers – Support for refugees to re-enter their profession (including allied health professionals)
Ruth Hayman Trust – Provide grants towards education and training
GMC Refugee Doctors – Support to Refugee Doctors living outside of Wales
Why is the programme needed?
Refugee doctors experience significant barriers to re-enter their profession including:
High exams and registration costs
Isolation from professional networks
Lack of access to study support
Gaps in employment history
Lack of NHS work experience
Difficulty navigating the GMC and NHS systems
WARD bridges these gaps, providing a structured, supportive pathway that supports participants throughout the journey to employment as a doctor in the NHS.
The WARD programme also greatly benefits the NHS, through assisting highly skilled and experienced professionals into the workforce.
Feedback
We really value the feedback we receive. Here are a few anonymous comments about the difference our work is making.
I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the entire WARD team for their invaluable support in helping me start my career as a doctor in the UK. Their assistance went far beyond financial aid, which in itself was a tremendous relief, especially for someone like me fleeing the hardships of war. They also provided the crucial mental and emotional support needed during this challenging transition.
WARD Programme Member
I've been a participant in WARD for two years now, and each day I am more impressed by their dedication and commitment. I truly cannot thank them enough for their support throughout this journey.
WARD Programme Member
Dear WARD Programme Team, I would like to sincerely thank WARD for the support I have received over the past few years. The team has always been approachable and helpful, providing both practical and emotional support, answering questions, offering guidance, and encouraging me throughout my journey. This support has been invaluable in helping me stay focused and continue working towards my goal. I would especially like to thank Sam Allen, former WARD Programme Manager, for ongoing support and guidance, and Daniel Beynon for the excellent OET preparation classes, which provided a strong foundation for my exam preparation. I truly appreciate the time and care that the WARD team invests in supporting internationally educated healthcare professionals. Thank you for everything you do.
Yuliia, WARD Programme Member
Dear DPIA team, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to WARD Doctors Programme for the invaluable support they provide to refugee and asylum-seeking doctors. The programme has created a welcoming and encouraging environment that has helped many international medical professionals regain confidence and continue their journey towards GMC registration and NHS employment. The staff and tutors are highly dedicated, approachable, and always willing to provide guidance and assistance whenever needed. Their commitment, patience, and understanding make a significant difference to doctors who are adapting to a new healthcare system and rebuilding their careers. Through the programme, I have gained not only academic support but also emotional encouragement and a sense of belonging. DPIA's work is truly inspirational, and their efforts contribute greatly to the NHS and to the integration of refugee doctors into Welsh society.
Enku, WARD Programme Member
I, Maryam, mother of a 4 year and a 6 year child, was an asylum seeker, who came to DPIA in 2023 January. That time I was so depressed, scared, anxious and belittled because of DV, physical, emotional and financial abuse history of 3 years. However, with DPIA's continued unconditional emotional, financial support and guidance helped me through passing OET, PLAB 1, PLAB 2 and clinical attachment in a go. Now, in 2026 June, I am pleased to share that I feel much confident, accomplished and contented. I am so grateful to have such a wonderful organisation who believed me when I did not believe myself and made me what I am today.
Dr XX Maryam, WARD Programme Member
I am writing to thank you for all the support I have received from WARD. I first attended Dan's English classes, which helped me pass my OET. I then successfully passed both PLAB 1 and PLAB 2 with WARD's guidance. I am now due to start my six-month contract with Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, an opportunity that would not have been possible without the support of WARD and HEIW. Your support has made a real difference to my journey, and I truly appreciate all the guidance and encouragement I received along the way. Thank you once again, and I hope I can now support other doctors who are following the same path.
Stasia Komadinko, WARD Programme Member
What has the programme achieved?
Since its creation in 2002, WARD has been very successful, with achievements including:
Over 400 healthcare professionals supported, including over 330 doctors
Over 6 WARD doctors per year gaining GMC registration and beginning work in the NHS
Over 200 professionals passing their IELTS/OET exams through WARD tuition and funding
Over 160 doctors passing PLAB 1 and PLAB 2 with WARD support
Over 150 doctors gaining their GMC licence to practice and gaining NHS employment
Many WARD graduates have progressed to become GPs, consultants, and senior specialists, filling critical roles within the NHS that require years of training and experience.
How can I join WARD?
To join WARD, get in touch with the WARD team. They will discuss your needs and guide you through the signup process and any accessibility needs.
You can contact us by emailing ward@dpia.org.uk or message us on Whatsapp via +44 7496 840479
