Left to right: Dr Shade McClymont, Dr Zhong Ren Ong & Sarah Boyd

Left to right: Dr Shade McClymont, Dr Zhong Ren Ong & Sarah Boyd

International medical graduates (IMGs) whose medical qualifications are from a medical school outside of Australia or New Zealand and who are seeking registration to practise medicine in Australia must provide evidence of eligibility to undertake one of the following assessment pathways:

  • Competent Authority pathway
  • Standard pathway,
  • Specialist pathway, or
  • Short Term Training in a Medical Specialty pathway.

The Australian Medical Council (AMC) manages the assessment process for the Standard pathway only; it does not manage the competent authority pathway, specialist pathway, or short-term training in a medical specialty pathway.  International Medical Graduates who wish to practise medicine in Australia will need to complete a pathway to be eligible for registration with the Board.

More information can be found through:

Medical Board of Australia

Australian Medical Council

Competent Authority Pathway

The Competent Authority pathway is for overseas-trained non-specialists, but is also available to specialists, including general practitioners. This pathway leads to general registration.

Standard Pathway

The Standard pathway is for IMGs seeking general registration with the Board. This pathway applies to IMGs who are not eligible for the Competent Authority pathway or the Specialist pathway.

Specialist Pathway

The Specialist pathway is for overseas-trained specialists applying for assessment of comparability to the standard of a specialist trained in that speciality in Australia (specialist recognition), and overseas-trained specialists applying for an area of need specialist level position in Australia (area of need).

Short Term Training in a Medical Specialty pathway

The Short Term Training in a Medical Specialty pathway is for international medical graduates (IMGs) who are overseas-trained specialists or specialists-in-training wishing to undertake a short period (usually up to 24 months) of specialist or advanced training in Australia. This pathway does not lead to registration as a specialist in Australia. IMGs seeking to qualify for specialist registration must apply via the Specialist Pathway.

Left to right: Dr Yee Min Kong, Dr Yee Ching 'Olivia' Ong

Left to right: Dr Yee Min Kong, Dr Yee Ching 'Olivia' Ong

General Practice Experience Pathway

International Medical Graduates (IMG) can gain fellowship in Australia through the General Practice Experience pathway via Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) and without the requirement of doing specialist general practice training (vocational training) in Australia.

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Training providers and colleges

Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM)

ACRRM

If you are an overseas-trained doctor, have extensive experience as a GP, or hold recognised Canadian or New Zealand specialist qualifications, you could achieve Fellowship with ACRRM through Specialist Pathway, AEG or REEF, while for junior doctors and experienced overseas-trained doctors, MDRAP can offer a supported route to commencing ACRRM Fellowship.

Royal Australian College of General Practitioners

RACGP

The RACGPs Fellowship programs recognise the work international medical graduates have done overseas and in Australia. Applicants with a specialist qualification may be eligible for the Practice Experience Program Specialist Stream. Applicants without a recognised specialist qualification should apply through the Practice Experience Program Standard Stream.