Australia or New Zealand – where are the best jobs for psychiatrists?

Medipeople • September 8, 2017

Best Jobs for Psychiatrists

It can be a tough choice for Psychiatrists deciding between Australia and New Zealand. Picking which one has the best jobs for Psychiatrists will come down to what is most important in your life. With similar cultures, great weather and strong economies both locations should be considered for a career move. Eventually you will obtain the same qualification, namely RANZCP whether you move to Australia or New Zealand however the pathway is very different. Various factors impact this but you should consider which is the best option for your own circumstances. Below are some of the factors Psychiatrist should consider when looking to work in Australia or New Zealand.

LOCATIONS – NZ FOR CITIES AND AUSTRALIA FOR REGIONAL WORK

Australia and New Zealand both have excellent cities, towns and rural areas to live and work. This is most likely the main attraction and location will count for a lot. Due to the shortage of Psychiatrists in both countries there are great number of vacant posts. However, New Zealand has more roles in the major cities than Australia. The best jobs for Psychiatrists in Australia tend to be in the regional areas.

COLLEGE – NZ PATHWAY IS QUICKER, SMARTER AND EASIER

Due to recent changes made by the College (RANZCP) there are some location restrictions in place in Australia. You might not be able to work in some locations depending on your college assessment outcome. Psychiatrists assessed as Partially Comparable are unable to work in designated Area of Need positions. The colleges’ reasoning for this is that Area of Need Psychiatrists have less support and need to be Substantially Comparable to be effective in this environment. Many people believe that this change was made to simply restrict the number of Specialist International Medical Graduates (SIMG) from entering the system.

The college assessment process in Australia takes 3-6 months to obtain an outcome. It compromises of a paper based application and interview. Most applicants don’t apply to the college until they have been offered a post as the application costs several thousand dollars. In addition to the college assessment, applications need to be made to the Australian Medical Council and Medical Board of Australia. While Australia does offer some of the best best jobs for Psychiatrists in the Southern Hemisphere, a Psychiatrist moving to Australia would be lucky to complete the whole process in under six months.

New Zealand Pathway Options

Psychiatrists moving to New Zealand can obtain registration with the Medical Council of New Zealand through two pathways.

The Vocational pathway is the standard pathway and involves an assessment of intentional psychiatry training in a similar way the RANZP assesses applications in Australia.
Special Purpose Locum Tenens pathway is open to Psychiatrists who trained in the UK, Canada, USA, UK and Ireland. This option does not involve a college assessment and doctors can complete it in under four weeks. There is a 12 month practice restriction on this type of registration but it allows you to move to New Zealand start working and complete the vocational registration from within New Zealand.

From a regulatory point of view the New Zealand pathway is much quicker, smarter and easier. This alone is often enough to make Psychiatrists move to the Land of the Long White Cloud.

FAMILY

Psychiatrists relocating with family members will have to consider the occupation of their partner and schooling for their children. In Australia schooling is not free for non-residents even in local government schools. Certain occupations may not be available outside of the major city or even in that country. Recent changes to visa pathways in Australia have also added further confusion – especially concerning spouse visas, English language assessments and the pathway to permanent immigration. People may also need to consider what the immigration policies are for parents/grandparents should they decide to stay on.

The process does not finish once you start working in your new job. We assist Psychiatrists in the following areas:

College assessments
Permanent residency
General or Specialist Registration
Finding the best jobs for Psychiatrists
Transition to private practice or locum work
And much more

SALARY

You’ll find everything you might want to know about your income prospects in our dedicated article on Psychiatrist Salaries in NZ. And no matter whether you choose to make Australia or New Zealand your home, check out our article on 10 winning habits of successful doctors. Who knows, you might pick up a new idea helping you stand out in your new work environment and progressing faster in your career!

LIFESTYLE

Both countries promise a great lifestyle. At Medipeople we are mindful of your interests outside of your career which are important when selecting a destination. If you have always dreamed of living near the beach or the mountains, it’s our job to make that happen!

FINDING THE BEST JOBS FOR PSYCHIATRISTS LIKE YOU!

If you are thinking about making the move or would like to talk about which job is best for you then please get in touch.

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Fast-Track Pathway for UK Psychiatrists to Work in Australia

March 13, 2025

UK-based psychiatrists now have an exciting opportunity to fast-track their career in Australia through a new Expedited Specialist Pathway, designed to reduce barriers and help internationally trained specialists transition seamlessly into the Australian healthcare system. Medipeople is on hand to secure your job in Australia and guide you through the registration, visa and relocation process. From 23 December 2024, psychiatrists with UK qualifications will be able to apply directly for specialist registration with Ahpra (the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency) and the Medical Board of Australia, enabling them to begin practicing sooner and contribute their expertise to Australian patients. Eligibility for Psychiatrists UK psychiatrists are eligible if they hold the following qualifications: Membership of the Royal College of Psychiatrists (MRCPsych) Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) in Psychiatry Awarded under an approved RCPsych curriculum (from August 2007 onwards) after satisfactory completion of a GMC- or Postgraduate Medical Education and Training Board-approved psychiatry training program in the UK. This pathway allows highly skilled psychiatrists to transition quickly into Australia's healthcare workforce, ensuring access to critical mental health services for patients across the country. Why Consider Australia? Australia offers: A world-class healthcare system with excellent professional development opportunities. Competitive remuneration packages and benefits. The chance to live and work in vibrant cities or picturesque regional areas, with a lifestyle renowned for its balance of work, leisure, and outdoor living. The Application Process The Expedited Specialist Pathway builds on the success of the October launch for general practitioners, which saw 96 UK-based GPs apply within two months, with 80% of applicants already progressing through the system. Similar efficiency is anticipated for psychiatrists, making this pathway a reliable and attractive option. What’s Next? The Expedited Specialist Pathway will soon expand to include other specialties such as general medicine, general paediatrics, and diagnostic radiology, providing more opportunities for UK specialists to join the Australian medical workforce. This initiative reflects the commitment to making it easier for professionals from comparable healthcare systems, such as the UK, to relocate and practice in Australia. Start your journey today and be part of a healthcare system that values your expertise. Applications open 23 December 2024.

Updated: Fast-Track AHPRA Registration for General Practitioners

By Chris Tsolakis • March 5, 2025

AHPRA has launched the Fast-Track Specialist Pathway , providing a streamlined process for internationally qualified GPs and other medical specialists to obtain specialist registration in Australia. This new pathway is significantly faster and more cost-effective than traditional routes, reducing the time to start practicing in Australia from 12 months to approximately 4–6 months. At Medipeople, we are actively supporting GPs through this new process and ensuring smooth transitions into high-quality medical positions across Australia. Latest Updates March 2025 – Key Highlights & First Approvals The first successful Fast-Track application was approved in December 2024 after a two-month processing period, setting a promising precedent for future applicants. GPs must still complete visa and Medicare provider number processing before starting work. As more applications are processed, the timeline and requirements are expected to become even more efficient. Eligibility Criteria & Accepted Qualifications This pathway is currently open to GPs with qualifications from the UK, Ireland, and New Zealand, including: MRCGP + CCT (UK) – from 2007 onwards MICGP + CSCST (Ireland) – from 2009 onwards FRNZCGP (New Zealand) – from 2012 onwards Additional specialties such as anaesthetics, obstetrics, and psychiatry are expected to be added in December 2024. How the Fast-Track AHPRA Pathway Works Key Steps in the Application Process: Specialist Registration (With Conditions) – Bypass the RACGP assessment and apply directly to the Medical Board of Australia. Supervised Practice (6 Months) – Includes orientation, cultural safety training, and workplace-based assessments. Workplace-Based Assessments – Supervision reports required at 3 and 6 months. Full Specialist Registration – Following completion of supervised practice and assessments. Processing Timeframe: AHPRA assessment: 6–8 weeks Overall process (including AMC, EPIC, visa & Medicare): 4–6 months This is a significant improvement over the traditional RACGP PEP Specialist Pathway, which takes 9–12 months. Key Considerations for GPs Supervision & Job Requirements You must secure a job offer before submitting your application. A supervisor must be nominated by your employer as part of the process. The supervised practice plan is more detailed than traditional pathways, requiring specific training activities. Does This Avoid the 10-Year Moratorium? No, GPs on this pathway must work in a DPA area or secure a 19AB exemption. Exception: New Zealand medical graduates who were citizens or permanent residents on the first day of medical school are exempt from the moratorium. Next Steps: How Medipeople Can Help At Medipeople, we specialise in assisting UK, Irish, and NZ-trained GPs with navigating the Fast-Track AHPRA Pathway, securing roles in trusted, high-net-worth practices across Australia. We provide expert guidance on the AHPRA, visa, and Medicare process. We match you with top-tier GP roles in sought-after locations. We ensure seamless supervision arrangements with practices that support international GPs. Get Started Today! To find out more about how Medipeople can help you secure a fast-tracked GP role in Australia, get in touch today!