Are you a GP looking to work in Australia or New Zealand? What you need to know

Default Author • November 18, 2023

Explore the opportunity to work as a GP in these countries and experience the unique lifestyle they offer


Understanding the specific requirements and pathways for medical registration in these countries is significant. Both Australia and New Zealand offer unique professional experiences, with Australia focusing on a mix of urban and rural healthcare settings, and New Zealand on its distinct health system, emphasising community and rural medicine. Familiarising yourself with the lifestyle, culture, and healthcare systems can aid in a smooth transition.


To work as a General Practitioner in Australia, essential qualifications include a Fellowship from either the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) or the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM). Internationally recognised qualifications eligible for comparability assessment include:


  • Membership of the Royal College of General Practitioners (UK)
  • Membership of the Irish College of General Practitioners
  • Fellowship of the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners
  • Certification from the College of Family Physicians of Canada
  • Swedish Certificates of Specific Training for General Practice
  • Specialist qualifications in Family and Community Medicine from Spain


Applicants are categorised as substantially, partially, or not comparable. Substantially comparable GPs are expected to achieve Fellowship in a year, while partially comparable GPs work under supervision, aiming for Fellowship and the completion of RACGP exams within two years.


What about New Zealand?

New Zealand offers more flexibility compared to Australia, with more latitude in choosing practice locations compared to Australia's DPA requirement. 


The assessment pathways in New Zealand include the Competent Authority and Comparable Health system pathways, catering to GPs with specific qualifications and experience in comparable health systems.


Need more information or guidance on your journey to becoming a GP in Australia or New Zealand? Contact us today to discuss your unique requirements and get access to amazing career opportunities.

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.
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!
By Chris Tsolakis October 24, 2024
UK and Irish Trained GP's - an overview of an expedited specialist pathway
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