Australia has long been a dream destination for doctors around the world, offering a high standard of living, competitive salaries, a well-developed healthcare system, and a supportive environment for medical professionals. But making the move from being a doctor overseas to practicing medicine in Australia isn’t as simple as packing a bag and hopping on a plane—it requires careful planning, registration, assessment, and sometimes additional training.
In this article, we’ll break down exactly how overseas-trained doctors can work in Australia, covering the pathways, eligibility, exams, visa options, and what life is like for international doctors once they get there.
1. Understanding the Australian Healthcare System
Before diving into the logistics, it helps to understand that Australia has a dual public-private healthcare system. The public system is run by state and territory governments and includes major hospitals and emergency services, while the private sector includes private hospitals, specialists, and general practitioners.
Most international doctors begin working in the public sector, particularly in rural or underserved areas where demand for doctors is high. These roles often come with structured supervision and support—ideal for overseas-trained professionals adjusting to a new system.
2. Determine Your Eligibility and Pathway
The process of working as a doctor in Australia depends on several factors:
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Your country of training
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Your qualifications and level of experience
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Whether your medical school is recognized by the World Directory of Medical Schools
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Your field of specialization (General Practitioner, Specialist, Surgeon, etc.)
The Medical Board of Australia (MBA) and the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) oversee the registration of all doctors. To work legally, you must be registered with them.
There are three main pathways to registration for international medical graduates (IMGs):
3. Competent Authority Pathway
This is the fastest and most straightforward pathway, ideal for doctors trained in:
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United Kingdom
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Republic of Ireland
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Canada
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United States
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New Zealand
If you have completed your internship or equivalent in one of these countries, you're considered to have trained under a "competent authority." After a period of supervised practice in Australia (usually 12 months), you can apply for full registration.
4. Standard Pathway (AMC Exams)
If your country is not listed under the competent authority pathway, you’ll likely follow the Standard Pathway, which includes:
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AMC MCQ Exam (Australian Medical Council Multiple Choice Question exam): A computer-based exam testing medical knowledge.
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AMC Clinical Exam (or Workplace-Based Assessment): A practical exam assessing clinical skills, or ongoing workplace-based assessments in a hospital setting.
Once both exams are passed, you can apply for provisional registration and begin supervised work in Australia, eventually progressing to general registration.
Note: The AMC exams are rigorous, and many candidates enroll in prep courses or study full-time for several months.
5. Specialist Pathway
This is for overseas-trained specialists who want to practice in their specialty in Australia. You will need to apply to the relevant Australian specialist college (e.g., RACGP for GPs, RACP for physicians, RACS for surgeons) for an assessment of your qualifications and experience.
Outcomes could include:
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Recognized as substantially comparable, allowing you to practice under supervision with minimal extra training
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Recognized as partially comparable, requiring additional assessment or upskilling
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Not comparable, meaning you would need to pursue the standard pathway
This pathway can take time and involves thorough documentation, interviews, and sometimes supervised practice.
6. English Language Requirements
To practice medicine in Australia, you must demonstrate a high level of English proficiency. This can be done by passing one of the following:
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IELTS Academic (minimum 7.0 in all components and overall)
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OET for Medicine (minimum B grade in each component)
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PTE Academic or TOEFL iBT are also accepted under certain conditions
These requirements ensure clear communication with patients and colleagues and are mandatory for registration.
7. Getting Registered with AHPRA
Once you’ve passed the relevant exams or received assessment approval from a specialist college, the next step is to apply for registration through AHPRA. You’ll need to submit:
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Identity documents
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Qualifications and transcripts
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Proof of English language skills
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Results of AMC exams or college assessments
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Criminal history check
You’ll typically begin with limited or provisional registration and move to general or specialist registration after completing a period of supervised practice.
8. Visa and Immigration Options
Working as a doctor in Australia often comes with visa sponsorship from an employer. The most common visa options include:
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Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (subclass 482) – Employer-sponsored, allows up to 4 years of work
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Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189) – Points-tested permanent residency
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Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190) – State-sponsored permanent visa
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Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) – Employer-sponsored permanent visa
In-demand roles like General Practitioners and rural doctors are often on the priority list for immigration, making it easier to secure sponsorship.
9. Life as a Doctor in Australia
Once registered and working, overseas doctors often report high job satisfaction, especially due to:
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Structured work hours and excellent work-life balance
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Good salary (AUD 80,000 to 300,000+ depending on level and specialty)
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Supportive team environments and strong healthcare infrastructure
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Opportunities for professional development and career growth
However, there is an adjustment period. You'll need to adapt to different patient expectations, documentation styles, and systems like Medicare and My Health Record.
10. Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?
Absolutely. Though the process to work as a doctor in Australia can be complex and time-consuming, the professional and personal rewards are significant. With proper planning, preparation, and support, many overseas-trained doctors successfully transition to rewarding careers in Australia’s healthcare system.
Whether you're starting with the AMC exams or going through the specialist pathway, staying informed, organized, and connected to a support network will help you succeed.
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