Doctors in Australia: IMG Guide to Working Here

Understanding The Australian Medical Job Market

For international medical graduates (IMGs), the idea of working as a doctor in Australia is both exciting and demanding. The Australian medical job market offers roles in public hospitals, general practice, community health and private clinics. Demand, however, changes noticeably between regions, specialties and seniority levels.

In general, doctors in Australia are needed most outside the major cities, as highlighted in recent Federal health workforce policy analyses that identify specific regional gaps. Regional, rural and remote communities often report shortages, especially in general practice, emergency medicine, psychiatry and junior hospital positions. Key reasons include an ageing population, rising rates of chronic disease and the need to maintain services in smaller towns.

“Wherever the art of medicine is loved, there is also a love of humanity.” — Hippocrates

Competition is strongest in metropolitan teaching hospitals and well‑known lifestyle destinations. New graduates and IMGs who focus only on big‑city posts may find recruitment slower and more frustrating. By contrast, candidates open to regional or rural roles often secure interviews and offers sooner, especially in areas with workforce shortage status such as Distribution Priority Areas (DPAs) for general practice.

It is also important to understand the different employment settings and what they expect:

• Public hospitals – Intern, Resident Medical Officer (RMO) and Registrar positions with structured supervision and formal training programs.

• General practice – Mostly private small businesses, often in areas of need, with expectations around continuity of care and Medicare billing.

• Rural and remote medicine – Broader scopes of practice, higher levels of autonomy and frequent on‑call responsibilities.

Employers look for more than exam passes. They expect sound clinical reasoning, safe prescribing, clear documentation, teamwork, cultural sensitivity and confident communication with patients and colleagues. For an IMG Australia applicant, understanding how care is delivered locally – including Medicare, referral systems and clinical governance – helps you present as a safer and more competitive hire.

Being flexible about location, staying realistic about your first role and learning how the Australian health system is organised will greatly increase your chances of securing that first job as a doctor in Australia.

Essential Qualifications And Training

To start working as a doctor in Australia, you must meet the Medical Board of Australia standards for education, training and competence. For locally trained graduates, this usually means completing an accredited medical degree (often MBBS or MD) followed by a 12‑month internship. For IMGs, the steps depend on your registration pathway, but expectations around clinical capability are similar.

Most IMGs will need to:

• Hold a primary medical qualification recognised by the Australian Medical Council (AMC).

• Have their degree verified through an approved system (for example, EPIC).

• Demonstrate English language proficiency (often IELTS or OET).

• Meet recency of practice and professional conduct requirements.

The AMC examinations are central for many doctors in Australia who trained overseas. Under the Standard Pathway, candidates sit:

• A Computer Adaptive Test (CAT) MCQ that assesses core medical knowledge.

• A Clinical Examination that evaluates history taking, examination, diagnosis, communication and management across a range of disciplines.

Passing these assessments and completing a period of supervised practice leads toward general registration. For those on the Competent Authority or Specialist Pathways, the AMC exams may be partially or fully replaced by other assessment processes, but the principle is the same: you must show that your skills match Australian standards.

During medical school and afterwards, practical experience matters. Hospital rotations, rural placements, observerships and supervised practice all help you:

• Understand how care is delivered in the Australian context.

• Build confidence in common presentations and local guidelines.

• Collect references from Australian supervisors, which carry strong weight with employers.

Additional courses such as Advanced Life Support (ALS), Paediatric Life Support or emergency skills certificates can set you apart in a competitive field. They signal commitment to patient safety and readiness to contribute from day one.

Securing an internship or supervised role can be challenging, particularly for IMGs competing for limited posts. Applying widely to different states and health services, researching intake periods and application portals, and submitting complete, well‑prepared documentation are all vital. Attending conferences, teaching sessions and local clinical meetings also helps you meet colleagues who may later support your applications.

With a clear plan for exams, supervised practice and ongoing training, IMGs can progress steadily towards full registration and a stable career as doctors in Australia.

Registration Pathways For IMGs In Australia

For an IMG Australia candidate, understanding the available registration pathways is as important as job searching. The Medical Board of Australia, supported by Ahpra, offers several routes depending on where you trained and your level of seniority.

Main Registration Pathways

The most common options for IMGs are:

Pathway	Who It Suits	Typical Outcome
Standard Pathway	Most IMGs without recognised “competent authority”	General registration after exams + supervised practice
Competent Authority Pathway	IMGs assessed by a recognised overseas authority	General registration after supervised practice, without AMC clinical exams
Specialist Pathway	Overseas‑trained specialists seeking recognition	Specialist registration (if comparable) or gap training
Expedited Specialist Pathway	Specialists with pre‑approved qualifications	Faster assessment towards specialist registration
Short‑Term Training Pathway	Specialists or trainees seeking temporary advanced training	Limited registration for a fixed training period only

The Medical Board’s online self‑assessment tool can help you work out which path is likely to apply to your situation.

Standard Pathway (AMC Exams)

This is the typical route for many IMGs who aim to work as non‑specialist doctors in Australia:

1. Primary source verification of your degree.

2. AMC CAT MCQ examination – knowledge across medicine, surgery, paediatrics, obstetrics and gynaecology, psychiatry and more.

3. AMC Clinical examination – objective stations focusing on assessment, diagnosis, management and communication.

4. Provisional registration with the Medical Board and at least 12 months of supervised practice in an approved position.

5. General registration after satisfactory supervisor reports.

Competent Authority Pathway

If you have passed certain exams or training from approved authorities (for example PLAB, USMLE, LMCC, NZREX or some Irish qualifications) and have appropriate experience, you may be eligible for provisional registration without sitting the full AMC exam suite. You must still work under supervision in an approved job before progressing to general registration.

Specialist And Expedited Specialist Pathways

Overseas‑trained specialists can have their experience compared with Australian standards through the relevant specialist college. Outcomes may include:

• Substantial comparability, leading to a limited period of supervised practice or peer review.

• Partial comparability, requiring gap training and/or college exams.

• Not comparable, meaning you may need to enter training at a more junior point.

The expedited specialist pathway applies when your qualification is on a pre‑approved list, allowing a more streamlined assessment process.

Short-Term Training In A Medical Specialty

This pathway supports temporary training or skills development in Australia, usually for up to 24 months. It does not lead to general or specialist registration and is not a long‑term employment route, but it can still build useful experience and references.

Choosing the right pathway early will help you plan exams, timing, visa requirements and job applications more efficiently.

Visas, Medicare Numbers And Key Organisations

Landing your first role as a doctor in Australia requires more than exam passes and interviews. You must also meet immigration and regulatory requirements, and know which organisations handle each part of the process.

Visa And Immigration

All matters related to visas, migration and citizenship are handled by the Department of Home Affairs. The Medical Board, Ahpra and AMC do not issue visas.

Common visa options for IMGs include:

• Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa – subclass 482 for employer‑sponsored positions.

• Skilled migration visas for those who meet occupation and points‑based criteria.

• Pathways to permanent residency and, later, citizenship.

Many visas require a confirmed job offer before your application can progress. Employers such as hospitals or general practices may need to nominate you and show that they cannot fill the role locally.

Medicare Provider Numbers

To bill for services under Medicare – a core part of working as a general practitioner or private specialist – you need a Medicare provider number, issued by Services Australia. For IMGs and foreign graduates of accredited medical schools, this number is often restricted by section 19AB of the Health Insurance Act 1973, which ties access to Medicare to Distribution Priority Areas (DPAs) for a set period.

Understanding how these restrictions apply to you is important when you consider job offers, especially in general practice.

Key Organisations At A Glance

• Medical Board of Australia & Ahpra – registration standards, codes of conduct, supervision requirements.

• Australian Medical Council (AMC) – primary source verification, AMC MCQ and Clinical exams, accreditation standards.

• Specialist medical colleges – assessment of specialist qualifications, registrar training programmes, continuing professional development (CPD) homes.

• State and territory health departments – major employers of hospital doctors; central recruitment portals for interns, RMOs and registrars.

• Rural Workforce Agencies (RWAs) – support for doctors interested in regional and rural practice, including incentive schemes and workforce planning.

Mapping out which forms go to which organisation, and in what order, will help prevent delays that can otherwise slow your progress to working as a doctor in Australia.

Working In Rural And Remote Australia: A Strategic Career Move

For many IMGs, regional, rural and remote roles provide the most realistic and rewarding pathway into the Australian workforce. These positions are often linked with Medicare access and government support schemes, and they can significantly improve your prospects of securing that important first role.

The 10‑Year Moratorium And Distribution Priority Areas

Under section 19AB of the Health Insurance Act 1973, many overseas‑trained doctors and foreign graduates of Australian medical schools are subject to a 10‑year moratorium. During this period, you can generally only access a Medicare provider number if you work in a Distribution Priority Area (DPA), which is a location identified as having a shortage of medical practitioners.

DPAs are usually regional, rural or remote, although some outer‑metropolitan suburbs may also qualify. Accepting a GP position in a DPA allows you to build your Australian career while still meeting moratorium requirements.

The 5‑Year IMG Recruitment Scheme

To make rural practice more attractive, the Australian Government offers the 5‑Year International Medical Graduates Recruitment Scheme. In return for committing to general practice in certain regional and remote areas, eligible IMGs may be able to reduce their moratorium period from ten years to as few as three to five years, depending on the location’s level of remoteness.

To participate, you typically must:

• Hold (or be working towards) specialist registration in general practice.

• Have, or be eligible for, registration with the Medical Board.

• Hold or intend to obtain permanent residency or citizenship.

• Commit to a minimum number of general practice sessions per week.

The scheme is usually managed by Rural Workforce Agencies, which guide IMGs through placement options, community information and support services.

Professional And Personal Benefits

Working outside the major cities can:

• Provide broader clinical exposure and a higher level of responsibility.

• Offer closer relationships with patients and communities, with research on understanding the lived experience of rural doctors showing significant professional and personal rewards.

• Accelerate your progress towards general or specialist registration.

• Improve work–life balance in smaller communities, depending on the role.

• Give access to financial incentives or relocation support in some regions.

If your primary goal is to start working as a doctor in Australia and to build strong local experience, being open to rural and remote posts can significantly boost your chances.

Effective Networking And Job Searching Strategies

Even with the right qualifications, IMGs and new graduates need deliberate job search strategies to stand out in the competitive medical employment market.

Building A Professional Presence

Online platforms such as LinkedIn give doctors in Australia an easy way to present their qualifications, experience and interests. A strong profile should:

• Clearly state that you are an IMG Australia candidate (or local graduate) seeking roles at specific levels (intern, RMO, registrar, GP).

• List degrees, AMC or college exam status, English scores and key certificates (ALS, BLS, paediatrics, etc.).

• Highlight Australian clinical experience, observerships and rural exposure where relevant.

• Include a concise summary describing your clinical strengths and areas of interest.

Engaging thoughtfully with posts from hospitals, health departments, specialist colleges and senior clinicians can keep you visible to the right people.

Joining Professional Organisations

Membership of professional bodies signals commitment and helps you meet colleagues:

• Australian Medical Association (AMA) – advocacy, employment advice, medico‑legal resources.

• Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) and other specialist colleges – training information, CPD, exam preparation resources.

• State‑based junior doctor networks and postgraduate medical councils – workshops, mentoring and career advice.

Attending conferences, college information evenings and rural career expos lets you meet potential supervisors and hear directly about workforce needs.

Finding Job Opportunities

To increase your chances of working as a doctor in Australia, use multiple channels at the same time:

• State and territory health department websites – central recruitment for internships and hospital medical officer roles.

• Major job boards – sites such as Seek and healthcare‑specific portals that advertise both hospital and GP positions.

• Hospital and health service websites – many public and private hospitals maintain their own careers pages.

• Medical recruitment agencies – particularly useful for GP, rural and locum roles, and for understanding current market conditions.

For general practice, check whether clinics are in a DPA and whether they can support your PESCI (RACGP or IME) requirements. Contacting practice managers or GP supervisors directly, with a focused CV and covering letter, can also open doors.

Tailoring Applications

Each application should show that you understand the role and why you are a good fit:

• Match your experience to the position description.

• Emphasise Australian clinical exposure, AMC or college exam status and any rural experience.

• Highlight communication skills, teamwork and patient‑centred care.

• Use clear, concise language and accurate spelling and grammar.

Aim for a CV layout that is easy to scan:

• Clear headings and logical sections.

• Chronological employment history.

• A short bullet‑point summary of responsibilities and achievements for each role.

A thoughtful combination of networking and structured job searching will significantly improve your odds of securing your first position as a doctor in Australia.

Preparing For Interviews And The Selection Process

Interviews are often the final hurdle between you and your first role working as a doctor in Australia. Employers use them to assess not just clinical knowledge but also professionalism, communication and how well you will fit into the team.

“Medicine is a science of uncertainty and an art of probability.” — Sir William Osler

Understanding Interview Formats

Common formats for medical roles include:

• Behavioural interviews – questions about how you handled past situations (for example, conflict with a colleague or dealing with an angry patient).

• Situational or clinical scenario interviews – hypothetical cases where you explain how you would assess and manage a patient.

• Multiple Mini Interviews (MMIs) – short stations focused on ethics, communication or problem‑solving.

• PESCI interviews for general practice – case‑based assessments looking at your readiness to practise safely in Australian primary care.

For IMGs preparing for the AMC Clinical or PESCI interviews, practising with exam‑style scenarios can help you answer job interview questions more confidently.

Preparing Content

Before your interview:

• Review common conditions and presentations relevant to the role (for example, emergency, general medicine, general practice).

• Refresh guidelines, protocols and local referral pathways where possible.

• Prepare concise examples using the STAR approach (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to demonstrate teamwork, leadership, dealing with error and managing stress.

• Reflect on topics such as patient safety, cultural safety, working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and end‑of‑life care.

You should be ready to explain:

• Why you want to work in Australia, and in that specific hospital, health service or community.

• How you have adapted to new systems in the past.

• What support you might need as you transition, and how you plan to keep learning.

Practising Your Technique

Mock interviews – with peers, mentors or via formal coaching – are extremely helpful. Aim to:

• Practise speaking clearly and at a steady pace.

• Structure your answers logically rather than jumping between points.

• Show that you can recognise your limits and seek senior help appropriately.

• Demonstrate empathy and respect in how you describe patients.

Many employers now use online platforms for interviews. Test your audio, camera and internet connection beforehand, and choose a quiet, professional environment.

After The Interview

Following up with a brief, polite thank‑you email can reinforce your interest and professionalism. If you are unsuccessful, requesting feedback (where possible) can highlight areas to improve – perhaps clinical detail in your answers, understanding of the local system or communication style.

Rejection is a common part of the process for new doctors in Australia, especially in competitive metropolitan markets. Use each interview as experience to refine your skills and to better match your applications to roles where your profile and the employer’s needs are more closely aligned.

Building A Long-Term Career As A Doctor In Australia

Landing your first job is only the beginning of your career as a doctor in Australia. Thinking ahead about training, wellbeing and professional development will help you progress towards your long‑term goals.

Postgraduate Training And Specialisation

Once you obtain general registration and some postgraduate experience, you can consider formal specialist training:

• Registrar training programmes run by colleges such as RACGP, RACP, RACS and others are the standard routes to specialist registration.

• Entry is competitive, so strong references, exam performance and a clear CV are important.

• Rural and regional experience can strengthen applications for many programmes and may also qualify you for additional incentives.

For IMGs, aligning your early roles with the specialty you eventually want can save time, as demonstrated in the RBWH Research Report 2024 which showcases diverse training pathways across internal medicine and emergency services. For example, an IMG Australia candidate interested in general practice might prioritise mixed emergency/GP rural roles or hospital terms that develop primary care skills.

Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

All registered doctors in Australia must participate in CPD each year. This can include:

• Attending courses, workshops and conferences.

• Completing online learning modules.

• Participating in audit, peer review and quality improvement activities.

Choosing a CPD “home” through a college or accredited provider makes it easier to track points and stay compliant with Medical Board requirements.

Professional Support And Wellbeing

Relocation, exams and starting work in a new system are demanding. To sustain your career:

• Build a support network of colleagues, mentors and peers.

• Engage with IMG support groups, junior doctor networks and rural workforce agencies.

• Prioritise your own health, including regular GP check‑ups, adequate rest and time away from work.

A structured approach to exams, job applications, training and wellbeing will help you move from first job seeker to confident, established doctor in Australia.

Final Thoughts

For international medical graduates and new doctors in Australia, securing that first role can feel complex, but it is certainly achievable. By understanding the job market, choosing the right registration pathway, meeting visa and regulatory requirements, exploring rural and remote options, building professional networks and preparing thoroughly for interviews, you give yourself every chance of success.

With persistence, careful planning and a willingness to learn, you can progress from IMG Australia applicant to a valued member of the Australian medical workforce.