Eligibility & medical registration

The first step for UK doctors interested in working in Australia is to verify your qualifications with the Australian Medical Council (AMC). The Australian Medical Council (AMC) is responsible for assessing the qualifications of overseas-trained doctors and determining their eligibility for registration.

If English is not your first language, you must demonstrate your proficiency in the English language by providing the required evidence. This usually involves passing an approved English language test such as the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or the Occupational English Test (OET).

The AMC assesses the primary medical qualifications of overseas-trained doctors. UK doctors would typically need to submit their qualifications and transcripts for evaluation. The AMC may require additional documentation or examinations to determine equivalence with Australian medical standards.

Apply to the relevant specialist college for assessment (Royal Australian College of General Practitioners or Australian College of Rural or Remote Medicine). Your assessment outcome will determine whether you apply to the Medical Board of Australia (AHPRA) for limited, provisional or specialist registration. 

In some cases, UK doctors may be eligible to work in positions that are considered “areas of need” in Australia. These are typically rural or remote areas with a shortage of medical practitioners. Doctors working in these areas may have different registration requirements or pathways.

Once registration with the Medical Board of Australia is obtained, UK doctors will need to apply for an appropriate visa to work in Australia. The visa options may vary depending on factors such as the length of stay, employment type, and personal circumstances.