2026 AGPT Program changes

Find out more about the changes to entry for the 2026 AGPT Program

express your interest 

2026 AGPT Program changes

Find out more about the changes to entry for the 2026 AGPT Program

express your interest 
Education > Explore a GP career > Australian General Practice Training (AGPT) Program > 2026 AGPT Program changes
Last updated 4 December 2024

We’re making several important updates to the 2026 Australian General Practice Training (AGPT) Program application and selection process to streamline the experience and make it more accessible for all applicants. Here’s what you need to know: 

What’s changing? 

  • Applicants will no longer need to provide referees as part of their application. We’re simplifying the process to save time. 
  • If applicants are not an Australian or New Zealand permanent resident or citizen, they’ll no longer need an active permanent residency application when applying. They must be on an accepted visa and meet the permanent residency requirement by the time they finish their training. 
  • The multiple mini-interview (MMIs) and candidate assessment and applied knowledge test (CAAKT) are being replaced with an online selection assessment. Applicants will be able to choose a date and time that works for them within the assessment window and complete the exam from anywhere. 
  • We’ve reduced the application and selection fee to $690. We want the process to be as affordable as possible.  
  • The new Australian Medical Council PGY 2 certification, or general registration and 12 further months of hospital experience will be required before entering a community-based general practice term (instead of the current surgery, medicine and emergency terms). The paediatric requirement still applies with some updates. Applicants can still meet the hospital experience and paediatric requirement in their first year in the AGPT Program. Learn more in our AGPT Hospital & Paediatric Competency Requirements document.  
  • If applicants have already attempted exams, they will need two remaining exam semesters to apply for the 2026 intake. 
  • Applicants who nominate an RACGP identified area of need as their first preference, and successfully progress through the selection process are guaranteed a training place.
  • We’ve added new general pathway composite training positions in South Eastern Queensland and Victoria, alongside New South Wales. If applicants select a composite position as their first preference and successfully progress through the selection process, they’re guaranteed a training place. 
  • If applicants accept a Northern Territory 2026 AGPT training place, they’ll receive a $20,000 grant. This will be paid in two instalments of $10,000 after completing their first and second community-based general practice training terms in the NT. 

Why are we making these changes?

These updates reflect our ongoing effort to make the AGPT Program better suited to applicants’ needs while continuing to uphold high standards of training.  

Here’s how the changes benefit applicants: 

  • They streamline the application and selection process, saving time. 
  • They improve access to selection assessments for doctors working in busy or rural areas. 
  • They open up more opportunities for doctors to apply to the AGPT Program. 
  • They expand training opportunities in rural and remote areas. 
  • They ensure our training requirements align with the updated Australian Medical Council standards. 

Key dates

Intake period: The next round will open on 3 March 2025.

Next steps

To learn more, request a copy of our AGPT program and eligibility guides.  

We’re here to help

If you have any questions, our team is here to assist.  
Prospective applicants and hospital staff: becomeagp@racgp.org.au 
Members and stakeholders: racgp@racgp.org.au 
PH: 1800 472 247 

Training support

GP career and application support

P: 1800 472 247
E: becomeagp@racgp.org.au