AGPT Academic Post Program


2025 applications open from Monday 6 May until Monday 15 July

express your interest  Preview the application form 

register for the 2025 Academic Post pre-application webinar  2025 Academic Post Application Guide 

AGPT Academic Post Program


2025 applications open from Monday 6 May until Monday 15 July

express your interest  Preview the application form 

register for the 2025 Academic Post pre-application webinar  2025 Academic Post Application Guide 
Education > GPs in training > AGPT Academic Post Program

Explore an academic career as part of your GP training journey

The everyday practice of GPs is based on evidence. GPs need to be able to filter, critically appraise, interpret and apply the information available to them. The Australian General Practice Training (AGPT) Academic Post program allows registrars to develop research, teaching, project management and critical evaluation skills during a part time, 12-month academic training term, completed alongside clinical training.

An Academic Post is a 12-month (0.5FTE) training term undertaken concurrently with clinical work as part of registrar training on the AGPT Program.

Testimonials

About the program

An academic post is an AGPT training term in which registrars learn academic skills through personalised learning plans with mentoring and support from training providers, universities and the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP).

The post provides exposure to research and teaching in an academic environment and encourages registrars to incorporate academic work into their careers. Successful grantees will complete their academic term within a Department of General Practice (or equivalent) at a University while completing their clinical training concurrently.

There are a total of 20 academic posts available every year. This includes two specialised posts, the AIDA post offered to an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander general practice registrar, and the AJGP post ,which incorporates a standard Academic Post with additional editing work.

Why should I apply for an Academic Post?

The benefits of taking part in the program include:

  • Build skills in academia and research
  • Teach the next generation of medical students
  • Explore different career pathways in general practice
  • Be a part of an academic unit within a university
  • Contribute to the evidence that informs the everyday practice of GPs across Australia
  • Receive RACGP funded registration, flights and accommodation to selected national conferences
  • Receive professional development and research funding
  • Make lasting connections with leading academic institutions, mentors and other GPs in training
  • Diversify and enhance your job opportunities.

What are the steps to applying for an Academic Post?

Prospective applicants are encouraged to check their eligibility for a post with their medical educator. 

Registrars must:

  • Be enrolled in the AGPT Program; and
  • Have completed at least GPT1 of their core vocational training at the time of commencement of the post;
  • Have not obtained Fellowship.

Registrars are also encouraged to request support from RACGP staff before and during the application process via email gpedresearch@racgp.org.au or phone (03) 8699 0418.

Join us for our academic post information webinar to learn about the program and prepare for the application process. Our panellists will include a previous academic post registrar, Monash University's Dr Chris Barton, A/Prof Nancy Sturman and RACGP Academic Post Coordinator Georgia Franklin.

2 ​May 2024, 07:00 PM AEST

Register now

The application guide for the 2025 guide is now available.
 

 Download 2025 guide

A ‘specialised academic post’ is a post where some objectives of the term are predetermined. Specialised posts are designed to facilitate access to specific research opportunities. These terms count towards training in the same way as a standard academic post. There are three specialised posts available in the RACGP Academic Post program.

Registrars must develop a research proposal as part of their application form and this must be done in collaboration with a university supervisor from a Department of General Practice, rural clinical school or equivalent. 

Registrars must link with a university prior to beginning their application form. Please see below for an up to date list of the actively participating universities in the Academic Post program and their relevant contact details. If prospective applicants would like to know more about the research areas or teaching opportunities at any of these universities they can contact Universities directly or liaise with the RACGP Education Research Unit at gpedresearch@racgp.org.au.

Download the list now (PDF)

We called upon our 2018 Academic Post registrar Dr Emily Kirkpatrick who sat with Dr Chris Barton, senior lecturer in primary health care from Monash Department of General Practice, to talk through the steps involved in preparing and submitting a quality application.

There are a total of 20 academic posts available every year and the application process is very competitive.



The RACGP encourages registrars to start their applications early as will take longer than you might expect. The application form can be downloaded prior to officially starting the application, and you can return to edit the form prior to submitting.

The Medical Educator and the University supervisor will be required to read and sign declarations advising they are supportive of the registrar’s application. Please allow for time for this to ensure the application is submitted by the due date.

The RACGP does not accept late applications so it is important for application forms to be submitted on time. 

Applications close on Monday 15 July at 11:59am AEST.

Do not hesitate to ask for support. The RACGP Education Research Unit is here to support you throughout your application. Please contact gpedresearch@racgp.org.au if you require any assistance.

Webinars

To learn more about the program and to hear from previous Academic Post registrars about their experiences – please watch the webinars below.

Academic Registrar Showcase 2024

This webinar will showcase GP research undertaken by participants of this program, presented by the researchers. 
 

2024 Academic Post pre-application webinar

This webinar will give you a detailed overview of the program and application process.

2023 Academic Registrar Showcase webinar

This webinar will showcase four previous academic post recipients, who will each provide an overview of their research project and teaching activities.

Specialised Academic Posts

Find out more about the Australian Journal of General Practice (AJGP)
and ‘Australian Indigenous Doctors’ Association (AIDA) academic posts.

Specialised Academic Posts

Find out more about the Australian Journal of General Practice (AJGP)
and ‘Australian Indigenous Doctors’ Association (AIDA) academic posts.

Helpful resources

Have a read through the research projects of current and previous Academic Post registrars.
General Information about the program is also found on that page.

Helpful resources

Have a read through the research projects of current and previous Academic Post registrars.
General Information about the program is also found on that page.

Academic Post registrars in the news

Registrar news

Read about the experience of past academic registrars who have featured in newsGP.

Building bridges between primary care, research, and health policy

A recent recipient of a research scholarship and RACGP Academic Post wants to combine her skills to make a positive impact.

New wave of GP-researchers set to tackle vital questions

GPs in training across Australia are set to examine a variety of critical health issues and work to improve primary care for patients as part of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) 2021 Academic Post program.

Working to further general practice research

GPs in training across Australia are set to examine a variety of critical health issues and work to improve primary care for patients as part of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) 2021 Academic Post program.

Learn more

Helpful reading

Contact us


Should you have further questions, please contact
Georgia Franklin
03 8699 0418 gpedresearch@racgp.org.au