Fellowship Support Program (FSP) 2027.1

 

Fellowship Support Program (FSP) 2027.1

 

Education > IMGs > Fellowship > Fellowship programs for IMGs > Fellowship Support Program (FSP) 2027.1
Last updated 2 December 2025

From the 2027.1 intake onwards, the Fellowship Support Program (FSP) will introduce a new structure, education model and entry requirements. The uplifted program will deliver:

  • stronger early support
  • enhanced education
  • closer alignment with RACGP educational frameworks.

These improvements strengthen early learning, increase flexibility, and better prepare registrars – especially those with limited Australian healthcare experience – to deliver safe, high-quality care.

The FSP journey to fellowship from 2027.1 is outlined here.

The table below outlines the major changes to the program from the 2027.1 cohort onward.

Area

The change

Why
Entry – eligibility requirements Minimum two years’ clinical experience post-medical school, in any country, in a discipline involving direct patient contact at the time of application. Ensures applicants are ready to start and progress through general practice training, while recognising diverse experience
Training time Minimum two to 2.5 years FTE (pro-rata for part-time). GPE assessment no longer required Provides flexibility while maintaining quality learning
Program entry pathways Two flexible, competency-based entry points:
  • Standard entry – Foundation Term
  • Advanced entry – FSP Term 1
 Aligns program entry with applicants’ skills and experience, ensuring tailored support from the start
Standard entry – Foundation Term Six-month Foundation Term for applicants who:
  • hold limited or provisional registration, or
  • have limited generalist experience in the Australian healthcare system, or
  • do not meet the paediatric competency requirement
 Supports registrars  to adapt to the Australian healthcare system, strengthen clinical knowledge and build confidence early in training
Advanced entry – FSP Term 1 Applicants must:
  • hold general registration
  • have broad generalist experience in the Australian healthcare system (at least one-year full-time equivalent in Australian general practice or accredited Australian or New Zealand hospitals)
  • meet the paediatric competency requirement
 Enables applicants with demonstrated competency to commence  at an advanced level while ensuring safe progression through training 
FSP Terms 1–4 Registrars complete four six-month terms, supported by:
  • a face-to-face introductory workshop at the start of training
  • small-group learning sessions concentrated in early training 
  • medical educator workplace-based assessment (WBA) visits concentrated in early training
 Provides more opportunities for learning, formative assessment and feedback at the start of training to set registrars up for success
Fellowship exams Exam eligibility from FSP Term 3, after completing Terms 1–2 and all training requirements; no GPE assessment required Improved exam readiness through structured supports and competency-aligned entry
Fees FSP fees will increase from 2027.1 Reflects the program enhancements that strengthen learning, skill development, confidence and readiness for Fellowship
See the FSP fees webpage for full details

Many core eligibility requirements, program requirements, educational elements, supervision standards and support structures remain unchanged. Key elements are outlined below. For full details, refer to the current FSP Application Handbook on the FSP webpage.

 
 

Requirement / Support

Medical qualification

 Applicants must hold a recognised medical qualification

Medical registration

 Applicants must hold general, provisional (with AMC certificate), or limited registration (Ahpra supervision levels 2–4)

Right to work

 Applicants must have the right to work in Australia

Training site

 Must be located in MM 2–7 and accredited against RACGP Standards for general practice training before commencement

Supervision

 On-site supervision by an accredited supervisor, supervising no more than three doctors across all training programs. Remote supervision is by exception and must meet RACGP criteria

Registration match

 Ahpra registration type, training site and supervisor must match the applicant’s FSP application

Basic Life Support (BLS)

 Current BLS certificate (within 12 months of commencement)

Program support and supervision
  • In-practice supervisor teaching: 1 hour per fortnight in Foundation and FSP Terms 1–2;
    0.5 hours per fortnight in FSP Terms 3–4
  • Mentoring, guidance and out-of-practice teaching from experienced medical educators
  • Administrative and training support from program officers
  • Support from registrar liaison officers (RLOs)

Examples of what the 2027.1 FSP journey could look like are provided here.

You can also explore what the 2027.1 program offers in more detail through the resource here.

If you’re unsure whether the FSP or Australian General Practice Training (AGPT) Program best suits your personal, educational and training needs, this factsheet provides information on the features and requirements of both RACGP programs.

The 2027.1 FSP Application Handbook will be released in early 2026 with more information about program entry requirements.

Applicants for the 2027.1 cohort must meet all new program eligibility and entry requirements. Successful applicants will commence the program under the uplifted training model.

You can watch the 2027.1 Fellowship Support Program Overview webinar recording for further information about the FSP changes if you are considering the 2027.1 intake.