IMG Roadmap to RACGP Fellowship


IMG Roadmap to RACGP Fellowship


Last updated 5 March 2024

Disclaimer
Before you start reading the information on this webpage, please be aware that this information is a guide only and is subject to change based on updated regulation and policy. Each individual’s experience may vary slightly.

Overview

Being a general practitioner (GP) in Australia is a highly rewarding career, but the process for IMGs to become a GP can be confusing and hard to understand.

The Medical Board of Australia (MBA) is responsible for regulating medical practitioners practising in Australia. All doctors must be registered with the MBA. There are different types of registration to match different levels of training and experience. More information about the types of registration is available here.

If you’re an International Medical Graduate (IMG) seeking registration to practise medicine in Australia, your knowledge and clinical skills will need to be assessed through one of the following registration pathways:

To identify your pathway, it is important to check  

  • If your training is recognised by the Australian Medical Council (AMC) and the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS).  
  • If your specialist qualification is recognized by RACGP (check qualifications listed on PEP Specialist Stream website). 
For recruitment advice and assistance, you can contact your Rural Workforce Agency in the Australian state you are interested in working in. They can help you navigate through a complex international recruitment process and will provide advice on any Commonwealth-funded program relevant to you, such as 3GA programs.

RACGP Fellowship programs are: 

Which Fellowship program you may be eligible to apply for will depend on your MBA registration pathway.

If you’re on the Specialist pathway, you may be eligible to apply for the Practice Experience Specialist Stream (PEP-SP)

If you’re on the Competent Authority or Standard pathway, you may be eligible to apply for the Australian General Practice Training (AGPT) program, the Remote Vocational Training Scheme Program (RVTS) or the Fellowship Support Program (FSP).

Getting started

First, determine the registration pathway you may be eligible for
 

Next, explore the step-by-step process, from gaining registration to obtaining RACGP Fellowship for each registration pathway below.

 

Specialist pathway

The specialist pathway is for those who hold a specialist qualification recognised by the RACGP.

Standard pathway

For IMGs who have a primary qualification in medicine and surgery awarded by a training institution recognised by both the AMC and the WDOMS, and are not eligible for the Specialist or Competent Authority pathways.

Competent Authority pathway

For IMGs whose primary medical degree was awarded by an MBA-approved competent authority.

International Medical Graduate (IMG) Question and Answer (Q&A) series

Watch our Q&A sessions to have your questions answered on all topics from Which is the best pathway for me?  to Fellowship of the RACGP and specialist recognition as a GP.

Watch each session below:

Date Time Session Recording
Tues 4 Apr 2023 5:00pm AEST Which pathway is for me and what is my first step in progressing to RACGP Fellowship?

Watch on-demand now 

Tues 2 May 2023 5:00pm AEST       Specialist pathway overview

Watch on-demand now 

Tues 30 May 2023 5.00pm AEST    Competent authority and standard pathway overview

Watch on-demand now 

Tues 25 July 2023 5.00pm AEST Fellowship of the RACGP and specialist recognition as a GP

Watch on-demand now 

Tues 29 Aug 2023 5.00pm AEST Hong Kong and Malaysia – Conjoint session

Watch on-demand now 

Helpful resources

Webinars

Watch this series of webinars on how to become a GP in Australia and learn from IMGs working in Australian general practice.

Terms and concepts

Learn the most common terms and concepts you will encounter on your pathway.

Policies

Access all policies and guidelines for each step in the RACGP Fellowship programs.

Frequently asked questions

Find answers to the most frequently asked questions from other IMGs

Join the RACGP today


 Join now