The RG Fellowship is a four-year FTE program that is completed in addition to the FRACGP.

The following table compares the training requirements of the two RACGP Fellowships.

AGPT new applicants and current registrars

There is no registration fee for new applicants or current AGPT registrars.

The Additional Rural Skills Training (ARST) fee of $2,800 (GST free) will be charged right before you start your Additional Rural Skills Training post. The ARST fee is only payable for the six RACGP managed ARSTs. The ARST fees for anaesthetics, obstetrics and emergency medicine are administered by the relevant medical college (ANZCA, RANZCOG or ACEM).

RVTS and FSP registrars

A $950 (GST free) registration fee is applicable to all RVTS and FSP registrars, in addition to the ARST fee of $2,800 (GST free).

Practising GP new applicants

A $950 (GST free) registration fee is applicable to all practising GP new applicants (those who do not already hold the FARGP). If you are applying for Recognition of Prior Learning and Experience (RPLE) for your ARST, the ARST fee may not apply to you.

GPs with FARGP

GPs with FARGP have until 30 June 2024 to apply for the Rural Generalist Fellowship via recognition of prior learning and experience. An application fee of $675 (GST free) is applicable. From 1 July 2024, additional training and/or administration fees may apply.

Rural Generalist (RG) Fellowship

AGPT or RVTS registrars
As a full time AGPT or RVTS RG Fellowship registrar, you’re expected to achieve Fellowship within six years from the commencement of training. Part-time trainees will need to achieve Fellowship within a timeframe that reflects that part-time status in accordance with RACGP requirements. This training cap includes all training terms, including an additional 52 weeks FTE to complete your ARST and another 52 weeks FTE to allow for leave and extensions of training time, if required.

FSP registrars
You’re expected to achieve Fellowship within five calendar years from the commencement of training.

Practising GPs
You’re expected to achieve Fellowship within two calendar years from commencing training or from date of enrolment if no further training is required (you’re applying for Recognition of Prior Learning and Experience (RPLE) for all components).

Further information is available in the RACGP Rural Generalist Fellowship Training Handbook

Fellowship in Advanced Rural General Practice (FARGP)

AGPT registrars
As a full time AGPT FARGP Fellowship registrar, you’re expected to achieve Fellowship within six years from the commencement of training. Part-time trainees will need to achieve Fellowship within a timeframe that reflects that part-time status in accordance with RACGP requirements. This training cap includes all training terms, including an additional 52 weeks FTE to complete your ARST and another 52 weeks FTE to allow for leave and extensions of training time, if required.

RVTS registrars
You’re expected to achieve Fellowship within four calendar years from the commencement of training.

Practising GPs
You’re expected to achieve Fellowship within four calendar years from commencing training or from date of enrolment if no further training is required (you’re applying for Recognition of Prior Learning and Experience (RPLE) for all components).

Junior doctors and interns can apply for the RG Fellowship as part of their AGPT application.

Current general practice registrars (AGPT, RVTS, FSP) can apply to complete the RG Fellowship at any point during their training – this includes AGPT, RVTS and FSP registrars. You should first talk to your medical educator and training coordinator and then complete the GPs in Training application form here.

Practising GPs can apply here.

FRACGP holders can apply here.

FARGP holders can apply to obtain the Rural Generalist Fellowship until 30 June 2024 by completing the application form here.

AGPT and RVTS registrars

If you start training towards the RG Fellowship but your circumstances change, you can opt out of training as an RG and continue to train towards the RACGP Fellowship (FRACGP). You may opt into the RG Fellowship at any point during the AGPT program, from either the general or rural pathways. For more information see the AGPT Withdrawal and re-entry webpage.

FSP registrars and practising GPs

You can opt out of training as an RG should your circumstances change. Requests for withdrawal should be submitted in writing via email to rg@racgp.org.au addressed to the Manager, RACGP Rural. 

• If you elect to withdraw from the RG Fellowship (FRACGP-RG) within seven Business Days of the confirmation of your enrolment, you will be eligible to apply for a refund of the program fee less a $300 administration fee.
• If you elect to withdraw from the FRACGP-RG after seven Business Days of the confirmation of your enrolment, no refund will be provided.
• If you elect to withdraw from the FRACGP-RG before confirmation of your enrolment and before registration fee payment, you will be withdrawn from the program.

You will be withdrawn, without refund, from the program by RACGP Rural should you fail to complete the FRACGP-RG requirements within the required timeframe.

Notes:

1. The enrolment confirmation process is when you receive an invoice with a due date to pay the registration fee.
2. The refund application process is for eligible applicants only who have elected to withdraw from RG Fellowship within seven Business Days of enrolment confirmation. Eligible applications should be submitted in writing via email to rg@racgp.org.au addressed to the Manager, RACGP Rural.

If you lodge an Recognition of Prior Learning and Experience for FRACGP-RG application form between 17 November 2023 and 17 May 2024 (Waiver Period), RACGP will waive the relevant application fee. 

If you are a FRACGP, the current application fee is $950. If you are a FARGP, the current application fee is $675. 

If you lodge an application after the Waiver Period has ended, you will be charged the relevant application fee. 

If you need to complete additional training to gain your FRACGP-RG, then you remain responsible for the payment of those costs. 

The FRACGP-RG was launched in July 2022. If you have already been awarded your FRACGP-RG through a process of recognition of prior learning and experience and paid an application fee, you are eligible to claim one (1) RACGP conference registration voucher. This offer is being made in recognition of your early support of the Rural Generalist Fellowship. 

The voucher will entitle you to one (1) free RACGP conference registration, to attend a RACGP conference either in person or online, during the 2024 calendar year. 

The voucher can only be used for conference registration fees. The voucher cannot be used for any travel, accommodation, meals, transfers, entertainment or any other expenses. 

To claim your free RACGP conference registration voucher, you must email rural@racgp.org.au by no later than 17 May 2024 . 

Any terms and conditions associated with the attendance at an RACGP conference will apply. 

If you gained your FRACGP-RG as part of a registrar training pathway, you are not eligible to claim a conference registration voucher. 

If you have any questions, please email us at rural@racgp.org.au.