Recognised medical degree

A medical degree that is recognised by both:

• Australian Medical Council
• World Directory of Medical Schools
  

Skills assessed and be on a registration pathway

IMGs seeking to practice medicine in Australia need to apply to the Australian Medical Council (AMC) first and on completion of their 12 months of supervised practice they apply to the Medical Board of Australia.

IMGs will initially need to apply for either Limited or Provisional registration with the Medical Board of Australia before fulfilling requirements of one of the pathways to General and/or Specialist registration.

However, IMGs need to have their medical knowledge and clinical skills assessed to determine if they qualify for medical registration in Australia.

Where the IMG obtained their medical knowledge and clinical skills will determine how it is assessed for registration in Australia. This will determine which “pathway” the IMG must apply to.

The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) has a self-assessment check to help you determine which pathway you should apply to.

The Competent Authority pathway is for those who have had their medical knowledge and skills assessed by one of a limited number of authorities overseas.

The Standard pathway is for those who have had their medical knowledge and skills assessment elsewhere.

IMGs who follow the Standard pathway will be required to complete a written exam and a structured clinical exam or workplace based assessment.

IMGs may also need to complete a Pre-employment structure clinical interview (PESCI) which assesses knowledge, skills, clinical experience and attributes to determine whether you are suitable to practise in a specific position. The PESCI consists of a structured clinical interview using scenarios.

Proficient in English language skills

The Medical Board of Australia requires anyone applying for registration in Australia for the first time to demonstrate English language skills.

There are a number of ways to demonstrate this, ranging from English being your primary language and having completed all your primary and secondary schooling in English, through to achieving a minimum score in specific English language tests.

More information is available from AHPRA.

A work visa or permanent residency

IMGs also need a visa to work in Australia.

Once you have secured a job and had your skills assessed, you can apply for a visa through the Department of Home Affairs.

Job offer

IMGs generally start working in regional, rural and remote communities.

To bill under Medicare (Australia’s universal healthcare system), IMGs who want to train as a GP must work in a “Distribution Priority Area” – areas of demand for GPs. These areas can be found using the Health Workforce Locator. This restriction usually continues for 10 years and is often known as the “10-year moratorium”.  

Some IMGs will search for their own job to apply for via job search engines or advertisements. There are also various recruitment agencies that can help with support, advice, and identifying job opportunities.

There are also rural workforce agencies in each state and the Northern Territory which help with the recruitment of international health professionals in rural and remote communities.