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International medical graduates (IMGs) whose medical qualifications are from a medical school outside of Australia or New Zealand and who are seeking registration to practise medicine in Australia must provide evidence of eligibility to undertake one of the following assessment pathways:
The assessment process assesses the knowledge and clinical skills of IMGs seeking to qualify for medical registration in Australia.
The Competent Authority pathway is for overseas-trained non-specialists, but is also available to specialists, including general practitioners. This pathway leads to general registration.
IMGs who have passed recognised examinations or have completed training through a Board approved competent authority, can apply for assessment under this pathway.
IMGs applying for the Competent Authority pathway should apply directly to the Medical Board of Australia (the Board) for provisional registration.
Learn more about the Competent Authority pathway.
The Standard pathway is for IMGs seeking general registration with the Board. This pathway applies to IMGs who are not eligible for the Competent Authority pathway or the Specialist pathway.
IMGs who have a primary qualification in medicine and surgery awarded by a training institution recognised by both the Australian Medical Council and the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS) can apply for assessment under this pathway.
IMGs applying for the Standard pathway should apply directly to the Australian Medical Council (AMC).
IMGs must pass the AMC CAT MCQ Examination before they can apply to the Board for registration.
Learn more about the Standard pathway.
The Specialist pathway is for the following IMGs:
IMGs who have a primary qualification in medicine and surgery awarded by a training institution recognised by both the Australian Medical Council and the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS) and who have satisfied all the training and examination requirements to practise in their field of specialty in their country of training, can apply for assessment under this pathway (specialist recognition or area of need).
IMGs applying for the Specialist pathway should apply directly to the relevant specialist medical college for assessment.
Learn more about the Specialist pathway.
Specialist medical colleges’ specialist pathway data are available on the specialist pathway page.
The short term training in a medical specialty pathway is for IMGs who are overseas-trained specialists or specialists-in-training wishing to undertake a short period (usually up to 24 months) of specialist or advanced training in Australia.
This pathway does not lead to registration as a specialist in Australia. IMGs seeking to qualify for specialist registration apply for registration via the specialist pathway - specialist recognition.
IMGs who have a primary qualification in medicine and surgery awarded by a training institution recognised by both the Australian Medical Council and the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS) and who have satisfied all the training and examination requirements to practise in their field of specialty in their country of training or who are no more than two years away from completing their specialist training overseas, can apply for assessment under this pathway (short term training in a medical specialty pathway).
IMGs applying for the Short term training in a medical specialty pathway apply directly to the relevant specialist medical college for assessment using a Board application form (AAMC-30) before applying to the Board for registration.
Learn more about the Short term training in a medical specialty pathway.
To help you decide which pathway may be relevant to you, an initial self-assessment check and an overview of the pathways is provided as a guide.
Note: If you currently hold, or have previously held, general registration in Australia you are able to complete the specialist recognition process while holding general registration. You are not eligible to apply for limited or provisional registration to complete the specialist recognition process.
I have completed my primary medical qualification in a country other than Australia or New Zealand
I have been issued a primary medical qualification by a training institute listed by both the AMC and WDOMS
I have been issued with a specialist medical qualification
I intend to undertake further training in Australia for a short term only to gain advanced specialist skills
I have an offer for an area of need position in Australia
I am eligible for the Specialist pathway (specialist recognition and area of need)*
I am eligible for the Specialist pathway (specialist recognition)*
I have an offer for a specialist training position
I am eligible for the Short term training in a medical specialty pathway*
I intend to undertake further training in Australia for a short term only to complete my specialist training
I have completed the requirements of a MBA designated competent authority
I am eligible for the Standard pathway
I am eligible for the Competent Authority pathway
* IMGs who are eligible for the specialist pathway or the short term training in a medical specialty pathway and the competent authority pathway, apply for provisional registration - they are not eligible for limited registration.
Download a PDF of the Self assessment check to determine which pathway to apply for - for IMGs wishing to practise (176 KB,PDF)
Download a PDF of the Overview of pathways to registration for IMGs wishing to practise medicine in Australia (95.1 KB,PDF), Web page version.
You will be charged a fee for each application (to AMC, specialist medical college, the Board) so read the detailed information on each pathway, including the eligibility requirements, before applying.
IMGs applying for registration may be required to undergo a pre-employment structured clinical interview (PESCI) depending on the nature of the position and the level of risk inherent to the position.
The purpose of a PESCI is to establish whether an IMG has the knowledge, skills and experience to practise safely and effectively in the specific position for which registration is being sought.
Further information about who needs to undertake a PESCI.
In relation to the assessment pathways, the Board and the AMC do not: