Australia has a significant shortage of medical doctors — particularly in regional and rural areas — and actively recruits International Medical Graduates (IMGs). This guide covers the complete pathway from overseas qualification to practising medicine in Australia.
Overview: The IMG Pathway to Practice in Australia
| Step | What |
|---|---|
| 1 | English language evidence (IELTS/OET/TOEFL) |
| 2 | AMC (Australian Medical Council) pathway assessment |
| 3 | AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency) registration |
| 4 | Employment by an Australian health service |
| 5 | Supervised practice / specialist pathway |
Step 1: English Language Requirement (AHPRA)
AHPRA requires English language evidence for IMGs:
| Test | AHPRA Minimum |
|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | Overall 7.5; each component minimum 7.0 |
| OET (Medicine) | Grade B in all four sub-tests |
| TOEFL iBT | Overall 94; specific section minimums |
Per-component IELTS requirement is strictly enforced. Every skill (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking) must individually be 7.0 or above.
Exemption: Doctors who have practised exclusively in Australia, New Zealand, UK, USA, Canada, or Ireland for the 5 consecutive years immediately before application may be exempt.
Step 2: AMC (Australian Medical Council) Assessment
The AMC offers two pathways:
Pathway 1: AMC Examinations (for most IMGs)
| Exam | Format | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| AMC CAT MCQ (Part 1) | Computer-based multiple choice; 150 questions | AUD 1,200 |
| AMC Clinical Examination (Part 2) | OSCE-style clinical assessment in Australia | AUD 3,500 |
AMC CAT MCQ: Tests medical knowledge across clinical sciences. Pass rate for IMGs is approximately 50–60%. Most candidates require 2–3 attempts.
AMC Clinical: Tests clinical skills at a standardised patient simulation centre. Must be completed in Australia.
Pathway 2: Specialist Recognition (for specialists)
Specialist recognition is assessed by the relevant specialist college (e.g., RACGP for GPs, RACP for physicians, RACS for surgeons) rather than the AMC.
Step 3: AHPRA Registration
After passing both AMC examinations, apply for General Registration through AHPRA:
- Submit AMC pass certificate, identity documents, professional history
- AHPRA verifies English language evidence
- Registration granted (or conditional registration with supervision requirements)
Cost: AUD 890 (initial general registration)
Step 4: Employment and Visa
Business Innovation and Investment (BIIP) Visa — Not the Right One
The relevant visa for most IMG doctors is:
| Visa | Details |
|---|---|
| Skilled Worker Visa (subclass 482/186) | Sponsored by Australian hospital/health service |
| Regional Medical Doctor (subclass 422) | Temporary practitioner visa |
Most Australian hospital networks sponsor international doctors through the Standard Business Sponsorship (SBS) process.
Doctor Salaries in Australia (2026)
| Level | Annual Salary (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Resident Medical Officer (RMO) | AUD 80,000 – AUD 110,000 |
| Registrar | AUD 100,000 – AUD 140,000 |
| Fellow (post-specialist training) | AUD 150,000 – AUD 250,000 |
| Consultant (specialist) | AUD 200,000 – AUD 400,000+ |
| GP (general practitioner) | AUD 150,000 – AUD 300,000+ |
Australia's medical salaries are among the world's highest.
Regional and Rural Pathway — Faster PR Access
Doctors who work in regional and rural areas (ASGC-RA 2–5 areas) gain:
- Priority visa processing
- Additional 5–10 PR immigration points
- Faster access to specialist college training places
The Area of Need designation for many rural positions means significantly less competition for hospital positions.
IELTS 7.5 Preparation for Doctors
Doctors targeting AHPRA registration must achieve IELTS 7.5 overall with each skill at 7.0. The key challenges:
- Writing Task 2: Academic essay writing is unrelated to clinical practice
- Speaking Part 3: Abstract discussion on social topics
Targeted preparation of 8–12 weeks from a starting point of IELTS 6.5 is typically sufficient to reach 7.5/7.0 each skill.
Prepare for IELTS with Gabble — AHPRA requires IELTS 7.5 overall with 7.0 in every skill. The per-skill requirement is strictly enforced. AI-powered speaking and writing feedback to reach your target.