Australia is a popular destination for doctors and has clearly described routes for international medical graduates. Registration is granted by the Medical Board of Australia, and exams and verification are run by the Australian Medical Council (AMC). A graduate from Ukraine, Georgia or Poland usually takes the Standard pathway.
Conditions at the start
- Your degree in medicine and surgery comes from an institution recognised by both the AMC and the World Directory of Medical Schools.
- You have completed a medical internship or comparable training. If you have not, you need to find an accredited internship position in Australia, which can be difficult because Australian graduates have priority.
- When you apply for registration, you meet the Board’s standards, including English language.
Standard pathway step by step
- Verification You apply to the AMC for primary source verification of your diploma. The AMC uses the ECFMG verification service, so you also open an EPIC account.
- AMC CAT MCQ You pass the written computer exam before applying for registration.
- Clinical part You complete the AMC clinical examination or a workplace-based assessment. The workplace-based assessment is only possible after registration, and places are limited.
- Registration With both exams passed you apply for provisional registration; with only the written exam, for limited registration.
- Supervised practice You work for 12 months under supervision in a position approved by the Board.
- General registration After at least 47 weeks of full-time practice and the clinical part, you apply for general registration.
A route through the UK, Canada or the USA
Australia also has a Competent Authority pathway. It is for doctors assessed by one of the approved authorities and who have worked in that country, for example after PLAB with the GMC in the UK, after the LMCC in Canada, after ECFMG certification in the USA, or after NZREX in New Zealand. After provisional registration, you also complete 12 months of supervised practice. If you plan a career in the UK, Canada or the USA first, this route can make the move to Australia easier.
Specialists
If you already hold a specialist title, ask about the specialist pathways for international doctors. We will check with you which route fits your experience.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Ukrainian internatura or the Polish staż count as an internship?
The Board requires a completed internship or comparable training and assesses each application individually. Keep the documents confirming your postgraduate training.
Is the route different for Ukraine, Georgia and Poland?
The Standard pathway is the same. The differences lie in your university’s recognition and in whether you have completed an internship.
How can Edumetric help?
We help you choose a recognised university and plan your studies and postgraduate training with Australia in mind. Book a free consultation.
Read also: Working as a doctor in the UK with a degree from Ukraine, Georgia or Poland, Working as a doctor in the USA with a degree from Ukraine, Georgia or Poland and Working as a doctor in Canada with a degree from Ukraine, Georgia or Poland. You will find all universities in the university directory.
Have questions about studying abroad?
An Edumetric adviser will answer your questions and put together a list of universities with their costs. The consultation is free.