To begin practising in Australia as a doctor, you will need to be registered. Doctor registration in Australia involves the selection of an assessment pathway with the Australian Medical Council (AMC), and lodging a registration application with the Medical Board of Australia. There are 3 steps involved in the registration process for International Medical Graduates (IMG’s), and they include:
- Step 1: Australian Medical Council AMC
- Step 2: Specialist College Assessment
- Step 3: Registration with the Medical Board of Australia
Step 1: Australian Medical Council
All IMGs must apply to the Australian Medical Council (AMC) for primary source verification of their medical qualifications, regardless of which of the three assessment pathways are being pursued. The AMC will verify their medical qualifications through the ECFMG International Credentials Services (EICS).
The AMC conducts the assessment process for IMGs in the Standard Pathway only; it does not conduct assessments in the competent authority or specialist pathways. The AMC has no role in processing applications for registration or in granting registration, which is a function of the Medical Board of Australia (the Board).
International medical graduates (IMGs) whose medical qualifications are from a medical institution 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:
- Competent Authority Pathway
- Standard Pathway
- Specialist Pathway – Specialists and GP’s Please visit the AMC website for full details
Step 2: Specialist College Assessment
After your application with the AMC you can lodge your application for assessment with the Specialist College. You will find a list of the Colleges in the back of this brochure. Some Colleges will require face to face interviews and others will conduct video conferencing interviews.
Step 3: Registration with the Australian Medical Board
The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) is the organisation responsible for the registration and accreditation of most health professions across Australia, including the Medical Board of Australia.
Here is a useful mind map which outlines the AMC pathways:
