Can UK Doctors Move to Australia? The Complete 2025 Guide

Thinking of taking your medical career to Australia?

Australia has a lot to offer UK-trained doctors. A modern healthcare system, excellent lifestyle, and the potential to earn well are just some of the reasons more doctors are looking to make the move.

The prospect of practising medicine in Australia is exciting—and it’s easy to see why. The country boasts a high quality of life, a favourable climate, and a well-regarded healthcare system, making it a popular destination for doctors from around the world.

There is ongoing demand for doctors across the board, with a particular need for GPs and specialists willing to work in regional, rural, and remote areas.

Registration and requirements for UK doctors

To work in Australia, UK doctors must have their qualifications verified via the Australian Medical Council, and AHPRA are responsible for assessing the eligibility of their registration. This process includes credential checks, and may involve additional assessments depending on your experience and training.

In Australia, doctors who earned their qualifications overseas are referred to as International Medical Graduates (IMGs), a term you’ll see commonly across our resources and official documentation.

To practise, UK doctors must engage with several regulatory bodies:

The General Medical Council (GMC) in the UK
The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA)
The Medical Board of Australia
The Australian Medical Council (AMC)

Making the move: How to get started

The first step is to gain medical registration and the second is to secure a visa. Australia immigration have multiple applicable pathways and different hospitals will be in a position to support some or all of these.

Your eligibility and registration pathway will depend on:

Where you completed your primary medical degree
Your clinical experience
Whether you're a junior doctor or specialist

Registration with AHPRA is mandatory. For IMGs, there are several pathways to registration - your clinical background will determine which one is right for you.

This AHPRA flowchart can be used as a general guide for all doctors, helping establish what you need to do when applying for registration as an international medical graduate. Please read the information carefully, as applying for registration has different steps depending on your circumstances, qualifications, and profession. If you don’t want to navigate these steps yourself, register to connect with one of our IMG recruitment specialists to discuss your options.

Registration pathways for UK-trained doctors

Non-Specialist (Junior) Doctors: If you trained in the UK or Ireland, you’re likely eligible for the Competent Authority Pathway. This is the most common route for non-specialist doctors.

Once you receive a job offer that includes 12 months of supervised practice under an AHPRA-approved supervisor, you can gain provisional registration. After completing this supervised year, you can apply for general registration.

If you meet the eligibility criteria, we can help you find a suitable job offer and guide you through the process. Register here to get started.

Specialists: If you’re a trained specialist, your first step is applying for an assessment with the relevant Australian specialist medical college. This will determine how your qualifications and experience compare to local standards and what further steps are needed.

There are three main pathways:

Specialist Pathway: The most common, where you're assessed for comparability to an Australian-trained specialist.
Short-Term Training in a Medical Specialty Pathway: Offers up to two years of supervised practice, usually for upskilling or limited-term roles.
Expedited Specialist Pathway: Recent changes by the Medical Board of Australia and AHPRA have introduced a faster, streamlined pathway for specialists trained in Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Psychiatry, and Anaesthetics, and GPs.

Previously, overseas-trained specialists faced lengthy assessments. Now, certain UK and Irish qualifications are recognised as equivalent to Australian ones, allowing eligible doctors to bypass standard assessments and apply directly for specialist registration. To find out more about whether you qualify, head to these resources for Anaesthetists, Psychiatrists, O&G Specialists, and GPs.

Studying or upskilling in Australia

If you’re looking to specialise or further your studies, Australia offers world-class universities and teaching hospitals. Studying here can give you a fresh perspective on global healthcare practices and open new career doors.

Cultural adaptation and lifestyle

Adjusting to life in Australia involves more than just work—it’s also about lifestyle and community. The laid-back culture, outdoor lifestyle, and multicultural population make it a welcoming place for UK doctors.

You can choose to live in:

Major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, or Perth
Smaller regional centres or rural areas with high demand and strong incentives

Australia’s healthcare infrastructure is modern and well-resourced, with access to leading technologies and ongoing training opportunities.

Building a professional network in Australia

Professional networking is highly valued and will help you build your career and reputation within the Australian medical community.

To set yourself up for success:

Join professional associations
Attend conferences and workshops
Engage in mentoring or volunteering
Stay updated on healthcare trends and policies

Enhancing your employability as an international doctor in Australia

UK doctors can enhance their employability in Australia by pursuing additional learning and development opportunities. Undertaking further studies, obtaining specialist qualifications, or participating in research projects can demonstrate your commitment to professional growth and distinguish you from other candidates. Staying abreast of local health policies and trends will also help you better navigate the Australian healthcare system and improve your overall effectiveness as a medical professional.

Life in Australia

Moving to Australia as a doctor involves more than just professional adjustments. It also means adapting to a new culture and lifestyle. Australia's vibrant cities, stunning natural landscapes, and generally warm climate offer a wonderful backdrop for both personal and professional life.

Metropolitan or rural living: UK doctors in Australia can live in bustling metropolitan areas such as Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane or in peaceful, rural locations.

Excellent healthcare facilities: With world-class healthcare facilities and a thriving medical sector, IMGs in Australia have access to the latest medical technologies and treatments.

Access to support: To help IMGs navigate the registration process and adjust to life in Australia, international doctor recruitment agencies, like Medrecruit, provide support and advice.

From urban centres to rural communities, we have job opportunities across the diverse country of Australia. You can explore some of our major cities below:

Finding a doctor job in Australia

Finding a job in Australia can be a daunting task for international doctors. However, various resources and platforms can help streamline the process. Websites like SEEK and Indeed offer extensive listings for medical positions, while professional networks and recruitment agencies can provide valuable connections and guidance. Tailoring your CV and cover letter to the Australian job market is important, as well as highlighting your skills, experience, and qualifications that align with the specific role.

We have a dedicated team who support IMGs. They can help you to determine the opportunities available to you, and many of them migrated to Australasia from the UK themselves. Hence, they have first-hand experience they will be able to share. Our service is free for doctors; if you think you might be eligible to work in Australia, register here to chat.

How Medrecruit can help

Relocating overseas is a big step—but you don’t have to do it alone.

At Medrecruit, we have a dedicated team who specialise in helping International Medical Graduates and our service is completely free for doctors. Whether you’re a junior doctor, a GP, or a trained specialist, we’ll work with you to:

Discuss your goals and motivations
Identify suitable job opportunities
Navigate registration and visa processes
Prepare for relocation
Connect you with community support

Ready to explore your options? Register here and speak to one of our IMG specialists.

Final thoughts

Working as a UK doctor in Australia offers excellent professional and personal opportunities. With the right guidance and preparation, the transition can be smooth and rewarding. Whether you're after city living or rural adventure, Australia has a place, and a job, for you.

Let us help you take your first step, register today. From visas and registration to finding your ideal role, we’re here to support your journey to life “Down Under.”