Can UK doctors work in New Zealand?

Thinking of taking your medical career to New Zealand?

Whether you are after work/life balance or a family-friendly lifestyle, New Zealand has a lot to offer UK doctors. Modern medical systems and the great lifestyle are just some of the reasons doctors look for jobs in Australasia.

In Australia and New Zealand, doctors who received their qualifications overseas are often known as International Medical Graduates (IMGs) and this is a term you’ll see a lot, both here and on official government documentation.

We have a team dedicated to IMGs, who can help you to determine the opportunities available to you. Many of them moved from the UK themselves so they understand what it is like to move your career and life across to the other side of the world.

Typically, your registration pathway depends on your individual circumstances, such as where you completed your primary medical degree, the countries in which you have clinical experience, and if you’re a specialist or junior doctor.

To practice in New Zealand, you must be registered with MCNZ (New Zealand). For UK IMGs, this is achievable via a number of pathways (or routes), your eligibility for which is determined by your clinical background. Finding out if you are eligible for registration can be a mind-boggling process, but it’s an important first step. We’ve put together the below information to help you get an idea of the options available to you.

UK Non-specialist doctor pathway to New Zealand

You may be eligible for the Competent Authority Pathway. This is the most common pathway for non-specialist doctors to gain registration in New Zealand. After six months of provisional general supervision, you can apply for full general registration.

UK Specialist doctor pathway to New Zealand

To work as a specialist in New Zealand, you’ll need to have an appropriate specialist qualification. MCNZ will compare your training, qualifications, and experience to those of a New Zealand-trained and vocationally registered doctor in the same area of medicine. These assessments aren’t cheap and don’t guarantee you a job offer, but they’re an essential step. VOC3 Vocational (specialist) pathway is the most common route to medical registration and is a merit-based system. If you have the right credentials, the Special Purpose – Locum Tenens pathway is a great option if you’re interested in a fixed-term position of up to 12 months. In some cases, you can apply for both pathways. Your Solutions Specialist can help you navigate your options.

The work/life balance offered by Australia and New Zealand make them popular IMG destinations with doctors from the UK and other countries.

To find out more, register with Medrecruit. Once registered, you’ll be able to see and search for job opportunities and if it’s the right time for you, we’ll put you in contact with a Solutions Specialist.

We know that it's a big move, that's why we will provide you with everything you need to know about visas, medical registration, and life in New Zealand so that you are set up for a successful relocation.

Together, you’ll discuss your options and take your first steps toward medical registration in Australia or New Zealand.