Move to Australia as a doctor

Australia; bustling metropolitans, natural beauty, and laid-back culture. What's not to love?

Long winters in the UK or other parts of the world may have prompted you to think about moving your medical career to sunny Australia, but before you pack up your bags and jump across to the other side of the world we are sure you have some questions.

Here's everything you need to know about moving to Australia as an overseas doctor and what it is like working as a doctor in Australia.

For doctors, there are three steps to working and living in Australia.

1. Eligibility for medical registration
2. Finding a suitable role
3. Moving over!

There are so many things to love about working as a doctor in Australia. It offers great remuneration, excellent lifestyle opportunities, paid holidays, great work/life balance, and is great for beach lovers.

You will need to work in a rural location first, but from the outback to sleepy beachside towns there is so much to choose from!

Australia continues to invest in medical research and health care infrastructure. In October 2019, the Australian Government announced a $5 billion, a 10-year investment plan for the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF).

Can I move to Australia as a doctor?

So can you work in Australia as a doctor? There are great permanent roles available for experienced international medical graduates in New Zealand and Australia. To become a medical practitioner in Australia, you must be registered with the governing body of the country you choose to work in. Gaining registration is often easiest for specialists (including GPs) and international medical graduates who have completed their primary degree in the UK or Ireland.

Enjoy the beaches or the many bustling metropolitans, there is much for international doctors to love in Australia. One thing to keep in mind is that International doctors have more restrictions in Australia than in New Zealand. It can take some time to get the post you want, and up to a year to get settled. That's why it is important to work with an international doctor recruitment agency, we’ll help navigate the different requirements, and sort through the paperwork.

Can a doctor from overseas work in Australia?

Yes, overseas doctors can work in Australia, however, there is a process for this. The first step is having completed your medical degree in your country of origin, the next is finding a job and being set on a registration pathway. Your registration pathway will include a mandatory 12-month training program in Australia and a series of exams by the Australian Medical Council..

Medical registration pathways for doctors moving to Australia

When moving to Australia to work as a doctor, your pathway to medical registration will depend 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.

It can be a bit of a complex process so if you are interested in making the move we recommend that you register with us and one of our Solution Specialists will provide you with information that is tailored to your personal circumstances.

How much do doctors get paid in Australia?

The perks of working in Australia as a doctor include good remuneration, great lifestyle opportunities, and generous annual leave. You are paid normal rates while working under supervision. The rates listed below are reflective of a total package salary with overtime, on-call, and CPD. Where you are based and your specialty also has an impact on how much you are paid.

SMO/Specialist in Australia earn an annual income of around $210,000 – $400,000, General Practitioners earn can $180,000 – $350,000, and Junior Doctors can earn $80,000 – $140,000.

What is life like for a doctor in Australia?

Australia is said to be the fourth happiest country on the planet, the lifestyle is an enviable one. Spend your days off at pristine beaches, or enjoy a quintessential "beer and BBQ."

If you are after a metropolitan lifestyle then you've got choices galore. Sydney; is famous for beaches and fine dining, Melbourne; is famous for coffee and shopping, and Brisbane is famous for its weather and wildlife.

If it's the simple life you're after, look no further than Australia. Settle down by the sea or in the many idyllic country towns across the country.

Which country is the best for foreign doctors to work?

When it comes to salary and lifestyle Australia is ranked in the top ten best countries for doctors to work. New Zealand is also another great option, often ranked the most scenic country in the work it is a great place to reclaim work/life balance and raise a family.

Want some more information?

We have a dedicated team of Solution Specialists who are experienced in helping overseas-trained doctors make the move, they will guide you through the visa application, registration requirements, and suggest the medical pathway that is best for you.

Register today and one of our team will give you all the information you need to know and set you up for a successful relocation.