UK/IE Paediatricians eligible for Expedited Specialist Pathway to Australia

There’s important news for internationally qualified Paediatricians considering a move to Australia. UK and Irish–trained Paediatricians have now been officially added to the Medical Board of Australia’s Expedited Specialist Pathway, making the process of gaining specialist registration faster, simpler, and far less burdensome.

This pathway is designed for specialist international medical graduates (SIMGs) whose qualifications appear on the Medical Board’s Expedited Specialist Pathway: accepted qualifications list. With Paediatrics now included, eligible doctors can bypass lengthy comparability assessments and move more quickly into the Australian workforce.

What's changed?

AHPRA has formally approved Paediatrics under the Expedited Specialist Pathway. This means eligible UK and Irish Paediatricians can apply directly to the Medical Board of Australia and AHPRA, without undergoing a full specialist college assessment.

In short: the pathway to working in Australia just became significantly faster and more straightforward.

What does this mean for me?

If you’re eligible, you can expect:

• No comparability assessment

• Less paperwork

• Faster approval timelines

• Earlier potential start dates

• A smoother overall relocation to Australia

Who's eligible?

To apply via the Expedited Specialist Pathway, your qualification must appear on the accepted qualifications list. The following Paediatric qualifications from Ireland and the United Kingdom are now recognised.

Ireland

Regulatory authority: Medical Council of Ireland (MCI)

Recognised qualification:

• Membership of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland (MRCPI) in Paediatrics awarded from July 2010 to present, together with a Certificate of Satisfactory Completion of Specialist Training (CSCST)

United Kingdom

Regulatory authority: General Medical Council (GMC)

Recognised qualification:

• Membership of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (MRCPCH) awarded from August 2007, together with a Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) awarded following completion of a GMC or PMETB‑approved specialist training program.

Why the change?

The Expedited Specialist Pathway was introduced to address critical specialist workforce needs across Australia. It recognises that doctors trained in comparable healthcare systems can safely and effectively transition into Australian practice without unnecessary duplication of assessments.

By removing the requirement for a full specialist college assessment for pre‑approved qualifications, the pathway reduces delays, costs, and administrative burden for eligible specialists.

Are there other requirements?

Yes. All GPs applying through the Expedited Specialist Pathway must still meet existing registration requirements, including:

• English language skills

• Criminal history and professional conduct checks

• Recency of practice requirements

They’ll also complete:

• Six months of supervised practice

• An orientation to the Australian healthcare system

• Mandatory cultural safety education

Why work with an agency?

Relocating to another country and navigating a new health system can be overwhelming on your own - that’s where working with a medical recruitment agency can make all the difference.

Here’s how we can support you:

• Dedicated team: You’ll have one consistent point of contact to guide you through every step.

• Expert navigation: We understand the nuances of AHPRA, college assessments, and registration requirements, and we’ll help you tick every box.

• Great connections: With long-standing relationships across public hospitals, private hospitals, and clinics, we’ll match you with the best-fit job.

• Job search made easy: We do the searching, negotiating, and scheduling for you.

• Paperwork support: From forms to follow-ups, we handle the admin so you can focus on your career (and your move).

Thinking of making the move? Our expert IMG team can help you confirm your eligibility, navigate the paperwork, and secure a role that suits your lifestyle.

Register today and take the first step toward practicing in Australia.