Where can I work as an overseas GP in Australia?

If you are an international GP thinking about moving your medical career to Australia, you may be wondering where the work is and what will it take to make the move.

There are many reasons Australia is a desirable working destination for GP doctors. For one, it has a great health system and multiple job opportunities for GPs. A career as a doctor is seen as a very respected profession in Australia and as a GP you will get to know your patients personally and feel like you are a valued part of the community.

GPs in Australia are earning great money and the work-life balance is second to none. If you are interested in making the move to Australia as a GP here's everything you need to know about how to transition and where you can work.

Can I work as a GP in Australia?

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

1. Eligibility for medical registration. GP IMG medical qualifications must be verified by the Australian Medical Council prior to applying to register to practice medicine.

There are four pathways to getting medical registration for foreign GPs looking to work in Australia:

• Competent Authority pathway
• Specialist pathway
• Standard pathway
• Short term training in a medical speciality pathway

2. Finding a suitable role - if you register with Medrecruit we can help secure your first GP role.
3. Making the move - if you come over with Medrecruit we will support you every step of the way.

When moving to Australia as a GP, 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.

Where can I work as an overseas GP in Australia?

You may need to work in a rural location first, also known as a District of Workforce Shortage (DWS) zone. This is a geographical region, stipulated by the Department of Health Australia, in which the residents have less access to Medicare subsidised services compared with the national average. Foreign GPs moving their medical career to Australia are required to work in a DWS zone when they first relocate.

The good news is from the arid outback to picturesque beachside towns there is so much to choose from in DWS zones.

The DWS Health Work Force Locator map allows you to check the geographical classification of any location in Australia.

Can UK GPs work in Australia?

Australia has a lot to offer UK doctors. Swap the cold and rain for 40 degrees days and sunshine and reclaim work-life balance in close-knit communities.

Modern medical systems, a enviable lifestyle, and the ability to earn good money are just some of the reasons UK doctors look for jobs in Australia.

In Australia, doctors who received their qualifications overseas are referred to 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, and many of them migrated to Australasia from the UK themselves so they have first-hand experience they will be able to share.

To practice as a GP in Australia, you must be registered with AHPRA Australia. For IMGs, this is achievable via a number of pathways, your eligibility for which is determined by your clinical background.

Finding out if you are eligible for registration can be a complex process. If you are GP who completed your medical training in the UK or Ireland we can guide you in this process. Our service is completely free. Simply register to start the conversation.

How much do GPs earn in Australia?

Unlike other specialties, many general practitioners are independent contractors. This means GP earnings vary. Where you work, the number of hours worked, and the type and number of consultations done all have an impact on how much you earn as a GP. The average annual salary for GPs in Australia is $350,000.

Is there a need for GP doctors in Australia?

Yes, there is a demand for all doctors in Australia. Australia needs more specialists, especially GPs, to work in regional, rural, and remote areas of Australia (DWS zones). Some people in some of these regions currently do not have access to the health and medical services they need. Filling these roles could feel very rewarding as you will form connections with your patients and know that you are helping where you are much in need.