This information is provided as a guide for doctors interested in coming to Australia to live and work. This information is posted to help the many enquirers this website receives.
The Doctors' Reference Site has no involvement or expertise in assisting overseas trained doctors and this is provided for general information only. Please do not contact us for assistance as this is outside of our area of expertise. The information below is a guide only, and the most accurate and up-to-date information must be obtained from the relevant authorities.
DoctorConnect - A recent initiative of the Department of Health and Ageing, it is aimed at IMG's wishing to work in Australia and their employers.
Registration for overseas trained doctors is obtained through the Australian Medical Council (AMC).
In order to work in Australia you will need to
- satisfy all immigration requirements and obtain permanent residency
- pass an English examination
- demonstrate that they are of good character
- demonstrate that you are in good health
- pass the Australian Medical Council (AMC) examination
- obtain registration from the relevant state medical board.
- obtain a Provider Number
Please note that a Provider number is required to order tests and make referrals to specialists. This is readily available. However an Unrestricted Provider Number is required in order for your patients to claim benefits from Medicare. Without this number, doctors are mostly restricted to working in the Public Health system, essentially the Public Hospitals.
These Unrestricted Provider Numbers have been recently restricted and so there is some difficulty in obtaining one. One exception can be where the doctor will be working in a rural area designated as an "area of need".
Many overseas doctors apply to become doctors in Australia. It is very competitive and many do not obtain their registration.
Information on the AMC examination may be purchased from the AMC website