How to Become a GP in Australia: The Complete 2025 Roadmap for Medical Graduates and IMGs

Australia is known for its world-class healthcare, excellent work-life balance, and supportive GP training pathways. But for many doctors - especially International Medical Graduates (IMGs) - figuring out how to become a GP in Australia can feel overwhelming.

There are multiple pathways, two colleges, several exams, and registration steps that must be completed in the correct order.

This definitive guide - written in collaboration with A/Prof George Eskander, Chief Examiner at PassGP - walks you through every step of the journey, whether you're starting from overseas or studying locally.

 Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility

Before you can begin working as a doctor in Australia, you must determine your eligibility with AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency).

You’ll be assessed based on:

• Your medical school and degree
• Your country of qualification
• Your recency of practice
• Whether you hold General or Specialist Registration

 Use AHPRA’s self-assessment tool to confirm whether you’ll need to follow the Standard Pathway (AMC exams) or the Specialist Pathway (e.g. MRCGP/FRCS holders).

 Step 2: Sit the AMC Exams (for IMGs)

Most IMGs must complete the AMC (Australian Medical Council) exams as part of the Standard Pathway:

Once you pass both exams, you can apply for General Registration and begin supervised practice.

Need help after AMC?
This is where PassGP begins supporting you - from PESCI to Fellowship exams.

Step 3: Apply for Registration (and a PESCI if required)

To start working as a GP, you’ll need to apply for:

• General Registration (if AMC exams complete)
• Or Provisional/Limited Registration (if entering before AMC Part 2)

If applying for Limited/Provisional registration to work in general practice, you’ll likely need to complete a PESCI (Pre-Employment Structured Clinical Interview).

PassGP offers tailored PESCI coaching to help you pass this structured interview confidently and safely.

 Step 4: Choose Your Fellowship Pathway

In Australia, you must complete GP Fellowship training to work independently and bill Medicare at specialist rates.

There are two colleges to choose from:

There are three main pathways:

Option 1: AGPT (Australian General Practice Training)

• Competitive entry
• Funded by the government
• 3–4 year program

Option 2: FSP (Fellowship Support Program – RACGP)

• Self-funded ($15,000+)
• Work-based training for IMGs
• 2-year program with education + supervision

Option 3: Independent Pathway – ACRRM

• Flexible entry for rural doctors
• Remote placements and procedural focus
• Assessed via StAMPS instead of CCE

Step 5: Sit Your Fellowship Exams

Once enrolled in a pathway, you’ll need to pass your college exams:

PassGP offers over 4,500 exam-style questions aligned to these formats - written by real examiners, including A/Prof George Eskander himself.

Step 6: Choose Where to Work (DPA vs Non-DPA)

Most IMG doctors must work in DPA (Distribution Priority Areas) - usually regional, rural or outer suburban locations.

These jobs:

• Are eligible for Medicare provider numbers
• Often come with Rural Incentives
• May have fast-tracked training options

Use the Health Workforce Locator tool to find eligible towns and clinics.

Step 7: Apply for Jobs and Supervision

Once you’re registered and enrolled in a training pathway, apply for jobs that offer:

• RACGP or ACRRM accredited supervision
• Appropriate support for your level
• Telehealth, procedural, aged care or chronic disease experience

PassGP partners with many employers, supervisors and training regions - ask us if you'd like a referral.

 Step 8: Achieve Fellowship (FRACGP or FACRRM)

Once you've:

• Completed your required training period
• Passed your college exams
• Demonstrated workplace competence

…you’ll be awarded Fellowship and become an independently recognised GP.

You can now:

• Work anywhere in Australia
• Own or join a clinic
• Bill full Medicare specialist rates
• Pursue sub-specialisation (e.g. skin, mental health, women’s health)

Why PassGP Is Trusted by Thousands of Future GPs

From the moment you pass AMC Part 1 to the day you earn your Fellowship, PassGP supports you across every step:

PESCI preparation
FSP & IP orientation
Exam-level AKT, KFP MSQ and CCE questions
StAMPS mock cases
1:1 coaching and study plans
Built by real examiners, including A/Prof George Eskander

Whether you're local or international, metro or remote, PassGP gives you the tools, technique, and confidence to succeed.

Final Thoughts

Becoming a GP in Australia isn’t easy - but it’s achievable, supported, and deeply rewarding.

By understanding the steps, choosing the right pathway, and using the right preparation tools, you can build a successful, sustainable GP career that fits your goals and lifestyle.

Start your free trial now at PassGP
Train smarter. Pass faster. Practise with purpose.