Move your GP career to Australia
Practical guidance for overseas-trained GPs who want a better career, lifestyle and location.
Moving to Australia is about more than finding a GP position. You need to understand your pathway, decide where you want to live and find a practice that works for you and your family.
GP Talent Partners helps GPs from the UK, Ireland, South Africa, Canada, New Zealand and beyond explore their options and move forward with clarity.
Free and confidential. No obligation. We reply within one business day.
Helping GPs from the UK, Ireland, South Africa, Canada and New Zealand make the move to Australia
Your journey to working as a GP in Australia
Every GP's path is different. These five stages give a simple sense of how it usually unfolds.
- 1
Understand your likely pathway
Your qualifications, specialist training and experience help determine which registration pathway may apply.
- 2
Explore suitable locations
Consider lifestyle, family, climate and career goals alongside the areas where your registration, Medicare and visa circumstances may allow you to work.
- 3
Find the right practice
Look beyond the advertised percentage. Consider patient demand, billing model, support, hours, culture and contract terms.
- 4
Complete the required processes
Registration, specialist assessment, Medicare requirements and a visa where applicable.
- 5
Prepare for your move
Plan relocation, accommodation, family arrangements, onboarding and the transition into Australian general practice.
There is no single pathway for every international GP
The route into Australian general practice depends on where you trained, the qualifications you hold, your experience and the role you plan to take. Some specialist international medical graduates may be eligible for an expedited pathway. Others may complete a different specialist assessment.
Where you can work may also depend on DPA (Distribution Priority Area) classification and any Medicare restrictions that apply to you. DPA is not only remote Australia. It includes regional cities, coastal communities and some outer metropolitan areas.
GP Lifestyle Matcher
Where in Australia could suit you?
Australia offers very different lifestyles depending on where you choose to live.
Our free GP Lifestyle Matcher asks a few quick questions about what matters to you and suggests locations that may be worth exploring.
A few quick questions. A calm, considered starting point.
- · Climate and pace of life
- · Family and lifestyle preferences
- · Career and earning goals
- · Community feel and location type
Build a career and lifestyle that work together
The shape of Australian general practice varies by location and practice. A short sense of what to expect.
Different practice models
Private billing, mixed billing, bulk billing and salaried environments.
Location choice
Cities, outer metropolitan areas, coastal communities, regional centres and rural towns.
Flexible arrangements
Different hours, session structures and working arrangements, depending on the practice.
Strong community demand
Many Australian communities are looking for experienced GPs. Demand varies by location.
What would you like to understand?
Choose a starting point. Each guide is written in plain English.
Can I work as a GP in Australia?
Understand the main factors that may affect your eligibility and pathway.
Explore GP pathwaysRegistration explained
Learn about medical registration, specialist assessment and the role of the relevant authorities.
Understand registrationDPA and Medicare restrictions
Understand why some international GPs may need to work in an eligible location.
Understand DPAVisas and sponsorship
Learn when a visa may be required and how practice sponsorship may work.
Explore visa informationWorking as a GP in Australia
Learn about billing models, practice structures, patient demand and working arrangements.
Learn about Australian general practiceMoving to Australia
Practical guidance on relocating, settling in and moving with your family.
Plan your moveFrequently asked questions
Tell us a little about your plans
You do not need to know your exact pathway before contacting us. Share what you know and we will help you understand what the next step may be.
Information you can rely on
Requirements for international GPs can change and individual circumstances differ. Our guides are designed to help you understand the journey in plain English. They are not a substitute for advice or decisions from the relevant regulatory, immigration, legal or financial authorities.
Ready to explore your options?
Whether you are ready to move or just beginning your research, we can help you understand your options and take the next step.