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Move your GP career to Australia

Registration explained

Registration is the process that allows you to practise medicine in Australia. This is a plain English introduction. The formal rules sit with Ahpra, the Medical Board of Australia and the specialist Colleges.

The bodies involved

  • Ahpra, the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency, which works with the National Boards.
  • Medical Board of Australia, sets the standards for medical registration.
  • RACGP, the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners.
  • ACRRM, the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine.

Types of registration you may hear about

  • General registration
  • Specialist registration
  • Provisional and limited categories

Which type applies to you depends on your qualifications and experience. The specialist Colleges assess GP specialist qualifications obtained overseas.

Common terms

  • Specialist pathway, for those seeking recognition as a specialist GP in Australia.
  • Expedited specialist pathway, a faster route that may apply to certain qualifications.
  • Comparability assessment, how a College compares your training to the Australian standard.
  • Supervision, some registration categories require formal supervision arrangements.

Where we help, and where we don't

We're not a registration authority and we can't make eligibility determinations. We can help you understand what's usually asked for, prepare well, and connect with appropriate specialist support if you need it.

Official sources

Requirements can change and individual circumstances vary. Always confirm details with the relevant authority for your situation.

Last reviewed: January 2026

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