Your Australian Recruitment Specialist
Your Australian Recruitment Specialist
Many general practitioners over 45 are interested in working in Australia but fear permanent residency challenges. The Skills in Demand Subclass 482 visa, with no age limit, offers a pathway. Holders can transition to permanent residency after two years. Additional support is available for relocation inquiries and expert advice.
To assess your qualifications for Australian general practice, ensure your specialist qualification is recognized by the RACGP. You’ll need to demonstrate relevant curriculum compatibility, recent practice experience, meet assessment standards, and provide a complete CV. Completion of continuing professional development is also necessary. Assistance is available for clarification.
The RACGP has improved its application portal, making it user-friendly for applicants. However, from January 1, 2026, fees for the PEP Specialist program will increase. Comparability application fees rise from AUD 575 to AUD 605, and program fees from AUD 11,900 to AUD 12,525, among other increases. Membership is required.
The PEP Specialist (PEP SP) pathway enables Specialist International Medical Graduates (SIMGs) assessed as Substantially or Partially Comparable to apply for Fellowship in Australia. Eligible candidates undergo a comparability assessment and must possess specific qualifications. Work opportunities are categorized by comparability, affecting eligible practice locations and registration pathways.
In Australia, general practitioners (GPs) mainly earn through fee-for-service payments, with 80% of services bulk billed to Medicare. The Medicare rebate is $43.90, but GPs may charge more, leading to a gap fee. The practice retains a service fee to cover operational costs, allowing GPs to focus on patient care.
GP2Oz facilitates the transition for South African doctors to obtain Specialist Registration in Australia through the ACRRM’s Specialist Pathway. Eligible applicants undergo an assessment and structured interview to determine their comparability. Successful candidates may complete a professional review to achieve their ACRRM Fellowship, enabling them to practice in Australia.
Overseas trained doctors in Australia must work in a Distribution Priority Area for 10 years under the ’10-year moratorium’ to qualify for Medicare rebates. Participation in the IMG Recruitment Scheme can reduce this to three years. Various exemptions allow work in non-DPA locations, offering flexibility and opportunities to gain experience.
A Distribution Priority Area (DPA) in Australia identifies regions lacking access to doctors, affecting Medicare eligibility for medical services. Doctors new to Australia typically work in less isolated locations, transitioning to remote areas after gaining recognition. The Modified Monash Model (MMM) classifies locations by remoteness, aiding in DPA assessment.