This section is intended for our overseas visitors as an introductory guide to studying medicine or working as a doctor in Australia. We have provided links to a range of official and reliable resources for your further exploration. We invite you to join our community for further discussion of these issues, and to visit our Australasia and Oceania forum, co-hosted with the Student Doctor Network in the USA....

International Medical Graduates

International medical graduates (doctors who have gained their medical qualification outside of Australia or New Zealand) are able to practice medicine in Australia via a number of pathways. The specific requirements vary depending on the country in which you completed your primary medical degree, your postgraduate qualifications, and the area in which you intend to work. The basic steps include: Identifying a position you would like to apply for, and obtaining a job offer There are a number of medical recruitment agencies that can help with this process. Initially, you may have to work in an officially recognised area of...more

Postgraduate training

IMGs who have passed (or are exempt from) the AMC examinations may complete an internship in Australia. Once you obtain general registration (and permanent residency) you are then eligible to apply for specialty training in Australia. Mymedicalcareer.com.au is an in-depth guide to choosing and applying for Australian specialty programs. Alternatively, if you are already undertaking vocational training overseas, you may be able to complete a period of postgraduate training in Australia for up to 12 months with an occupational training visa. A very useful summary of the process facing overseas-trained doctors can be found in the studentBMJ. It can be...more

Current Students

International students, who have completed their degree in Australia, currently have the opportunity to stay in Australia as interns. Temporary resident visas (medical practitioner visa subclass 422) are available for this purpose. Your medical school and local postgraduate medical council will be able to assist you with this process....more

Prospective Students

Thinking of studying medicine in Australia? Australian medical education is highly regarded internationally, and has produced numerous world famous clinicians and medical researchers, including several Nobel Laureates. There are 6 Australian universities in The Times’ Top 50 Universities for Life Sciences & Biomedicine for 2007. An excellent starting point for exploring your options for studying medicine in Australia is the multilingual Study in Australia website. The Australian Medical Students Association Medical School Guide and Hobsons Good Universities Guide are excellent resources for further research....more

Case studies of doctors that came from overseas to work in Australia.

Case study: Dr. Seamus McHugh

Case study: Dr. Lydia Nunes

Case study: Dr. Katriona Ross

Resources for international students.

My Medical Career/SDN Australasia and Oceania Forum