The Australian Job Market for Overseas Doctors

Australia has a sustained and growing demand for doctors, particularly in regional and rural areas. International medical graduates (IMGs) fill a significant proportion of medical positions across the country, working in hospitals, general practices, and specialist clinics in every state and territory.

The Australian healthcare system is a mix of public and private sectors. Public hospitals are funded by state governments and treat patients under Medicare, while private hospitals and clinics operate on a fee-for-service or insurance-funded basis. Understanding how these sectors work is essential to making informed career decisions.

Whether you are seeking your first role or looking to advance your career, this section covers the practical aspects of finding and securing employment in Australia. From job-search strategies and salary expectations to contract negotiation and choosing between regional and metropolitan work, we have you covered.

Explore the Jobs Section

How to Get a Job

Step-by-step strategies for finding and securing your first doctor position in Australia, including recruiters, direct applications, and networking.

Salary Guide

Detailed salary ranges for doctors in Australia by role, experience level, and state, so you know what to expect.

Public vs Private

Compare working in the public hospital system with private practice, including pay structures, conditions, and career progression.

Regional vs Metropolitan

Understand the incentives, lifestyle differences, and visa advantages of working in regional Australia compared to major cities.

Employment Contracts

Learn what to look for in Australian medical employment contracts, key terms to understand, and negotiation tips.

Key Considerations for Overseas Doctors

Before applying for jobs in Australia, there are several factors that will shape your options:

  • Registration type: Your AHPRA registration category (general, specialist, or limited) determines which positions you can apply for. See our AHPRA registration guide for details.
  • Visa conditions: Your visa may restrict where you can work or require employer sponsorship. Review our visa options to understand your obligations.
  • Distribution Priority Area (DPA): Many overseas doctors must work in areas classified as DPA for a period of time, particularly if they hold a Medicare provider number. This often means regional or outer-metropolitan locations.
  • Specialty recognition: If you are a specialist, your qualifications need to be assessed by the relevant Australian college. Explore the specialist pathway for more information.

Ready to Start Your Job Search?

If you are new to the process, we recommend beginning with our How to Get a Job guide, which walks you through the entire process from finding vacancies to accepting an offer. If you already have an offer on the table, jump straight to our contracts guide to make sure you understand what you are signing.

For a broader overview of the entire journey to Australia, visit our Start Here page or read our comprehensive Work as a Doctor in Australia guide.

Important Planning Note

This page is designed as practical guidance for overseas doctors and should be used alongside official requirements published by AHPRA, the AMC, relevant specialist colleges, and the Department of Home Affairs.

Rules, fees, and processing times can change. Before lodging any application, verify current criteria directly with official sources listed on our Resources page.