What Is the GP Pathway?
The GP Pathway is the registration route for overseas-trained doctors who wish to work as general practitioners in Australia. General practice in Australia is a recognised specialty, and to be fully registered as a GP you must obtain fellowship with one of two colleges: the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) or the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM).
This pathway involves assessment of your qualifications, clinical experience, and GP-specific skills. Depending on your background, you may need to complete examinations, a period of supervised practice (known as the Practice Eligible Route), or a combination of both before achieving fellowship and specialist registration as a GP.
General practice is one of the most in-demand medical specialties in Australia, particularly in regional, rural, and remote areas. Overseas-trained GPs play a vital role in meeting this demand.
RACGP and ACRRM Assessment
There are two colleges through which you can pursue the GP Pathway:
RACGP (Royal Australian College of General Practitioners)
RACGP is the primary college for general practice in Australia. Overseas-trained GPs can apply through the RACGP's assessment pathway, which evaluates your training, qualifications, and experience against Australian standards. The assessment may result in:
- Fellowship eligibility — If your qualifications are substantially comparable, you may be eligible for fellowship (FRACGP) after a period of supervised practice.
- Further assessment required — You may need to sit RACGP examinations (AKT and KFP) and complete supervised practice.
- Practice Eligible Route — Some candidates may be eligible to work under supervision while progressing toward fellowship.
ACRRM (Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine)
ACRRM is specifically focused on rural and remote general practice. If you intend to work in rural or remote Australia, ACRRM fellowship (FACRRM) may be a suitable option. The assessment process is similar to RACGP but is tailored to the skills and scope of practice required in rural settings, including procedural skills, emergency medicine, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health.
Steps to Becoming a GP in Australia
- Choose your college — Decide whether to pursue RACGP or ACRRM fellowship based on your career goals and intended location of practice.
- Apply for assessment — Submit your application to the chosen college with your qualifications, specialist GP certification from your home country, training records, and evidence of clinical experience.
- Meet English requirements — Provide evidence of meeting AHPRA's English language requirements.
- College assessment — The college will assess your qualifications and determine the requirements you need to fulfil (examinations, supervised practice, or both).
- Supervised practice — Complete any required period of supervised practice in an approved Australian general practice setting. This is often in a regional or rural location.
- Examinations (if required) — Sit and pass any required college examinations.
- Achieve fellowship — Once all requirements are met, you will be granted fellowship (FRACGP or FACRRM).
- Specialist registration — Apply to AHPRA for specialist registration as a general practitioner.
Career Opportunities and Related Resources
GPs are in high demand across Australia, and overseas-trained GPs can find excellent career opportunities, particularly in regional areas. Many regional positions come with financial incentives, visa support, and a supportive working environment.
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.