Becoming a GP in Australia: Your Next Steps After General Registration

Once you've achieved general registration, you're ready for the next milestone: becoming a recognised specialist general practitioner. This guide walks you through your options to obtain Fellowship through the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) or the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM).

Why Fellowship Matters

Fellowship is your credential to independence. It recognises your expertise in general practice and is essential for:

• Establishing your own GP practice

• Obtaining a Medicare provider number for independent billing

• Accessing full clinical autonomy without supervision

• Building professional credibility with patients and colleagues

As an IMG with general registration, you have multiple pathways to Fellowship—each designed for different circumstances and experience levels.

Pathway 1: You Have Overseas GP Experience?

General Practice Experience Pathway (GPE)

If you've worked as a GP overseas, the GPE is your fastest route to Fellowship. This pathway recognises your prior experience without requiring extensive Australian vocational training.

What You Need:

• One year of full-time Australian general practice experience (in the last 4 years)

• To pass RACGP Fellowship exams

The Exams:

• Applied Knowledge Test (AKT)

• Key Features Problem (KFP)

• Clinical Competency Exam (CCE)

Timeline: 1–2 years

Costs: Approximately AUD $11,007 for exams

• AKT: $2,721

• KFP: $2,721

• CCE: $5,565

Best For: IMGs with established GP practice experience who want the quickest pathway to Fellowship.

Practice Experience Program Specialist (PEP SP)

Have a recognised overseas specialist qualification in general practice? The PEP SP is designed for you.

What You Need:

• A recognised overseas specialist qualification in general practice

• 6–12 months of workplace-based assessment (depending on your comparability assessment)

• To pass RACGP Fellowship exams (for partially comparable qualifications)

How It Works:The program assesses whether your overseas qualification is substantially comparable or partially comparable to Australian standards. This determines your training length and costs.

Timeline: 6–18 months

Costs (December 2025):

Qualification Level	Total Cost
Substantially Comparable	AUD $9,049 (Comparability application $575 + Program fee $11,900 + Membership $632 - this covers program costs)
Partially Comparable	AUD $18,479 (Add exam fees AKT $2,721 + KFP $2,721 + CCE $5,565)

Note: Fees from 1 January 2026 will increase (Comparability application to $605).

Best For: IMGs with overseas specialist qualifications who want recognition of prior training.

Pathway 2: Starting Fresh in Australian General Practice?

Fellowship Support Program (FSP)

The FSP is a comprehensive, structured pathway for IMGs transitioning to Australian general practice. You'll train in real clinical settings while earning a salary.

What Makes It Special:

• ✓ You work in accredited practices with experienced supervisors

• ✓ You're employed and receive regular income throughout

• ✓ Structured education and workplace-based assessment

• ✓ Designed specifically for IMGs gaining Australian GP experience

Timeline: 2 years

Costs (December 2025):

Item	Cost
Foundation Term	$14,000
Year 1 (two 6-month terms)	$10,525 per term = $21,050
Year 2 (two 6-month terms)	$6,315 per term = $12,630
Subtotal Program Fees	$47,680
Fellowship Exams (AKT $2,721 + KFP $2,721 + CCE $5,565)	$11,007
RACGP Membership	$632
Total Approximate Cost	$59,319

Reality Check: While the upfront costs are substantial, you're earning a competitive GP salary during training, which typically offsets much of the expense.

Best For: IMGs without specialist GP qualifications seeking structured, supported training with income security.

Australian General Practice Training Program (AGPT)

The AGPT is government-funded and highly competitive. Most suited for recent medical graduates, it's also available to IMGs who meet eligibility criteria.

Program Structure:

• Year 1: 12 months hospital training

• Year 2–3: General practice placements

• Optional Year 4: Extended skills/rural placement

Timeline: 3–4 years

Funding: Government-funded (minimal personal costs)

Best For: IMGs early in their careers willing to invest 3–4 years in comprehensive training.

Pathway 3: Committed to Rural Practice?

ACRRM Rural Generalist Fellowship (RVTS)

The ACRRM pathway is perfect if you're passionate about rural medicine. The Remote Vocational Training Scheme (RVTS) offers full government funding.

Requirements:

• Commit to working in Modified Monash Model (MM) areas 2–7 (regional and remote Australia)

• Complete 4 years of rural-focused training

Timeline: 4 years

Funding: Government-funded (minimal personal costs, registration fee $950 AUD)

Why Consider It:

• Full government funding

• Serve underserved communities

• Build unique, highly valued skills

• Strong job security and community recognition

Best For: IMGs passionate about rural healthcare and community medicine.

Requirements Across All Pathways

No matter which pathway you choose, you'll need to:

✓ Maintain general registration with AHPRA throughout your training

✓ Join the relevant college (RACGP or ACRRM) as a financial member

✓ Complete education and assessment tasks tailored to your pathway

✓ Pass required exams (varies by pathway)

✓ Work in accredited training practices with qualified supervisors

Which Pathway Is Right for You?

Tick the box that applies:

☐ I have overseas GP experience→ Choose General Practice Experience Pathway (GPE) – fastest & most cost-effective

☐ I hold an overseas specialist GP qualification→ Choose Practice Experience Program Specialist (PEP SP) – recognises your expertise

☐ I'm starting fresh in Australian GP→ Choose Fellowship Support Program (FSP) – structured, salaried, supported

☐ I'm early in my career & willing to train longer→ Choose Australian General Practice Training Program (AGPT) – government-funded

☐ I'm passionate about rural medicine→ Choose ACRRM Rural Generalist (RVTS) – government-funded, rural focus

Your Next Steps

1. Review Your Options

Read through each pathway and identify the one matching your experience and goals.

2. Contact the College

Both RACGP and ACRRM offer dedicated IMG support services:

• RACGP: www.racgp.org.au/education/imgs

• ACRRM: www.acrrm.org.au

3. Request Detailed Information

Ask about:

• Current eligibility criteria for your chosen pathway

• Detailed fee breakdowns (costs are current as of December 2025)

• Application timelines and required documentation

• IMG mentorship and support programs

4. Secure Your Training Position

Most pathways require securing a position in an accredited training practice early. Start networking and applying now.

Investment & Timeline Summary

Pathway	Duration	Total Cost	Best If...
GPE	1–2 years	~$11,007	You have overseas GP experience
PEP SP	6–18 months	$9,049–$18,479	You have overseas specialist GP qualification
FSP	2 years	~$59,319	You're transitioning to Australian GP (salary offsets costs)
AGPT	3–4 years	Govt-funded	You're early career, willing to invest time
ACRRM RVTS	4 years	Govt-funded	You're passionate about rural practice

Key Takeaway

Becoming a recognised GP in Australia is absolutely achievable. The pathway you choose depends on your experience, timeline, and career goals. Whether you're leveraging overseas experience through GPE or building expertise through FSP, your investment in Fellowship opens doors to professional independence, better income opportunities, and the ability to shape your practice according to your vision.

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