Moving to Australia as a non specialist doctor from the UK
Doctors trained in the United Kingdom are one of the largest groups of international medical graduates (IMGs) working in Australia.
The transition is relatively straightforward compared with many other countries. The training systems in the UK and Australia are broadly comparable, and UK qualifications are well recognised by Australian regulators. However, there are still several important steps and regulatory requirements before you can start practising.
This guide explains how UK doctors can work in Australia, the main registration pathways available, and the steps involved in moving from the UK to an Australian medical job.
Why move to Australia?
Australia has become a popular destination for UK doctors for several reasons.
Lifestyle and work-life balance
Many doctors report improved working conditions and more predictable schedules.
Comparable training systems
UK medical training aligns well with Australian practice standards.
Competitive salaries
Doctor salaries in Australia are generally higher than those in the UK.
Opportunities in rural and regional areas
Hospitals outside major cities often have strong demand for doctors.
Salary Expectations for Doctors in Australia
Salaries vary by state, specialty and seniority.
Typical ranges for junior doctors are $85,000 – $130,000 AUD (equivalent to 41,000-67,000GBP)
Salaries vary between states, with Queensland and Western Australia often paying slightly more. Overtime, nights and weekend penalties can add $20,000–$40,000 annually. As a result, many UK doctors report better hourly pay and work–life balance than comparable NHS roles.
Applying to work in Australia
UK-trained doctors regularly obtain medical registration in Australia.
The process is overseen by the Australian Medical Council (AMC) and the Medical Board of Australia (MBA), administered by Ahpra. These organisations assess qualifications, verify credentials and grant registration to practise medicine in Australia.
Because the UK training system is considered comparable to Australia’s, UK doctors generally follow one of two pathways to registration:
Competent Authority Pathway – for junior doctors or trainees
Specialist Pathway – for doctors who have completed specialist training
Both pathways ultimately lead to registration with the Medical Board of Australia. In this article we’ll review the pathway for non-specialist doctors only
Official information on IMG pathways is available through the Medical Board website.
The Competent Authority Pathway (For UK Trainees)
The Competent Authority Pathway provides a streamlined route for doctors trained in jurisdictions with comparable medical education systems. The UK is one of these recognised jurisdictions.
Details are published by the Medical Board here
Who Is Eligible?
In general, doctors must meet one of the following criteria:
Graduated from a UK medical school accredited by the General Medical Council (GMC)
Completed Foundation Year 1 (or equivalent internship training)
International graduates who trained elsewhere but later worked in the UK may also qualify if they:
Passed the PLAB examination, and
Completed 12 months of supervised training recognised by the GMC
These requirements demonstrate that the doctor has already completed an internship-equivalent year.
Key Steps in the Competent Authority Pathway
Although individual circumstances vary, the process for UK doctors usually follows a similar sequence. First, your qualifications must be verified through the Australian Medical Council using primary source verification, which confirms your credentials directly with the institution that awarded them.
Once this is underway, the next step is to secure a job offer from an Australian employer. With an employment offer in place, you can apply for registration with the Medical Board of Australia. Most doctors then begin work under supervised practice for approximately 12 months.
After successfully completing this supervised period and receiving satisfactory reports, you can apply for general registration, allowing you to practise independently in Australia.
English Proficiency
For doctors who grew up and trained in the United Kingdom, meeting the English language requirement for registration in Australia is usually straightforward. The Medical Board of Australia generally accepts completion of primary and secondary education, as well as a medical degree, delivered and assessed entirely in English in recognised countries such as the UK. In these cases, additional English language testing is usually not required.
However, doctors who moved to the UK to study or work may still need to demonstrate English proficiency depending on their educational background. If their schooling was not completed in English or does not meet the Board’s criteria, they may be required to provide results from an approved English test such as IELTS or OET.
Because verifying English language eligibility can take time, it is wise for prospective IMGs to review the requirements early and confirm their situation with the Medical Board before beginning the registration process.
Working in Australia
Jobs Available to UK Trainee Doctors
Most UK trainees initially work in hospital-based roles. Titles vary slightly between states but commonly include:
Resident Medical Officer (RMO)
Hospital Medical Officer (HMO)
Senior House Officer (SHO)
Typically, Junior House Officer (JHO or JMO) positions are for Post Graduate Year 2 doctors (equivalent to FY2), while Senior House Officer (SHO) positions are for PGY3. Principle House Officer (PHO) positions are usually PGY4, and are usually equivalent to non-accredited junior registrar positions.
Doctors further into training may apply for Registrar positions, which are broadly equivalent to specialty training roles.
The majority of these roles are located within Australia’s public hospital system.
Supervision for IMG Doctors
Doctors working under the competent authority pathway practise under structured supervision approved by the Medical Board of Australia.
The level of supervision depends on experience, role and workplace context.
Level 1 Supervision
Direct supervision with the supervisor physically present in the workplace.
Level 2 Supervision
The most common arrangement for UK trainees. Supervisors are available on site but direct oversight is less constant.
Level 3 Supervision
More independent practice with periodic review by supervisors.
These supervision arrangements ensure patient safety while allowing doctors to adapt to the Australian healthcare system.
Can I get General Registration?
IMG doctors initially receive provisional registration from AHPRA.
Provisional registration requires doctors to work under an approved supervision plan and submit supervisor reports regularly to the medical board.
After 12 months of satisfactory supervised practice, doctors can apply for general registration, allowing them to practise independently in Australia.
Costs and Practical Considerations
Moving to Australia involves both administrative and relocation costs.
Common expenses include:
AMC portfolio establishment
Credential verification
Medical Board registration fees
Specialist college assessments (if applicable)
Visa applications
Travel and relocation
Some employers—particularly in rural or high-demand specialties—may assist with relocation costs.
Final Thoughts
For UK-trained doctors, Australia offers one of the most accessible international career transitions in medicine. The compatibility between the two healthcare systems means that many UK doctors can move into Australian roles relatively smoothly.
However, the process still requires careful planning. Registration requirements, credential verification, employment offers and visa applications must all be completed before starting work.
Understanding the correct pathway early—and preparing documentation in advance—can significantly shorten the time it takes to begin working in Australia.
If you are considering working in Australia as a UK doctor, the best place to start is by reviewing the official pathway information provided by the Medical Board of Australia and the Australian Medical Council.