The Path to Becoming a General Practitioner in Australia

Why Choose General Practice in Australia?

1. Flexibility & Work-Life Balance

One of the biggest draws of general practice is the control over your working days and hours. GPs can choose between part-time and full-time work, making it an attractive option for those seeking a balanced lifestyle.

2. Shorter Training Duration

Compared to other medical specialties, general practice has a significantly shorter training period. After completing 18 months of training, doctors are eligible to sit for the final fellowship exam, which has a reasonable pass rate.

3. High Demand for IMGs

Australia has a growing demand for GPs. A significant portion of the workforce comprises international medical graduates (IMGs) from countries such as Iraq, Lebanon, Egypt, China, Sri Lanka, India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. Many IMGs serve their own communities and often practice in their native languages.

4. Financially Rewarding Career

The average income for a GP in Australia ranges from $275,000 to $350,000 per year. However, some rural GPs earn between $500,000 and $700,000 annually. Many GPs own multiple practices, generating annual revenues of up to $1–2 million.

Pathways to Becoming a GP in Australia

1. Standard Pathway (Local Graduates)

Australian medical graduates follow this route:

12 months of hospital internship
18 months of GP training
Optional 12 months of additional rural training
Total duration: 2.5 to 3 years

2. Standard Pathway (International Medical Graduates - IMGs)

For IMGs, the process includes:

Internship (12 months) in the home country
Passing AMC Part 1 & Part 2 exams
Hospital-based work (WBA pathway)
18 months of GP training

3. Practice Experience Pathway (PEP)

IMGs with general registration can work as non-vocationally registered (non-VR) GPs under supervision.
They must complete three years of full-time work across multiple disciplines (e.g., chronic disease, mental health, pediatrics).
Eligible to sit for the final fellowship exam.

4. Fellowship Support Program (FSP)

A 24-month structured training program.
Two intakes per year (January and July).
Requires AMC Part 1 pass and eligibility for limited or provisional registration.
Total cost: $32,000 over two years.
After completion, doctors can sit for the final GP fellowship exam.

5. Pre-Structured Clinical Interview (PESCI)

A video-based interview assessing clinical competency.
Required for IMGs with three years of GP experience in their home country.
A stepping stone to work in GP clinics before obtaining full registration.

Understanding GP Training Duration

General practice has one of the shortest training periods among medical specialties:

2.5 years under the Australian General Practice Training (AGPT) program.
4 years if following the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) route, which includes:

- 3 years of core GP training

- 1 year of advanced training in emergency medicine, anaesthesia, obstetrics, or rural hospital work.

19AB & The 10-Year Moratorium for IMGs

IMGs with an overseas primary medical qualification must work in rural or regional areas for 10 years before being allowed to practice freely in metropolitan areas.

The 10-year period starts from the first day of AHPRA registration.
Certain exemptions apply, such as special family health circumstances.

Earnings: What Can You Expect as a GP?

1. Salaries During Training

GP registrar salary: $79,000–$102,000 per year.
Supplementary income options: Many registrars take on locum shifts in emergency departments to boost earnings.

2. Full-Time GP Earnings

Urban & regional GPs: $250,000–$350,000 per year.
Rural GPs: $500,000–$700,000 per year due to higher patient demand and increased Medicare reimbursement rates.
GP practice owners can generate $1–2 million in revenue if managing multiple practices.

3. How GP Income Works

Australia has a government-funded healthcare system called Medicare. GPs bill Medicare for consultations and procedures. Practices may opt for:

Bulk billing: Medicare covers the full cost.
Private billing: Patients pay an additional fee.

GPs typically pay 25–30% of their total billings to the practice to cover operating costs. The tax rate for GPs is 27–28% if registered as a business.

Scope of Work & Daily Responsibilities

1. Clinical Work

General consultations in chronic disease management, women’s health, pediatrics, and minor procedures.
Rural GPs often handle emergency care, obstetrics, and minor surgeries.

2. Work Environment

Most GPs work in large, multi-disciplinary medical centers alongside:

- Pathologists

- Radiologists

- Allied health professionals (such as physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and dietitians).

Typical working hours are 8 AM – 6 PM, Monday to Friday.
Rural GPs may be on-call 24/7.

3. Alternative Roles

Aged care home visits provide an additional income source.
Emergency department locum work helps to retain acute care skills.
Practice ownership & franchise opportunities present viable options for financial growth.

Recognition of Overseas Qualifications

Doctors from certain countries may have their qualifications recognized more easily:

Fully Comparable: UK, Ireland, New Zealand, Canada, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Malta, Spain, Sweden.
Partially Comparable: MRCGP International (as of March 2023).

Final Thoughts: Is GP Work Right for You?

General practice in Australia offers excellent financial rewards, job security, and flexibility. However, it also presents challenges, including:

Limited professional development in urban settings.
Rural restrictions for IMGs.
High patient loads & administrative work.

For female doctors, general practice is particularly appealing, as patients often prefer female GPs for their compassionate approach. Meanwhile, younger male doctors increasingly view GP work as a business opportunity, investing in multiple practices for financial growth.

If you're an IMG considering a GP career in Australia, research the available pathways, salary expectations, and regional work requirements before making your move.