Moving from the UK to Australia as a Doctor

[8 min read | Locum Pay & Rates | May 2026]

TL;DR: Transitioning from the UK to Australia as a doctor is increasingly popular due to clear registration pathways and attractive pay. Most UK doctors can bypass AMC exams via the Competent Authority Pathway. Visa options are streamlined, and locum work is accessible post-registration. For more details, visit AHPRA.

How do UK doctors register with AHPRA?

UK doctors seeking to work in Australia must register with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). The registration pathway depends on whether the doctor is a generalist or specialist. The Competent Authority Pathway is the most common route for UK doctors, allowing them to bypass AMC exams if they hold GMC registration, a GMC-accredited degree, and have completed at least 12 months of supervised practice in the UK.

For specialists, the process involves assessment by the relevant Australian specialist college. Since October 2024, the Expedited Specialist Pathway has been available for Psychiatry, Anaesthetics, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, and General Practice, requiring only six months of supervised practice plus orientation training. Other specialties follow the standard Specialist Pathway, with details available on the AMC pathways page.

What is the step-by-step process for AHPRA registration?

The Competent Authority Pathway involves several steps for UK doctors. First, set up an AMC candidate account and initiate Primary Source Verification of your medical degree through ECFMG's EPIC system. Request a Certificate of Good Standing from the GMC, which must be sent directly to AHPRA. Submit your AHPRA application online, noting that English language proficiency is generally waived for UK-trained doctors.

Upon receiving In Principle Approval, you will need a job offer in Australia to activate your provisional registration. Once in Australia, visit an AHPRA office with your original documents to finalise your registration. Complete 12 months of supervised practice under an approved supervisor before applying for general registration.

Police checks and a Working With Children Check are also required before starting work. These are routine but can take several weeks to process.

What visa options are available for UK doctors?

Most UK doctors enter Australia on an employer-sponsored visa. The Subclass 482 Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa is the most common, valid for 2 to 4 years and tied to your sponsoring employer. The Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme offers a pathway to permanent residency, often pursued after a period on the 482 visa.

Employers or migration agents typically manage the visa process. Due to doctor shortages, many hospitals are motivated to sponsor international candidates, making the visa process less daunting than expected.

What should UK doctors expect when they arrive in Australia?

The Australian healthcare system shares similarities with the NHS in terms of hospital hierarchies and clinical documentation. The main adjustment is cultural rather than clinical. During the supervised year, doctors work under an approved supervisor to integrate into the Australian system. This period is generally straightforward, especially in hospitals accustomed to international registrants.

Locum pay in Australia is typically higher than in the UK, with day rates often exceeding those in comparable NHS roles. The cost of living varies by location, with rural areas offering strong rates and lower living costs. Regional and rural postings also provide additional incentives and are more accessible due to workforce shortages.