Australia is one of the most sought-after destinations for medical professionals seeking postgraduate (PG) education and specialization. International Medical Graduates (IMGs) who wish to pursue an MS (Master of Surgery) or MD (Doctor of Medicine) in Australia must undergo a structured process that involves document verification, exams, and clinical training before becoming eligible for medical residency.
This guide will walk you through the step-by-step process to secure admission for a medical PG course in Australia after MBBS.
Why Choose Australia for Medical PG?
Permanent Residency (PR) Pathway: Completing medical training in Australia can significantly improve your chances of securing PR.
Attractive Salaries & Work-Life Balance: Medical professionals in Australia enjoy competitive salaries and a balanced lifestyle.
Step-by-Step Process for Medical PG Admission in Australia
Step 1: Document Verification
Before applying for a medical PG program, you need to verify your credentials through the following processes:
EPIC Verification (Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates – ECFMG):
- All IMGs must verify their MBBS degree through the EPIC system, which confirms the authenticity of their medical qualifications.
- Register at EPIC and submit the required documents for verification.
AMC Portfolio Registration:
- Create an account with the Australian Medical Council (AMC).
- Upload your verified EPIC documents and pay the registration fee.
- Once approved, you can proceed to the AMC exams.
Note: Without completing this step, you cannot move forward in the Australian medical licensing process.
Step 2: AMC Part 1 Exam (Medical Knowledge Assessment)
After document verification, IMGs must pass the AMC Part 1 Exam, which assesses their medical knowledge.
📌 Exam Format:
- Type: Multiple-choice question (MCQ) exam.
- Total Questions: 150 MCQs.
- Duration: 3.5 hours.
- Exam Mode: Online (can be taken in your home country at a Pearson VUE test center).
- Passing Score: Approximately 250 out of 500.
📌 Key Subjects Covered:
- Internal Medicine
- Surgery
- Obstetrics & Gynecology
- Pediatrics
- Psychiatry
- Public Health
Preparation Tip: Enroll in an AMC Part 1 coaching program for structured study materials, mock exams, and expert guidance.
Step 3: English Proficiency Test
To register as a medical professional in Australia, you must demonstrate proficiency in English.
📌 Accepted Tests & Required Scores:
- IELTS (Academic): Minimum 7.0 in each band.
- OET (Occupational English Test): Minimum B grade in all sections.
- PTE (Pearson Test of English Academic): Minimum 65 in each component.
Preparation Tip: Take mock tests and practice regularly to achieve the required score.
Step 4: AMC Part 2 Exam (Clinical Skills Assessment)
After passing AMC Part 1 and meeting the English language requirement, IMGs must take the AMC Part 2 Exam.
📌 Exam Format:
- Type: Clinical-based practical exam.
- Duration: 16 stations (10 minutes per station).
- Location: Conducted in-person in Australia.
- Assessment Areas: Patient communication, physical examination, diagnosis, and clinical decision-making.
Preparation Tip: Since the exam is conducted in Australia, ensure early visa application and participate in hands-on training or workshops to improve clinical skills.
Step 5: Work as a Resident Medical Officer (RMO)
After passing the AMC Part 2 Exam, you must complete one year of clinical training as a Resident Medical Officer (RMO) in an Australian hospital.
📌 Key Responsibilities of an RMO:
- Work under supervision to gain hands-on experience in the Australian healthcare system.
- Rotate across different specialties (Internal Medicine, Surgery, Emergency, etc.).
- Fulfill the requirements for full medical registration in Australia.
✅ Preparation Tip: Apply for hospital placements early and gain clinical experience through observerships or internships.
✅ Step 6: Apply for Medical PG Residency in Australia
After completing one year as an RMO, you can apply for postgraduate specialty training (MS/MD) through:
📌 Australian Medical Training Pathways:
- General Practitioner (GP) Training Pathway.
- Specialist Training Pathway (Surgical, Medical, and other specialties).
- Hospital-Based Training.
📌 Eligibility Criteria for Residency:
- Completion of AMC exams & RMO training.
- Medical registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).
- Selection based on performance, clinical experience, and hospital requirements.
✅ Preparation Tip: Network with Australian hospitals and apply through the Australian Medical Council (AMC) and AHPRA portals for residency openings.
Cost of Medical PG in Australia
📌 AMC Exam Fees:
- AMC Part 1 Exam: AUD 2,920
- AMC Part 2 Exam: AUD 4,230
- EPIC Verification & Portfolio Registration: AUD 500–1,000
📌 Tuition Fees for MS/MD in Australia:
- Annual Fees: AUD 40,000 – AUD 80,000 (varies by university & specialization).
📌 Living Costs in Australia:
- AUD 20,000 – AUD 35,000 per year (Accommodation, food, transportation, etc.).
✅ Scholarships & Financial Aid: Many Australian universities offer scholarships for IMGs pursuing medical PG studies.
Conclusion: Your Path to Medical PG in Australia
Pursuing a Medical PG (MS/MD) in Australia is a rewarding career move for IMGs. By following the step-by-step process—document verification, AMC exams, English proficiency, RMO training, and residency applications—you can achieve your goal of becoming a registered specialist in Australia.
