If you’re considering practicing medicine in New Zealand or Australia, one of the first steps is understanding the medical registration process. Whether you’re looking at the Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ) or the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), there are several factors to consider—starting with the type of registration you may be eligible for.
The requirements for gaining each type of registration vary and depends on where you gained your primary medical degree as well as any postgraduate training. It can also depend where (under which medical jurisdiction) you have practiced. As well as other factors such as years of experience, and how many clinical hours you work per week.
Both MCNZ and AHPRA have self-assessment tools that can be used to get an idea of what types of registration you may be eligible for.
Self-Assessment Tools:
MCNZ Registration self assessment tool | Medical Council
AHPRA Medical Board of Australia – International medical graduates (IMGs)
What you’ll need information on to use these tools effectively:
- Primary medical qualification (e.g., MBBS, MD)
- Country and institution where studied
- Internship and/or postgraduate training
- Years of clinical experience
- Specialist qualifications
- Whether passed recognised exams (e.g., PLAB, AMC, USMLE)
- English language proficiency (IELTS/OET)
Registration Timeframes and Requirements
Registration processing times vary depending on the pathway, ranging from 20 working days to 18+ months, with most taking between 1–6 months. Nearly all pathways require a period of supervised practice, and some include examinations.
Before starting your application, it’s important to clarify:
- How longyou plan to stay in New Zealand or Australia
- What kind of roleyou’re seeking
- Preferred locationsfor work
- These factors can influence your eligibility and the registration pathway best suited to you.
Application Essentials
- You’ll need to complete one or more application forms (online or paper-based) and gather documentation, which may include:
- Certified identification
- Police checks
- EPIC verification of qualifications (via ECFMG)
- Internship and training records
- Certificates of Good Standing
- Detailed CV with all gaps in practice explained
- Logbooks and legal history (if applicable)
How STAT Recruitment Can Help
Doctors who work with exclusively with us receive comprehensive support throughout the registration process. Our dedicated registration team is here to make the journey smoother and more efficient.
We assist with:
- Providing tailored information to your circumstances prior to application
- Reviewing your documents prior to application
- Answering questions that may pop up throughout the process
- Liaising with the medical board on your behalf
- Submitting (most) applications
- Guiding you through the application process
- Help foresee any potential hiccups or roadblocks in your application.
In the meantime, here are some links to information you may find useful at this stage.
AHPRA Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency – Home
Australia Immigration and citizenship
MCNZ Medical Council of New Zealand · Te Kaunihera Rata o Aotearoa
Immigration New Zealand :: Immigration New Zealand
| Specialist College Name | Website |
| Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners (RNZCGP) | https://www.rnzcgp.org.nz |
| Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) | https://www.surgeons.org |
| Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP) | https://www.racp.edu.au |
| Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) | https://www.ranzcp.org |
| Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG) | https://www.ranzcog.edu.au |
| Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists (RANZCR) | https://www.ranzcr.com |
| College of Intensive Care Medicine of Australia and New Zealand (CICM) | https://www.cicm.org.au |
| New Zealand College of Public Health Medicine (NZCPHM) | https://www.nzcphm.org.nz |
| New Zealand College of Musculoskeletal Medicine (NZCMM) | https://www.nzamm.org.nz |
| Australasian College of Dermatologists (ACD) | https://www.dermcoll.edu.au |
| Australasian College for Emergency Medicine (ACEM) | https://www.acem.org.au |
| Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) | https://www.acrrm.org.au |
| Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists (ANZCA) | https://www.anzca.edu.au |
| Faculty of Pain Medicine (FPM) | https://www.anzca.edu.au/fpm |
| Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons (RACDS) | https://www.racds.org |
| Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) | https://www.racgp.org.au |
| Royal Australasian College of Medical Administrators (RACMA) | https://www.racma.edu.au |
| Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists (RANZCO) | https://www.ranzco.edu |
| Australasian College of Sport and Exercise Physicians (ACSEP) | https://www.acsep.org.au |
