Specialist international medical graduates (SIMGs)

Have you gained your specialist medical qualification outside Australia?

This page is an overview of the registration pathways available to specialist international medical graduates (SIMGs).

What is my pathway to specialist registration?

You can use the self-assessment tool to work out which pathway to registration you are eligible for.

Expedited Specialist pathway

I have an international specialist medical qualification which is on the Board’s Expedited Specialist pathway: accepted qualifications list.
This is a fast-track pathway to specialist registration.
SIMGs apply to the Medical Board for specialist registration.

Specialist pathway – specialist recognition

I have an international specialist medical qualification which is not on the Expedited Specialist pathway: accepted qualifications list.
This pathway leads to specialist registration.
SIMGs apply to the relevant specialist medical college for a comparability assessment.

Specialist pathway – area of need

I have an international specialist medical qualification and wish to work in a specialist level position in an area of need. 
This pathway does not lead to specialist registration.
SIMGs apply to the relevant specialist medical college for an area of need assessment.

Short term training pathway

I have an international specialist medical qualification, or I am a specialist-in-training, and want to undertake up to 24 months of specialist or advanced training in Australia.
This pathway does not lead to specialist registration in Australia.
SIMGs and specialists-in-training apply to the relevant specialist medical college for an assessment of suitability for a specific training position.

Australian and New Zealand medical graduates with international specialist qualifications

I have an Australian or New Zealand primary medical qualification and an international specialist medical qualification which is not on the Expedited Specialist pathway: accepted qualifications list and wish to apply for specialist registration in Australia.
Medical practitioners apply to the relevant specialist medical college to have their international specialist qualification assessed.

Registration self-assessment tool

Which option is right for me?

Use this self-assessment tool to work out which pathway to registration is best for you.

Your registration pathway will reflect your qualifications, the type of registration you are seeking, and whether you are intending to work in Australia temporarily or long term.

The results will guide you to the type of registration you can apply for.