How to Become a GP in Australia: Step-by-Step Pathway to RACGP Fellowship

General Practice is one of the most rewarding and in-demand medical careers in Australia. With excellent work-life balance, competitive salaries, and a crucial role in community healthcare, it’s no surprise that many local graduates and international doctors ask the same question: “How to become a GP in Australia?” or “Why Becoming a GP in Australia is a Highly Rewarding Medical Career?".

This guide walks you through the training pathways, requirements, and steps to achieve Fellowship and recognition as a specialist General Practitioner (GP) in Australia.

 

RACGP Exam Prep

 

Understanding the Role of a GP in Australia

General Practitioners are the first point of medical contact for most Australians. They diagnose, manage, and coordinate ongoing care for a wide range of health conditions.

Key aspects of the role include:

  • Preventive care and health promotion
  • Management of chronic diseases
  • Minor procedures and emergency care
  • Coordinating specialist referrals

To work independently as a GP, you must complete accredited training and obtain Fellowship with a recognized college such as the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP).

 

Step 1: Medical Degree and Internship

The first step in how to become a GP in Australia is completing a medical degree (MBBS or equivalent) from an accredited university. After graduation:

  • Complete a one-year internship in an Australian hospital.
  • Gain exposure to various rotations (medicine, surgery, emergency) required for registration.

Upon completion, you receive general medical registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).

 

Step 2: Resident Medical Officer (RMO) Experience

Before entering GP training, doctors typically work as RMOs or hospital residents for 1-2 years. This period provides:

  • Broader clinical experience.
  • Skills in acute care and specialist fields.
  • A foundation for primary care decision-making.

 

AKT and KFP Q Bank

 

Step 3: Enter GP Training (AGPT or PEP Pathway)

To officially train as a GP, you must join an accredited program. Two main pathways exist:

1. Australian General Practice Training (AGPT) Program

  • Government-funded training pathway.
  • Available to Australian citizens and permanent residents.
  • Structured program with supervised general practice placements.
  • Duration: 3-4 years.

2. Practice Experience Program (PEP)

  • Designed for international medical graduates (IMGs).
  • Provides support, supervision, and education to transition into general practice.
  • Often requires working in rural or Distribution Priority Areas (DPAs).

 

Step 4: RACGP Examinations

During training, candidates prepare for the RACGP Fellowship exams, which assess knowledge, clinical reasoning, and patient care skills:

  • AKT (Applied Knowledge Test): Multiple-choice exam testing clinical knowledge.
  • KFP (Key Feature Problem exam): Short-answer exam focusing on decision-making.
  • CCE (Clinical Competency Exam): Replaces OSCE; assesses practical skills and patient interaction.

Passing these exams is essential to achieve FRACGP (Fellowship of RACGP), officially recognizing you as a specialist GP. And candidates must avoid common mistakes in RACGP exams.

 

Step 5: Fellowship and Vocational Registration

After successfully completing training and exams:

  • You are awarded FRACGP or FACRRM (for rural medicine).
  • Apply for Vocational Registration, allowing unrestricted practice as a GP in Australia.
  • Eligible for higher Medicare rebates, leading to improved earning potential.

 

Pathway for International Medical Graduates (IMGs)

For overseas-trained doctors wondering how to become a GP in Australia, additional steps include:

  • Passing AMC (Australian Medical Council) exams for registration.
  • Gaining supervised practice in approved locations.
  • Joining the PEP or comparable pathway.
  • Completing the RACGP assessments for Fellowship.

IMGs are often required to work in rural or outer metropolitan areas initially, but this is an excellent way to gain experience and fast-track Fellowship eligibility.

 

FRACGP Exam Course

 

How Long Does It Take to Become a GP?

The entire journey from medical school to Fellowship generally takes:

  • 7-10 years for Australian graduates (including medical school and training).
  • 3-5 years for experienced IMGs who already have substantial GP experience overseas.

 

Benefits of Becoming a GP in Australia

  • High demand: Strong need for GPs, especially in rural regions.
  • Competitive salaries: Average GP earnings range from AUD $200,000 to $350,000 annually.
  • Work-life balance: Flexible hours compared to many hospital specialties.
  • Community impact: Opportunity to build long-term patient relationships.

Understanding how to become a GP in Australia is the first step toward a fulfilling medical career. From medical school and residency to RACGP Fellowship and vocational recognition, each stage builds the skills necessary to provide comprehensive primary care.

For international doctors, Australia offers structured pathways and support to integrate into its healthcare system. Whether you’re a local graduate or an IMG, achieving FRACGP status opens doors to high earning potential, professional independence, and the chance to make a lasting difference in patient care.