How long does it take to become a GP in Australia?

From the start of medical school to fellowship, becoming a GP typically takes 10 to 13 years. This includes a medical degree (4 to 6 years), internship (1 year), hospital experience (1 to 2 years), and GP-specific training through the AGPT program (3 to 4 years). Part-time training extends the timeline proportionally.

What is the AGPT program?

The Australian General Practice Training (AGPT) program is the government-funded pathway to becoming a vocationally registered GP. It offers up to 1,500 fully funded training places per year (increasing to over 2,000 by 2028), delivered through RACGP and ACRRM. Training includes supervised hospital rotations, community GP placements, and fellowship exams.

What exams do GP registrars sit?

RACGP registrars sit the AKT (Applied Knowledge Test), KFP (Key Feature Problem), and CCE (Clinical Competency Exam). ACRRM registrars sit a MCQ exam, StAMPS (clinical scenarios), and workplace-based assessments (miniCEX and CBD). Both colleges require all exams to be passed for fellowship.

How much do GP registrars earn?

GP registrars are paid under the NTCER (National Terms and Conditions for Employment of Registrars). Base salary is approximately $105,000 to $115,000 for GPT1, rising to around $116,000+ for GPT3/4. After-hours loading, rural incentives, and practice arrangements can increase total package to $120,000 to $180,000 or more. Rates are updated annually.

Can international medical graduates become GPs in Australia?

Yes. IMGs can apply for the AGPT program or alternative pathways like the RACGP Fellowship Support Program (FSP) or ACRRM Independent Pathway. IMGs must meet Australian Medical Council requirements, obtain AHPRA registration, and may be subject to section 19AB restrictions requiring work in areas of workforce shortage for up to 10 years.

What is the difference between RACGP and ACRRM?

RACGP leads to FRACGP and suits urban, suburban, and rural practice. ACRRM leads to FACRRM and is designed for rural and remote practice with a broader procedural and emergency scope. Both are recognised by Medicare. You can hold dual fellowship. Most registrars choose RACGP; ACRRM suits those committed to rural careers.

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How to Become a GP in Australia

The complete pathway from medical school to fellowship. Training programs, exams, pay, timeline, and alternative routes — in plain English.

📋 Source: RACGP and ACRRM Fellowship pathways and the Australian General Practice Training (AGPT) program (college-led). See racgp.org.au and acrrm.org.au.

AUSTRALIA Updated 2026

Quick answer: Becoming a fully qualified GP in Australia typically takes 10 to 13 years from starting medical school — a medical degree (4–6 years), internship (1 year), hospital experience (1–2 years), then GP-specific training through the AGPT program (3–4 years). After passing fellowship exams, you gain specialist registration and can practise independently anywhere in Australia.

📅 The GP Training Timeline

Here is the typical pathway for a domestic medical graduate. International medical graduates (IMGs) have additional steps — see the IMG section below.

Medical degree

4–6 years

An undergraduate medical degree is typically 5–6 years (e.g. MBBS). A graduate-entry degree is 4 years (e.g. MD). Both lead to the same outcome: provisional registration with AHPRA and eligibility for internship.

Internship (PGY1)

1 year

Mandatory supervised year in an accredited hospital. Rotations typically include medicine, surgery, and emergency. On completion, you receive general registration with the Medical Board of Australia via AHPRA.

Salary: ~$80,000–$95,000 (state health award)

Hospital experience (PGY2–3)

1–2 years

Hospital rotations building clinical breadth. From the 2026 AGPT intake, applicants need AMC PGY2 certification or general registration plus an additional 12 months of hospital experience before entering a community GP term. Most applicants apply for the AGPT program during PGY1 or PGY2. GP-suitable hospital rotations include paediatrics, obstetrics and gynaecology, psychiatry, emergency, and general medicine.

Salary: ~$90,000–$110,000 (state health award)

AGPT Program — GP registrar training

3–4 years (minimum full-time equivalent)

The Australian General Practice Training (AGPT) program is the government-funded pathway. You train through one of two colleges: RACGP (leading to FRACGP) or ACRRM (leading to FACRRM). Training includes supervised community GP placements, hospital terms, and fellowship exams. Up to 1,500 fully funded places per year, increasing to over 2,000 by 2028.

RACGP General Pathway: Hospital year + 18 months GP placements + 6 months extended skills.
RACGP Rural Pathway: Similar structure with at least 18 months in rural settings.
ACRRM: 3–4 years with rural/remote focus, procedural and emergency skills.

From semester 1 2026, a $30,000 salary incentive is available for new GP trainees transitioning into community general practice. Registrars also get 5 days study leave per year and up to 20 weeks paid parental leave.

Salary: GPT1 ~$105,000–$115,000 • GPT2+ ~$109,000–$117,000 (NTCER)

Fellowship exams

Sat during training (typically GPT2–3)

You must pass all required exams to be awarded fellowship. See the exam comparison below. Most registrars sit exams during their second and third years of training.

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Fellowship & specialist registration

The finish line

On completing training and exams, you are awarded FRACGP (RACGP) or FACRRM (ACRRM). You then apply to the Medical Board of Australia for specialist registration as a general practitioner. This gives you:

• Full access to all GP MBS items (higher rebates than non-VR doctors)
• Eligibility for MyMedicare-linked items and incentives
• Ability to practise independently anywhere in Australia (subject to any 19AB restrictions for IMGs)
• Significantly higher income potential (most GPs earn $200,000–$400,000+ depending on hours and billing model)

Post-fellowship income: $200,000–$400,000+ (variable)

Sources: health.gov.au/AGPT (Feb 2026) • GPRA — AGPT • RACGP — AGPT • NTCER base rates (GPRA, Oct 2025)

📚 AGPT Program — How to Apply

The AGPT is the main pathway. You apply through the college you want to train with (RACGP or ACRRM). Key requirements for the 2026 intake:

• Registration: General registration with AHPRA (or pathway to it)

• Hospital experience: AMC PGY2 certification or general registration, plus an additional 12 months of hospital experience before entering community GP training

• Residency: Australian citizen, permanent resident, or NZ citizen. Non-citizens/non-PR on approved visas can apply but must obtain PR by the end of training

• Selection: Online assessment (replacing the previous MMI and CAAKT from 2026)

• Paediatrics: Must be completed — can be met during first year in the AGPT

• Referees: No longer required from the 2026 intake

Capacity: Up to 1,500 commencing places per year through AGPT (plus 100 Rural Generalist places consolidated into AGPT from 2026). Increasing to over 2,000 Commonwealth-funded places by 2028. A $20,000 grant is available for Northern Territory placements.

Timing: The AGPT application process typically opens early in the year for training starting the following semester. Applications for 2026 opened in March 2025. Both colleges usually have two intakes per year. The process can take up to 12 months from application to commencement.

Source: health.gov.au — AGPT Program (Feb 2026) • RACGP — 2026 AGPT changes

Considering locum or rural work? GP locum & rural workforce agencies

🎓 RACGP vs ACRRM — Which College?

You choose one college when applying. Both lead to full GP recognition. You can hold dual fellowship.

🔵 RACGP → FRACGP

Training: Minimum 3 years FTE. General and rural pathways.

Scope: Urban, suburban, regional, rural practice.

Exams: AKT (MCQ) + KFP (written cases) + CCE (clinical exam).

Best for: Doctors who want flexibility across metro and rural settings. The most common pathway — the majority of GP registrars train through RACGP.

🟢 ACRRM → FACRRM

Training: Minimum 3–4 years FTE (pathway dependent).

Scope: Rural and remote practice with broader procedural and emergency skills.

Exams: MCQ + StAMPS (clinical scenarios) + miniCEX and CBD (workplace-based).

Best for: Doctors committed to rural/remote careers who want procedural and emergency competence built into training.

🔄 Full RACGP vs ACRRM comparison (with quiz)

Sources: RACGP fellowship pathways • ACRRM registrar support

📝 Fellowship Exams Explained

Both colleges require you to pass all exams for fellowship. You typically sit exams during your second and third years of training.

	RACGP	ACRRM
Written exam	AKT — Applied Knowledge Test (MCQ, single best answer)	MCQ — Multiple choice question exam
Case-based exam	KFP — Key Feature Problem (written clinical cases, key decision points)	StAMPS — Structured Assessment using Multiple Patient Scenarios (clinical stations)
Clinical exam	CCE — Clinical Competency Exam (OSCE-style, simulated patients)	miniCEX + CBD — Workplace-based assessments (observed consultations + case discussions)
Frequency	Exams offered each semester (twice per year)	MCQ and StAMPS offered each semester; miniCEX and CBD are ongoing
Attempts	Must pass all within the training timeline	Must pass all within the training timeline

Exam preparation: Both colleges provide study resources, practice exams, and peer study groups. Many registrars also use third-party resources. Study leave is built into the AGPT program (5 days per year from 2026). Speak to your Regional Training Organisation (RTO) and senior registrars for exam strategy advice.

🛠 Alternative Pathways to Fellowship

The AGPT is not the only route. There are alternative pathways, particularly relevant for non-VR doctors and IMGs:

RACGP Fellowship Support Program (FSP)

What: A self-funded education and training program for non-VR doctors seeking FRACGP. Minimum 2–2.5 years FTE, then sit fellowship exams (AKT, KFP, CCE).

Cost: Approximately $33,680 + RACGP membership fees (2026 figures). Not government-funded.

Locations: MM2–MM7 locations (MM1 only in extenuating circumstances).

Entry: National Entry Assessment required. Must have general, provisional, or limited AHPRA registration. Applications open twice yearly (approximately January and July).

RACGP — Fellowship Support Program

ACRRM Independent Pathway

What: A self-directed pathway to FACRRM for experienced doctors, particularly those in rural/remote practice. Requires evidence of competencies and passing ACRRM exams (MCQ, StAMPS).

ACRRM — Training pathways

Remote Vocational Training Scheme (RVTS)

What: A training pathway specifically for doctors working in remote and very remote Australia. Leads to FRACGP and/or FACRRM.

rvts.org.au

🌎 International Medical Graduates (IMGs)

If you trained overseas, the pathway involves additional steps:

• AMC assessment: Pass the Australian Medical Council exams (MCQ + clinical exam) or Competent Authority pathway if from a comparable country

• AHPRA registration: Obtain provisional, limited, or general registration

• Training pathway: Apply for the AGPT program (rural pathway most common for IMGs subject to 19AB), FSP, or ACRRM Independent Pathway

• Section 19AB: Most IMGs are subject to 10-year moratorium requiring work in a District of Workforce Shortage (DWS) area. This restricts where you can practise and which Medicare provider numbers you can obtain

• Visa: Must obtain permanent residency by the end of training (if on temporary visa)

🌎 Full IMG Guide — Medicare, Moratorium & Billing 💳 Non-VR Billing Guide

Source: MBS Book GN.4.13 — Who can use GP items; health.gov.au/AGPT

💰 Pay & Career Progression

GP registrar pay is standardised under the NTCER. Post-fellowship, income depends on your billing model, hours, and location.

Stage	Approximate salary	Notes
Intern (PGY1)	~$80,000–$95,000	State health award. Varies by state.
RMO (PGY2–3)	~$90,000–$110,000	State health award. Increases with seniority.
GPT1 registrar	~$105,000–$115,000	NTCER base. First GP placement.
GPT2 registrar	~$109,000–$120,000	NTCER base. More independent.
GPT3–4 registrar	~$117,000–$125,000	NTCER base. Preparing for fellowship.
Fellowed GP (employee)	~$180,000–$300,000	Percentage of billings or salary. Varies widely.
Fellowed GP (practice owner)	$250,000–$500,000+	Depends on practice revenue, hours, location.

Note: NTCER rates above are approximate and are updated annually. After-hours loading, rural incentives, and practice arrangements can significantly increase total registrar package. Post-fellowship income is highly variable. Always verify current NTCER rates at GPRA.

💲 Registrar Pay Calculator 💰 Pay Explained in Detail 📈 Locum vs Salaried vs Owner 🌾 Rural GP Pathway

🚀 Already in Training? Your Toolkit

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First Week Guide

Provider numbers, billing, supervision.

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Billing Guide

How Medicare billing works for registrars.

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RACGP vs ACRRM

Full comparison with pathway quiz.

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Pay Calculator

NTCER rates, take-home, super.

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IMG Guide

Medicare, moratorium, billing for IMGs.

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Fellowship Exams Explained

AKT, KFP, CCE (RACGP) & MCQ, StAMPS (ACRRM) — format & prep.

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CPD Homes Compared

After fellowship you'll need a CPD home — RACGP, ACRRM, Osler & more.

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Non-VR Billing

MBS items for non-VR practitioners.

Official resources

• health.gov.au — AGPT Program

• RACGP — GP Training

• ACRRM — Registrar Support

• GPRA — GP Registrars’ Association

• DoctorConnect — Work as a doctor in Australia

• Services Australia — Medicare provider numbers

Information only. This guide provides a general overview of the pathway to becoming a GP in Australia. Entry requirements, training structures, and fees change regularly. Salary figures are approximate and vary by state, location, and year. Always verify current requirements directly with RACGP, ACRRM, health.gov.au, and your training organisation. This is not career advice — speak to your college, RTO, or a career mentor for personalised guidance.