A guide to General Practice Training in Australia

What Is the AGPT Program?

Nearly one third of medical school graduates enter GP or rural generalist training. The Australian General Practice Training (AGPT) Program is the federal government's primary pathway for training GPs and is delivered through two colleges. Tuition is covered, though college membership, application and exam fees apply.

The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) trains most of Australia's GPs via a three-year General Pathway or four-year Rural Generalist Pathway.

The Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) trains doctors specifically for rural and remote practice via a minimum-four-year program built around communities where you may be the only doctor for hundreds of kilometers.

Both fellowships allow independent practice anywhere in Australia — though ACRRM President Dr Rod Martin says rural generalism isn't for everyone. 

"We train and assess for primary care, emergency and hospital-based care. If you don't feel comfortable doing all of that, then RACGP is for you."

GP Training Pathways in Australia

For most Australian-trained doctors, the AGPT is the default, with applications opening twice yearly.

For those who don't secure an AGPT place — particularly international medical graduates (IMG) GPs working outside metropolitan areas — the Fellowship Support Program (FSP) is the main alternative.

It's self-funded (~$32,000 over two years) and available only in MMM2–7 locations, with doctors subject to the Section 19AB 10-year moratorium having to remain in Distribution Priority Areas (DPAs) throughout. 

IMGs with an overseas specialist qualification may be eligible for the Practice Experience Program (PEP) Specialist stream, which benchmarks overseas qualifications against Australian GP standards.

Doctors in very remote communities (MMM6–7) who can't access standard training can opt for the Remote Vocational Training Scheme (RVTS), a federally funded distance-education program delivered via teleconsultation and site visits.

RACGP President Dr Michael Wright says it's important to choose the right pathway.

"Understanding training obligations, timeframe of the pathway, supervision arrangements, location requirements and fellowship expectations early can save significant time and frustration later."

How Long Does It Take to Become a GP?

Training duration varies by pathway and college. Here's a breakdown:

Who Can Apply? Eligibility Requirements

Australian-trained doctors can apply during their intern year. They need AHPRA registration and at least 12 months of postgraduate clinical experience.

IMGs have two main registration routes: the Australian Medical Council (AMC) examinations pathway, or the Competent Authority Pathway for doctors trained in recognised countries including the UK, Ireland, the USA, Canada and New Zealand.

Once registered, IMGs have to work in regional and rural locations for 10 years, according to Section 19AB.

What Does GP Training Involve?

The Hospital Year

AGPT training begins with 12 months in accredited hospital posts. GPRA President Dr Chris Dickie says this is a rich learning experience.

"Try to absorb everything. How does your registrar speak with patients? How do they manage uncertainty? This is a chance to refine your consulting style and build your knowledge."

During this year, registrars must satisfy a paediatric competency requirement, often met through a dedicated paediatric rotation or an emergency term with sufficient paediatric exposure.

GP Terms

After the hospital year, registrars move into supervised GP placements. The transition from hospital to general practice is confronting for most registrars at first — the pace and responsibility is different and the case mix broader, but there's plenty of support.

"You start with observation time with your supervisor and move toward independent consults with supervisor input and reviews," Dr Dickie says. "Some GP training pathways suggest no more than two patients per hour in your first six months — time to look up guidelines, discuss options and ask for help."

Rural Placements and Incentives

Both colleges require rural exposure. RACGP General Pathway registrars must complete at least 12 months in outer metropolitan, rural or Aboriginal health posts. Rural Generalist registrars train predominantly in MMM2–7 locations throughout.

Assessments and Fellowship Exams

RACGP candidates sit three exams: 

• Applied Knowledge Test (AKT): written exam testing clinical knowledge;
• Key Feature Problem (KFP): written exam testing clinical decision-making; and
• Clinical Competency Exam (CCE): observed clinical examination.

ACRRM candidates sit:

• Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ): written knowledge assessment;
• StAMPS (Structured Assessment using Multiple Patient Scenarios): multi-station clinical assessment; and
• Mini-CEX and Case-Based Discussion: workplace-based assessments.

Written exams are typically attempted in years two or three, the clinical exam in the final year.

Dr Dickie says the exams are challenging with many people failing the first time.

"This isn't a reflection of you as a doctor. Regroup, work with your supervisor and medical educator, and work hard for attempt two if needed."

What Are GP Registrars Paid in Australia?

GP registrar salaries are set by National Terms and Conditions for the Employment of Registrars (NTCER), negotiated between General Practice Registrars Australia (GPRA) and General Practice Supervision Australia (GPSA). 

Current minimums for GPT1 (year one in general practice) are ~$99,847; GPT2 ~$112,058; and GPT3/4 ~$119,647 — plus 12% superannuation, with many registrars negotiating above these rates. Registrars also receive a percentage of gross billings. 

Remote roles pay more. Rural loading, after-hours allowances and NCP payments can add $20,000–$50,000 annually. New trainees also receive a one-off $30,000 transition payment, five days of paid study leave per year and up to 20 weeks of paid parental leave.

"Most registrars see fewer patients while building skills, which impacts billings and income, which is why GPRA fought hard for the $30,000 incentive," says Dr Dickie. "From term two, many registrars tell us they earn more than their hospital peers."

Dr Wright says GP salaries improve significantly with experience.

"After fellowship, specialist GPs have a wide range of practice models, career options and specialisations available to them."

A rewarding career in general practice awaits

General practice offers breadth, autonomy and long-term patient relationships that few specialties can match. The training is demanding, but the financial picture has improved meaningfully — record training places, transition payments and expanded parental leave all signal a government genuinely investing in the GP workforce. 

Dr Dickie says he's passionate about general practice.

"I love the variety, moving from chronic disease management to emergency medicine, women's health and mental health in a single day."

The best way to know if it's right for you is to see it firsthand. Talk to a registrar one year ahead of you, ask questions and keep an open mind.

GP Training Application Checklist

• Confirm AHPRA registration status (general or provisional with AMC certificate for IMGs).
• Check eligibility: intern year completed or nearing completion; visa/citizenship requirements met.
• Research your preferred college (RACGP vs ACRRM) and pathway (General vs Rural Generalist).
• Use the Health Workforce Locator to identify DPA and MMM classifications for preferred practice locations (IMGs).
• Confirm Section 19AB status and understand your Medicare provider number obligations (IMGs).
• Prepare referee contacts — minimum two clinical referees, ideally supervisors from recent hospital posts.
• Register for the RACGP situational judgement assessment or prepare for the ACRRM interview process.
• Open applications: typically January–March (for Semester 1 start) or mid-year (for Semester 2).
• Budget for college membership fees, application fees and eventual fellowship exam fees.
• Research the $30,000 transition payment eligibility and NCP support payments.
• Connect with GPRA (gpra.org.au) for registrar peer support, NTCER guidance and advocacy resources.

Disclaimer: This article is intended for general information and should not be constituted as financial or career advice.