Five Year International Medical Graduate Recruitment Scheme

Looking to fast-track your medical career in Australia? The 5-Year International Medical Graduate (IMG) Recruitment Scheme (formerly known as the Five Year Overseas Trained Doctor Recruitment Scheme) offers a unique opportunity for overseas-trained doctors to gain valuable general practice experience in rural and remote communities in New South Wales (NSW). By participating, you can reduce your 10 Year Moratorium to as little as three years, making a meaningful impact in areas that need your expertise most. This initiative not only accelerates your professional journey but also supports communities with limited access to healthcare services. Beyond career progression, working in rural and remote communities offers a rewarding lifestyle, close-knit community connections, and a chance to practise a broad scope of medicine in a truly impactful way.

The main objectives of the Scheme are to:

• provide incentives to attract appropriately qualified and experienced IMGs working in general practice to overcome the current and future community needs for general practice medical services in rural and remote Australia
• increase the supply of appropriately qualified IMGs in rural and remote Australia
• enhance the professional development, skills, and knowledge of IMGs in Australia, and
• bring a degree of stability to the provision of General Practitioner services in rural and remote communities.

To successfully complete the Scheme and receive a 19AB exemption, applicants must:

• work a minimum of seven sessions per week in an eligible location
• serve the required time in a Category A, B, or C location
• achieve specialist registration in general practice with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) during the service term
• obtain Australian permanent residency and/or citizenship.

Eligible locations

Eligible locations, as determined by Rural Doctors Network (RDN), are in one of three categories:

• Category A – three years
• Category B – four years
• Category C – five years

Eligible locations are not based solely on MMM classification or DPA status. Locations are considered and prioritised based on need of access to medical services. Locations are reviewed annually and are subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria for applicants

• hold or obtain appropriate registration with the Medical Board of Australia
• able to obtain a Medicare provider number at the required location
• intend to seek or currently possess Australian permanent residency and/or citizenship
• will provide at least seven sessions a week as part of their placement
• intend to join or are currently participating in a training program which will enable them to gain specialist registration in general practice while working in the chosen practice for the length of their Scheme agreement.

Application Process

RDN will assess each application to determine the eligibility of the applicant, practice, and location in line with the criteria outlined in the guidelines. 

For more information and guidelines please view the Five Year International Medical Graduate Recruitment Scheme (Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care).

Enquiries

To request further details about the Scheme, including eligible locations, please email RDN Recruitment Team or call RDN on 02 4924 8000.