How to work as a doctor in Australia: AMC standard pathway and fees (2026)

Official fees: A$9,325plus 1 that vary
Steps: 5from degree to licence
Language: English: an accepted test (IELTS, OET, TOEFL iBT or PTE Academic) at the scores set by Ahpra
Planning time: About 1.5–3 years to general registration
Our estimate, not official

Where did you qualify?

Outside the EU and English-speaking countries EU, EEA or Switzerland UK, Ireland, USA, Canada, Australia or New Zealand

The standard pathway is your route. Many candidates start working on limited registration after the CAT MCQ while preparing for the clinical part.

Step by step

Each fee links to the page we took it from.

1

Meet the English standard
paid to the test provider

Ahpra accepts IELTS Academic, OET, TOEFL iBT and PTE Academic. The minimum scores were updated on 23 April 2026 – check the current table before you book. Source
2

Open an AMC portfolio
A$642

The AMC verifies your medical degree with the issuing school (primary source verification). The fee includes one qualification; each further one costs A$107. Source
3

Pass the AMC CAT MCQ exam
A$2,920

Computer-adaptive multiple-choice exam at Pearson VUE centres in Australia and abroad. Source
4

Pass the AMC Clinical exam – or a workplace-based assessment
A$3,000 (in person)

The clinical exam costs A$3,000 in person or A$3,400 online. Alternatively an accredited employer assesses you at work over time (A$1,070). Source
5

Register with the Medical Board
A$2,763

Apply through Ahpra. Example: general registration costs a A$1,661 application fee plus the A$1,102 registration fee (from 1 August 2026). Limited and provisional registration have their own fees. Source

Not included: courses, translations, travel, visas and living costs.

Practise with someone who passed

One-to-one online sessions with doctors who sat these exams themselves – they know what the examiners want.

AMC MCQ tutors →AMC Clinical tutors →

Study materials

Official practice tests, books and courses for each exam, checked on the publisher's or exam body's own page.

AMC MCQ materials →AMC Clinical materials →

Stories from people who took this route

No story here yet. Took this route yourself? Share your story – it helps the next person more than any brochure.

Choose where to live

Compare Australia's 8 states and territories side by side: immigrant population, people from your country, recorded crime and, where official data exists, hate crime. Official figures only, no scores.

Compare regions of Australia →

Settling in Australia

Renting a home, using your driving licence and the paperwork of your first months – three short guides, every rule linked to the official page.

Renting a home →Driving licence →Everyday life →

Agencies that help with this route

No agency listed for this route yet.

Recruiter, school or consultant for doctors in Australia? List your agency.

Questions

Is there a faster route for specialists?

Yes. Specialists can use the specialist pathway, and holders of qualifications on the expedited list can use the expedited specialist pathway.

Can I sit the AMC MCQ outside Australia?

Yes, at Pearson VUE test centres in many countries.

Sources

Last checked 19 October 2026. Fees and rules change – always confirm with the regulator before you pay. PassPeers is independent and not affiliated with any regulator or exam provider.