Ready to work as a Doctor in Australia? Here is what you need to know.

Talk to anyone who's spent time in Australia and you'll be met with details of exciting adventures and tales of lazy days spent on white sand beaches.

It's unsurprising that the land down under is an attractive option for a medical sabbatical, or even a long-term career as a doctor. You get to work in the field you love in a place that's pretty akin to paradise.

So what about the land down under makes it such a desirable place to live? And what do you need to know before moving there? We've created a go-to guide just for you.

What makes Australia so great?

Australia has been voted one of the top 10 best places to live in the world time and time again. The country has the 13th-largest economy globally and the sixth-highest per capita income.

Canada and Australia both ranked in the top 10 in this year's HSBC Expat Explorer survey. Compare them here: https://t.co/IWaEYVg1cD pic.twitter.com/bhHbaC3UQQ

— Expat Explorer (@expatexplorer) December 4, 2017

It's also a gigantic country, the sixth largest on the planet. This means that there are a huge range of climates and lifestyles for newcomers to choose from. From living right beside some of the world's most stunning beaches and buzzing metropolitan areas to having your own slice of the outback to call home – the options are truly endless.

So what do I need to know to practice medicine in Australia?

If you're seriously thinking about moving to Australia, whether on a locum assignment or for a permanent placement, you probably have a lot of questions. What does the medical registration process look like? How long will it take to process my visa? Are there any massive lifestyle changes I should be aware of? What does an apartment cost?

Don't worry, we're here to help. Below you'll find general information on processes and links to some key resources to assist with your move.

Registration and immigration: Overseas doctors moving to Australia



This will obviously be the most admin-intensive part of your move. You'll need to apply for medical registration before applying for your visa. The wait times on this will depend on the type of registration you end up applying for, SHOs and Registrars should allow 3-4 months for approval, but for Consultants and GPs this will take at least 6-8 months. Other key steps of the registration process include: 

• Registering with the AMC and verifying your qualifications through EPIC.
• Applying through the appropriate registration pathway with AHPRA.
• Arranging your Specialist Royal College 'comparability assessment' if required.

Once you've secured your registration, it's time to apply for an Australian visa. For doctors with families in tow, this will involve sorting their visa applications as well. Different visas will grant you different time periods during which you can lawfully live and work in Australia. To learn more about the various visa types available, check out the Australian Government's visa finder.

If you're struggling to navigate through the details of registrations , visas and all that comes with them – don't fret! Make a call to our team at Careers Connections. We have unrivaled experience helping overseas professionals settle smoothly into new doctor jobs in Australia.

Lifestyle and culture: A brief introduction

Now that the admin is covered, what's it actually like to live in Australia? One of the best things to note for overseas doctors entering this new country is that it's a very diverse population.

With a population of over 23 million people and approximately 25 per cent of the resident population being comprised of people born overseas, Australia's many regions are as eclectic in terms of culture as they are in landscape.

Speaking of landscapes, Australia's massive land mass means you can experience just about any kind of climate you could dream up. From dry heat to snowfall – Australia's got a bit of it all. In major coastal cities, you'll likely be experiencing a warm and temperate climate which means your free-time can be spent outdoors enjoying beaches, nature walks and some stellar outdoor exhibits.

There are plenty of housing options in Australia, whether you're looking for an apartment in the city, a cozy house in the suburbs or some farmland in the rural outback. For more in-depth information on renting or buying in Australia can be found on the government's website.

Let Careers Connections help you



Our team has over two decades of experience placing professionals across Australia. We have a dedicated team of medical recruiters that know the ins-and-outs of registration and visa processes to ensure you can make your move with the least amount of stress possible.

We're here to help you find the medical placement of your dreams. We know you'll love Australia and all it has to offer just as much as we do. To get started on your journey, reach out to our team today!