The report found that in 2025, 1226 medical graduates from 21 universities started training in general practice or rural generalism.

Among them, Monash University had the highest number of graduates entering GP training, with 115 doctors starting the pathway. This was followed by University of Queensland with 107 graduates, and James Cook University with 90 graduates.

When looking at the percentage of students choosing GP training, James Cook University ranked first, with 52% of its medical graduates entering the field. It was followed by University of Notre Dame Australia Fremantle with 50.5%, and University of Wollongong with 45.6%.

The analysis also found that 80% of doctors who become GPs begin specialist training within five years after graduating from medical school.

RACGP President Michael Wright said the results show that students’ experiences during medical school can strongly influence their career choices.

The study reviewed how well universities prepare graduates for GP and rural generalist training through the Australian General Practice Training Program, using data from both the RACGP and the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine.

In 2025, 32.9% of medical graduates entered GP training, even though only 18.8% initially said general practice was their first career preference.

ACRRM President Rod Martin said universities that give students strong rural training opportunities often produce more rural generalists. He added that where new medical school places are allocated will influence the future medical workforce, especially in regional and rural communities.