RACGP Backs Simpler Registration Pathway for Overseas Specialists
30 Jul 2026
The proposal, developed by the Medical Board of Australia (MBA), would change how specialist international medical graduates (SIMGs) apply for registration. Under the new model, the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) would become the single entry point for all applications.
Although applications would be lodged through Ahpra, the relevant specialist medical college would continue assessing each applicant's qualifications and experience. The college would advise the Medical Board on matters such as training needs, supervision, assessment requirements and the most appropriate registration pathway before a final decision is made.
The reforms would also introduce a new supervised practice model, placing SIMGs into one of three pathways based on their experience and assessment outcomes. Each pathway would have its own supervision period and assessment requirements.
In its submission, the RACGP said reducing unnecessary administrative steps could make the registration process faster and easier for overseas-trained specialists. The college also believes a simpler system could reduce the workload for specialist medical colleges.
However, the RACGP said several important details still need to be clarified before the changes are implemented.
The college is seeking greater transparency around how specialist colleges will contribute to eligibility decisions, how appeals will be managed, and how supervision arrangements and practice locations will be determined.
It also warned that the proposed framework should not increase application costs or limit access to specialist expertise during assessments, as this could disadvantage applicants.
The RACGP said it expects these issues to be addressed through future implementation guidelines and the national assessment framework that will support the new registration pathway.
RACGP Backs Simpler Registration Pathway for Overseas Specialists
Source: RACGP submission to the Medical Board of Australia consultation.