Record Year for GP Training in NSW
23 Mar 2026
In 2026, 530 doctors joined the Australian General Practice Training program in NSW. This is a 27% increase compared to 2025.
Almost half of the new trainees (255 doctors) chose the rural training pathway. This is a big jump from last year and means they will complete all three years of training in regional, rural, or remote areas.
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners NSW&ACT Chair Rebekah Hoffman said the numbers are very encouraging, but more support is still needed to train doctors in areas that need them most.
She said every training position was offered this year, but not all were accepted. This shows that stronger incentives could help bring more doctors into general practice.
Research also shows that about 30% of GPs continue working in the same place where they trained, which makes rural training a long-term investment for local communities.
Of the 2026 NSW group, 203 doctors will train in metropolitan areas, but they must still spend at least 12 months in outer metro, rural, or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health settings.
Another 72 trainees will follow a composite pathway, spending at least six months in areas of need such as Western NSW, New England, or Murrumbidgee. In total, 102 doctors will train as rural generalists.
Across Australia, GP training has also reached a new record. In 2026, 1,772 doctors joined the AGPT program nationwide, which is almost 18% more than in 2025.
https://www1.racgp.org.au/
(Source: newsGP)