RACGP Outlines Major Fellowship Support Programme Updates from 2027
08 Dec 2025
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) has announced a new round of changes to its Fellowship Support Program (FSP), set to take effect from 2027, aimed at providing earlier guidance, stronger educational support and a more structured training experience for doctors.
These updates mark the final stage of a three-part reform process, following earlier changes already confirmed for the 2026.1 and 2026.2 intakes.
The FSP is a self-funded pathway for doctors working in regional, rural and remote settings, supporting them to attain RACGP Fellowship while developing the skills and confidence needed for long-term practice in general practice.
According to the RACGP, the upcoming changes are designed to improve consistency and training quality, while offering clearer support for registrars—particularly those with limited experience in the Australian healthcare system—to deliver safe and effective patient care.
Key changes commencing from 2027.1 include:
- earlier and more structured support, including a compulsory face-to-face introductory workshop, small-group learning, and workplace-based assessment visits
- expanded education offerings alongside more flexible entry pathways
- two structured entry options: a Standard pathway (Foundation Term) and an Advanced pathway (FSP Term 1)
- revised eligibility criteria requiring at least two years of clinical experience, gained in any country
- a minimum training duration of 2 to 2.5 years full-time equivalent
Program fees will rise under the updated structure. The RACGP has stated fees will be kept as low as possible while ensuring the long-term sustainability of the program, acknowledging that many registrars personally fund their training.
The changes follow extensive consultation held throughout 2025 with registrars, supervisors, training sites and other key stakeholders.
RACGP National Lead Medical Educator for FSP Special Projects, Dr Catherine Pendrey, said the reforms will be introduced gradually over the next three intakes.
She explained that from the 2026.1 intake, all training locations and supervisors must hold RACGP accreditation before a registrar can commence training at that site. From 2026.2, applicants will be required to complete the National Entry Assessment as part of the FSP application process.
From 2027.1, broader structural updates will come into effect, including a shift to a flexible, competency-based training model, earlier access to examinations, pro-rata training time, and enhanced educational activity at the beginning of training, when registrars typically need the most support.
Dr Pendrey said the new structure is intended to better reflect individual learning needs while maintaining the program’s accessibility.
“The updated FSP will strengthen education and training support and directly respond to feedback from registrars, supervisors and training practices,” she said, adding that inclusivity will remain a core feature of the program.
Doctors currently enrolled in the FSP, or those commencing before the 2027.1 intake, will not be affected by the new structure. However, from 2026.1 onwards, any registrar changing their supervisor or training location must ensure the new site is RACGP-accredited prior to approval.
Doctors interested in applying or learning more about the program can find further information on the RACGP website or register for an information webinar scheduled for 9 December at 7:30 pm (AEDT).
News Source: RACGP
