The Complete AHPRA Guide

Understanding AHPRA and Medical Registration in Australia

The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) is the national organisation responsible for registering health practitioners, including doctors, across Australia. Every doctor who wants to practise medicine in Australia must hold current AHPRA registration — there are no exceptions.

For international medical graduates (IMGs), the AHPRA registration process involves demonstrating that your qualifications, skills, and character meet Australian standards. The specific requirements depend on which registration pathway you follow, but AHPRA is the single gateway through which all doctors must pass.

AHPRA works closely with the Medical Board of Australia, which sets the registration standards and policies. Understanding the distinction — AHPRA handles administration and processing, while the Medical Board sets the rules — can help you navigate the system more effectively. For a detailed breakdown of the application process, visit our AHPRA Registration page.

Types of Medical Registration

AHPRA offers several categories of medical registration, and the type you apply for will depend on your qualifications, experience, and chosen pathway:

• General Registration — The standard, unrestricted registration that allows you to practise independently in Australia. This is the ultimate goal for most IMGs and is granted after completing all pathway requirements.
• Provisional Registration — Granted to doctors who have passed the AMC exams but still need to complete a period of supervised practice (internship). This allows you to work under supervision while completing your training requirements.
• Limited Registration — A temporary, restricted form of registration that may be granted for specific purposes such as supervised practice in an area of need, postgraduate training, or teaching. Visit our Limited Registration page for details.
• Specialist Registration — For doctors whose specialist qualifications are assessed as substantially comparable or equivalent to an Australian Fellowship. See the Specialist Pathway for more information.

Each registration type has its own set of requirements, conditions, and supervision arrangements. Your pathway determines which type of registration you will initially receive and the steps needed to progress toward general registration.

The AHPRA Application Process

Applying for AHPRA registration involves several key steps. While the exact process varies by pathway, the general sequence includes:

1. Primary source verification — Your medical qualifications must be verified directly from the issuing institution through the EPIC (Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates) verification service. This step can take several weeks. Learn more on our EPIC Verification page.
2. English language proficiency — You must provide evidence of meeting the Medical Board's English language requirements through approved tests such as IELTS, OET, PTE Academic, or TOEFL iBT. See our English Requirements page for accepted tests and minimum scores.
3. AMC assessment or pathway-specific assessment — Depending on your pathway, you may need to pass the AMC examinations or have your specialist qualifications assessed by the relevant college.
4. Character and identity checks — AHPRA conducts criminal history checks and verifies your identity. You must declare any relevant history as part of your application.
5. Application submission — Submit your application through the AHPRA online portal with all required documents and the application fee.

Processing times vary but typically range from several weeks to several months depending on the complexity of your application and the speed of document verification. For a full breakdown of costs at each stage, visit our Registration Costs page and Timeline page.

After Registration: What Comes Next

Once you receive your AHPRA registration, you are legally permitted to practise medicine in Australia under the conditions of your registration type. Your next steps will typically include:

• Securing a visa — If you have not already done so, you will need a valid work visa. Our Visas section covers all the main options, including the 482 visa, 186 visa, and 494 visa.
• Finding employment — With registration in hand, you can apply for medical positions across Australia. Visit How to Get a Job and Salary Guide for practical guidance.
• Meeting ongoing requirements — AHPRA registration must be renewed annually, and you must meet continuing professional development (CPD) requirements. Stay informed about your obligations to maintain your registration in good standing.
• Progressing to general registration — If you hold provisional or limited registration, you will need to complete additional requirements (such as supervised practice or further assessments) to upgrade to general registration.

For an overview of all available registration routes, visit our Pathways section. To understand how everything fits together, start with our Start Here page.

Important Planning Note

This page is designed as practical guidance for overseas doctors and should be used alongside official requirements published by AHPRA, the AMC, relevant specialist colleges, and the Department of Home Affairs.

Rules, fees, and processing times can change. Before lodging any application, verify current criteria directly with official sources listed on our Resources page.