Why Regional Australia Needs Doctors

Australia faces a persistent shortage of doctors in regional, rural, and remote areas. To address this, the Australian Government and state health services offer a range of incentives designed to attract and retain medical professionals outside of major cities.

For overseas-trained doctors, regional work is often not just an option but a requirement. Many IMGs must work in areas classified as Distribution Priority Areas (DPA) in order to access a Medicare provider number. DPA classification has replaced the older District of Workforce Shortage (DWS) system and is the primary mechanism for directing the medical workforce to areas of need.

Key incentives for regional work include:

  • Higher salaries: Regional positions often offer higher base pay, retention bonuses, and relocation packages compared to equivalent city roles. See our salary guide for comparative figures.
  • Visa advantages: Regional visa pathways such as the subclass 494 visa offer a route to permanent residency and may have faster processing times. Learn more in our regional work and visas guide.
  • HECS reimbursement and grants: Some programs offer loan repayment assistance and relocation grants for doctors who commit to working in underserved areas.
  • Broader clinical scope: Regional doctors often practise across a wider range of clinical areas, which can be professionally rewarding and strengthen your skills.
  • Faster career progression: With fewer doctors competing for positions, there are often more opportunities for leadership and advanced roles.

Working in Metropolitan Areas

Australia's major cities -- Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, and Canberra -- are home to large teaching hospitals, specialist centres, and established medical networks. Metropolitan work appeals to many doctors for good reasons.

Advantages of metropolitan work:

  • Specialist training: Most specialist college training programs are based in metropolitan teaching hospitals. If you are pursuing fellowship, a city position may be necessary for at least part of your training.
  • Professional networks: Cities offer greater access to colleagues, mentors, conferences, and research opportunities.
  • Lifestyle and amenities: Major cities provide diverse cultural experiences, international cuisine, entertainment, and established immigrant communities that can ease the transition to life in Australia.
  • Schools and family services: Cities offer a wider range of schools, childcare centres, and community services. See our schools and family guide for details.

Challenges of metropolitan work:

  • Higher competition for positions, especially in popular specialties.
  • Significantly higher cost of living, particularly for housing in Sydney and Melbourne. Review our cost of living page.
  • Medicare restrictions may prevent IMG GPs from billing Medicare in non-DPA metropolitan areas until they have completed their moratorium period.

Understanding DPA and Workforce Distribution

The Distribution Priority Area (DPA) classification is central to understanding where you can work as an overseas doctor in Australia. DPA replaces the older DWS system and is used by the Department of Health to identify areas with the greatest need for medical services.

Key points about DPA:

  • Most IMG doctors who are not yet Australian citizens or permanent residents with ten years of Medicare access are required to work in a DPA location to access a Medicare provider number.
  • DPA locations include most regional and rural areas, as well as some outer-metropolitan suburbs.
  • The DPA classification is reviewed regularly and can change, so always check the current status of your intended work location on the Department of Health website.
  • Working in a DPA area can count toward your moratorium period, after which you may be able to practise in unrestricted locations.

For an overview of how workforce distribution intersects with your visa, see our regional work and visa page.

Making the Right Choice for Your Situation

The best location for you depends on your career stage, specialty, family situation, and personal preferences. Many overseas doctors find that starting in a regional area offers the fastest path to establishing themselves in Australia, with higher earnings, visa advantages, and a welcoming community. Others prioritise specialist training opportunities that are only available in cities.

It is also worth noting that "regional" in Australia does not always mean remote. Many regional centres such as Geelong, Ballarat, Townsville, Cairns, and Newcastle are thriving cities with populations over 100,000 and excellent amenities. Explore our best cities for doctors guide to find locations that balance career opportunities with quality of life.

Ready to start looking for positions? Visit our how to get a job page for practical search strategies, or explore public vs private work to compare sectors.

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.