Sydney and Melbourne
Sydney is Australia's largest city and a global hub for healthcare. It is home to major teaching hospitals such as Royal Prince Alfred, Westmead, and St Vincent's. Sydney offers the widest range of specialist positions and research opportunities. The trade-off is a higher cost of living, particularly housing. Doctors who value career advancement, cultural diversity, and access to international connections often gravitate towards Sydney.
Melbourne is widely regarded as Australia's cultural capital, known for its arts scene, dining, and sport. Major hospitals include The Royal Melbourne, Alfred Health, and Monash Medical Centre. Melbourne offers a slightly lower cost of living than Sydney while maintaining excellent career opportunities. The city is also popular with families due to its strong school system, extensive public transport, and vibrant community life.
Both cities have large established communities of overseas doctors and well-developed support networks for new arrivals.
Brisbane and Perth
Brisbane is the capital of Queensland and has experienced rapid growth in recent years. It offers a warm subtropical climate, a more relaxed pace of life, and a lower cost of living compared to Sydney and Melbourne. Key hospitals include Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Princess Alexandra, and Mater. Brisbane is an attractive option for doctors who want a balance of career opportunities and an affordable, outdoor-oriented lifestyle.
Perth is the most isolated major city in Australia, located on the west coast. Despite this, it offers excellent healthcare facilities including Royal Perth, Fiona Stanley, and Sir Charles Gairdner hospitals. Perth is known for its stunning beaches, sunny weather, and high quality of life. Salaries for doctors in Perth are competitive, and the lower cost of living compared to the east coast means your income stretches further. Perth is particularly appealing for those who enjoy a quieter, more laid-back lifestyle.
Regional and Rural Areas
Regional Australia presents a compelling option for many overseas doctors. Towns such as Townsville, Ballarat, Dubbo, Bunbury, and Cairns offer strong medical communities with genuine need for skilled practitioners. The advantages of regional work include:
- Higher effective income — Salaries in regional areas are often higher, and the significantly lower cost of living means greater savings potential.
- Employer-provided housing — Many regional hospitals and practices offer free or subsidised accommodation.
- Faster pathways — Some registration and visa pathways offer advantages for doctors willing to work in regional areas.
- Community connection — Regional doctors often enjoy closer relationships with their patients and a stronger sense of community.
- Lifestyle benefits — Less traffic, more space, access to nature, and a slower pace of life appeal to many families.
The main considerations are more limited access to specialist services, smaller social networks, and fewer entertainment options compared to capital cities. For a detailed comparison, see our guide on Regional vs Metro Work.
How to Choose the Right City
Choosing where to live depends on your personal priorities. Consider the following factors:
- Career goals — If you are pursuing a competitive specialty or research, Sydney and Melbourne offer the most opportunities. For general practice and broader clinical roles, regional areas may be ideal.
- Family needs — Consider school quality, proximity to community services, and whether you have family or friends already established in a particular city.
- Cost of living — Review our Cost of Living page to understand how expenses compare across locations.
- Climate preferences — Australia's climate varies enormously, from tropical Queensland to temperate Melbourne and dry Perth.
- Visa and registration requirements — Some visa categories and registration pathways require or incentivise work in specific areas, particularly regional locations.
Many overseas doctors start in a regional area to fulfil visa requirements and gain Australian experience, then move to a capital city once they have permanent residency. This is a well-established and practical strategy.
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.