Overview of Registration Expenses
Registering as a doctor in Australia involves several fees spread across different stages of the process. Understanding these costs upfront helps you plan your finances and avoid surprises. The total cost varies depending on your registration pathway, but most overseas doctors can expect to spend between AUD 10,000 and AUD 20,000 on registration-related expenses before they begin earning.
The main categories of expense include:
- AMC examination fees (MCQ and/or clinical exam)
- AHPRA application and registration fees
- English language testing
- Primary source verification (EPIC)
- Document preparation and postage
- Visa application fees (covered separately in our visa guide)
AMC Examination Fees
The Australian Medical Council (AMC) charges fees for its examinations and application steps. Fees change, so any hard number should be checked against the current AMC fee page before payment:
| Item | Approximate Cost (AUD) |
|---|---|
| AMC CAT MCQ examination authorisation | $2,920 |
| AMC Clinical Examination (in person) | $3,000 |
| AMC CAT MCQ resit (if required) | $2,920 |
| AMC Clinical resit (if required) | $3,000 |
Note: These figures reflect the current AMC fee page at the time of review. Always check the AMC website for the latest pricing before payment.
If you are on the Competent Authority pathway or the Specialist pathway, you may not need to sit the AMC exams, which significantly reduces your overall costs.
AHPRA and Other Registration Fees
| Item | Approximate Cost (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Medical Board / AHPRA application and registration fees | Check the current Medical Board fee schedule directly |
| AHPRA annual registration renewal | Check the current Medical Board fee schedule directly |
| EPIC primary source verification | $550 – $750 |
| IELTS Academic test | Varies by country and test centre |
| OET (Occupational English Test) | Varies by country and test centre |
| PTE Academic | Varies by country and test centre |
| Police clearances (per country) | $50 – $200 |
| Document translation and notarisation | $200 – $600 |
Note: Medical Board fees, English test fees, and visa charges change regularly. Use this page for budgeting structure, but verify every current amount with the official provider before you pay.
Budgeting and Financial Planning
Here are some practical tips to help you manage registration costs:
- Plan for resits - Budget for the possibility of needing to retake an exam. While many candidates pass on their first attempt, having financial reserves removes pressure.
- Spread costs over time - Registration is a multi-step process that typically takes 12–24 months (see our registration timeline), so costs are spread across that period rather than due all at once.
- Employer assistance - Some Australian employers, particularly hospitals in regional areas, offer financial support for registration costs, exam fees, or relocation expenses as part of their recruitment packages.
- Consider your pathway - The pathway comparison page can help you understand which route may be most cost-effective based on your qualifications.
- Check for fee changes - Fees are typically updated annually. Always verify current costs directly with the AMC, AHPRA, and relevant testing bodies before making payments.
Once registered and working, doctor salaries in Australia are among the highest in the world, and registration costs are quickly recouped. See our salary guide for current earning expectations across different roles and locations.
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 details directly with official sources listed on our Resources page.