Relocating from the UK to Australia as a GP
20 Nov, 20255 Minutes
Are you a UK-trained GP considering your next career step?
Australia offers more than just a role; it offers a healthcare system that values clinical expertise, provides structured career development, and delivers meaningful opportunities to make a real impact.
At BDI Resourcing, we’ve supported thousands of doctors in successfully relocating internationally. We focus on connecting you with GP roles that align with your professional ambitions while ensuring the transition is smooth and fully supported.
Why Australia is a Strategic Choice for GPs
Australia’s general practice landscape is modern, well-resourced, and focused on high-quality, patient-centred care. GPs are central to the system, with strong opportunities for:
- Clinical autonomy and continuity of care
- Specialist interests such as chronic disease management, women’s health, skin cancer medicine, urgent care, and procedural work
- Leadership roles including practice management, teaching, and supervision
- Professional development via structured CPD aligned with RACGP standards
Major cities - Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide - offer dynamic urban practices, while regional and rural areas provide broader clinical exposure, increased responsibility, and faster career progression.
GP Workforce Trends in Rural & Regional Areas
Rural and remote Australia presents unique opportunities for international GPs:
- Many GPs are nearing retirement: Over 40% of current GPs are older than 55, creating significant upcoming vacancies.
- Rural areas rely heavily on trainees: GP registrars form a larger proportion of the workforce outside metropolitan centres.
- Capacity to train more GPs exists: Many approved supervisors aren’t currently training, especially in regional areas, creating potential for mentorship roles.
- Future GP shortage risk: Without intervention, some regional communities may struggle to access timely GP care.
- Government investment: New funding boosts GP training with additional training places for 2026 and 2027, creating opportunities for international GPs to gain recognition and supervision experience.
These trends make regional roles highly attractive for GPs seeking clinical variety, professional impact, and career progression.
Work–Life Balance & Professional Satisfaction
- Australia supports flexible working arrangements and efficient administrative processes, allowing GPs to prioritise patient care and personal development.
- Whether you prefer metropolitan life, coastal communities, or rural settings with diverse caseloads, there are GP roles suited to your skills and career ambitions.
Who Qualifies as Substantially Comparable?
Eligibility under the RACGP PEP Specialist Stream typically includes doctors holding:
- MRCGP – UK
- MICGP – Ireland
- FRNZCGP – New Zealand
Applicants must also meet recency of practice and CPD requirements, along with standard registration criteria.
Where You May Work
Positions are available in:
- Major cities: metropolitan clinics with multidisciplinary teams and structured special interest roles.
- Regional & rural towns (DPA/MM1+): higher patient volumes, broader scope of practice, and accelerated career development.
Regional roles offer the chance to make a meaningful community impact while gaining supervision experience and leadership skills.
Visa & Residency Pathways
Most international GPs begin on a TSS (Subclass 482) visa, with clear pathways to permanent residency. General practice remains a priority occupation, supporting both short- and long-term settlement.
Working Hours, Earnings & Clinical Billing
Substantially comparable GPs under the PEP Specialist Stream can bill full Medicare rates, immediately earning competitive remuneration compared to UK practice. Many practices also provide additional benefits such as relocation assistance, supervision support, or funded CPD.
Attractive Earnings & Incentives for International GPs
Category | Typical Range (AUD) | Approx. GBP | Notes |
Base Earnings | 70% of billings | £38k–£45k | Fee-for-service; income from patient consultations |
Average Salary | Metro: $200k–$350k Regional/Rural: $250k–$400k | £110k–£193k / £138k–£220k | High-demand, procedural, or supervisory roles can exceed $500k (£275k) |
Potential Income | $400k–$500k+ | £220k–£275k+ | Includes procedural work, teaching, or supervision |
Relocation Assistance | Up to $20k | £11k | Flights, shipping, temporary accommodation, and initial living costs |
Rural Incentives | GPRIP / rural payments | Variable | Extra payments for regional, rural, and remote work |
Roster & Hours | Fair sharing of weekends & public holidays | N/A | Helps maintain work–life balance |
Billing Type | Mixed billing (Medicare + private) | N/A | Flexible income: “half moratorium” may apply during training/visa |
Additional Benefits | Exam support, CPD, relocation, supervision | N/A | Often offered to international GPs |
How BDI Resourcing Supports You
We provide comprehensive support from start to finish:
- Role matching aligned with your professional goals
- Guidance on RACGP comparability, registration, and visa processes
- Assistance with relocation logistics
- Ongoing support and networking opportunities once you arrive
Our goal is to ensure your transition is efficient, professional, and career-focused.
Typical Costs for UK-Trained GPs
Item | Australia Cost | UK Equivalent |
Visa application | AUD $3,035 | £1,650 |
RACGP Comparability Assessment | AUD $575 | £310 |
PEP Program Fee | AUD $8,000 | £4,350 |
RACGP Membership Fee | AUD $474 | £260 |
AHPRA Registration | AUD $1,600 | £870 |
Many clinics contribute to these costs, including relocation, supervision, exam support, and orientation.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Moving to Australia is more than a lifestyle change - it’s a strategic career decision. With expanding opportunities in both urban and rural areas, Australia offers international GPs a chance to:
- Advance their career quickly
- Gain broad clinical experience
- Mentor and supervise the next generation of GPs
- Make a meaningful difference in communities that need care
With BDI Resourcing by your side, your next chapter as a GP in Australia is structured, supported, and within reach.
Partner with us today to explore your professional opportunities.
