Relocating to Australia - Complete Guide for UK GPs

Thousands are UK doctors leave the NHS every year and Australia is the number 1 destination of choice. Given the ease of access to friendly registration routes and plentiful visa options, it’s a simple process and hardly surprising that so many are making the move.

I've put together this complete guide with links to comprehensive articles that take you through each step of the journey but before we get in to it here are some quick links to help you find what you need:

1. Getting Registered with AHPRA 
2. How Much do GPs Earn in Australia?
3. Working Hours for UK GPs in Australia
4. Choosing a Location in Australia?
5. Guide to the 482 Australian Visa

Am I eligible?

AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency) is the equivalent of the GMC – you’ll need to be registered to practice just as you are here.

The good news is that, if you’ve come through the UK training pathway and obtained MRCGP and CCT then you’ll be instantly recognised under the new expedited pathway (no exams!). This new pathway is faster and requires far less documentation that before and has been opened up specifically to welcome GPs from similar healthcare systems.

If you don’t have MRCGP and CCT then there are still other comparability pathways open to you. Depending on your qualifications and experience, we’ll be able to help you assess the best route.

To get you started, I've put together this article on AHPRA and the Expedited Pathway for GPs

Where can I work?

Australia promotes international GPs working in what are known as ‘Distribution Priority Areas’. If you’re looking for a busier life, there are DPA practices within 45 minutes of the major cities of Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane and Perth. Equally there are many more options in coastal cities and more rural or inland areas if you’re looking for the outdoor lifestyle.

The highest demand areas are ‘outer metro’ and ‘regional’ location in Western Australia, Queensland, Southern Australia and Victoria. Demand is high and we’ll be able to present several options for you to choose from.

For more information on DPAs and everything to consider when choosing locations check out this article on Where Can I work as UK-trained GP in Australia...

How much will I earn?

Typically, you’ll earn AUD $250,000–$400,000 in your first year (equivalent of around £125,000-£200,000). Beyond your first year, you can expect between AUD $350,000-$500,00 (£175,000-£250,000).

Most Australian GPs are paid as independent contractors, usually earning 60-70% of the fees they generate (the practice keeps 30–40% to running costs). Payments come from a mix of Medicare rebates (government-funded fees) and private patient fees so income increases depending on your billing percentage, working hours and patient demand.

Here's a full article on How Much GPs earn in Australia...

An earnings example...

You bill AUD $10,000 in a week through consultations and procedures – Your agreement is 65% so you receive AUD $6,500 and the practice keeps AUD $3,500. Over a year, you work full-time and generate AUD $500,000 – you personally earn AUD $325,000 (equivalent to £162,000 GBP).

You might be wondering whether it takes time to build up your patient list. Typically practices that are hiring already have the demand to give you a full list (sometimes from someone that’s leaving and sometimes just from excess demand) or they’re prepared to guarantee your earnings whilst you build up your patient base.

What hours will I work?

The structure of the system in Australia is far more flexible. Since you are essentially and independent contractor, practices are happy to give you the flexibility to set your own hours and work around your lifestyle.

This might be a major mindset shift for you if you’re used to the rigidity of the NHS and most GPs find this the most positive part of their move to Australia.

A typical day will almost certainly be a pleasant surprise to a UK trained GP and the flexibility on offer is usually the upside that people least expect. I've put together this article on the Working Hours and the Typical Working Day for GPs in Australia

What kind of visa do I need?

Most GPs move to Australia on a 482 temporary skills shortage visa. They are simple enough to apply for and specifically designed to attract those working in shortage occupation fields like GPs.

Your family (partner and children) can move with you as dependents and the application process is simple with positive decisions returned in a matter of weeks.

482 visa are usually issued for up to 4 years and if you decide you want to stay then you can apply for permanent residency (186 visa) after 2 years of full time work.

You can read the full guidance on what to expect, how to apply, costs and timelines in this Full Guide to the 482 Australian Visa

Where should I start?

You might want to navigate the AHPRA / Job Search / Visa / Relocation process yourself but if you’d rather have someone guide you through each step and simplify the journey then BDI Resourcing have assisted more than 3,000 international moves for doctors with a dedicated relocation concierge service on hand 24/7.

Email Aus@BDIResourcing.com and one of our friendly team will be able to talk you through your options with no obligation

Best of luck!