Medical Registration
Eligibility for medical registration in New Zealand is slightly different to Australia. Again there are several pathways so please check which criteria you meet. Doctor’s can work as a GP in New Zealand with general registration.
Eligibility for Vocational Scope
Generally speaking, if you have completed specialist GP training in the UK, Ireland, Australia, Belgium, Netherlands, Hong Kong, Canada or USA; then your qualification is considered partially comparable to NZ.
Eligibility for Provisional General Scope
UK/Ireland graduate:
- Graduated with UK/Ireland university medical degree
- One year experience post-graduation
- Full registration with GMC or IMC
Comparable Health System
- Primary medical degree from a university medical school listed in WHO or ECFMG FAIMER directories
- Work experience for a minimum of 30hrs/wk, for 36 of the last 48 months, in a country with a comparable health system to New Zealand (e.g. UK, Ireland, USA or Canada) and achieved full registration in that country
- Achieved, or exempt from, IELTS 7.5 (exempt if have worked as registered doctor in an organisation where English is first and prime language for two continuous years in five years prior to application, and has two senior doctors who speak English as a first language to attest to ability)
NZ REX Exams
- If doctors don’t fit either of these criteria they can sit NZREX Clinical exams and then apply for medical registration
- If you need to sit exams then MedRecruit can assist you to get a job after they are completed
Eligibility for Special Purpose Scope (Note this is not a pathway to general registration)
Doctors applying under this pathway must hold a primary medical degree from a university medical school listed in WHO or ECFMG FAIMER directories. Registration within a special purpose scope of practice can be granted for the following reasons:
- Visiting expert
- Postgraduate training
- Research
- Locum tenens – specialist position
- Emergency – any reason approved by Council