Junior Doctors

Frequently Asked Questions

• What can I expect to earn in Australia?

  In a junior doctor job in Australia you can expect to earn between $60, 750 - $105,000. This will most likely be in emergency or general medicine.
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• I prefer to work in the major city hospitals, how easy is it to get jobs in these locations?

  In Australia we place doctors throughout Australia, and specialise in placing overseas trained doctors in Queensland.  Most of the large locations are secondary hospitals that will offer great hands on experience and a great lifestyle to go with it.  If you like to be close to beautiful beaches then Queensland is the place to go!
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• Once I am working in Australia what are my chances of getting onto a training scheme?

  We have a number of UK and Irish doctors who have come over to Australia and have been offered training posts after one year.  The reality is that a lot of the doctors that come over to Australia end up staying (even if they think they won’t!), so yes, once you have proven your commitment to working and living in Australia, you will get onto a training post pretty quickly! The same can be said for New Zealand.
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• How do I organise my registration in Australia?

  There is no need to worry about this, because MedRecruit will take you through this process step by step.  There is more paperwork in Australia than New Zealand, however we will assign you one of our knowledgeable and efficient Placement Coordinator’s, free of charge, and they’ll make everything nice and easy for you.
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• Do I qualify to work in Australia?

  Doctors who have obtained their primary medical degree from Australia or New Zealand are eligible for general registration in all states of Australia.

  International Medical Graduates may be eligible for registration either via the Competent Authority Pathway, The Standard Pathway or The Specialist Pathway. We recommend you read our Medical Registration section and visit www.ahpra.gov.au if you need more information.

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• Can I locum in Australia?

  As a UK or Irish trained doctor you will have limited registration for one year and cannot locum.  Once you have your general registration you will be able to undertake locum work depending on your VISA status.
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• Can I do a six month placement in Australia?

  No.  Unfortunately Australian hospitals are specifically interested in IMG’s who are willing to work for at least 12 months.
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• Will the hospitals cover my relocation costs in Australia?

  Some hospitals in Australia will contribute to the cost of your relocation and the amount is dependent on your grade and specialty.  This is reimbursed at the completion of your 11 month contract.
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• Can I choose where I work?

  The choice is yours! During your Strategy Session, your MedRecruit Solutions Specialist will help you decide on the best range of options to help you reach your goals.
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• Are work conditions in Australia better than in the UK and Ireland?

  Yes! Australia is a fantastic place for doctors to work. The average doctor works under 55hrs per week, there is no 24hr call and salaried doctors get six weeks annual leave (that’s a month and a half!).

  Over summer most states of Australia utilise daylight saving, which means there are five or six hours of daylight after work to enjoy the outdoor lifestyle Australia is famous for.

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• Is there an age limit if I want to work in Australia?

  There are no age limitations on working in Australia.
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• Can I apply for work directly to the hospital or practice, without going through an agency?

  The answer is ‘yes’, you can, however please be aware it’s a very difficult process unless you’re supported. MedRecruit has an experienced team to partner with you. The advantages of using our FREE service include:

  1. Access to the many vacancies that are NOT publicly advertised!
  2. Personal assistance from our Placement Co-ordinators. From work visas to medical registration and travel arrangements - everything you need to find a position they’ll handle for you, before, during and after your placement.
  3. MedRecruit can often get you a better deal. We have great relationships with the hospitals and what this means for you is we will negotiate extra benefits on your behalf, such as reimbursement of your travel expenses!
  4. MedRecruit Rewards – from bungee jumps, to IPad’s, its yours FREE when you work with MedRecruit.
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• How do I find out more information about working in Australia?

  Give us a call! Our team has helped thousands of doctors and we can help you too.
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• What English Language testing requirements do I need to meet to work in Australia?

  If you completed your secondary education and your medical degree in English you shouldn’t need to complete an English Language exam. You can find more information on the Australian Medical Council website.
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• Can I extend my visa if I like working in Australia?

  Yes, you can extend your visa easily and for several years continuously. If you are looking at becoming a permanent resident of either country you will need to apply to their respective immigration departments.
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• How do I find out about vacancies?

  The very best way is to sign up for regular and up to the minute job match emails from MedRecruit. If you’re really keen, you can elect to get your saved search results emailed to you daily! And, it’s vital that you let your Solutions Specialist know exactly what you want, so they’ll also notify you of the jobs they know are perfect for you. The more they know about your preferences, the more they’ll work hard on your behalf to make it happen.
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• Do I have to pay MedRecruit for finding me a job?

  No, our service to doctors is completely free.
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