Understanding the AMC and AHPRA: A Guide for International Medical Graduates

Australia continues to attract doctors from around the world with its excellent healthcare system, friendly communities, and enviable work-life balance. But before you can start practising, there are two key organisations you need to understand: the Australian Medical Council (AMC) and the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).

In this article, we’ll break down what these bodies do and how they fit into the process for international medical graduates (IMGs) looking to work as doctors in Australia.

What is the AMC?

The Australian Medical Council (AMC) plays a critical role in assessing and verifying the qualifications of overseas-trained doctors. If you're an IMG, this is often your first stop.

To begin the journey, you’ll need to apply to the AMC for primary source verification of your medical qualifications. This ensures your degree in medicine and surgery is recognised and comes from an accredited institution. Your medical school must be listed in both the AMC’s list of eligible schools and the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS).

The verification itself is done through the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) via the EPIC (Electronic Portfolio of International Credentials) system.

AMC Pathways for IMGs

The main assessment option for IMGs is the Standard Pathway, which includes sitting the AMC exams. However, if you're applying through the Competent Authority Pathway or a Specialist Pathway (including the Expedited Specialist Pathway), the AMC doesn’t directly assess these – these are handled by the relevant specialist colleges.

What is AHPRA?

Once your qualifications are verified and assessed, the next step is registration. That’s where AHPRA – the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency – comes in.

AHPRA, in partnership with the Medical Board of Australia, is responsible for registering and regulating all health professionals in Australia. No matter how far you’ve come in the process, you won’t be able to legally work as a doctor without being registered with AHPRA.

What does AHPRA do?

• Ensures doctors and other health professionals are appropriately qualified and safe to practise.
• Oversees registration and renewal across 16 regulated health professions.
• Manages complaints and concerns about practitioners.
• Enforces compliance with any registration conditions or limitations.

If you're relocating to Australia – whether for a short-term locum post or a long-term role – AHPRA registration is an essential step.

In Summary

• The AMC is your starting point. They assess and verify your qualifications, and you may need to sit exams depending on your chosen pathway.
• AHPRA handles your registration and ensures all practitioners meet national standards.

Need Help Navigating the Process?

Need support with the AMC or AHPRA process? Our team at Globe Healthcare specialises in helping IMGs/ doctors every step of the way - from exams and registration to finding the right locum, fixed-term or permanent job role across Australia. Reach out to us today to learn more.