Did you know New Zealand’s full name is Aotearoa New Zealand? “Aotearoa” is a Māori word that translates to land of the long white cloud, a nod to its rich cultural heritage.
New Zealand is known for its stunning landscapes and welcoming communities. Beyond the breathtaking nature, each year, over 1,500 new doctors join its medical workforce, and of the 17,000 practising doctors, more than 40% are from overseas, around 100 different countries. And if you want to be the next, then this blog is just for you.
How to Register as a Doctor in New Zealand?
New Zealand’s growing demand for skilled healthcare professionals, especially in rural and underserved areas. New Zealand continues to welcome overseas-trained doctors, and the Medical Council of New Zealand(MCNZ) follows a registration process to meet the healthcare standards of New Zealand.
Step 1 – Verify your medical degree
Make sure your primary medical qualification appears in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS).
Step 2 – Show English language proficiency
You need to demonstrate English proficiency via:
- IELTS Academic: Minimum score of 7.5 overall (and 7.0 in each band)
- OET Medicine: Minimum grade ‘B’ in all sub-tests
Note: Scores must be valid for the NZREX Clinical exam date (not application date).
Step 3: Primary Source Verification via EPIC
Before you apply, make sure your medical degree and any required exams like PLAB, USMLE, or the AMC MCQ are verified through ECFMG’s EPIC system.
If you are applying through USMLE, you need to request a transcript from the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB).
Step 4: Certificate of Professional Status (COPS)
You need a recent (issued within 3 months) Certificate of Professional Status from every medical council you've been registered with.
Step 5: Submit Statutory Declarations & Certified Copies
You need to submit:
- Passport-size photo
- A statutory declaration signed in front of an authorised witness
- Certified documents.
Step 6: Prove You’re Fit for Registration
MCNZ will assess your fitness to practise based on:
- Disclosure history
- Reference checks
- COPS from other countries
Any issues (e.g., disciplinary action) must be declared.
Step 7: Attend Your Registration Meeting
All international doctors must attend an in-person meeting in New Zealand after passing NZREX or securing a job. Bring all original documents submitted during your application.
NZREX Registration Exam for International Doctors
If you’re an overseas doctor and your medical training isn’t recognized by a comparable health system, the next step is usually the NZREX clinical exam. For many Indian medical graduates, this is the most common route.
The exam is hands-on and verifies whether your medical knowledge, clinical skills, and communication meet New Zealand’s standards, to meet the healthcare practices equivalent to those of New Zealand medical graduates.
Exam Format
- 12 OSCE stations (3 hours total)
- Covers: communication and clinical reasoning to professionalism, cultural safety, history-taking, and physical examination.
Eligibility
You must have:
- An acceptable medical qualification
- International exams like PLAB, USMLE both steps, AMC 1, or MCCQE Part 1 (any one of them)
- English Proficiency tests
- EPIC-verified credentials
Pass Rate & Retakes
- Average pass rate: 60%
- Valid for 5 years
- No cap on attempts (but eligibility must be met each time)
Post-Exam Requirement
After passing the NZREX clinical exam, you must secure a PGY1 position at an MCNZ-accredited hospital before applying for Provisional General Registration.
Registration Pathways for International Doctors in New Zealand
| Pathway | Ideal For | Key Requirements | Special Notes |
| Examinations Pathway (NZREX) | Indian MBBS graduates without UK/AUS/IRE clinical experience | Pass NZREX Clinical PGY1 job offer Provisional Registration → PGY1 year → General Registration | Most common route for fresh graduates |
| Comparable Health System | Doctors with experience in Australia, the UK, Canada, the USA, Ireland, and some GCC countries | Recent clinical practice in a comparable system May need a job offer | Useful for Indian doctors with PG or work experience abroad |
| Competent Authority Pathway | International doctors who trained or worked in the UK or Ireland | PLAB 1 & 2 12 months approved UK internship Full GMC registration | Skip NZREX entirely |
| Special Purpose Scope | Temporary visitors for training, research, or emergencies | Job or invitation in NZ Purpose-specific (e.g., disaster aid, observership) | Valid for 12–24 months only |
| Vocational Registration | Specialists with recognised PG qualifications | VOC1/VOC4: Trained in NZ, UK, AUS, or IRE VOC3: Overseas trained, must undergo supervision & VPA | Pathway to independent practice as a specialist in NZ |
Conclusion
Becoming a registered doctor in New Zealand is entirely achievable; it simply requires planning. Each route (NZREX, comparable systems, competent authority) has its own rules and deadlines, so gather EPIC-verified documents early and start PGY1 job hunting well before your exam date. You can take help from the experts.
At Academically, we support international doctors with eligibility checks, dedicated coaching, and help with the application process with full support. Ready to take your first step towards practicing medicine in New Zealand?
