Medical Jobs in Australia for IMGs- After AMC Part 1

Apr 18, 2025 3 min read
Medical Jobs in Australia for IMGs After AMC Part 1

Key Takeaways:

  • You can apply for supervised medical roles in Australia after clearing AMC Part 1 and an English test.
  • Each Australian state has its own recruitment portal.
  • Highlight your clinical experience, stay open to rural jobs, and join IMG communities to stay updated.

Australia is a dream country for many and doctors are no exception. With great salaries and a healthy work-life balance, it’s no surprise that so many medical professionals want to move here.

If you’re one of those doctors who’s already cleared AMC Part 1 and your English test, you are halfway there. The demand is real, there are over 5,000 current openings for registered doctors and more than 185,000 skilled worker visas up for grabs.

Australia offers a clear pathway for IMGs, and if you’re ready to take the next step, here’s how you can get started.

Who Can Apply?

Once you’ve passed AMC Part 1 and met the English requirement, you’re eligible to apply for supervised practice roles. These jobs are available in public hospitals across the country.

You can apply for non-consultant positions such as:

  • Intern (PGY1)
  • Junior Medical Officer (JMO)
  • Resident Medical Officer (RMO)
  • Senior RMO (SRMO)
  • Registrar
  • Fellow (non-accredited roles)

Note: Consultant and VMO (Visiting Medical Officer) positions require full registration and Australian specialist recognition, so those come later.

Where Can You Apply?

Each state in Australia has its own official recruitment portal. It’s a good idea to create accounts and set job alerts on these sites:

1. New South Wales (NSW) – health.nsw.gov.au
Search for: JMO, Resident Medical Officer, or Registrar.

2. Victoria (VIC) – careers.vic.gov.au
Search for junior roles and fellowships.

3. Queensland (QLD) – smartjobs.qld.gov.au
Keywords to use: RMO, Junior Doctor, Registrar.

4. South Australia (SA) – sahealth.sa.gov.au
Rural hospitals are IMG-friendly.

5. Western Australia (WA) – osrecruitment.health.wa.gov.au
One of the most active sites for IMG hiring.

6. Tasmania (TAS) – jobs.tas.gov.au

7. Australian Capital Territory (ACT) – jobs.act.gov.au
Check listings under Canberra Health Services.

8. Northern Territory (NT) – healthjobs.nt.gov.au

Remote locations here are welcoming towards IMGs.

What Do You Need to Apply?

Before you hit that ‘Apply’ button, make sure you’ve got:

  • AMC Part 1 pass certificate
  • IELTS or OET score (as per AHPRA standards)
  • Updated CV (highlighting relevant clinical experience)
  • Referee reports from your supervising doctors
  • A clear, honest cover letter explaining your motivation to work in Australia
  • AMC Portfolio Number
  • Other supporting documents (medical degree, internship certificate, etc.)

Tips to Market Yourself

Here’s how you can stand out among the pool of applicants:

1. Showcase any experience in English-speaking healthcare settings.

2. Be flexible — rural or regional jobs often have fewer applicants and are IMG-friendly.

3. Use online platforms smartly:

  • LinkedIn
  • Seek.com.au or Indeed Australia
  • Facebook groups like Doctors Down Under

4. Join IMG communities on WhatsApp or Telegram — lots of job leads get shared there.

5. Consider observerships or clinical attachments — they give you exposure and help build local references.

What Happens After You Get a Job?

Once you’re offered a position, your next step is to apply for limited/supervised registration with AHPRA. This allows you to work under supervision while you prepare for AMC Clinical (Part 2).

Many doctors clear AMC Part 2 while working, and this hands-on experience in the Aussie healthcare system helps a lot.

Final Thoughts

Australia really is a land of opportunity for overseas-trained doctors, but planning is everything. Start by clearing AMC Part 1 and your English test, apply across states, and be open to roles beyond big cities.

Want guidance on AMC prep or job hunting? Academically Global has helped thousands of IMGs just like you, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.

FAQs

Q. Can I get a job in Australia after AMC Part 1?

A. Yes, you can. Once you clear AMC Part 1 and meet the English language requirements (like IELTS or OET), you’re eligible to apply for supervised practice roles in Australia. These include positions like RMO, JMO, or Registrar in public hospitals. You’ll need to apply for limited registration through AHPRA before you start working.

Q. Can I work as a doctor in Australia without an AMC?

A. In most cases, no. If you’re an overseas-trained doctor without Australian or comparable qualifications, you need to clear AMC Part 1 at the very least to be eligible for most medical jobs. Some exceptions apply if you’re part of a competent authority pathway (like UK, NZ, US, Canada, or Ireland grads) but for most IMGs, AMC is required.

Q. Can I get a job in Australia after MBBS?

A. Yes, but not immediately. After completing MBBS outside Australia, you’ll need to pass AMC Part 1, meet the English proficiency criteria, and then apply for jobs. Once you secure a position, you can apply for limited registration with AHPRA and start working under supervision.

Q. Is Australia shortage of doctors?

A. Yes. Australia is currently experiencing a shortage of doctors, especially in rural and regional areas. This makes it a great time for IMGs to apply, as many hospitals are open to hiring overseas-trained professionals.

Q. How much do IMG doctors make in Australia?

A. It varies based on the role and location, but on average: Junior doctors (RMO/JMO) earn around AUD 70,000–100,000/year. Registrars can earn between AUD 110,000–150,000/year. With experience and progression, your salary can go even higher — especially if you move into specialist roles or rural placements that offer additional incentives.

Dr. Indu K
Dr. Indu K
about the author

Dr. Indu K is a dentist with one year of clinical experience. She seamlessly transitioned into content writing three years ago. Her passion lies in making complex medical information accessible to everyone. She uses her unique blend of medical knowledge and exceptional writing skills to bridge the gap between healthcare and the general audience.