Overview
Different pathways are available to Specialist International Medical Graduates (SIMGs) to practice surgery in Australia or Aotearoa New Zealand, depending on what stage they are at in their career. See the options available in each country.
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AU
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NZ
The following pathways are available in Australia to SIMGs. (Note: only those marked with an asterisk may lead to Fellowship of RACS.):
- *Surgical Education and Training (SET): for international medical graduates who have not yet completed specialist surgical training and wish to gain a specialist qualification in surgery through RACS’ accredited SET program.
- Short-term training: for international medical graduates interested in undertaking a short period of training in Australia, with the objective of gaining professional skills and experience not available in their country of training.
- *Specialist Pathway (Specialist Recognition and Area of Need): for overseas-trained specialists applying for recognition of their post-graduate qualifications and experience, including when looking at filling an “Area of Need” hospital position.
To help you decide which pathway may be relevant, an initial self-assessment check is provided below as a guide. Please click on the ‘begin self assessment’ link below, then click on the ‘SIMG’ tab to commence.
The following pathways are available in Aotearoa New Zealand to international medical graduates. (Note: only those marked with an asterisk may lead to Fellowship of RACS):
- *Surgical Education and Training (SET): for international medical graduates who have not yet completed specialist surgical training and wish to gain a specialist qualification in surgery through RACS’ accredited SET program.
- Pathway for short-term work in Aotearoa New Zealand: Special Purpose Registration is the pathway for specialist international medical graduates who intend to work in Aotearoa New Zealand for a fixed period and specific purpose
- *Pathway for long-term work in Aotearoa New Zealand: Vocational Registration is the pathway for specialist international medical graduates seeking to work as an independent consultant in Aotearoa New Zealand.