Applying for a pathway in Aotearoa New Zealand

The Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) is accredited by the Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ) to train surgeons and maintain surgical standards.

RACS advises the MCNZ on applications received from Specialist International Medical Graduates (SIMGs) for vocational registration in the nine surgical specialties of the College. The MCNZ is the statutory authority and final decision maker on applications for vocational registration.

SIMGs with formal postgraduate specialist qualifications in surgery who wish to work in Aotearoa New Zealand can apply to the MCNZ for an assessment of their qualifications and experience for comparability with Aotearoa New Zealand trained surgeons. 

(Note: the process is different in Australia, where SIMGs can apply directly to RACS for assessment).

Medical Council of New Zealand is legally responsible for all medical registration in Aotearoa New Zealand.

1. If you are an SIMG wishing to practice surgery as an independent specialist in Aotearoa New Zealand (ie. with vocational registration), apply directly to the MCNZ.
2. The MCNZ will undertake an initial review to ensure you meet its base standards. It will then refer your application to RACS, requesting advice on the comparability of your training, qualifications and experience to that of an Aotearoa New Zealand-vocationally registered surgeon in the same surgical specialty who holds the MCNZ-prescribed Aotearoa New Zealand/Australasian post graduate qualification (e.g. FRACS). The MCNZ will determine the type of registration you are eligible for.
3. The MCNZ makes the final decision on whether to grant registration.

Information on registration categories and types of positions medical practitioners on the vocational pathway can apply for is available on the MCNZ website.

For medical registration requirements in Aotearoa New Zealand, please contact the MCNZ.

Information to come.

In order to practice medicine in Aotearoa New Zealand as an independent consultant, vocational registration is required within the relevant specialty.

International Medical Graduates (IMGs) must submit applications for vocational registration to the Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ). For information about pathways to registration and the application process visit the MCNZ website.

Find out more about vocational assessment in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Information to come.

If a Specialist International Medical Graduate (SIMG) wants to practice as a specialist surgeon in Aotearoa New Zealand they are required to apply to the Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ). To determine the appropriate registration pathway the MCNZ will assess a range of factors including the SIMG's training, qualifications, experience and length of time the applicant intends working in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Once the pathway is determined the applicant will need to complete and submit the required paperwork to the MCNZ. The MCNZ will review the application and determine eligibility for registration.

Applying for short-term work in Aotearoa New Zealand

Aotearoa New Zealand short-term application process Special Purpose Registration is for Specialist International Medical Graduates (SIMGs) who intend working in Aotearoa New Zealand for a fixed period of time for a specific purpose. The Medical Council of New Zealand's (MCNZ) special purpose registration is a temporary form of registration for specific purposes:

1. Special purpose locum tenens scope of practice is for doctors with an overseas specialist qualification on MCNZ's approved list, who have a job offer to work in Aotearoa New Zealand for 12 months or less.
2. Special purpose postgraduate training registration is available for doctors looking to come to Aotearoa NewZealand on a temporary basis, to gain experience and skills to take back to their home or sponsor country For more information about special purpose scopes visit the MCNZ website.

Applying for long-term work in Aotearoa New Zealand

There are 36 vocational scopes recognised by the Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ). A list of vocational scopes is available on the MCNZ website.

Once an application for Vocational Registration fulfils the MCNZ's initial critera, advice is sought from the relevant Vocational Educational and Advisory Body (VEAB). The MCNZ makes its decision after considering the advice of the VEAB. RACS is the VEAB for its nine surgical specialties. For further information about the MCNZ's application process, visit their website at the link below.

Find out more about the pathway for long-term work in Aotearoa New Zealand.