A Structured, Widely Recognised Route to GP Fellowship
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) Specialist Pathway provides a well-established and nationally recognised route to Fellowship for doctors seeking to practise as specialist General Practitioners in Australia. It is particularly popular with international medical graduates (IMGs) and locally trained doctors who already have substantial general practice experience and are looking for a supported pathway to Fellowship without restarting full training.
This pathway focuses on assessment, supervision, and progression based on real-world clinical work, allowing doctors to continue practising while working toward Fellowship.
What Is the RACGP Specialist Pathway?
The RACGP Specialist Pathway leads to FRACGP, a specialist qualification recognised by Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and Medicare. Once Fellowship is achieved, doctors are recognised as specialist GPs and can practise independently across Australia.
Rather than following a traditional registrar training program, the Specialist Pathway is designed for doctors who already have experience in general practice and can demonstrate competence through structured assessments, workplace-based learning, and exams.
The pathway offers a clear, supported route for doctors transitioning into the Australian healthcare system or formalising their experience within it.
Key Components of the Pathway
The RACGP Specialist Pathway typically includes:
Main Benefits of the RACGP Specialist Pathway
FRACGP is one of the most widely recognised GP qualifications in Australia. Completing the RACGP Specialist Pathway provides long-term career security, professional recognition, and access to specialist Medicare rebates.
Doctors can continue working in general practice while progressing through the pathway. This makes it financially viable and practical, particularly for doctors relocating to Australia or supporting families.
The pathway is well suited to IMGs who already have GP experience overseas. With structured supervision and clear expectations, it helps doctors adapt to Australian clinical standards, systems, and compliance requirements.
FRACGP holders are in high demand across metropolitan, regional, and rural Australia. Fellowship opens doors to permanent roles, partnership opportunities, leadership positions, and portfolio careers.
Once Fellowed, doctors can move freely between locations, practice settings, and employment models, including mixed billing, private billing, urgent care, and after-hours work.
Who Is the RACGP Specialist Pathway Best Suited For?
The RACGP Specialist Pathway is ideal for:
Final Thoughts
The RACGP Specialist Pathway offers a structured, respected, and practical route to GP Fellowship for doctors who already have experience and are ready to formalise their career in Australia. With strong national recognition, ongoing support, and clear progression, it remains one of the most popular pathways to becoming a specialist GP.
If you’d like tailored advice on eligibility, timelines, or how this pathway fits with your career goals, you can read more about the process here, or feel free to contact one of our team, who are always happy to assist.
The Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) specialist pathway offers a well-supported and highly flexible route to Fellowship for doctors who want to practise comprehensive general practice, particularly in rural and remote communities. For many doctors, it provides an alternative to the more traditional GP training pathways, with a strong emphasis on real-world skills, adaptability, and community impact.
Since launching in 2023, the RACGP’s Fellowship Support Program (FSP) has become one of the most accessible and structured 3GA training programs available to non-VR GPs seeking Fellowship of the RACGP (FRACGP). With several intakes now complete and additional support mechanisms in place, it's a great time to revisit the key aspects of the program that both applicants and practices should understand.
