Everything you need to know about the RACGP Fellowship Support Program (FSP)

• Updated June 2025

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.

A brief history

The FSP was introduced following the discontinuation of Commonwealth Government funding for the Practice Experience Program (PEP) in June 2023.

It is now RACGP’s primary education and training pathway for non-VR doctors not enrolled in AGPT or RVTS.

Program Structure

The FSP has two components:

1. Education and Training – Delivered over two years:

• Basic General Practice Term (6 months)
• Core General Practice Term (6 months)
• Two Advanced General Practice Terms (12 months total)

2. Post-Education – Where GPs sit their Fellowship exams (AKT, KFP, OSCE or CCE).

• GPs have six terms (3 years) to pass all exams, with a further six months allowed for Fellowship to be conferred.

FSP Applications and Entry

Applications open twice a year (typically in January and July for commencement 6 months later).

Applicants must submit:

• Letter of support from each practice site
• Nominated supervisor details and a proposed supervision model

Successful applicants will receive:

• A Training Program Agreement
• Invoice for the first term
• FSP-specific Medicare provider number application

How much does the program cost?

The program is self-funded.

• Total cost: $32,000 + RACGP membership fees
• Fees are payable over four terms (eight quarters)

While this is a significant investment, it is offset by access to the VR/A1 Medicare rebate schedule, which is around 20% higher than A7 rates.

Doctors remain eligible for A1 rates for the duration of the program and until Fellowship is awarded.

A complete breakdown of the costs can be viewed HERE -

What locations are eligible for the Fellowship Support Program?

• FSP is available in MMM2–MMM7 locations
• MMM1 placements are only approved under extenuating circumstances

Use the Health Workforce Locator and select MMM (2019) and DPA for GPs to confirm eligibility.

If you're subject to 19AB, you must still meet your DPA obligations throughout your time on FSP.

Does my practice have to be accredited?

Your FSP placement site must be accredited under:

1. RACGP Standards for General Practice (5th edition)

2. RACGP Standards for General Practice Training

If your practice meets the first but not the second, RACGP will assist in meeting the training standards.

• RACGP Standards for General Practice
• Training Standards

What are my supervision and support requirements?

Supervision is a core requirement of the FSP, regardless of your registration status.

Supervisor Criteria:

• Must be a FRACGP or FACRRM holder
• Ideally AGPT-accredited (or will become accredited with RACGP support during year 1)
• Must be onsite, unless approved otherwise in exceptional cases

Supervisor Commitments:

• Term 1–2: 1 hour of in-practice education per fortnight
• Term 3–4: 1 hour per month
• Participate in WBAs (Workplace-Based Assessments)

Supervisors are paid a monthly financial incentive, processed by RACGP in arrears.

Additional Support:

• Access to a Medical Educator
• Support from a Program Training Coordinator (PTC)
  These individuals help guide learning, assessments, and exam readiness.

What assessments will there be?

You’ll complete:

• EASL (Early Assessment for Safety and Learning) in your first fortnight
• WBAs throughout the program, including:

• • Mini-CEX
  • Direct observation
  • Case analysis
  • Patient/peer feedback
  • Supervisor reports

What are the key differences between FSP and PEP?

The key differences between RACGPs PEP and the new FSP, are:

• Program cost: FSP is self-funded and more expensive than the government-funded PEP
• Practice accreditation: FSP requires accreditation against both GP and GP training standards (PEP required only one)
• Supervision: FSP mandates structured, regular supervision with paid incentives for supervisors
• Exam support: FSP includes exam preparation as part of the program, at no additional cost

What are the benefits of FSP over other 3GA programs?

Location flexibility: FSP allows training in MMM2–7, unlike RVTS and ACRRM IP which require MMM4+

Residency eligibility: Temporary residents can apply (AGPT is limited to citizens and permanent residents)

No relocation required: Doctors can stay in the same practice throughout the program

Built-in support: Includes access to medical educators, program training coordinators, and paid supervisors

Access to A1 rebates: Full A1 Medicare rates apply for the duration of training and until Fellowship is awarded

In conclusion

Over the past two years, FSP has evolved into a supportive, structured and reputable training program.

It offers:

• Less restrictive eligibility
• Access to senior educators and supervisors
• The ability to train while earning A1 MBS rates

If you’re a non-VR doctor or a practice looking to onboard one, it’s essential to understand FSP’s evolving requirements and benefits.

Need Help?

At DXC Medical, we specialise in supporting non-VR GPs and clinics in MMM2–MMM7 locations. Whether you’re a doctor navigating the program or a clinic preparing to host one, we can help ensure everything is aligned for FSP success.

For more information on anything covered in this blog, please contact:

Shayla Owusu

0432 232 598

shayla.owusu@dxcmedical.com.au

To view the latest RACGP FSP GP Jobs listed with DXC Medical, please click HERE

LINKS

Health Workforce Locator - https://www.health.gov.au/resources/apps-and-tools/health-workforce-locator

RACGP Standards (5th edition) - https://www.racgp.org.au/running-a-practice/practice-standards/standards-5th-edition

RACGP Standards for Training - https://www.racgp.org.au/education/education-providers/regional-training/standards-for-general-practice

FSP costs - https://www.racgp.org.au/education/imgs/fellowship-pathways/fellowship-programs-for-imgs/fellowship-support-program/fellowship-support-program-fees

DXC Jobs - https://www.dxcmedical.com.au/