Overseas Medical Specialists – Work in Australia & New Zealand
Take your career to the next level in two of the world’s most rewarding healthcare systems.
Live, Work, and Thrive
Australia and New Zealand continue to attract highly skilled medical specialists from across the globe, offering world-class healthcare environments, flexible working conditions, and an exceptional quality of life.
Whether you’re an experienced Consultant or completing Specialist training, Medipeople provides complete guidance on registration, job placement, and relocation, making your move seamless from start to finish.
In-Demand Specialties
We’re actively assisting with roles across both countries in:
- Emergency Medicine
- Anaesthetics
- Radiology
- Psychiatry
- Medicine & Surgery
- Obstetrics & Gynaecology
- Paediatrics
- Intensive Care Medicine
Opportunities are available in major cities and coastal or regional centres, offering a balance between professional growth and lifestyle.
Registration Pathways
Australia
AHPRA Expedited Specialist Pathway
If you hold a recognised specialist qualification from the UK, Ireland, or New Zealand, you may qualify for the streamlined AHPRA Expedited Specialist Pathway.
This process offers:
- Reduced documentation and faster assessment times
- Direct recognition of overseas Fellowship
- Typical processing time: 8–10 weeks for college assessment, plus 2–4 weeks for AHPRA final approval
Specialist College Assessment
If your qualification is from another country, your application is reviewed by the relevant Australian college (e.g. ANZCA, RANZCP, ACEM, RACP, RACS).
You’ll be assessed as Substantially Comparable or Partially Comparable, determining supervision requirements and any additional training or exams.
New Zealand
Vocational Registration Pathway
If your qualification is comparable to a New Zealand Fellowship (e.g. FRCA, FRCP, FRCEM, FRANZCP equivalent), you can apply for Vocational Registration through the Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ).
Provisional Vocational Scope
If assessed as Substantially Comparable, you can work under provisional vocational registration while completing any required peer review or supervision before achieving Fellowship.
Comparable Health System Pathway
If you have experience in a comparable health system such as the UK, Ireland, or Canada, you may apply for General Scope Registration while progressing to specialist recognition.
Typical processing time:
College & MCNZ assessment: 8–12 weeks once documentation and verification are complete.
Primary Source Verification (EPIC/ECFMG): 2–3 weeks.
Preferred Suppliers
NSW Government Health
Queensland Government - Queensland Health
Government of South Australia - SA Health
Tasmania Government Health
Government of Western Australia WA Country Health Services
Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
AHPRA, RACGP, and MCNZ require annual participation in Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programs through your specialist college. These programs mirror GMC revalidation, covering clinical education, audit activities, teaching, and research. Hospitals and colleges across Australia and New Zealand provide complimentary or subsidised access to accredited CPD resources, conferences, and teaching opportunities.
Visa & Immigration
Australia
Most specialists relocate under the Subclass 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage) visa, sponsored by their employer.
After three years, doctors are often eligible for Permanent Residency (Subclass 186 – Employer Nomination Scheme).
New Zealand
Specialists usually enter under the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV), valid for up to five years.
After two years of continuous employment, many become eligible for Residence under the Green List or Skilled Migrant pathways.
Family Sponsorship
Both countries allow inclusion of spouses and dependents in your visa. Family members have full work and study rights, and relocation support is provided for schooling, housing, and community integration.
Medipeople partners with registered migration agents who manage all visa and PR applications on your behalf.
Permanent Residency & Long-Term Options
Australia and New Zealand both provide structured pathways toward permanent residency and eventual citizenship.
Employer sponsorship and continuous professional practice are the key routes. Medipeople works closely with employers who actively support PR and long-term settlement for their medical staff.
TRUSTED NETWORK / STRONG RATES / DEDICATED SUPPORT
Trusted Network
We work with respected hospitals and healthcare providers across Australia and New Zealand to ensure consistent, reliable placements for emergency doctors at all levels.
Stronger Rates
Earn competitive daily rates for all emergency positions, negotiated directly on your behalf to ensure you receive fair and timely compensation.
Dedicated Support
Your consultant manages all logistics, from credentialling and documentation to travel and accommodation — so you can focus on the work you love.
How Medipeople Supports You
With over 20 years of experience relocating overseas specialists, Medipeople provides comprehensive support at every stage:
- Registration & College Guidance - Step-by-step assistance through AHPRA or MCNZ registration, including college documentation and eligibility assessment.
- Verification & Compliance - Full support with EPIC/ECFMG primary source verification, reference gathering, and regulatory requirements.
- Job Matching & Interviews - Access to exclusive roles across public hospitals, private networks, and specialist clinics aligned to your career and family needs.
- Visa & Relocation - Employer sponsorship, visa coordination for dependents, housing and schooling guidance, and post-arrival support.
- Ongoing Professional Support - We continue to assist beyond placement — helping you settle, maintain compliance, and access CPD opportunities.
Chris tsolakis
director – international specialists
Chris leads Medipeople’s International Specialist division and is one of Australia’s most experienced recruiters supporting overseas-trained medical specialists seeking contract and permanent positions across Australia and New Zealand.
With more than 20 years in specialist medical recruitment, Chris provides end-to-end guidance for international consultants navigating specialist college comparability assessments, MCNZ vocational pathways, supervision requirements, visa planning, and full relocation support.
Chris works closely with hospitals, health districts, and government services across both countries, securing opportunities for consultants in Emergency Medicine, Anaesthetics, Radiology, General Medicine, Surgery, Paediatrics, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, and a wide range of other specialties.
Overseas-trained specialists value Chris for his clarity, transparency, and deep understanding of the regulatory landscape. He helps doctors assess their eligibility, prepare pathway documentation, manage interviews and offer negotiations, and ensure a seamless transition for them and their families.
His approach is professional, supportive, and highly personalised, ensuring every specialist is matched with roles that align with their clinical interests, earning expectations, lifestyle needs, and long-term career goals in Australia or New Zealand.
Based in Sydney, Chris enjoys surfing and teaching martial arts when he’s not helping specialists take the next step in their careers.
CALL ME: +61 410 547 011
EMAIL: chris.t@medipeople.com.au
CANDIDATE TESTIMONIALS
Why Specialists Choose Australia & New Zealand
- High income potential and flexible rostering
- Multidisciplinary, well-resourced hospital teams
- Supportive clinical governance and autonomy
- Professional development and research opportunities
- Safe, family-friendly communities with excellent schools
- Shorter commutes and a balanced, outdoor lifestyle
- Clear PR and citizenship pathways for you and your family
