Many Indian doctors would consider a postgraduate (PG) degree in a state with advanced medical care, a massive career objective. Australia, which offers outstanding training, good standard of living, and modernized medical technology, is also one of the best options. Nevertheless, the process may appear to be complex. Here is a guide to make it easy for you. It gives a clear step-wise strategy to the Indian MBBS graduates on what they need to do since the necessary exams to get a job as a doctor in Australia in the 2026-2027 academic year.
Why Choose Australia for Your Medical PG?
There are many great reasons why Indian doctors choose Australia for their postgraduate journey. It also provides a very high standard of medical education that is acknowledged all around the globe. Medical practitioners in Australia earn handsome salaries and have a good life. The training is professional and gives practical experience in contemporary hospitals. Last but not least, it provides an easy way to have a beautiful, multicultural country that could be settled in.

The Core Challenge: Getting Your Medical License in Australia
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Before you can practice or train in Australia, you must get your medical degree recognized. This process is managed by the Australian Medical Council (AMC).
Understanding the Australian Medical Council (AMC)
The AMC is the formal organisation that tests any doctor who has not completed their medical studies in Australia (properly referred to as International Medical Graduates or IMGs). They are employed to make sure that you are competent to practice medicine safely in Australia. Passing the AMC process comes as the first and most crucial step in your life.
The Step-by-Step Pathway to Your Australian Medical License
The process to get your license in Australia is a marathon, not a sprint. It involves several distinct stages that you must complete in order. Think of it as a checklist to becoming a doctor in Australia.
- Step 1: Check if Your Medical School is Recognized
The first thing that you need to do prior to spending any money or time is to find out whether your medical college is registered in the World Directory of Medical Schools with a note that it is recognized as such by the Australian Medical Council (AMC). This is a brief yet necessary preliminary check that will tell you whether or not you are in the position to proceed.
- Step 2: Verify Your Medical Degree via EPIC
Irrespective of once you establish your eligibility you must show that your MBBS degree is original. This occurs by the Electronic Portfolio of International Credentials (EPIC) operated by the ECFMG in the USA. You will upload your degree and other records and EPIC will methodically confirm the same with your medical college.
- Step 3: Create Your AMC Portfolio
After your EPIC verification is complete, you can create an online portfolio with the Australian Medical Council (AMC). This is your official account with the AMC, where you will manage your exam bookings and see your results.
- Step 4: Pass the AMC CAT MCQ Exam (Part 1)
The first big exam is this. It is an examination in a multiple-choice question format which covers a large scope of issues in medicine. It aims to determine whether you are good at your medical knowledge, at the level of a 4-year Australian medical school student. It is an exam that you can undertake at testing centers across India and worldwide.
- Step 5: Pass an English Proficiency Test
You will have to demonstrate that you are competent in language in order to work in English-speaking environment. You will require taking a recognized standardized examination such as the IELTS (Academic module) or the Occupational English Test (OET) and scoring the minimum accepted score. This is compulsory in your medical registration.
- Step 6: Pass the AMC Clinical Exam (Part 2)
Once you give the MCQ exam, you will then need to demonstrate your practical skills. The AMC Clinical Exam is conducted face to face and is practical and is conducted in Australia. It resembles real-life consultations with the patients where your communication, diagnostic, and clinical abilities are evaluated by the examiners.
- Step 7: Secure a Supervised Hospital Position
Passing both of the AMC examinations qualifies you as being eligible to be provisionally registered with the Medical Board of Australia. At this, you may begin applying to jobs. And that, believe it or not, is your next major action of getting a supervised post in an Australian hospital, usually as a Resident Medical Officer (RMO).
- Step 8: Achieve General Registration
You will have to undertake a supervised experience in an Australian hospital of at least 12 months. At this time, your performance is checked. Once you get through this stage, you will be able to apply to be provisionally registered which will enable you to independently practice medicine in Australia and that is the last step you will complete towards your goal of becoming a full-fledged licenced physician down under.
Navigating the Pathways to Your PG Degree
Once you start clearing your AMC exams, you can follow a pathway to get registered and start working.
What are the Main Pathways for Indian Doctors?
- The Standard Pathway
This is the most popular process of the Indian MBBS graduates. Here, you will be required to pass AMC MCQ and Clinical Examination. Upon passing, you will be awarded your AMC certificate that you may use to apply to get provisional registration with the Medical Board of Australia. This gives you the opportunity to work in a monitored hospital placement of minimum one year so as to make you a full registered doctor. - The Competent Authority Pathway
It is a quicker route to take, when doctors have already been registered in any country with analogous health systems, i.e., UK (after PLAB), Canada or USA. This route typically does not exist when it comes to the doctors who have undergone their MBBS in India alone. - The Specialist Pathway
This is a route to take when doctors have already gone through postgraduate specialization (such as MD/MS) in India, and desire to practice as a specialist in Australia. It is an elaborate evaluation of your training and qualifications by the Australian specialist medical college concerned.
How To Proceed For Higher Studies In Australia After Completing MBBS In India?
Here is a simplified checklist of the steps you need to take to proceed with your medical career in Australia after completing your MBBS in India:
- Verify Your Degree: First, get your MBBS degree and transcripts officially verified through the online EPIC portal.
- Pass the Theory Exam: Prepare for and pass the AMC CAT MCQ Exam. This computer-based test can be taken at various centers, including in India.
- Clear Your English Test: You must achieve a high score on an English language test, such as the IELTS or OET, to prove your communication skills.
- Pass the Practical Exam: After the theory exam, you need to travel to Australia to take and pass the hands-on AMC Clinical Exam.
- Get Provisional Registration: With both AMC exams cleared, you can apply for provisional registration from the Medical Board of Australia.
- Secure a Hospital Job: Use your provisional registration to start applying for paid, supervised junior doctor positions in Australian hospitals.
- Complete Supervised Practice: You must work under supervision for at least 12 months in an Australian hospital setting to gain local experience.
- Achieve General Registration: After successfully completing your supervised practice, you can apply for General Registration, which makes you a fully licensed doctor in Australia and eligible to apply for specialty training programs.
How Much Does a PG in Australia After MBBS Cost?
Understanding the financial investment is a critical part of your planning. The costs can be broken down into three main phases: the initial exams and registration, the visa and relocation expenses, and your annual living costs once you arrive. While the journey requires a significant investment, the high salaries for doctors in Australia help offset these costs once you begin working.
| Expense Category & Phase | Item | Cost in AUD (Approx.) | Cost in INR (Approx.) |
| Phase 1: Registration & Exams | EPIC Degree Verification | $200+ | ₹12,300+ |
| AMC CAT MCQ Exam (Part 1) | $3,000 | ₹1,84,500 | |
| English Test (IELTS/OET) | $350 - $400 | ₹21,500 - ₹24,600 | |
| AMC Clinical Exam (Part 2) | $4,000 | ₹2,46,000 | |
| Phase 2: Visa & Relocation | Australian Visa Application Fee | $715+ | ₹44,000+ |
| One-way Airfare to Australia | $800 - $1,500 | ₹49,200 - ₹92,250 | |
| Initial Settlement Funds (Rent bond, etc.) | $3,000 - $5,000 | ₹1,84,500 - ₹3,07,500 | |
| Phase 3: Annual Living Expenses | Yearly Living Costs (Major City) | $25,000 - $30,000 | ₹15 Lakhs - ₹18.5 Lakhs |
Note: All currency conversions are based on an estimated exchange rate of 1 AUD = ₹61.50. These rates can change, so it's always a good idea to check the latest figures.
In summary, before you start earning a salary, you should plan for an initial investment covering your exams, visa, and relocation, which could range from $12,000 to $15,000 AUD (approximately ₹7.4 Lakhs to ₹9.2 Lakhs INR). Once you arrive, you'll also need to account for your living expenses until you secure your first paid hospital position.
Top Universities and Programs for PG in Australia After MBBS
While your main goal is to complete the AMC process for clinical practice, some doctors choose to enroll in a university degree to build a stronger profile, especially for careers in research, academics, or public health administration. It is important to understand that these Master's degrees are separate from the AMC pathway and do not provide a license to practice medicine in Australia. They are academic qualifications that complement your clinical journey.
| University | QS World Ranking 2026 | Relevant Program Examples | Annual Tution Fee (AUD / INR) |
| The University of Melbourne | #13 | Master of Public Health, Master of Surgery | $54,000+ AUD (₹33,48,000+ INR) |
| The University of Sydney | #18 | Master of Medicine, Master of Global Health | $56,000+ AUD (₹34,72,000+ INR) |
| UNSW Sydney | #19 | Master of Public Health, Master of Health Management | $52,000+ AUD (₹32,24,000+ INR) |
| Monash University | #37 | Master of Public Health, Master of Clinical Embryology | $49,000+ AUD (₹30,38,000+ INR) |
| The University of Queensland | #40 | Master of Public Health, Master of e-Healthcare | $45,000+ AUD (₹27,90,000+ INR) |
Note: Fees are indicative for the 2025-2026 period. All currency conversions use an estimated exchange rate of 1 AUD = ₹61.50.
This table highlights some of Australia’s most prestigious universities where you can pursue an academic qualification alongside your clinical training goals. Enrolling in a program like a Master of Public Health or Master of Surgery can significantly strengthen your CV, opening doors to opportunities in medical research, hospital administration, or specialized public health roles in the future. However, your primary focus must remain on completing the Standard Pathway through the Australian Medical Council (AMC) to gain your license to practice as a doctor in Australia.
What Salary Can You Expect in Australia after MBBS?
After successfully completing the AMC pathway and gaining your medical registration, you will enter Australia's highly respected healthcare system. Your career will progress through several stages, with your salary increasing significantly at each step.
Australia offers excellent remuneration for doctors, making it a financially rewarding destination. The salary ranges below are estimates and can vary based on the state, the hospital (public or private), and hours worked.
| Career Stage | Role Description | Average Annual Salary (AUD / INR) |
| Intern (PGY1) | First year of practice post-graduation in a hospital. | AUD75,000−A95,000(₹46.5 Lakhs - ₹59 Lakhs) |
| Resident (RMO/JHO) | Doctor with 2+ years of experience, before specialty training. | AUD85,000−A130,000(₹52.5 Lakhs - ₹80.5 Lakhs) |
| Registrar | Doctor officially training in a chosen specialty (e.g., surgery). | AUD110,000−A160,000(₹68 Lakhs - ₹99 Lakhs) |
| General Practitioner (GP) | A fully qualified family doctor working in the community. | AUD200,000−A400,000(₹1.2 Crore - ₹2.5 Crore) |
| Staff Specialist / Consultant | A fully qualified specialist working in a hospital. | AUD250,000−A500,000(₹1.5 Crore - ₹3.1 Crore) |
Note: All currency conversions are based on an estimated exchange rate of 1 AUD = ₹62.00. These figures are indicative and subject to change.
This table shows the typical career and salary progression for a doctor in Australia. It's important to note that these figures represent base salaries and your total income can often be higher. Factors like overtime, on-call allowances, and superannuation (Australia’s mandatory retirement savings plan, which is paid by your employer on top of your salary) will increase your overall earnings. Furthermore, salaries for Specialists and GPs can vary significantly based on their field (e.g., a surgeon may earn more than a general physician) and the nature of their practice.
Final Checklist To Follow Before Applying in Australia
Your 7-Step Checklist to a PG in Australia:
- Confirm your medical college is listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools.
- Create your EPIC account and get your MBBS degree verified.
- Create your AMC portfolio.
- Prepare for and pass the AMC CAT MCQ exam.
- Pass an English proficiency test (like IELTS or OET).
- Pass the AMC Clinical Exam or secure a WBA position.
- Apply for provisional registration and start your job search.
Conclusion:
The path to becoming a doctor in Australia is certainly a marathon, filled with challenges like the AMC exams but leading to an incredibly rewarding career and lifestyle. Trying to piece this all together on your own can feel overwhelming, which is where a bit of expert guidance can make all the difference. Our counsellors at LeapScholar specialize in helping Indian doctors navigate this exact journey, step by step. If you're serious about this goal and want a clear, personalized plan, we encourage you to book a free call with our team. Let's talk through your questions and map out your future in Australia.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How much does PG cost in Australia after MBBS?
The journey has a few financial steps. You should budget around ₹7 to ₹9 Lakhs for the initial process, which includes your exam fees (like the AMC exams), degree verification, and visa applications. If you decide to do a university course like a Master's degree alongside this, that would be a separate cost of around ₹30-50 Lakhs per year. The good news is that once you start working as a doctor, the salaries are excellent and help offset these initial costs.
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How many years is MD after MBBS in Australia?
The system in Australia is different from India's MD/MS system. After your MBBS, you don't directly join a 3-year MD course. Instead, you first work for a few years as a junior doctor in a hospital. After that, you apply for a specialty training program (like in surgery or pediatrics), which can take another 4 to 7 years to complete. So, becoming a fully qualified specialist takes longer but involves hands-on, paid work throughout the training.
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Can an Indian MBBS doctor work in Australia?
Yes, absolutely. Many Indian doctors have built successful careers in Australia. The main requirement is that you must first clear the Australian Medical Council (AMC) exams.2 These exams are designed to ensure your medical knowledge and clinical skills match the standards required in Australia. Once you pass and get registered, you can apply for jobs in hospitals just like any other doctor.
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Which country is best for PG after MBBS?
The "best" country really depends on your personal career goals. The USA is fantastic for research and cutting-edge technology. The UK offers a well-respected and slightly shorter training pathway. Australia is famous for offering a great work-life balance and very high salaries.3 Countries like Germany offer low-cost education, but you'll need to learn the language. Think about what's most important to you lifestyle, specific training, or cost and then choose the path that fits you best.
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What is the salary of MBBS doctor in Australia?
Once you clear your exams and start working, the salary is very good. A junior doctor, in their first couple of years, can expect to earn around A80,000toA100,000 per year, which is roughly ₹49 Lakhs to ₹62 Lakhs. As you gain more experience and become a specialist, your salary increases significantly, with many senior doctors and specialists earning well over A$250,000 (more than ₹1.5 Crore) a year.
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Do PG students get stipend in Australia?
In Australia, doctors who are training for their PG specialization (called Registrars) are not considered students; they are full-time hospital employees. Because of this, they don't receive a small "stipend." Instead, they are paid a full and generous salary for the work they do, which is often more than A$110,000 (over ₹68 Lakhs) per year.
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Which is the toughest PG branch after MBBS?
Getting into any specialty training program is competitive. However, some branches are known to be much more difficult to get into than others due to high demand and very few training spots. In countries like Australia, the most competitive fields are typically Dermatology, Ophthalmology (eye specialist), Neurosurgery, and Plastic Surgery. These fields are popular because they often offer a great lifestyle and high earning potential.



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