Do I need to work in India for some experience before applying to practice medicine in Australia for a MBBS?
No, neither the Australian Medical Council nor Ahpra requires prior work experience in India. Your MBBS must be listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools, verified through EPIC or MyIntealth, and you must pass AMC Part 1 and Part 2, plus an English test, before 12 months supervised practice.
You do not need to work in India first, since Australia tests your competency through standardized exams rather than home-country experience. What actually matters is a clear sequence of verification, exams, and English proficiency, followed by a required period of supervised practice once you land a role in Australia.
The Standard Pathway From MBBS To Practice
| Step | What It Requires |
|---|---|
| Recognized medical degree | Your MBBS and medical school must be listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools with AMC recognition noted |
| Primary Source Verification | Verify your degree and transcripts through the EPIC or MyIntealth system before sitting AMC exams |
| AMC Part 1 | Computer-adaptive multiple-choice exam, can be taken while still in India |
| AMC Part 2 or Workplace-Based Assessment | Clinical exam or OSCE evaluating clinical and communication skills |
| English proficiency | OET with a minimum Grade B in all bands, or IELTS Academic with a minimum 7.0 in each band |
| Supervised practice | 12 months under provisional registration before you reach general registration |
One Thing Worth Watching
- Ahpra applies a recency of practice standard, so a long gap without clinical work before applying can raise questions even though prior experience is not legally required
- Most graduates move through this pathway shortly after finishing their MBBS rather than waiting years
My Advice
Start your Primary Source Verification through EPIC or MyIntealth as early as possible, since this step alone can take significant time and gates everything after it. Book your AMC Part 1 while you are still in India if you can, so you arrive in Australia already partway through the pathway.
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