International Medical Graduates (IMGs)
RANZCOG welcomes doctors, specialists and subspecialists from around the world to apply for recognition to practice in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand. Contact Us
About the pathways
The College offers three pathways for those interested in training and working in obstetrics and gynaecology in Australia or Aotearoa New Zealand.
International Medical Graduates (IMGs): For international doctors seeking to undertake further training in Australia or Aotearoa New Zealand.
Specialist International Medical Graduates (SIMGs): For international specialists and subspecialists seeking to work in Australia or Aotearoa New Zealand.
Short Term Training (STT) in a Medical Specialty: For international specialists (or doctors nearing completion of specialist training) seeking to gain short-term experience in Australia only.
International Medical Graduates (IMGs)
If you’ve completed undergraduate medical training outside of Australia or Aotearoa New Zealand, you may be eligible to apply for one or more of the training pathways outlined below.
The College offers a three-tier structure of qualifications to equip IMGs with experience in office-based and/or hospital-based obstetrics and gynaecology in Australia or Aotearoa New Zealand.
Each qualification builds upon the knowledge and skills developed in the preceding qualification, as outlined in the table below. These qualifications can be undertaken separately or concurrently.
| Qualification | Training period | Scope of practice |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate of Women’s Health (CWH) | Minimum: approx. 3 months Maximum: 2 years |
Office-based practice
|
| Associate Training Program (Procedural) (PTP) | Minimum: approx. 6 months Maximum: 2 years |
Hospital-based practice As per CWH, plus:
|
| Associate Training Program (Advanced Procedural) (APTP) | Minimum: approx. 12 months Maximum: 2 years |
Hospital-based practice As per PTP, plus:
|
The Fellowship of the RANZCOG (FRANZCOG) training program is the only means through which a medical professional in Australia or Aotearoa New Zealand can become a specialist in obstetrics and gynaecology.
Training involves 184 weeks (four years) of Basic Training, followed by an additional 92 weeks (two years) of Advanced Training.
Basic Training
- Rotation through a minimum of two different hospitals, with at least 46 weeks in a hospital other than your ‘home’ or ‘base’ hospital, and 23 weeks in a rural hospital
- Logged clinical work in obstetrics and gynaecology resulting in attainment of prescribed competency levels in specified procedures
- Utilisation of resources through the RANZCOG e-learning platform
- Formative and summative assessments, including three-monthly appraisals and six-monthly assessment reports
- Experience in gynaecological oncology
Advanced Training
Involves completion of relevant Advanced Training Modules (ATMs), and a focus on:
- Extending your expertise in obstetrics and/or gynaecology
- Developing your research expertise
- Developing your expertise in areas of special interest
For more information on the FRANZCOG training program, including the National Trainee Selection Process, please visit Fellowship of RANZCOG Specialist Training.
Non-accredited registrar training provides IMGs with experience working in a metropolitan or suburban hospital in Australia. It’s an alternative option for international doctors who are not eligible for the FRANZCOG specialist training program.
While some IMGs use this pathway to successfully apply for the FRANZCOG program, it’s important to note that non-accredited registrar training:
- Is organised entirely by the employing hospital and does not include any formal assessment by RANZCOG
- Cannot be counted towards the FRANZCOG qualification under the RANZCOG Recognition of Prior Learning Policy
- Does not guarantee selection into the FRANZCOG training program
For information about appropriate registration and visa requirements, please contact the Medical Board of Australia in the state or region in which you wish to work.
The College offers a three-tier structure of qualifications to equip IMGs with experience in office-based and/or hospital-based obstetrics and gynaecology in Australia or Aotearoa New Zealand.
Each qualification builds upon the knowledge and skills developed in the preceding qualification, as outlined in the table below. These qualifications can be undertaken separately or concurrently.
Certificate of Women’s Health (CWH)Training period:
Office-based practice
|
Associate Training Program (Procedural) (PTP)Training period:
Hospital-based practice As per CWH, plus:
|
Associate Training Program (Advanced Procedural) (APTP)Training period:
Hospital-based practice As per PTP, plus:
|
The Fellowship of the RANZCOG (FRANZCOG) training program is the only means through which a medical professional in Australia or Aotearoa New Zealand can become a specialist in obstetrics and gynaecology.
Training involves 184 weeks (four years) of Basic Training, followed by an additional 92 weeks (two years) of Advanced Training.
Basic Training
- Rotation through a minimum of two different hospitals, with at least 46 weeks in a hospital other than your ‘home’ or ‘base’ hospital, and 23 weeks in a rural hospital
- Logged clinical work in obstetrics and gynaecology resulting in attainment of prescribed competency levels in specified procedures
- Utilisation of resources through the RANZCOG e-learning platform
- Formative and summative assessments, including three-monthly appraisals and six-monthly assessment reports
- Experience in gynaecological oncology
Advanced Training
Involves completion of relevant Advanced Training Modules (ATMs), and a focus on:
- Extending your expertise in obstetrics and/or gynaecology
- Developing your research expertise
- Developing your expertise in areas of special interest
For more information on the FRANZCOG training program, including the National Trainee Selection Process, please visit Fellowship of RANZCOG Specialist Training.
Non-accredited registrar training provides IMGs with experience working in a metropolitan or suburban hospital in Australia. It’s an alternative option for international doctors who are not eligible for the FRANZCOG specialist training program.
While some IMGs use this pathway to successfully apply for the FRANZCOG program, it’s important to note that non-accredited registrar training:
- Is organised entirely by the employing hospital and does not include any formal assessment by RANZCOG
- Cannot be counted towards the FRANZCOG qualification under the RANZCOG Recognition of Prior Learning Policy
- Does not guarantee selection into the FRANZCOG training program
For information about appropriate registration and visa requirements, please contact the Medical Board of Australia in the state or region in which you wish to work.
Short-term Training (STT) in a medical specialty (Australia)
If you’ve completed (or nearly completed) specialist training in obstetrics and gynaecology outside of Australia or Aotearoa New Zealand, you may be eligible to apply for short-term training (STT) in a medical specialty.
Please note that employing hospitals must initially advertise training posts within Australia. If no local candidate is found, the hospital can then advertise the position abroad as an STT post.
The College will not support an STT post that compromises the opportunity for a FRANZCOG trainee to be appointed to the position or to engage in specific training opportunities within the workplace.
To undertake STT in obstetrics and gynaecology, you must be registered with the Medical Board of Australia, and also be:
- Qualified in Medicine and Surgery, with a primary degree recognised by the Australian Medical Council and World Directory of Medical Schools
- Qualified as a specialist in your country of training or no more than two years away completing your specialist training
Please note
To minimise delays in processing, please ensure that the information and documentation you provide is true, accurate and meets the specified criteria.
The Chair of the RANZCOG Training Accreditation Committee in your state will review your application, and then the Chair of the Training and Accreditation Committee will provide final authorisation. This process may take up to six weeks.
The College will provide a letter of support if your STT application is successful. This letter is necessary to obtain approval for a visa and medical registration.
- Visa: Australian Government Department of Home Affairs
- Registration: Medical Board of Australia
The College will provide a letter of support if your STT application is successful. This letter is necessary to obtain approval for a visa and medical registration.
Visa: Australian Government Department of Home Affairs
Registration: Medical Board of Australia
The fee is payable in Australian dollars (AUD), and is not subject to Australian GST.
| Fee name | $AUD | Details |
|---|---|---|
| SIMG Short-Term Training Position (STTP) Application / Extension | $1,717 no GST | Submit with application |
1. Employment
Secure an STT training post with an employing hospital.
2. Primary source verification
Apply for primary source verification of your medical qualifications with the Australian Medical Council.
3. STT application
Ensure that your employing hospital has lodged an STT application with RANZCOG, including:
Form
STT Application Form A (employer)
Additional documents
- A position description
- A detailed training program, including:
- Name of approved supervisors
- Training timetable
- A statement indicating that you will attend and participate in any appropriate professional development opportunities available within the training period
- A brief description of the objectives of the proposed training and how your progress/performance will be evaluated at the end of the training period
- A written statement that your appointment will not disadvantage any trainees in the College’s training program
- Evidence of recruitment advertisements for the post (e.g. newspaper, online advertisements, etc.)
4. Lodge application
Lodge your own STT application with RANZCOG, including:
Forms
- STT Application Form B (employee)
- Application for Assessment by a Medical College (AAMC-30)
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) Template
Additional documents
- Primary source verification of your medical qualification
- A certified copy of your primary medical degree (and specialist degree, if applicable)
- Certificates of membership with any relevant medical bodies
- A brief summary of why you wish to undertake the post
- A statement of intention to return to your country of origin on completion of training
- Payment details for the application fee
5. Apply for limited registration
Complete and submit the form to apply for limited registration with the Medical Board of Australia: Application for Limited Registration for Postgraduate Training or Supervised Practice (ALPS-30).
6. Training visa
Apply for a training visa for a period of up to two years.