Internationally trained GPs
If you completed your GP training overseas and are currently working in New Zealand, you may be eligible to apply for one of the College’s pathways to Fellowship.
Please note, you must hold a general scope of practice with the Medical Council of New Zealand and be currently practising.
Becoming a Fellow in New Zealand will extend your career opportunities and enable you to be part of a Collegial network of GPs. Read about the benefits.
Detailed below is a list of recognised and approved overseas accredited training programmes by the College.
College fees
View the fees for each programme.
Recognised training programmes
Fellow of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (FRACGP)
If you gained your Fellowship of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (FRACGP) by passing the assessment* route in Australia, you can apply to become a Fellow of our College through the reciprocal agreement. Please complete the application form below and return this along with your supporting documents to iaa@rnzcgp.org.nz
*You must have completed the RACGP registrar training and assessment programme in Australia
Fellow of the Australian College Rural and Remote Medicine (FACRRM)
If you gained your Fellowship of the Royal Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (FACRRM) in Australia, you can apply to become a Fellow of our College through the reciprocal agreement. Please complete the application form below and return this along with your supporting documents to iaa@rnzcgp.org.nz
Specialist training in recognised countries
If your qualification is listed in either group 1 or group 2 (below), you can apply for enrolment on to the Prior Specialist Training pathway. Please note, you must be registered with the Medical Council of New Zealand in a general scope of practice and hold a current practising certificate.
Once your application has been accepted and approved by the College, you will then be enrolled in the programme. Once enrolled there are some formative and summative activities you will need to complete as well as clinical time in New Zealand, along with successfully completing your Fellowship Assessment visit. Further details about the programme requirements can be found in our current Fellowship Pathway Regulations section 6.
If your qualification is not listed
If you are looking to work in New Zealand as a GP specialist and completed your specialist training overseas, you should contact the Medical Council of New Zealand who will be able to advise you of the steps you need to take.
Resuscitation requirements
All recognised training programmes require a current resuscitation certificate. Please see below a list of College endorsed courses.
Benefits of joining the College
Gaining Fellowship of the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners has a number of benefits:
- Access the College’s Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programme, a high quality, bespoke learning programme, with a team of advisors available to support you.
- Be part of a nationwide community of GPs with shared values and passions. Develop collegial relationships with other GP Fellows and have access to a support network of your peers.
- Increase your earning potential and employment desirability.
- Work independently, anywhere in New Zealand, including rural and remote locations.
- Extend your career opportunities and interests; Fellows can become medical educators and train registrars. Fellows can also take up governance roles with the College and be invited onto specialist working groups and committees.
- Access a range of member benefits including discounts and resources.
Further information
If you would like more information or to find out which pathway is right for you, please contact our International Admissions Advisor.