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Application process

Step one: Check you are eligible

There are criteria you need to meet before you can apply for GPEP.

Step two: Prepare your application

You'll need to submit a series of documents along with your application and prepare answers to questions about your goals, history, and general practice in Aotearoa.

Find out what documents you’ll need to include and what pātai you’ll have to answer.

Step three: Complete your application form

Applications open in February and close in April each year.

Step four: Pay your application fee

This is a non-refundable fee and excludes GST
GPEP year 1 application fee

$525.00

The fee for applying for the programme

Step five: Applications are reviewed

Your submitted application will be reviewed by the College to see if you would make a great GP. Your references will be checked, and you will be contacted if we need more information.

Step six: Selection and interview

Based on the responses given in the application some candidates will be selected for interviews. The interviews are used to determine suitability for training and to further understand the support a trainee might require in GPEP Year 1. You will be advised in advance if the interview will have case-based questions that will be recorded and scored. If you are not required for an interview, we will contact you to let you know that you have progressed past the first stage of selection.

Step seven: Letters of offer are sent

Unsuccessful applicants are typically notified in writing by the end of June, and formal offer letters for successful applicants are sent in August.

Step eight: Practice placements are allocated

If you’re accepted on to GPEP and have chosen to be College-employed, you’ll have a virtual interview with a Medical Educator from your preferred region to discuss your placement.

A few weeks before GPEP starts, you’ll get an email about the two practices you will be placed with during your first year.

If you’re practice-employed or self-funded, your placement will be managed by the agreement you have with your employer.

Step nine: Defer or change your training

At this point, if you decide to defer, change your region, hours or employment, a late change fee will be incurred (see here for fees).

Step ten: Start GPEP

GPEP year 1 will begin in late January/early February. You will be notified of the exact date, closer to that time.