GP Training in Australia: A Complete Guide for IMGs and Local Graduates in 2025

Whether you're an IMG planning your future in general practice, or a medical graduate weighing your career options, understanding how GP training works in Australia is essential.

Australia offers a structured, paid, and highly respected pathway to becoming a fully qualified general practitioner. But the system can feel complicated — especially if you're trying to choose between RACGP and ACRRM, AGPT and FSP, metro and rural placements.

This guide breaks it all down for you.

What Is GP Training in Australia?

General Practice training in Australia prepares doctors to work independently as GPs — community-based specialists providing cradle-to-grave care. Trainees are known as GP registrars, and they train under one of two colleges:

• RACGP – Royal Australian College of General Practitioners
• ACRRM – Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine

Both lead to Fellowship (FRACGP or FACRRM), allowing you to work as an unsupervised GP and access higher Medicare billing rates.

Step-by-Step: How GP Training Works

Key Differences: RACGP vs ACRRM

At PassGP, we support both colleges — with content tailored to each training pathway and exam format.

Options for Entry: AGPT vs FSP vs IP

There are several ways to enter GP training:

• AGPT (Australian General Practice Training): Funded government program, competitive intake once a year.
• FSP (Fellowship Support Program): RACGP’s new alternative to PEP, for IMGs who didn’t get into AGPT.
• IP (Independent Pathway): ACRRM’s self-funded, flexible entry model — increasingly popular with rural doctors.

Speak to your RTO (Regional Training Organisation) or the college directly to compare options.

Training Locations Matter

Where you train affects your:

• Exam cases (rural vs urban exposure)
• Patient mix (multicultural metro vs remote Indigenous health)
• Access to supervisors
• Medicare billing levels

PassGP provides flexible preparation for all contexts — including CCE scenarios with rural complexity, telehealth, or culturally sensitive care.

Exams Are Changing in 2025

According to A/Prof George Eskander, PassGP’s Chief Examiner:

“GP exams now reflect real-life complexity. It’s not enough to memorise guidelines — you must show clinical reasoning, empathy, and safety in diverse scenarios.”

That’s why exam technique is as critical as knowledge. And why PassGP’s mock exams are written to simulate the real thing — with advanced-level KFPs, multi-part CCE stations, and mobile-first functionality.

Costs and Pay During Training

• AGPT registrars: ~$85,000–$110,000 per year + super
• FSP/IP registrars: Variable pay based on billings
• Training costs: Covered for AGPT; self-funded for FSP/IP (~$10,000–$12,000 per year)

Remember — all training includes supervision, but independent billing starts once Fellowship is achieved.

Why IMGs Choose PassGP

PassGP is Australia’s most exam-focused preparation platform for GP registrars. We don’t just provide questions — we coach you to think like a Fellow.

With over 4,500 questions across AKT, KFP and CCE — plus real-case simulations, 1:1 coaching, and continuous updates — we help you train smarter, pass faster, and practise safer.

Final Thoughts

GP training in Australia is one of the most rewarding career pathways — offering flexibility, stability, and the chance to make a real difference in your community.

But to thrive, you need the right knowledge, the right support, and the right exam technique.

That’s why PassGP is here — designed by examiners, trusted by registrars.

👉 Start your free trial today at PassGP

References: Department of Health Australian General Practice Training (AGPT) Program