What is Medical Board of Australia (via AHPRA)?
The Medical Board of Australia is a national regulatory board established under the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law Act 2009. It operates as one of 15 boards under the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), which coordinates health professional registration across Australia.
The Medical Board's primary role is to register medical practitioners and set standards for medical practice in Australia. For skilled migration purposes, it assesses overseas-trained doctors (IMGs — International Medical Graduates) for registration eligibility, which is a prerequisite for visa sponsorship under the skilled migration program.
The Board typically works in conjunction with the Australian Medical Council (AMC), which conducts preliminary international medical graduate assessments. After AMC approval, applicants proceed to Medical Board registration, which must be completed before a visa application can be finalised. The Board covers all medical practitioner occupations across general practice, hospital medicine, and specialist fields.
Which visas require a MedBA skills assessment?
Medical Board of Australia assessments support skilled migration visas for overseas-trained doctors seeking to work in Australia. The assessment is mandatory for these visa subclasses:
Medical Board registration is a formal requirement before visa grant for all skilled medical pathways. Your skills assessment from the Medical Board confirms you meet Australian standards to practise medicine, which immigration authorities rely on before issuing a visa.
How MedBA assessment works
The Medical Board assessment process for overseas-trained doctors involves verification of qualifications, professional registration checks, and determination of your eligibility to register as a medical practitioner in Australia. Most applicants complete this process within 12 weeks.
- Engage an AMC-approved pathway assessment (typically mandatory before Medical Board assessment). This may include the AMC examination or an alternative approved assessment.
- Submit your formal application to AHPRA Medical Board with certified copies of qualifications, transcripts, and professional registration documents.
- AHPRA verifies your overseas qualifications, medical degree, and professional standing with issuing institutions and regulatory bodies.
- Provide evidence of professional indemnity insurance and health and character documentation as required.
- Medical Board reviews all submitted information and makes a determination on your eligibility for registration.
- Upon approval, you receive registration as a medical practitioner in Australia, valid for 3 years initially (renewable).
Assessment pathways
The Medical Board typically assesses overseas-trained doctors through two main pathways: the standard international medical graduate (IMG) pathway and specialist pathways for doctors with existing specialist qualifications.
For overseas-trained doctors without Australian qualifications. Requires AMC examination (or approved alternative), verification of medical degree, English language assessment, and evidence of professional registration.
For doctors with overseas specialist qualifications (e.g., Fellow of a foreign college). May require additional specialist examination or evidence of equivalent training.
For doctors undertaking further training in Australia under supervision. Requires sponsorship by an Australian health facility and completion of a structured training program. Medical Board grants provisional registration while you complete Australian clinical training requirements.
Documents required
Documents required vary by pathway but typically include:
- Original medical degree certificate or certified copy (notarised by a lawyer or authorised representative)
- Official transcripts from your medical university covering all years of study
- Evidence of professional registration in your home country (registration certificate or equivalent)
- Written references from two professional referees (practising doctors or senior colleagues) on official letterhead with contact details
- Curriculum Vitae detailing medical training, employment history, and relevant clinical experience
- English language test results (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent) if medical qualification is from a non-English-speaking country
- Australian character reference or police clearance certificate if requested
- Health declaration and evidence of vaccinations (MMR, chickenpox, TB screening) as required by AHPRA
- Professional indemnity insurance certificate or quote for coverage in Australia
- Proof of AMC examination completion or alternative approved assessment outcome
- Statutory declaration confirming the accuracy of all submitted documents
- Copy of passport or travel document for identity verification
All documents must be certified copies (notarised or certified by a lawyer, justice of the peace, or AHPRA-authorised verifier). Non-English documents require certified English translations. AHPRA will contact your overseas university and regulatory body directly to verify credentials.
MedBA assessment fees
Fees are set by the assessing authority and change periodically — check the authority's official website for the current fee schedule before applying.
Assessment outcomes
MedBA issues one of three outcomes:
A positive Medical Board assessment results in full registration as a medical practitioner in Australia, valid for 3 years. This registration allows you to practise medicine, apply for visa sponsorship, and work as a doctor across all Australian states and territories. Your registration is portable and recognised nationwide.
If your application is not approved, the Medical Board will provide reasons for refusal. You may be offered the opportunity to undertake additional training, sit further examinations, or submit additional evidence. You have the right to request a review or reassessment after 12 months or upon completion of recommended training.
The Medical Board has an internal review process. If you disagree with a decision, you may request a review within 28 days. External review is available through the Health Complaints Commissioner in each state. Reassessment is typically considered after completion of recommended remedial training or a minimum 12-month waiting period.
Occupations assessed by MedBA
MedBA is the nominated assessing authority for the following ANZSCO occupations. Click any occupation to see full visa pathway details.
| ANZSCO | Occupation | List |
|---|---|---|
| 253111 | General Practitioner | CSOL |
| 253112 | Resident Medical Officer | CSOL |
| 253113 | Hospital Medical Officer | CSOL |
| 253199 | Medical Practitioners n.e.c. | CSOL |
| 254111 | Surgeon | CSOL |
| 254112 | Anaesthetist | CSOL |
| 254113 | Intensive Care Specialist | CSOL |
| 254114 | Emergency Medicine Specialist | CSOL |
| 254115 | Paediatrician | CSOL |
| 254117 | Psychiatrist | CSOL |
| 254118 | Radiologist | CSOL |
| 254199 | Specialist Physicians n.e.c. | CSOL |