Recognition of international training
Íæż½ã½ãwelcomes doctors, specialists and subspecialists from around the world to apply for recognition to practice in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand.
Introduction
The College offers a number of different pathways for international medical graduates interested in training and working in obstetrics and gynaecology in Australia or Aotearoa New Zealand.
These pathways can be grouped into three main categories:
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.
For more information on these pathways, please see the corresponding sections below.
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.
Fellowship of Íæż½ã½ãspecialist training
The Fellowship of the Íæż½ã½ã(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 includes:
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 Íæż½ã½ãe-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 FÍæż½ã½ãtraining program, including the National Trainee Selection Process, please see our Fellowship of Íæż½ã½ãSpecialist Training page.
Non-accredited registrar 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 FÍæż½ã½ãspecialist training program.
While some IMGs use this pathway to successfully apply for the FÍæż½ã½ãprogram, 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 FÍæż½ã½ãqualification under the Íæż½ã½ãRecognition of Prior Learning Policy
does not guarantee selection into the FÍæż½ã½ãtraining 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.
Certificate and Procedural training
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 Shared antenatal and postnatal care of low-risk patients Family planning |
| Íæż½ã½ãAssociate Training Program (Procedural) (PTP) | Minimum: approx. 6 months Maximum: 2 years | Hospital-based practice As per CWH, plus: Shared antenatal and postnatal care of moderate risk patients Normal-risk intrapartum obstetrics Assisted deliveries Basic gynaecological procedures |
| Íæż½ã½ãAssociate Training Program (Advanced Procedural) (APTP) | Minimum: approx. 12 months Maximum: 2 years | Hospital-based practice As per PTP, plus: More complex intrapartum obstetrics, including lower segment caesarean section (elective and emergency) Laparotomies in emergency gynaecological situations Basic ultrasound scanning |
For more information on these three qualifications, please see our Certificate and Procedural Training page.
Specialist practice in Australia (SIMGs AUS)
If you’ve completed specialist or subspecialist qualifications outside of Australia or Aotearoa New Zealand, you can apply for a comparability assessment of your overseas training, qualifications, experience and continuing professional development.
In Australia, you must apply to Íæż½ã½ãfor this assessment via one of the specialist international medical graduate (SIMG) pathways outlined below.
More information on these SIMG assessment pathways can also be found in the Íæż½ã½ãRegulations (see Section D: Assessment of Specialist International Medical Graduates).
Generalist obstetrics and gynaecology pathway
Overview
Pathway to Fellowship of Íæż½ã½ã(FRANZCOG)
Requirements
Broad base of skills suitable for practice in an urban or provincial setting
Knowledge and skills at a consultant level in:
antenatal clinics
gynaecology outpatient clinics
emergency obstetrics and gynaecology
Caesarean section lists
gynaecological theatre lists
Eligibility criteria
In general, to apply via the generalist obstetrics and gynaecology pathway, you must have:
a primary degree in Medicine and Surgery
completed a specialist training program that:
is a structured post-graduate course of at least five years duration, with published standards that are comparable to that of the FÍæż½ã½ãtraining program
has a documented and systematic in-training assessment system incorporating regular, ongoing formative and summative performance-based assessments, examinations and other assessments comparable to those undertaken by FÍæż½ã½ãtrainees
has a competitive selection process
has been accredited against published standards by an external body and assessed for reaccreditation at regular intervals
results in registration as a specialist in obstetrics and gynaecology
participated in a continuing professional development (CPD) program since obtaining a specialist qualification
met the Medical Board of Australia’s English language requirements
demonstrated recency of practice in the relevant scope of practice
a certificate of good standing covering at least the last two years of practice
a certificate of specialist registration in your country of specialist training
submitted your primary, specialist and any relevant additional qualifications for primary source verification
Resources
Please follow the links below for more information:
Academic and common scope pathway
Overview
Pathway to Fellowship of Íæż½ã½ã(FRANZCOG)
Requirements
Experience in research, teaching and academic leadership
Knowledge and skills at a consultant level in:
obstetrics
emergency gynaecology
common office gynaecology
Eligibility criteria
In general, to apply via the the academic and common scope pathway, you must:
have met all of the general eligibility criteria for the generalist obstetrics and gynaecology pathway (see above)
have completed a PhD-level research degree at a Time Higher Education (THE) top-400 university
have published at least 40 peer-reviewed papers (PubMed) following completion of your PhD, within the preceding five years
currently hold an academic appointment of at least half of the full-time equivalent (0.5 FTE) at professorial level at an Australian or New Zealand university or are on an academic pathway that would be reasonably expected to lead to an appointment at this level in an Australian or New Zealand university
Subspecialist and common scope pathway
Overview
Pathway to Certification in your chosen subspecialty
Requirements
Delivery of comprehensive care across the scope of practice in one of the following subspecialty areas:
Gynaecological Oncology (CGO)
Maternal and Fetal Medicine (CMFM)
Obstetrical and Gynaecological Ultrasound (COGU)
Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (CREI)
Urogynaecology (CU)
Knowledge and skills at a consultant level in:
antenatal clinics
gynaecology outpatient clinics
emergency obstetrics and gynaecology
‘back-up’ in more complex surgical cases
Caesarean section lists
Eligibility criteria
In general, to apply for assessment via the academic and common scope pathway, you must have:
met all of the general eligibility criteria for the generalist obstetrics and gynaecology pathway (see above)
met Íæż½ã½ãCommon scope criteria
completed a subspecialist qualification from a recognised College or national certifying body and gained subsequent experience in one of the five recognised Íæż½ã½ãsubspecialty areas
recency of practice in the relevant scope of practice, within 12 months prior to applying for the SIMG pathway
completed a specialist training program that:
is a structured postgraduate course of at least three years duration, with published standards that are comparable to that of the Íæż½ã½ãsubspecialist training program
has a documented and systematic in-training assessment system incorporating regular, ongoing formative and summative performance-based assessments, examinations and other assessments comparable to those undertaken by Íæż½ã½ãtrainees
has a competitive selection process
has been accredited against published standards by an external body and assessed for reaccreditation at regular intervals
Resources
Please follow the links below for more information:
Area of need (AoN) pathway
Overview
Pathway designed to meet gaps in service delivery, usually in a rural area
Assessment by Íæż½ã½ãtakes into account your qualifications and relevant experience against the specified requirements of a position in a confirmed area of need (as determined by the relevant state or territory health authority)
Please note that the area of need (AoN) pathway does not lead to specialist (Fellowship) or subspecialist (Certification) recognition by RANZCOG.
However, SIMGs can apply for assessment via the AoN pathway, and one or more of the three specialist recognition pathways, at the same time.
Apply (SIMGs AUS)
How to apply
To apply to Íæż½ã½ãfor a comparability assessment, you must:
Undertake primary source verification of your medical qualifications with the Australian Medical Council
Complete the following document:
Please nominate one of the following pathways:
Generalist obstetrics and gynaecology
Academic and common scope
Subspecialist and common scope
Area of need
Submit your application form and logbook to RANZCOG, including payment details for the application fee.
Please note that if you’re applying from the UK, you should submit a Certificate of Completion of Training (or equivalent) as evidence of your specialist qualification. Membership of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (MRCOG), or the Royal Colleges of Physicians (MRCP), is not considered to be a stand-alone specialist qualification.
Application
Preliminary assessment
At least one member of the SIMG Assessment Committee will assess your application to determine if you meet the requirements to progress to an interview.
Interview
Interim assessment
If the SIMG Assessment Committee deems that your application is ‘eligible for interview’, you will be invited to attend an interview to further explore:
your overseas training, qualifications, experience and continuing professional development
your understanding of the Australian healthcare system and culture
Please see assessment outcomes below to learn more about the progress of your application after the interview.
Australian pathways data
Please follow the link below to the Medical Board of Australia website for more information and statistics on SIMGs within the Australian healthcare workforce.
Assessment outcomes (SIMGs AUS)
Based on your assessment interview, Íæż½ã½ãwill issue one of the three outcomes detailed below.
Substantially comparable
If your qualification and experience are assessed as substantially comparable to an Australian or New Zealand trained specialist, the SIMG Assessment Committee will direct you to complete a period of supervised specialist practice for up to 12 months.
Prior to commencing supervised practice, you must:
nominate a Fellow of Íæż½ã½ãto act as your training supervisor
complete the relevant Prospective Approval of Training Form:
submit your application to the SIMG team (simg@ranzcog.edu.au), including payment details for the application fee
During your supervised practice, you must:
provide contact details for 8–10 colleagues who will contribute to a multi-source feedback (MSF) assessment of your professional competence, which will be facilitated by your training supervisor
the SIMG team () will contact you approximately six weeks prior to the conclusion of your supervised practice
complete an equivalent period of continuing professional development (CPD) as an Educational Affiliate of the College
for more information, please contact the CPD team ()
Partially comparable
If your qualification and experience are assessed as partially comparable to an Australian or New Zealand trained specialist, the SIMG Assessment Committee will direct you to complete a period of supervised practice for 12–24 months, which may include a combination of the assessment requirements outlined below.
More information on these assessment requirements can be found in the Íæż½ã½ãRegulations (see Section D: Assessment of Specialist International Medical Graduates).
Generalist obstetrics and gynaecology pathway
In general, SIMGs on this pathway will need to complete the following requirements:
A minimum period of six months (FTE) and a maximum of twenty-four months (FTE) of prospectively approved, supervised training whereby the SIMG trainee is certified as possessing the competencies expected of an Australian-trained specialist in obstetrics and gynaecology in the generalist obstetrics and gynaecology scope of practice or the academic and common scope of practice
Assessment of Procedural and Surgical Skills (APSS) Ultrasound B
Colposcopy APSS
an approved communication skills workshop
Fellowship of Íæż½ã½ãwritten examination (maximum of three attempts)
Fellowship of Íæż½ã½ãoral examination (maximum of three attempts)
Other assessment(s) the College may require from time to time
Please follow the links below for relevant forms and resources:
Academic and common scope pathway
For SIMGs on this pathway, the period of supervised specialist work may comprise up to 0.5 FTE in an academic post at professorial level, with the remaining FTE component in clinical practice.
Subspecialist and common scope pathway
For more information on the assessment requirements for this pathway, please see our subspecialist training page, or refer to the Íæż½ã½ãRegulations (see Section D: Assessment of Specialist International Medical Graduates).
Please follow the links below for relevant forms and resources:
Not comparable
If your qualification and experience are assessed as not comparable to an Australian or New Zealand trained specialist, you may wish to consider applying for the Fellowship of Íæż½ã½ã(FRANZCOG) specialist training program from Year 1.
For more information on applying for the FÍæż½ã½ãtraining program, please see the above section for International Medical Graduates (IMGs).
Additional information (SIMGs AUS)
Certification
On successful completion of all SIMG requirements, you can apply to the SIMG Assessment Committee for (as applicable):
Fellowship of Íæż½ã½ã(FRANZCOG) certification
Certification in your chosen subspecialty
To apply for the certification, please contact the SIMG team (simg@ranzcog.edu.au) who will provide you with an application form and relevant FÍæż½ã½ãor subspecialist documentation.
If your application meets all necessary criteria, the SIMG Assessment Committee will recommend endorsement by Íæż½ã½ãBoard or Subspecialty Committee, as applicable.
Please note that certification can take up to three months from the time the College receives your complete application.
Fees
All fees are payable in Australian dollars (AUD), and are not subject to Australian GST unless otherwise stated.
Training supervisors
If you’re directed to complete supervised practice, you must nominate a training supervisor for this period.
Your training supervisor must be:
a Fellow of RANZCOG
approved by the SIMG Assessment Committee Chair prior to commencement of your supervised practice
employed at your training site as a full-time or part-time staff specialist (or visiting medical officer, where appropriate)
in a position to directly observe your practice on a regular basis and seek the views of your colleagues when compiling supervisor reports
contribute to assessments and other formal reports in relation to your training and performance, using the appropriate Íæż½ã½ãforms
If your supervisor changes during your period of supervised practice, you must inform Íæż½ã½ãand seek approval for the change.
To learn more about training supervisors, please read the following information documents:
Becoming an assessor
The College relies upon the willingness of individual Fellows to give of their time in order to conduct many of its core activities. The assessment of SIMGs for comparability to a Íæż½ã½ãtrained specialist is one such area.
To learn more about becoming an SIMG assessor, please read the following information document:
Alternatively, please email the SIMG team in Australia ().
Short-term training (STT) in a medical specialty (AUS)
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.
STT posts in obstetrics and gynaecology:
enable international medical graduates to gain valuable experience in Australia (not Aotearoa New Zealand), and then return to your country of practice
are usually offered at the registrar level by major metropolitan teaching hospitals
are usually for a period of 12 months (but may be extended for an additional 12 months in exceptional circumstances, subject to approval by the College)
do not involve formal assessment, or result in a qualification or certification
must be approved by the College as a genuine training post (and not a post designed to meet a staffing need)
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 FÍæż½ã½ãtrainee to be appointed to the position or to engage in specific training opportunities within the workplace.
Eligibility
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
Apply
To apply for STT in obstetrics and gynaecology, you must:
Secure an STT training post with an employing hospital
Apply for primary source verification of your medical qualifications with the Australian Medical Council
Ensure that your employing hospital has lodged an STT application with RANZCOG, including:
Form
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.)
Lodge your own STT application with RANZCOG, including:
Forms
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
Apply for a training visa for a period of up to two years
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 Íæż½ã½ãTraining 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.
Fees
The fee is payable in Australian dollars (AUD), and is not subject to Australian GST.
Specialist practice in Aotearoa New Zealand (SIMGs NZ)
If you’ve completed specialist or subspecialist qualifications outside of Australia or Aotearoa New Zealand, you can apply for a comparability assessment of your overseas training, qualifications, experience and continuing professional development.
In Aotearoa New Zealand, you must apply to the Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ) for this assessment via the specialist international medical graduate (SIMG) pathway outlined below.
Overview
Pathway to Fellowship of Íæż½ã½ã(FRANZCOG) or Certification in your chosen subspecialty
Role of RANZCOG
As the vocational educational advisory body in obstetrics and gynaecology, Íæż½ã½ãwill conduct a comparability assessment on behalf of MCNZ to determine your suitability for specialist or subspecialist registration in Aotearoa New Zealand
MCNZ seeks advice from Íæż½ã½ãon two groups of SIMGs:
those who are currently overseas (i.e. not already residing or working in Aotearoa New Zealand)
those who are already working in Aotearoa New Zealand via another registration pathway (e.g. general scope or provisional general scope) and wish to obtain vocational registration within the scope of practice of obstetrics and gynaecology
Eligibility criteria
To apply for assessment with MCNZ via the vocational scope pathway, you must:
have completed postgraduate medical training and gained a postgraduate medical qualification awarded at the end of your specialist training
be qualified in Medicine and Surgery, with a primary degree recognised by the
meet legal ‘fitness for registration’ requirements (including English language requirements)
Apply (SIMGs NZ)
How to apply
To apply for assessment with the Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ), with Íæż½ã½ãacting as the vocational educational advisory body, you must:
Undertake primary source verification of your medical qualifications using the Electronic Portfolio of International Credentials (EPIC)
Complete an Application for Vocational Registration (including a referee report), as outlined on the MCNZ website
Submit your application documents (including the Íæż½ã½ãAdditional Information Form, and payment details for the application fee) to MCNZ for initial assessment
Please note that if you’re applying from the UK, you should submit a Certificate of Completion of Training (or equivalent) as evidence of your specialist qualification. Membership of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (MRCOG), or the Royal Colleges of Physicians (MRCP), is not considered to be a stand-alone specialist qualification.
Application (MCNZ)
On receiving your application, MCNZ will:
verify your documentation
seek feedback from your referees
forward your application to Íæż½ã½ãfor preliminary advice
Preliminary advice (RANZCOG)*
As the vocational educational advisory body, Íæż½ã½ãwill complete an initial assessment of your application and provide MCNZ with preliminary advice, including one of the following recommendations:
Equivalent/as satisfactory as a locally trained specialist
Íæż½ã½ãwill invite you to attend an interview with the Aotearoa New Zealand SIMG assessment panel
MCNZ may grant you provisional vocational registration to begin supervised practice prior to the interview (subject to prospective approval of your supervised training program by RANZCOG)
Unable to make a recommendation
Íæż½ã½ãmay request further clarification or information
MCNZ may still determine that your application can proceed, in which case Íæż½ã½ãwill invite you to attend an interview with the SIMG assessment panel
*Please note that if you’re already working in Aotearoa New Zealand and hold another form of registration (e.g. general scope or provisional general scope registration), you will proceed directly to an interview with RANZCOG.
Interview (RANZCOG)
At your interview, the SIMG assessment panel will further explore:
your overseas training, qualifications and experience in obstetrics and gynaecology
your response to some short scenarios assessing your clinical knowledge and skills, and your understanding of the New Zealand healthcare system and culture
Please see the Assessment Outcomes section below to learn more about the progress of your application after the interview.
Other assessment information
Before you apply for assessment with MCNZ, please note that:
the SIMG assessment process unavoidably involves a good deal of paperwork — please allow plenty of time to prepare your application thoroughly
a favourable SIMG assessment does not guarantee you employment in Aotearoa New Zealand
The College encourages all Aotearoa New Zealand Fellows of Íæż½ã½ãto complete Application of the Hui Process and Meihana Model — a course offered by MÄori/Indigenous Health Institute (University of Otago)
For more information on SIMG assessments, please refer to the Íæż½ã½ãRegulations (see Section D: Assessment of Specialist International Medical Graduates).
Interview dates
In 2024, SIMG assessment interviews in Aotearoa New Zealand will be held on:
Friday 9 February 2024
Friday 8 March 2024
Friday 12 April 2024
Friday 10 May 2024
Friday 14 June 2024
Friday 12 July 2024
Friday 9 August 2024
Friday 27 September 2024
Friday 8 November 2024
Assessment outcomes (SIMGs NZ)
Based on your assessment interview, Íæż½ã½ãwill recommend one of the three assessment outcomes outlined below.
The Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ) will then make the final decision about eligibility for registration and advise you in writing of any additional requirements you must undertake to qualify for registration within the vocational scope of obstetrics and gynaecology.
Equivalent to
If your qualification and experience are assessed as equivalent to a New Zealand trained specialist, MCNZ will grant you provisional vocational registration to begin a period of supervised specialist practice for up to 12 months.
As satisfactory as
If your qualification and experience are assessed to be as satisfactory as a New Zealand trained specialist, MCNZ will grant you provisional vocational registration to begin a period of supervised practice for a period of 12–18 months and may also specify assessments or other requirements for you to complete during the supervision period.
Neither equivalent to nor as satisfactory as
If your qualification and experience are assessed as neither equivalent to nor as satisfactory as a New Zealand trained specialist, you may wish to consider applying for the Fellowship of Íæż½ã½ã(FRANZCOG) specialist training program.
For more information on applying for the FÍæż½ã½ãtraining program, please see the above section for International Medical Graduates.
Vocational registration (SIMGs NZ)
Provisional vocational registration
On receiving provisional vocational registration from MCNZ, you must enrol in the Íæż½ã½ãCPD program before MCNZ will grant full vocational registration.
You can choose to enrol as soon as you’re granted provisional registration from MCNZ, or closer to the time of application for full vocational registration.
Join the Íæż½ã½ãCPD program
To apply:
If you decide not to enrol in the Íæż½ã½ãCPD program until you’re ready to apply for full vocational registration, we welcome you to join Íæż½ã½ãas your professional membership organisation by applying to be an educational affiliate.
Become an educational affiliate member
To apply: