PLAB for Australia 2025 – New Updates, Requirements, Process

Great news for international medical graduates! The PLAB pathway to Australia presents an incredible opportunity for PLAB-qualified doctors to live, work, and build their careers in one of the world’s best healthcare systems.

Whether you’re a new medical graduate eager to start your career or a doctor with experience looking for better job prospects and higher salaries, Australia in 2025 is calling for skilled medical professionals!

This article will walk you through everything you need to know about the PLAB pathway, including job opportunities, salary expectations, eligibility criteria, visa processes, and a step-by-step guide to securing a job in Australia. If you’re ready to take your medical career to the next level, this guide is for you.

What is PLAB and the PLAB Pathway for Australia?

The Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB) test is an assessment conducted by the General Medical Council (GMC), UK to evaluate the medical knowledge and clinical skills of international medical graduates (IMGs). Successfully passing PLAB Part 1 and PLAB Part 2 is one of the most recognized routes for doctors seeking to practice in English-speaking countries like the UK and now, Australia.

PLAB Pathway to Work in Australia (2025)

The PLAB pathway allows doctors who have cleared PLAB 1 and PLAB 2 to apply for Provisional Registration under the Competent Authority Pathway in Australia.

This means:

• • PLAB-qualified doctors can now apply directly for medical jobs in Australia.
  • The Medical Board of Australia (MBA) recognizes PLAB qualifications for registration.
  • The pathway is still open for new applicants in 2025, making this a great time to consider Australia for your medical career.

This article provides a step-by-step guide on how PLAB doctors can apply for jobs, registration, visas, and permanent residency in Australia.

Latest Changes Made in PLAB Pathway Program of Australia (2025)

No UK Experience Required: Doctors no longer need 12 months of supervised work in the UK before applying for jobs in Australia. The training can now be completed in Australia.

• Faster Registration Process: The Medical Board of Australia has streamlined the Competent Authority Pathway for doctors with PLAB qualifications.
• Rising Demand for International Medical Graduates (IMGs): Due to a shortage of doctors, particularly in regional and rural areas, PLAB-qualified doctors have increased job prospects.
• Expanded Work Opportunities: More hospitals, clinics, and private healthcare providers now accept PLAB-qualified doctors in various specialties.

Available Job Roles for PLAB Doctors in Australia

Depending on your level of experience, you can apply for various roles, such as:

1# Resident Medical Officer (RMO)

• • Salary: AUD 80,000 – 100,000 per year
  • Responsibilities: Work under supervision, rotate through different specialties, and provide patient care.

2# Senior Resident Medical Officer (SRMO)

• • Salary: AUD 100,000 – 120,000 per year
  • Responsibilities: Take on more responsibilities, mentor junior RMOs, and assist in specialized medical fields.

3# Registrar (Training Level)

• • Salary: AUD 120,000 – 150,000 per year
  • Responsibilities: Prepare for specialty training programs, diagnose and treat complex cases, and supervise junior doctors.

4# General Practitioner (GP) – Rural/Regional Areas

• • Salary: AUD 150,000 – 250,000 per year
  • Responsibilities: Provide primary healthcare services in underserved regions.

5# Career Medical Officer (CMO) – Emergency Medicine/Internal Medicine

• • Salary: AUD 120,000 – 160,000 per year
  • Responsibilities: Work in emergency and acute medicine settings, managing a wide range of medical cases.

Eligibility Criteria for Working in Australia with PLAB in 2025

To be eligible to work as a doctor in Australia via the PLAB pathway, you must meet these requirements:

1. Pass PLAB Part 1 & PLAB Part 2 (conducted by the General Medical Council, UK).
2. Hold a Recognized Medical Degree from a university listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools.
3. Meet English Language Requirements (IELTS 7.5 overall or OET B grade in all sections).
4. Register with the Medical Board of Australia via the Competent Authority Pathway.
5. Secure a Supervised Job Position in Australia.

Simple Process to Work in Australia with PLAB in 2025

Step 1: Pass PLAB (Parts 1 & 2): Register with the General Medical Council (GMC), UK and clear both PLAB exams.

Step 2: Apply for Registration with AHPRA: The Competent Authority Pathway allows PLAB doctors to apply for Provisional Registration with the Medical Board of Australia. You must secure a job first before getting registered.

Step 3: Secure a Job in Australia: Apply for jobs on portals like:

• • SEEK Australia
  • Indeed Australia
  • Health Workforce Queensland (for rural jobs)
  • State Health Recruitment Portals (e.g., NSW Health, Victoria Health, etc.).

Step 4: Apply for a Visa (Subclass 482 – Temporary Skill Shortage Visa)

• • Your hospital/employer sponsors your visa.
  • Your family members (spouse and children) can accompany you under this visa.

Step 5: Complete Supervised Practice (12 Months in Australia): Work under a Level 1 or Level 2 Supervision depending on your experience. And you can now fulfill your required supervised training in Australia, bypassing the UK requirement.

Step 6: Apply for General Registration: After completing 12 months of supervised work, apply for General Registration with the Medical Board of Australia. Once registered, you can work independently anywhere in Australia.

So Should You Apply for PLAB 2025 to Work in Australia Now?

If you’re looking for higher salaries, better work conditions, and permanent residency prospects, Australia is the place to be in 2025! With the recent PLAB updates, the process is now more accessible, and the fast-track visa system ensures quick job placement.

Start your PLAB journey today and build your medical career in Australia here https://www.amc.org.au/pathways/.

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