PLAB Pathway to Australia 2025: A Complete Guide for International Medical Graduates

PLAB Pathway to Australia 2025: A Complete Guide for International Medical Graduates

 Are you a PLAB-qualified doctor looking for new career opportunities? The PLAB pathway now offers an incredible opportunity for international medical graduates (IMGs) to live, work, and build their careers in one of the world’s most advanced healthcare systems Australia

Whether you’re a recent medical graduate eager to start your career or an experienced doctor seeking better job prospects and higher salaries, Australia in 2025 is actively recruiting skilled medical professionals.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the PLAB pathway to Australia, including eligibility criteria, job roles, salaries, visa processes, and step-by-step application procedures.

What is 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). Traditionally, PLAB was primarily used as a pathway to work in the UK.

Now, Australia recognizes PLAB Part 1 and Part 2 qualifications under the Competent Authority Pathway, allowing doctors to apply for provisional registration with the Medical Board of Australia (MBA) and secure jobs in Australian hospitals.

Latest Changes to the PLAB Pathway in Australia (2025 Update)

Australia has recently made significant updates to the PLAB pathway, making it easier and faster for doctors to transition from the UK system:

• No UK Work Experience Required

Previously, doctors needed 12 months of supervised work in the UK before applying to work in Australia. Now, you can complete this training directly in Australia.

• Faster Registration Process

The Medical Board of Australia has streamlined the Competent Authority Pathway, making registration quicker and more efficient for PLAB-qualified doctors.

• High Demand for International Medical Graduates (IMGs)

Due to doctor shortages, particularly in regional and rural areas, PLAB-qualified doctors have increased job opportunities.

• Expanded Work Opportunities

More hospitals, clinics, and healthcare providers now accept 

PLAB-qualified doctors in various specialties.PLAB Job Opportunities in Australia (2025)

Depending on your experience level, you can apply for the following roles:

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 additional 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/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 PLAB Doctors in Australia (2025)

To work in Australia via the PLAB pathway, you must meet the following criteria:

✔ Pass PLAB Part 1 & Part 2 (GMC, UK)
✔ Hold a Recognized Medical Degree (Listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools)
✔ Meet English Language Requirements (IELTS 7.5 overall / OET B in all sections)
✔ Register with the Medical Board of Australia via the Competent Authority Pathway
✔ Secure a Supervised Job Position in Australia

Step-by-Step Process to Work in Australia with PLAB in 2025

Follow these simple steps to secure a medical job in Australia:

Step 1: Pass PLAB 1 & PLAB 2

• Register with the General Medical Council (GMC), UK
• Pass PLAB Part 1 and PLAB Part 2

Step 2: Apply for Registration with AHPRA

• Use the Competent Authority Pathway to apply for Provisional Registration
• You must secure a job before applying for registration

Step 3: Secure a Medical Job in Australia

• Apply for jobs through:
  • SEEK Australia (www.seek.com.au)
  • Indeed Australia (www.indeed.com.au)
  • Health Workforce Queensland (For rural jobs)
  • State Health Recruitment Portals (e.g., NSW Health, Victoria Health)

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

• Your hospital/employer sponsors your visa
• Your family (spouse & children) can accompany you

Step 5: Complete 12 Months of Supervised Practice in Australia

• Work under Level 1 or Level 2 Supervision
• Previously, supervised training had to be done in the UK, but now it can be completed in Australia

Step 6: Apply for General Registration

• After completing 12 months of supervised practice, apply for General Registration with the Medical Board of Australia
• Once registered, you can work independently anywhere in Australia
• 
  
• Should You Apply for PLAB 2025 to Work in Australia?

YES! If you want higher salaries, better work conditions, and permanent residency prospects, Australia is the place to be in 2025!

With the latest PLAB updates, the process is simpler, faster, and more accessible than ever before.

Start your PLAB journey today and apply for jobs in Australia!

Apply Now (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency - AHPRA)

(Also check this Navigating Australian Student Visa Rejections Common Reasons and How to Avoid Them)

Browse more fully funded Masters and PhD scholarships in Australia. 

Have a question or Need Advice?  talk to use  us here on Instagram💝for free

Pro-tips for research scholarship applications

The following are some helpful links to browse through. They include tips and guides on how to successfully apply for research Masters and PhD scholarships and admissions to study in Australia. 

These are just some essential elements that any international student thinking to study abroad must be aware of especially when applying for research degree programs abroad. 

This includes information about :

•  General Masters/PhD scholarship requirements to study in Australia, 
•  How to apply for research Masters/PhD scholarships and admissions,  
•  How to apply successfully to scholarships abroad. 
• Another essential guide that you must look at is  How to contact potential supervisors when asking for a Masters or PhD Studentship position. 
• And how to write a captivating research proposal for scholarship applications, 
• And finally Research Proposal Guide for Successful Admission/Scholarship applications

Looking for more scholarship opportunities?

Discover other related scholarships below: 

• Undergraduate Scholarships
• Fully Funded Masters Scholarships
• Fully Funded PhD Scholarships
• Top Scholarships infos and guides 
• List of Australian Universities with no application fee
• General Undergraduate scholarship requirements to study abroad(Australia)
• General Postgraduate Coursework degree program scholarship requirements
• A List of Fully Funded Government and Institution Sponsored Scholarships 

Don't hesitate to leave a comment below, tell us about your experience in applying for a scholarship abroad, your difficulties and how we can assist you if you need any help.

Please Subscribe here for all future updates and opportunities.

If you don't follow us yet, connect with us on Facebook,  Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn for more content and updates.
If you have questions that need a wide response, feel free to join our Facebook group community of 80k+ active members to interact.

Have a Question or Need Advice? Talk to any of our Admin directly on Instagram.Thanks