PG in Australia after MBBS for Indian Students

For Indian medical graduates, a postgraduate specialisation abroad can be a significant step towards a global career. The question of ‘where to study PG after MBBS’ often arises. Australia stands out as a top destination, offering a compelling blend of academic excellence and professional opportunities. Known for its world-class, globally recognised medical education and state-of-the-art facilities, a postgraduate career in Australia promises more than just a degree. PG in Australia after MBBS is a pathway to high-paying jobs, a strong return on investment (ROI), and even a potential route to permanent residency (PR).

While the benefits of diverse clinical exposure, a healthy work-life balance, and advanced medical training are immense, this prestigious path comes with its own set of challenges. Indian students must navigate rigorous entry requirements, a lengthy application process, and intense competition. A clear understanding of the entire process is crucial for a successful journey. This guide is a one-stop solution for Indian students considering a medical PG in Australia, providing everything you need to know about the two main pathways, financial considerations, and career prospects. Read on to start your journey towards a world-class medical career.

A Critical Distinction: Understanding MD and MS in Australia

Before diving into the process of pursuing a PG in Australia after MBBS, Indian graduates must understand a key difference in medical education. In Australia, the titles ‘MD’ and ‘Master of Surgery (MS)’ are not the same as the postgraduate clinical specialisations in India.

Doctor of Medicine (MD): The MD in Australia is an entry-level professional degree designed for those who already have an undergraduate bachelor’s degree in a related subject. It is the Australian equivalent of an MBBS. Therefore, an Indian MBBS graduate would not pursue an MD as their postgraduate specialisation.

Master of Surgery (MS): Similarly, an MS in Australia is a research-based degree. While it provides valuable academic and research experience, it does not grant the right to practice as a surgeon or provide clinical training.

To become a clinical specialist, such as a Surgeon, Cardiologist, or Neurologist, one must instead pursue a salaried, hospital-based specialist training programme, known as a residency, after obtaining their full medical license.

Pathways for Indian MBBS Graduates

Indian MBBS graduates can pursue a medical career in Australia through one of two main pathways: a clinical path leading to medical specialisation or an academic/research path.

#1 The Clinical Pathway (For Practising Doctors)

This is the most common route to becoming a licensed medical specialist in Australia. It is not a university degree with tuition fees. Instead, it is a job-based, salaried training system.

Licensing Journey: As an Indian MBBS graduate aspiring for a PG in Australia after MBBS, your primary goal would be to get your medical qualifications recognised and gain a license to practice. This is achieved through the Australian Medical Council (AMC) pathway, the official route to full medical registration. The process involves:

• Document Verification: Getting your MBBS degree and credentials verified as authentic through the Electronic Portfolio of International Credentials (EPIC) on its new portal, MyIntealth
• AMC Exams: Passing the AMC exams, including the AMC CAT MCQ Exam (a computer-based theory test) and either the AMC Clinical Exam or a Workplace-Based Assessment (WBA)
• English Proficiency: Demonstrating a high level of English proficiency by taking IELTS Academic with a minimum of 7.0 bands in each section or OET with a minimum of grade 'B' in each section

Medical Registration & Training: After successfully passing the exams, you are required to complete a mandatory 12-month supervised internship as a Junior Medical Officer (JMO) in an Australian hospital to gain General Registration.

Specialist Training: With general registration, you can apply for a paid specialist training position (known as a residency or Registrar role) with a relevant medical college. This on-the-job training takes several years and leads to specialist registration and fellowship.

#2 The Academic/Research Pathway

Those interested in non-clinical careers in fields, such as research or public health, can enrol directly in university postgraduate programmes. These are not clinical degrees and do not lead to medical practice.

• Common Programmes: Master of Public Health (MPH), Master of Medical Science, or a PhD
• Admission Requirements: An MBBS degree, English proficiency (IELTS Academic or OET), and sometimes relevant experience

Fees & Costs for PG in Australia After MBBS

There is a twist in the costs involved in pursuing a PG in Australia after MBBS. This might actually surprise you.

• Clinical Pathway: This is a Salaried Path. Instead of paying tuition fees, you are paid as a JMO (AU $70,000 - $100,000 per year) and later as a Registrar (AU $90,000+ per year). Your main expenses include nearly AU $7,000 total for the AMC exams, plus visa fees and relocation costs.
• Academic Pathway: These programmes have tuition fees, ranging from AU $35,000 - $70,000 per year.
• Scholarships: Australia Awards are mainly available for the academic/research pathway, not for the clinical training, which is a paid course.
• Other Costs: International students need to budget nearly AU $30,000 - $40,000 per year for living expenses and Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for health insurance.

Career Prospects of PG in Australia After MBBS

A medical qualification from Australia is globally recognised and may provide a strong potential pathway to permanent residency. The country’s healthcare sector has a high demand for skilled medical professionals, especially in specialities like General Practice, Psychiatry, and Emergency Medicine. Upon gaining specialist registration, doctors enjoy high salaries, with top specialists earning over AU $600,000 annually.

Refer to the estimated average annual salaries for medical professionals in Australia:

Sources: Seek, Glassdoor, Indeed, ZipRecruiter, SalaryExpert

Note: The Clinical Training path is a paid job. While they train, the salaries for an Intern/JMO are AU $70,000 - $90,000 and for a Registrar/Trainee are AU 90,000 - $180,000+. The specialist salaries listed above are for the final, qualified role after all training is complete.

To sum up, Indian MBBS graduates can pursue a medical career in Australia by getting their degree recognised by the Australian Medical Council (AMC), clearing the AMC exams, completing a supervised practice, and then applying to postgraduate training programmes. There are also non-clinical master's programmes that have different entry requirements.

Navigating this process, from verifying your credentials and passing the exams to finding a job and adapting to a new culture, can be overwhelming. However, with the right guidance and a clear plan, this journey becomes a rewarding investment in your future.

Sounds overwhelming? Speak with our experts to help you find suitable courses for PG in Australia after MBBS. Register at AECC now and book your free consultation call.