Medical Academic and Training Opportunities in NZ

Registrar training posts are available for doctors 2 years post-graduation. Most training posts are 3 -5 years, resulting in becoming a Specialist or General Practitioner.

Applicants eligible for registration with the Medical Council of New Zealand, can apply for registrar training posts and do so during the ‘Recruitment Runs’. These are national application processes for medical training vacancies usually 6 months ahead. The process involves applying to each preferred District Health Boards (DHBs) directly.

If you are an IMG considering applying for training in New Zealand, please note that New Zealand and Australian graduates will likely be preferenced during the application process, so you are advised to be tactical on where you apply!

Find below the structure of the training process in NZ:

To find out the requirements for the post-graduated training and how to apply check the Medical Council website. The Council, with support from Health Workforce New Zealand (HWNZ), is in charge of  prevocational training. Check here to see its  requirements and elegibility.

If you prefer to work for a short term (up to 12 months) you should consider Locum tenens.

Vocational training in general practice is undertaken through the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners (RNZCGP).

To obtain a Fellowship of the RNZCGP you have to complete a 3 years training program by the General Practice Education Program (GPEP). FRNZCGP is awarded on successful completion of its requirements.