Rural generalism is recognised as an important field of medicine to support the healthcare of rural and remote communities. Through Federal Government funding, eligible doctors can receive regular payments to support the training and education requirements of ACRRM Fellowship.
All funding options lead to vocational recognition as a Specialist (general practice) through the Australian Medical Council (AMC), vocational recognition with Medicare Australia, and reciprocal arrangements through medical colleges.
Download the Funding Comparison Fact Sheet or compare pathways below.
Commonwealth-funded
Eligibility for Commonwealth funding is based on your citizenship or residency status; your Australian Medical Council (AMC) recognised medical qualification; and your medical registration from the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra). Find out more in the ACRRM Fellowship Eligibility and Application Guide.
AGPT provides:
- fully funded* education, training, and support
- standardised payments through the National Consistent Payment (NCP) Framework for GP training for supervisors, training posts, and registrars
- access to apply for Flexible Funds which provides payments for additional costs of participating and delivering ACRRM training in a rural or remote community
- salary support for registrars training in eligible Aboriginal Medical Services.
*Application fee, assessment fees and membership fees apply
RGTS provides:
- fully funded* education, training and support
- standardised Training Support Payments for GP training for registrars, supervisors and training posts
- access to apply for registrar relocation support.
*Application fee, assessment fees and membership fees apply
Self-funded
For doctors who are not eligible for Commonwealth funding, ACRRM also offer an option to self-fund your training.
Through the Independent Pathway (IP), all Fellowship training and education is self-funded. IP is suitable for those who are not eligible for Commonwealth funding due to;
- having a temporary visa
- not having general registration with Aphra, or
- having a primary medical qualification from overseas.
Find out more about eligibility and fees.
Other avenues to Fellowship
Remote Vocational Training Scheme (RVTS)
RVTS is fully funded option for medical practitioners in remote, isolated and First Nations communities throughout Australia. The application and selection process is managed by RVTS. Training is through ACRRM.
Specialist Pathway
If you are an International Medical Graduate (IMG) and hold recognised overseas general practice qualifications, you may be eligible to embark on our Specialist Pathway to obtain Fellowship of ACRRM.
Rural Experienced Entry to Fellowship (REEF)
If you hold an Australian general practice qualification and have extensive rural or remote experience, you may be eligible for Rural Experienced Entry to Fellowship.
Training incentives
Commonwealth- funded training initiatives are available to assist you in your journey towards becoming a Rural Generalist. Not only can you receive funding to complete your training, but there are also opportunities to reduce your Higher Education Loan Payment (HELP), supported rural placements, and several state specific government incentives.
Not sure which option is right for you?
Contact our Member Engagement team by emailing selection@acrrm.org.au or call 1800 223 226.