Expedited Pathway

PEP Specialist Pathway

The Practice Experience Pathway through RACGP for experienced international GPs with comparable qualifications.

12-18 Months
RACGP Administered

The Practice Experience Program (PEP) is administered by the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) and is designed for experienced international GPs whose qualifications and training are assessed as substantially comparable (SC) or partially comparable (PC) to Australian fellowship standards. The program includes 6 months of targeted education and training, with the PC stream also requiring candidates to pass the AKT, KFP, and CCE exams.

PEP is well-suited for GPs who have significant clinical experience but whose qualifications do not qualify for the Expedited pathway. The Fellowship Support Program total is $33,680 + membership (2026), making it a significant but worthwhile investment in your Australian medical career.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Hold a primary medical qualification that is recognised or can be verified by the AMC
  • Have completed specialist GP training in your home country (or equivalent experience)
  • Have your qualifications assessed as "comparable" or "partially comparable" by RACGP
  • Meet English language requirements (IELTS, OET, PTE Academic, or TOEFL iBT)
  • Be eligible for limited or provisional registration with AHPRA

The PEP Process: Step by Step

Estimated Costs

AMC Portfolio

Portfolio establishment (one qualification)

$642+ AUD

PSV / EPIC Verification

Primary Source Verification through ECFMG

~$642+ AUD

Fellowship Support Program

Total program fee (2026), covers education, assessments, and support

$33,680 AUD

RACGP Annual Membership

Required during PEP and ongoing

~$1,567 AUD/year

AHPRA Annual Registration

Annual fee (2025/26)

$1,058 AUD/year

Partially Comparable (PC) stream candidates: If your qualifications are assessed as partially comparable, you must pass the AKT ($2,721), KFP ($2,721), and CCE ($5,565) exams — a total of ~$11,007 in additional exam fees. The PC stream estimated total is ~$28,000-30,000 AUD compared to ~$17,000-19,000 AUD for the SC stream.

Estimated Total (SC Stream)

Substantially Comparable, including first year of memberships and registration

~$17,000-19,000 AUD

PC stream (with AKT, KFP, and CCE exams)

~$25,000-30,000 AUD

All fees are approximate and subject to change without notice. RACGP, AMC, and AHPRA update their fee schedules periodically. Always check the current fees on the relevant organisation's website before making financial commitments. The figures above are provided as a planning guide only.

Get your paperwork in order

The PEP pathway requires extensive documentation. Use our checklist to make sure you have everything ready before starting your application.