A 2026 Locum Guide for UK Doctors Considering Australia

If you’re a UK-trained doctor exploring your next career move, Australia’s healthcare system continues to offer compelling opportunities and often clearer pathways than many expect.

Australia relies heavily on doctors trained abroad, particularly in regions and specialties experiencing persistent workforce shortages. In recent years, the number of overseas-trained doctors has risen steadily, with the UK remaining one of the top source countries for practitioners.

As we look ahead to 2026, locum work is increasingly being viewed as a strategic career decision offering flexibility, strong earning potential, and meaningful clinical impact.

Below is a practical breakdown of what UK doctors need to know when planning the move.

Why Australia Is a Great Place to Locum

Australia offers one of the most established and well-supported locum markets in the world. Demand exists nationwide, from major metropolitan hospitals to regional and remote communities, giving doctors genuine choice over how and where they work.

We have locum opportunities available across all states and territories, including New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia, Tasmania, the Northern Territory, and the ACT.

Roles span public hospitals, private clinics, Aboriginal Medical Services, emergency departments, and specialist units.

Australia’s size and diversity also make locuming uniquely appealing. You can work coastal, rural, remote, or metropolitan roles, often with travel and accommodation provided, while experiencing different healthcare environments and communities.

Rising Demand and Competitive Locum Rates

Demand for locum doctors remains strong and continues to increase year on year.

• GP and registrar locum rates typically range from AUD 1,500 to 2,200 per day
• Regional and remote placements can offer AUD 1,800 to 3,000+ per day
• High-demand specialties and rural hospital roles may reach AUD 3,000 to 4,000 per day

Many locum roles also include additional benefits such as:

• Flights to and from placement
• Accommodation for the duration of the role
• Travel allowances or remote location incentives

These benefits make locuming not only financially attractive, but also logistically straightforward for doctors relocating from the UK.

Step 1: Choose the Right Registration Pathway

Australia offers several registration pathways for international medical graduates, depending on qualifications and experience.

For UK-trained doctors, the most common routes include:

• Competent Authority Pathway (the fastest and most common for UK doctors)
• Standard Pathway, which requires Australian Medical Council (AMC) exams
• Specialist Pathway, including an expedited route for eligible specialties
• Short-Term Training Pathway for limited-duration roles

Doctors trained in the UK and holding GMC registration typically qualify for the Competent Authority Pathway, which leads to general registration.

Competent Authority Pathway Overview

To qualify, you must:

• Hold a medical degree recognised by the Australian Medical Council
• Be registered with the UK’s General Medical Council
• Have completed at least 12 months of supervised clinical practice in the UK, such as Foundation Year 1

This pathway allows doctors to avoid AMC exams. After securing a role in Australia, you apply for provisional registration and complete a period of supervised practice. After 12 months, you become eligible for general registration with the Medical Board of Australia.

Step 2: Verify Your Qualifications via EPIC

Before applying through any registration pathway, your primary medical qualification must be verified through ECFMG’s EPIC system and shared with the AMC.

This step is mandatory and can take time, so starting early is important.

Step 3: Understand Visas and Work Rights

Most UK doctors enter Australia via employer-sponsored visas. The most common include:

• Subclass 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage visa)
• Subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme)

Both require sponsorship and are usually arranged with the support of your employer or recruitment partner.

Step 4: What Else You Need to Check Before You Move

Beyond registration and visas, there are several practical considerations that can affect timelines, role suitability, and earning potential.

Scope of Practice and Role Expectations

Clinical responsibilities can differ from the UK, particularly in regional and remote settings. GPs may manage broader case mixes, hospital roles may involve greater autonomy, and procedural skills are often highly valued.

Medicare Provider Numbers

To bill Medicare, doctors need a location-specific provider number. These are often linked to workforce shortage areas, and early planning helps avoid delays to start dates.

Professional Indemnity and CPD

Doctors must arrange Australian-compliant indemnity insurance and meet CPD requirements set by the Medical Board of Australia. UK CPD may be recognised, but documentation is important.

Background Checks

Australian employers require police checks and Working With Children clearances, which are routine but can take time to process.

Tax and Financial Planning

Locum doctors are usually paid as contractors and will need an Australian Tax File Number. Many choose to work with accountants familiar with medical locum arrangements.

Step 5: Achieve Full Practice Rights

After completing supervised practice, doctors can apply to progress from provisional to general registration, opening up a broader range of locum and permanent roles.

Optional: Specialist Registration

Doctors wishing to practise as specialists will need specialist registration. Some UK qualifications benefit from expedited pathways, particularly in:

• Psychiatry
• Anaesthetics
• Obstetrics and gynaecology
• General practice

Eligibility depends on college assessment and training equivalence.

Why Planning Early for 2026 Matters

Hospitals and clinics across Australia are already planning their 2026 locum rosters. Doctors who start early are better positioned to secure preferred locations, negotiate competitive rates, and complete all compliance requirements before demand peaks.

How BluePrint Medical Can Support You

At BluePrint Medical, we support UK doctors through every stage of their move to Australia.

Our team provides:

• Tailored locum opportunities across Australia
• End-to-end credentialing and compliance support
• Contract negotiation and pay guidance

Whether you’re planning a short-term locum placement or building a longer-term strategy for 2026 and beyond, we work with you to find roles that match your goals.

Ready to Explore Locum Opportunities Across Australia?

If you’re a UK-based doctor looking for flexibility, strong earning potential, and the chance to work in diverse clinical settings, locum work in Australia could be the right next step.

Get in touch with our team today: https://bit.ly/BluePrintContactUs