Australia's healthcare system is renowned for its high standards and accessibility. The country places a strong emphasis on medical research, technological advancements, and patient-centered care. As a result, there is a consistently high demand for skilled healthcare professionals, especially doctors. The demand spans across various specialties, creating ample opportunities for doctors to excel in their chosen fields.

1. Australian Immigration for Doctors –
Salary, Pathway and Demographics
Australia, with its thriving healthcare sector, presents a promising landscape for medical professionals,
particularly doctors. The Land Down Under not only boasts a robust healthcare system but also offers
lucrative opportunities for doctors seeking to advance their careers. In this article, we will delve into the
high scope for doctors in Australia, explore the average salaries, and outline the immigration pathways
for medical professionals aspiring to make Australia their new home.
Scope for Doctors in Australia
Australia's healthcare system is renowned for its high standards and accessibility. The country places a
strong emphasis on medical research, technological advancements, and patient-centered care. As a
result, there is a consistently high demand for skilled healthcare professionals, especially doctors. The
demand spans across various specialties, creating ample opportunities for doctors to excel in their
chosen fields.
Average Salaries for Doctors in Australia
For those considering a move to Australia, understanding the financial landscape is crucial. According to
recent data, the average doctor's salary in Australia stands at an impressive $176,670 per year or $90.60
per hour. Entry-level positions offer a competitive starting salary of $115,000 per year, while
experienced doctors can earn up to $296,400 annually. This attractive remuneration reflects the
country's recognition of the vital role doctors play in maintaining a healthy population.
Immigrant Doctor Demographics in Australia Over Six Decades
The demographics of immigrant doctors in Australia have shifted. This sample of International Medical
Graduates (IMGs) practicing in Australia in 2020 reveals a shift in their countries of origin. In the earlier
years, before 1990, the majority were from the UK and Ireland, but in the last two decades, the focus
has shifted predominantly to Southern Asia.
These changes in the origin countries of IMGs mirror broader shifts in Australia's immigrant population.
Earlier immigration policies, criticized as discriminatory, have become more inclusive. Australia now
acknowledges its stronger ties with the geographic region and has moved away from its colonial origins.
The percentage of Australia's population born overseas has risen from 10% post-WWII to 30% in 2019
(Australian Bureau of Statistics 2020). In 2018–19, the top contributors to the 160,323 new permanent
migrants were India (21%), China (15%), and the UK (9%) (Australian Government Department of Home
Affairs 2019).
It's not surprising that Indian doctors now constitute a significant portion of IMGs in Australia. India,
with its large population, robust medical education system, and connections with its diaspora in
Australia, supports a chain migration phenomenon (Yeomans, 2018). India also holds the position of the
leading exporter of medical practitioners to the USA and Britain (Kaushik et al., 2008).

2. Despite China being the second-largest migrant source, only 2% of Australian IMGs were trained there.
However, there's a noticeable uptick, with an increasing number of Chinese-trained doctors undertaking
the AMC clinical exam in recent years (Yeomans et al., 2021).
On the other hand, South Africa holds the third position among the countries of origin for International
Medical Graduates (IMGs) practicing in Australia. However, its contribution to the overall migrant
population in 2019 was merely 2% across all categories. While medical migration from South Africa was
prominent until about 2010, it appears to be slowing down (Arnold, 2011).
Australian Immigration Overview:
Australian immigration is a structured and point-based system that aims to attract skilled individuals,
including doctors, to contribute to the country's economic and social development. The immigration
system is administered by the Department of Home Affairs and includes various visa categories catering
to different skill sets and purposes. For doctors, the General Skilled Migration (GSM) program and
employer-sponsored visas are two common pathways to explore.
General Skilled Migration (GSM) Program:
The GSM program is a points-based system designed to assess the eligibility of skilled professionals
interested in migrating to Australia. Doctors can avail themselves of this pathway by accumulating
points based on various criteria such as:
Qualifications: Doctors with recognized and relevant qualifications, including medical degrees,
postgraduate training, and specialization, are awarded points.
Work Experience: The number of years of work experience as a doctor is a significant factor in the
points system. More experienced doctors receive higher points.
Language Proficiency: Proficiency in English, demonstrated through tests like IELTS or OET, contributes
to the points total.
Age: Younger applicants receive more points, with the maximum points typically awarded to individuals
between 25 and 32 years old.
Other Factors: Additional points can be earned for factors like study in Australia, community and
professional ties, and partner skills.
Meeting the minimum points requirement is crucial for successful application under the GSM program.
Employer-Sponsored Visas:
Doctors can also explore employer-sponsored visas, where healthcare institutions in Australia sponsor
skilled professionals to fill specific positions. The two main categories are the Temporary Skill Shortage
(TSS) visa (subclass 482) and the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa (subclass 186).
Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa: This visa allows doctors to work in Australia temporarily. The
sponsoring employer must demonstrate a genuine need for the doctor's skills and expertise.

3. Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa: This is a permanent visa option for doctors sponsored by an
Australian employer. It involves a two-step process: nomination by the employer and application by the
doctor.
Key requirements for employer-sponsored visas include relevant qualifications, work experience, and
approval from the appropriate medical board or council in Australia.
Skill Assessment:
Before applying for immigration, doctors typically need to undergo a skills assessment conducted by the
relevant Australian medical authority. This process ensures that their qualifications and experience meet
the standards required for medical practice in Australia.
In summary, doctors interested in Australian immigration should thoroughly research the specific
requirements of the GSM program or employer-sponsored visas. Seeking advice from migration agents,
understanding the points system, and completing a successful skills assessment are crucial steps in the
process. With the right qualifications and experience, doctors can avail themselves of the numerous
opportunities that Australian immigration presents to contribute to the country's healthcare sector.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Australia's healthcare sector presents a lucrative and rewarding opportunity for doctors
seeking professional growth and personal fulfillment. The competitive salaries, coupled with a high
quality of life, make Australia an attractive destination for medical professionals worldwide. With well-
structured immigration pathways, including the General Skilled Migration program and employer-
sponsored visas, the process of relocating to Australia becomes more accessible for doctors looking to
make a significant impact on the nation's healthcare landscape.