Expedited Specialist Pathway Data

The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) has released some data on the new Expedited Specialist Pathways (ESP), which came into effect at the end of 2024.

At the time of writing, there are four ESPs: General Practice, Anaesthesia, Psychiatry, and Obstetrics and Gynaecology.

Observations from AHPRA’s July 2025 Report

•  Applications have been received from all states and territories except Tasmania.
•  441 internationally qualified specialists have applied for registration since the pathway opened.
• Applications by specialty: 26 Anaesthesia, 370 General Practice, 11 Obstetrics and Gynaecology, and 34 Psychiatry.
• 229 applicantshave been registered through the Expedited Specialist Pathway (section 58(b) of the National Law): 9 anaesthetists, 208 general practitioners, and 12 psychiatrists.
• An additional 2 applicants, while ineligible for ESP, were assessed under section 58(c) of the National Law and subsequently registered.
• 183 applications are in progress, awaiting further information, Board decisions, or finalisation of registration.
• 26 applications have been withdrawn, and 1 has been refused.
• 86.6% of applicants are from the United Kingdom. Note: not all ESPs are the same — e.g. Psychiatry ESP only allows UK training, while GP allows UK and Irish training.
• 229 supervised practice arrangements have been approved, with SIMGs commencing work in every state and territory except Tasmania.

The Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists (ANZCA) and the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) have introduced pathways to assist ESP-eligible specialists who were uncertain about obtaining Fellowship.

Fellowship of a medical college in Australia grants SIMGs full equivalence to specialist training in their country of origin. For example, we have supported psychiatrists entering the new RANZCP Accelerated Pathway (introduced in May 2025). These psychiatrists will remain under RANZCP guidance and join the traditional substantial comparability cohort once they commence work in Australia.

Specialists can apply either to a College’s “Accelerated” pathway as well as an ESP, or independently of it.

Important Note: Not all ESPs are identical — each has different eligibility criteria.

You can view our current job opportunities here. 

Please contact me if you have any questions about the above.