All pathways lead to Vocational Recognition as a Specialist (General Practice) through the Australian Medical Council (AMC) and vocational recognition with Medicare Australia, with reciprocal arrangements through other medical colleges. There are multiple pathways you can take to become a FACRRM.
Independent Pathway (IP)
A flexible, self-directed, self-funded Fellowship training pathway delivered and supported directly by ACRRM.
Rural Generalist Training Scheme (RGTS)
The Rural Generalist Training Scheme (RGTS) is a four-year, fully funded stream of the College-led Independent Pathway that leads to Fellowship of ACRRM (FACRRM).
Australian General Practice Training (AGPT)
Fully funded Commonwealth pathway providing vocational training through accredited Regional Training Organisations.
Remote Vocational Training Scheme (RVTS)
Fully funded Commonwealth pathway providing vocational training for medical practitioners in remote and isolated communities and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities throughout Australia.
Compare pathways
Independent Pathway (IP)
Suited to: Non-vocationally recognised doctors who prefer flexible, supported learning
Eligibility: May have general or limited medical registration
May have temporary Australian residency
RPL: Up to two years
Fees: Self-funded or partially Government funded through Non-Vocationally Registered Fellowship Support Program*
Training Organisation: ACRRM
Supervision: Mainly onsite
Location: Regional, rural and remote facilities
ACRRM accredited post
Quotas: Unrestricted FFS
Capped NVR
Application Process:
1. Apply to ACRRM
2. Selection by ACRRM
3. Enrol with ACRRM
Applications dates: Applications are open all year round with specific application cut of dates for prospects wishing to commence training in a particular cohort.
Training commences: March, July, October, January
Rural Generalist Training Scheme (RGTS)
Suited to: Non-vocationally recognised doctors who prefer flexible, supported learning
Eligibility: Must have general medical registration
Must be an Australian permanent resident or citizen
RPL: Up to two years
Fees: Fully Government funded*
Training Organisation: ACRRM
Supervision: Mainly onsite
Location: Regional, rural and remote facilities
ACRRM accredited post
Quotas: Capped
Application Process:
1. Apply to ACRRM
2. Selection by ACRRM
3. Enrol with ACRRM
Applications dates: Key intake period
Training commences: Key hospital terms
Australian General Practice Training (AGPT)
Suited to: Doctors who prefer structured, face-to-face learning
Eligibility: Must have general medical registration
Must be an Australian permanent resident or citizen
RPL: Up to two years
Fees: Fully Government funded*
Training Organisation: Regional Training Organisations (RTOs)
Supervision: Mainly onsite
Location: Regional, rural and remote facilities
ACRRM accredited post
Quotas: Capped
Application Process:
1. Apply to ACRRM for a specific region
2. Selection by ACRRM
3. Accepted by an RTO
4. Enrol with RTO
Applications dates: Usually April
Training commences: January / February
Remote Vocational Training Scheme (RVTS)
Suited to: Doctors in remote and isolated communities, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities
Eligibility: May have general or limited medical registration
May have temporary Australian residency
RPL: Up to two years
Fees: Fully Government funded*
Training Organisation: RVTS
Supervision: Mainly offsite
Location: Continue to work and live in your rural or remote community
ACRRM accredited post
Quotas: Capped
Application Process:
1. Apply to RVTS
2. Selection by RVTS
3. Enrol with ACRRM
Applications dates: Usually June and August
Training commences: February
Other Avenues to Fellowship
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 through the Independent Pathway.
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.
Not sure which pathway is right for you?
Contact our training team for assistance on finding your pathway to rural. Phone 1800 223 226.