As most overseas doctors may know, there are some non-UK Postgraduate Qualifications that are recognised by the GMC as equivalent.
An equivalent qualification will be accepted by the GMC as evidence of the necessary knowledge, skills and experience to apply for full registration with a license to practice.
The qualifications listed below are currently accepted by the GMC and are recognised as meeting the same standards as UK postgraduate qualifications. However, this does not mean they are the same in every way, and they do not guarantee entry to the UK Specialty training.
If your postgraduate qualification is listed below then you will simply need to provide evidence of English Language capabilities by passing an English Language Test (typically IELTS or OET) in order to satisfy the criteria for full registration with the GMC.
Read through our blogs on English Language Testing to help answer any questions you may have on the matter.
Alternatively, get in touch with one of our IMG Connect consultants (using the details at the bottom of this page) or send us an email with your details and we'll get back to you immediately to talk through any questions or next steps.
If your qualification is not listed as equivalent, then you will be required to complete a Royal College Postgraduate Qualification or PLAB. You can use the GMC application finder to find the application that’s right for you.
It is important to note, you must be granted full GMC registration within three years of passing your postgraduate qualification.
Country |
Awarding Body |
Qualification |
Australia/New Zealand |
Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists |
Fellowship of the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists |
Australia/New Zealand |
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists | Fellowship of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists (FRANZCO) awarded since January 2010 |
|
The Australasian College for Emergency Medicine | Fellowship of the Australasian College for Emergency Medicine (FACEM) awarded since 2001 |
Australia/New Zealand |
The Royal Australasian College of Physicians |
FRACP Adult medicine or evidence of three years of basic training (PREP) + achievement of RACP written and clinical examinations |
Australia/New Zealand |
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists |
Fellowship of The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (FRANZCP) awarded since January 2012 |
Australia/New Zealand |
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists |
Fellowship of The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists (FRANZCR) (Clinical Radiology) Fellowship of The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists (FRANZCR) (Radiation Oncology) |
Australia/New Zealand |
The Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine |
Fellowship of the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (FACRRM) awarded since 1 January 2013 |
Australia/New Zealand |
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners | Fellowship of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (FRACGP) awarded since 1 January 2007 |
Australia/New Zealand |
The Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners |
Fellowship of the Division of Rural Hospital Medicine (FDRHMNNZ) awarded since 1 January 2012 |
Australia/New Zealand |
The Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners |
Fellowship of the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners (FRNZCGP) awarded since 1 January 2012 |
Bangladesh |
Bangladesh College of Physicians and Surgeons |
Fellowship in Anaesthesia or Anaesthesiology awarded between July 1999 and October 2019 |
Canada |
The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada |
The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada - diagnostic radiology examination |
Canada |
The College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC) |
Certification in the College of Family Physicians of Canada (CCFP) awarded since 1 January 2009 |
Europe |
European Academy of Anaesthesiology or European Society of Anaesthesiology (previously the European Academy of Anaesthesiology or European Society of Anaesthesiology) |
Diplomate of European Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care (DESAIC) (previously the Diplomate of European Academy of Anaesthesiology DEAA) or Diplomate of European Society of Anaesthesiology (DESA)) |
Europe |
European Society of Intensive Care Medicine (ESICM) |
European Diploma of Intensive Care (EDIC) awarded since January 2015 |
Hong Kong |
Hong Kong College of Physicians |
Membership of the Hong Kong College of Physicians |
Ireland |
College of Anaesthesiologists of Ireland |
Fellowship of the College of Anaesthesiologists of Ireland (previously Fellowship of the College of Anaesthetists of Ireland) |
Ireland |
Royal College of Physicians in Ireland |
Membership of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland (MRCPI) in General Medicine, awarded after 1 January 2007 Membership of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland (MRCPI) in Paediatrics (Medicine of Childhood), awarded after 1 January 2007 Membership of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland (MRCPI) in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, awarded after 1 January 2007 Membership of the Faculty of Occupational Medicine (MFOM), awarded after 1 January 2007 Membership of the Faculty of Public Medicine (MFPHMI), awarded after 1 January 2007 |
Ireland |
Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland |
MRCS (collegiate examination) MRSC (intercollegiate examination) MRSC (ENT) (intercollegiate examination) Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons Ireland (FRCSI) Fellowship of the Faculty or the College of Anaesthetists of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland Fellowship of the Faculty of Radiologists in Clinical Radiology of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (FFR RCSI) |
Malaysia |
Ministry of Health |
Master of Medicine (MMED) Malaysia with MRCP (UK) awarded since 1 July 2010 This must include four years of clinical experience (required to complete MMED) plus two years of training |
Singapore |
National University of Singapore |
Master of Medicine (Internal Medicine) including MRCP (UK) |
Singapore |
Joint Committee on Specialist Training Singapore |
Master of Medicine (MMED) Singapore, plus MRCP (UK) awarded since 1 July 2010 |
South Africa |
College of Anaesthetists of South Africa |
Fellowship of the College of Anaesthetists of South Africa FCA (SA) |
South Africa |
Colleges of Medicine of South Africa |
Fellowship of the College of Radiologists of SA FC Rad Diag (SA) - Diag Rad awarded after 1 October 2013 |
South Africa |
College of Family Physicians of South Africa |
Fellowship of the College of Family Physicians of South Africa (FCFP(SA)) awarded since 1 January 2007 |
Sri Lanka |
University of Colombo, Sri Lanka |
Doctor of Medicine or MD (Anaesthesiology) Doctor of Medicine or MD, (Obstetrics and Gynaecology) Doctor of Medicine or MD (medicine) awarded after January 2017 Doctor of Medicine or MD (surgery) awarded after July 2017 |
United States |
American Board of Anaesthesiology | Certificate of the American Board of Anaesthesiology |
|
The American Board of Radiology |
The American Board of Radiology diagnostic radiology examination |
West Indies |
University of the West Indies |
Doctor of Medicine (Anaesthesia) awarded between September 2003 and May 2014 (Course title has since changed to Doctor of Medicine (Anaesthesia and Intensive care)) |
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A leading NHS mental health hospital in the East of England is looking for a Consultant Psychiatrist in General Adult Psychiatry with an interest in acute inpatient care. The psychiatry department consists of a team of consultant psychiatrists and is supported by a large team of middle-grade doctors. This General Adult Psychiatry job is open to both international applications and UK-based doctors, though those with European Specialist or MRCPsych are most encouraged to apply.
Anyone requiring portfolio support (formally known as CESR) can have their required support discussed on a case-by-case basis.
JOB REQUIREMENTS AND DETAILS
Consultant level experience in psychiatry
Be eligible for GMC registration, either with MRCPsych (Full), or EEA specialist certification
Anyone with an interest and prior experience in acute inpatient psychiatry should apply.
The salary will be between £105,504 to £139,882 dependent on experience or grade.
CORE DUTIES OF THIS ROLE
Provide consultant leadership and psychiatric input into the acute inpatient unit.
Work closely with the multidisciplinary team, ensuring strong links with community teams.
Supervise junior doctors and support their training and professional development.
Participate in strategic planning, governance meetings, and service development.
LIFE IN THE REGION
This region offers a mix of urban and rural living, with vibrant city life and picturesque countryside nearby. Popular areas include city centre locations for convenience and scenic villages for a quieter lifestyle. The area is well connected, with excellent transport links, top-rated schools, and various leisure activities, including shopping, outdoor parks, and cultural events.
Rich in history, this region is known for its medieval architecture and contributions to British heritage, making it an attractive place to live and work.
HOW WILL IMG CONNECT SUPPORT YOU?
When applying with IMG Connect you’ll have the full support of an expert recruitment team who will be your recruitment and relocation partners throughout the process. We\'ll support you with:
CV Preparation with a bespoke session with one of our specialists
Application support with expert knowledge of NHS specialisms & recruitment practice
At least two video calling interview preparation sessions
Contract and offer negotiations for salary, relocation packages, tenure, and more
Once you have accepted your new role, you’ll then be supported and led throughout by one of our dedicated relocation executives who will guide you through all the way to starting your new role including:
Document gathering and checking
COS and Visa Application support if applicable
Support sourcing short- and long-term accommodation
Travel Arrangements
Family support for finding schools and any other aspects of pastoral care
A leading NHS hospital in the East of England is looking for a Consultant Haematologist with an interest in Lymphoma. The Haematology department consists of a team of consultant haematologists and is supported by middle-grade doctors. This Haematology job is open to both international applications and UK-based doctors, though those with European Specialist or FRCPath are most encouraged to apply.
Anyone requiring portfolio support (formally known as CESR) can have their required support discussed on a case-by-case basis.
JOB REQUIREMENTS AND DETAILS
Extensive experience and independence in haematology is required for this role, and anyone with an interest in Lymphoma should apply. The salary will be between £105,504 to £139,882, dependent on experience or grade.
CORE DUTIES OF THIS ROLE
LIFE IN THE REGION
This region offers a blend of city and rural living, with a choice between urban centres for convenience and scenic villages for a quieter lifestyle. The area has great transport links, excellent schools, and diverse leisure opportunities, including historic sites, parks, and family-friendly attractions. The region is historically significant, with
landmarks dating back to medieval times and strong ties to British aviation history.
HOW WILL IMG CONNECT SUPPORT YOU?
When applying with IMG Connect you’ll have the full support of an expert recruitment team who will be your recruitment and relocation partners throughout the process. We\'ll support you with:
Once you have accepted your new role, you’ll then be supported and led throughout by one of our dedicated relocation executives who will guide you through all the way to starting your new role including:
An NHS hospital in the South East of England is looking for a Consultant Clinical Oncologist with an interest in Breast Oncology. The Oncology department comprises a team of experienced Medical and Clinical Oncologists, supported by a large team of middle-grade doctors and a robust research unit. This Oncology job is open to both international applications and UK-based doctors, though those with European Specialist or a suitable Royal College qualification are most encouraged to apply.
Anyone requiring portfolio support (formally known as CESR) can have their required support discussed on a case-by-case basis.
Full or specialist registration with the General Medical Council (GMC) or eligibility within six months is required for this role. Anyone with an interest in breast cancer should apply. The salary will be between £105,504 and £139,882 per annum, dependent on experience and grade.
The South East of England offers a mix of coastal and countryside living, with excellent urban options and picturesque rural retreats. The region provides easy access to London and international travel, making it a convenient yet scenic place to live and work.
The area is home to top-performing schools, a thriving job market, and fantastic leisure activities, including watersports, hiking trails, and cultural festivals. There is a strong medical and academic presence, with opportunities for research and collaboration.
Historically, the region played a key role in shaping England, from medieval battles to its significant contributions to maritime history. The blend of heritage and modern development makes it an exciting place to live and work.
When applying with IMG Connect you’ll have the full support of an expert recruitment team who will be your recruitment and relocation partners throughout the process. We\'ll support you with:
Once you have accepted your new role, you’ll then be supported and led throughout by one of our dedicated relocation executives who will guide you through all the way to starting your new role, including:
A UK-based mental health trust is looking for a Specialty Doctor in Older Adult Inpatient Psychiatry to join their team at a well-established psychiatric inpatient unit. The Older Adult Psychiatry department includes consultants, specialty doctors, junior doctors, and a multidisciplinary team, offering comprehensive care to inpatients. This role is open to both UK-based and international doctors, particularly those with MRCPsych or equivalent European Specialist qualifications.
The region offers an attractive combination of coastal and rural living, with easy access to major cities and transport links. Doctors moving here can choose between bustling town life or scenic countryside retreats.
The area boasts excellent schools, leisure facilities, and strong transport connections, making it a great choice for professionals and families. Historically, it has a rich cultural and architectural heritage, with numerous attractions for residents to enjoy.
When applying with IMG Connect, you’ll have the full support of an expert recruitment team who will be your recruitment and relocation partners throughout the process. We\'ll support you with:
Once you have accepted your new role, you’ll be supported by one of our dedicated relocation executives, who will guide you through the process, including: