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)) |
Search and find live NHS doctor jobs in the UK
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An NHS hospital in London is looking for a Locum Consultant in Medical Oncology with an interest in GI and Lung malignancies. The Oncology department comprises a team of 16 Consultant Oncologists and is supported by a multidisciplinary team of nurses, pharmacists, and radiographers. This Medical Oncology job is open to both international applications and UK-based doctors, though those with European Specialist registration or MRCP qualifications 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
Applicants should have full GMC registration, MRCP (or equivalent), and substantial experience in Medical Oncology. Interest in Lung and GI malignancies is essential. The salary will be between £105,504- £139,882 dependent on experience.
CORE DUTIES OF THIS ROLE
LIFE IN LONDON
London offers a dynamic and diverse environment with a mix of bustling urban areas and quieter suburban neighborhoods. It provides access to world-class educational institutions, excellent transport links, and a wide range of cultural, leisure, and historical attractions. London’s rich history and multicultural vibrancy make it an ideal location for both professional development and personal fulfillment.
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 guided throughout by one of our dedicated relocation executives, including:
A UK-based NHS hospital is looking for a Specialty Doctor in Acute Medicine with an interest in general medicine. The department comprises a team of consultants and middle-grade doctors, all working together to provide high-quality care to patients. This Acute Medicine role is open to both international applications and UK-based doctors, though those with MRCP or equivalent qualifications and those within 6 months of CCT 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
Candidates must be fully registered with the GMC and possess MRCP or equivalent qualifications. Entry on the Specialist Register or within six months of CCT at the time of interview is essential. Expertise in a broad range of medical conditions and the ability to lead a multi-professional team is required. Sub-specialty interests will be supported. The salary will be competitive and dependent on experience or grade.
CORE DUTIES OF THIS ROLE
A leading NHS Trust in the East Midlands is offering an exciting opportunity for a Consultant in Acute and General Internal Medicine. This role is ideal for doctors passionate about delivering high-quality care within a supportive and dynamic environment. The position is based at a CQC-rated \"Outstanding\" hospital, part of a trust recognized for its exceptional staff engagement and commitment to innovation. The role combines acute and sub-acute care responsibilities with opportunities to develop sub-specialist interests.
The Trust also provides CESR Portfolio Pathway support for international medical graduates (IMGs), facilitating the journey to consultant accreditation in the UK.
What is the NHS Trust like?
This NHS Trust serves a diverse population of over 500,000, providing acute and community care through a network of hospitals and clinics. Known for its collaborative approach, the Trust works closely with local health and social care providers to deliver integrated, patient-centered services.
The Trust is committed to fostering a culture of excellence, with a focus on diversity, inclusion, and staff wellbeing.
What is the department like?
The GIM department combines acute care expertise with specialty clinics, ensuring comprehensive and patient-focused services. Consultants lead a multidisciplinary team, supported by advanced diagnostic tools and robust training programs.
The team includes specialists in nephrology, geriatrics, and rheumatology, providing a collaborative environment where consultants can develop their expertise while delivering exceptional care. Supported by registrars, SHOs, and F1 doctors, consultants oversee a high volume of admissions—approximately 14,000 unselected medical emergencies annually—ensuring efficient and effective patient management.
Continued Professional Development
The role offers extensive CPD opportunities, including CESR support, specialty training, and leadership development programs. Consultants are encouraged to engage in research, audits, and teaching.
Location
Located in a vibrant region of the East Midlands, this area offers affordable living, excellent schools, and diverse cultural and recreational activities. With strong transport links, it is an ideal base for professionals and families.
Am I eligible for this role?
UK based candidates:
EEA candidates:
Non-EEA candidates: