GMC accepted Postgraduate Qualifications
- April 15, 2020

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.
What if my qualification is listed below?
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 hav 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.
What if my qualification is not listed below?
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 |
America |
American Board of Pediatrics (ABP) |
Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatrics - General Pediatrics |
America |
American Board of Anaesthesiology |
Certificate of the American Board of Anaesthesiology |
America |
The American Board of Radiology |
The American Board of Radiology diagnostic radiology examination |
Australia/New Zealand |
Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists |
Fellowship of the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists |
Australia/New Zealand |
Royal Australasian College of Physicians |
FRACP Adult medicine or evidence of three years of basic training (PREP) + achievement of RACP written and clinical examinations OR FRACP Paediatrics or evidence of three years 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) |
Bangladesh |
Bangladesh College of Physicians and Surgeons |
Fellowship in Anaesthesia or Anaesthesiology awarded since July 1999 |
Canada |
The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada |
The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada - diagnostic radiology examination |
Europe |
European Academy of Anaesthesiology or European Society of Anaesthesiology |
European Diploma in Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care |
Hong Kong |
Hong Kong College of Physicians |
Membership of the Hong Kong College of Physicians |
Ireland |
College of Anaesthetists of Ireland |
Fellowship of the Faculty or the College of Anaesthetists |
Ireland |
Royal College of Physicians in Ireland |
MRCP Medicine (Medicine of Childhood) |
Ireland |
Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland |
MRCS (collegiate examination) MRSCI (intercollegiate examination) Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons Ireland Fellowship of the Faculty or the College of Anaesthetists of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland |
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 |
Pakistan |
College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan |
FCPS Paediatrics Pakistan Fellowship in Anaesthesiology awarded since1998 |
Singapore |
National University of Singapore |
Master of Medicine (Paediatrics) 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 |
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, (Paediatrics) Doctor of Medicine or MD (medicine) awarded after January 2017 Doctor of Medicine or MD (surgery) awarded after July 2017 |
West Indies |
University of the West Indies |
Doctor of Medicine (Anaesthesia) awarded since September 2003 (Course title has since changed to Doctor of Medicine (Anaesthesia and Intensive care)) |
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