The Medical Council of New Zealand have this week announced a number of updates to their registration policies and pathways:
New Countries Added to Comparable Health System Pathway
This means doctors who have practised clinically for at least 33 out of the last 48 months in one or more of these, or any of the Council’s other previously approved comparable countries, may be eligible to apply for registration via this route.
Fast-Track for Overseas-Trained GPs
A new fast-track registration process has been introduced for GPs from the USA, Canada and Singapore. These applications can now be processed within two months via the VOC3 Provisional Vocational (specialist) registration pathway.
Changes to QTE Assessment Process
Council has approved a change to how medical colleges assess an International Medical Graduate’s (IMG) qualifications, training, and experience (QTE). Colleges must now provide final advice based on a paper-based assessment, with interviews being the exception. This change aims to reduce processing times to approximately 3 months (down from 6).
Online Application Launch
From 28 July 2025, applications for provisional vocational registration via the VOC3 and VOC4 pathways will move online. This will streamline the process for applicants, employers, and recruiters, making it easier to upload documents, track application status, and submit supervision reports and practising certificate renewals.
If you’d like to chat to one of our recruiters regarding current opportunities and your eligibility to apply for registration in Aotearoa New Zealand, please contact us at info@headmedical.com | +44 (0) 131 226 2200