Australian Scholarship Pathway
Want to study and work in Australia? Here's your step-by-step guide to making it happen
SCHOLARSHIPS
Scholarship in Australia
Australia, officially known as the Commonwealth of Australia, is the largest country in Oceania and consists of the mainland, the island of Tasmania, and other smaller islands. It is the 6th largest country in the world by landmass, with its capital being Canberra and Sydney as its largest city.
As the driest inhabited continent, Australia has varying levels of rainfall and is prone to drought. It is the 54th most populous nation in the world, with about 30% of its population being immigrants, one of the highest percentages globally. The official language is English, making communication easy among its people. Australians are considered some of the most educated, multilingual, and multicultural people in the world.
Australia has a buoyant economy, being the 14th largest economy globally. It is highly developed and holds the 2nd position in terms of wealth owned per adult, after Switzerland. The country is rich in natural resources, with mining being one of its largest industries alongside healthcare, tourism, and manufacturing.
Australia is said to have the 2nd best healthcare system in the world and is regarded as one of the best places for clinical trials and medical investigations. It ranks highly in quality of life, education, and security.
Its culture is vibrant, heavily influenced by American culture, while also drawing from numerous other cultures due to its large immigrant population. Australia is known for its coffee café culture.
Aussies love entertainment—every state has a symphony orchestra, and there are publicly funded theatres as well. There is a strong cultural appreciation for poetry and ballet, while football and cricket are the most popular sports.
Tourism contributes significantly to the economy. Key attractions include:
The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park – the largest coral reef in the world
Fraser Island – the largest sand island in the world
Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House, Bondi Beach, Melbourne, and other beautiful man-made and natural landmarks.
Basic Immigration Requirements for Nigerian Doctors
To practice in Australia, a Nigerian doctor must apply for skill assessment and registration via the Standard Pathway, which involves:
English Language Proficiency
Pass IELTS with a minimum of band 7 or
Pass the OET (Occupational English Test)
Pass the Australian Medical Council (AMC) Exams
Part 1 (MCQ Exam): Tests essential medical knowledge
Costs about $2,720 per sitting
Can be taken in the UK, India, etc. (Not available in Nigeria)
Part 2 (Clinical Exam): Assesses clinical skills and communication
Costs about $3,500 per sitting
Can only be taken in Australia on a tourist visa
Passing both exams grants you general registration, qualifying you for hospital or general practice (GP) jobs.
PESCI Exams (optional):
Taken after passing AMC Part 1
Easier route for GPs only
Not valid for those pursuing other specialties
Exams are competitive and require serious preparation. Courses such as those from ARIMGSAS can be helpful.
Employment Offer
Can be secured after passing Part 1
May take time, so early applications are advised
Registration with the Australian Medical Board
Initial provisional registration requires 12 months of supervised practice
After that, you can work as a Resident Medical Officer (RMO)
More information: Australian Medical Council
EPIC Verification
After obtaining an AMC number, proceed to verify credentials via ECFMG EPIC
Visa Application
Temporary Work Visa: Sponsored by employer
Skilled Migration Scheme: Points-based eligibility
Skilled Migration Info
Visas are competitive due to strict regulations. All migration information is available at the Department of Home Affairs
Remuneration
Australia offers competitive salaries.
The average salary for a physician: AUD $118,283 per year
Source
Residency / Specialty Training
After working as an RMO, you can apply for specialty training.
Training durations vary from 5 to 8 years, depending on the specialty
Dual specialty options and break periods are allowed
Permanent Residency or Citizenship is required (takes about 2–3 years)
Permanent residency processing costs: AUD $7,000–8,000
Popular and accessible specialties:
Emergency Medicine
General Practice
Adult Psychiatry
More competitive:
Surgical Subspecialties
Additional roles:
Locum and General Practice
Medical Administration
Public Health Physician
Academic and Research Opportunities
Entrepreneurship
Postgraduate programs such as Master’s, PhDs, Diplomas are available with scholarships, usually accessible after gaining permanent residency.
Alternative Pathways for Skill Assessment
Competent Authority Pathway
For those who passed PLAB, USMLE, etc., and have worked in countries like the UK, USA, Canada, Ireland, Scotland
No AMC exams required
Jobs can be secured via job agencies (free services)
Specialist Pathway
For internationally recognized specialists
Bureaucratic, but streamlined for those trained in UK, Ireland, Scotland
Postgraduate qualifications from Africa are not recognized
More info: AMC Assessment Pathways
Attractions and Living Conditions
Australia is known for:
High quality of life
Good security
World-class healthcare and education
Fast-track citizenship (around 4 years)
Concerns and Cultural Adjustment
Adjustment period for immigrants, especially from Africa
Time zone differences can impact communication with family
Be aware of legal liabilities (litigation risks)
Do your job diligently
Best Cities & Neighborhoods for Immigrants
Initial jobs may be outside major cities, but Australian cities are:
Safe
Family-friendly
Culturally diverse
Great for education and lifestyle
Racism and Language Barrier
Racism exists but is not overt; locals are generally friendly and helpful
English is the primary language, so communication is easy
Respect the law; the police are your friends