Pathway To New Zealand For Pakistani Doctors
Pakistani medical graduates are eligible to apply for medical licensure in New Zealand, but there’s a specific pathway they generally need to follow. New Zealand has its own unique requirements for International Medical Graduates (IMGs).
Here’s a Step-By-Step Guide:
Eligibility Criteria for Pakistani Medical Graduates:
Primary Medical Qualification: Your medical degree (MBBS or equivalent) must be from a medical school listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS).
English Language Proficiency: You must demonstrate strong English language skills. This is typically done by achieving minimum scores in either:
IELTS (Academic): Minimum of 7.0 in each of the four components (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking).
OET (Occupational English Test): Minimum of 350 in each of the four components.
Medical Licensing Exam Requirement:
This is a crucial point for Pakistani graduates. To be eligible for the NZREX Clinical Exam, you must have passed one of the following international licensing exams within five years before your NZREX exam date:
1.AMC Part 1 (Australia)
2.USMLE Step 1 & Step 2 (United States)
3.PLAB Part 1 (United Kingdom)
4.MCCQE Part 1 (Canada)
Your medical degree and the results of your prerequisite licensing exam which is mentioned must be primary source verified through the EPIC (Electronic Portfolio of International Credentials) system.
This usually needs to be completed before you submit your NZREX Clinical application.
Step-by-Step Guide for Provisional Registration in New Zealand:
Phase 1: Meeting Prerequisites and NZREX Clinical Exam Choose and Pass a Prerequisite Exam: Decide which of the international exams (USMLE, PLAB, AMC, MCCQE) best suits your career aspirations (as discussed in the previous answer) and pass the required parts within the last five years.
Ensure English Language Proficiency: Take and pass the IELTS or OET with the required scores.
Apply for NZREX Clinical Exam:
Once your credentials are verified and you meet all other eligibility criteria, you can apply to sit the NZREX Clinical Exam. The NZREX Clinical is a practical, objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) that assesses your clinical skills, communication, professionalism, and cultural safety relevant to the New Zealand healthcare system.
How it will be conducted:
It is conducted in-person in New Zealand. You will need to travel to New Zealand to sit this exam.
Passing the NZREX Clinical Exam is valid for 5 years.
Phase 2: Securing a Job and Applying for Provisional Registration
Secure a Job Offer (Crucial for Provisional General Scope):
You will need to have a confirmed job offer in New Zealand. These are typically Resident Medical Officer (RMO) positions in New Zealand hospitals.
Provisional General Scope: This is typically for doctors who have passed NZREX and are entering a structured prevocational training program (like PGY1). This is a supervised registration.
Provisional Registration: The MCNZ will review your application. If all criteria are met and they are satisfied that you are qualified, competent, and fit to practice, they will grant you provisional registration.
Obtain a Practising Certificate: Once provisionally registered, you will be issued a practising certificate, allowing you to commence work under supervision.
Provisional Registration Details:
Supervision: Provisional registration means you will be practicing under supervision for a specified period (often 6-12 months or more) to ensure you are adjusting to the New Zealand healthcare system and meeting the required standards of practice.
Purpose: It’s designed for doctors who need a period of supervised practice to become eligible for general registration.
Progression to General Registration: After satisfactorily completing your period of supervised practice and meeting any other requirements set by the MCNZ (which may include further assessments or training), you can apply for general registration, which allows you to practice more independently.
CONCLUSION
By following these steps, and with diligent preparation and a clear understanding of the requirements, Pakistani medical graduates can successfully pursue licensure and a medical career in New Zealand.
Average Pay for a New Pakistani Medical Graduate:
Based on current information (as of mid-2025 data):
Starting Salary :You can expect an annual gross salary typically in the range of NZD $70,000 to NZD $95,000.
Consultant/Specialist: After completing specialist training and becoming a consultant, salaries rise substantially, ranging from NZD $180,000 to NZD $400,000+ annually, depending on specialty, experience, and public vs. private practice.
CONTACT
MAHMOOD SALEEM
Advocate High Court
Immigration Consultant
Call 0321-4314001
WhatsApp 0333-5769655