Overseas doctors

The Expression of Interest (EOI) for the NZREX primary care pathway is closed on 31 May 2025.Thank you to those who completed the form and registered their interest.

Expression of Interest respondents will be contacted about any new programmes for a primary care pathway as they become available.

In March, the Minister of Health announced a number of initiatives to support an increase in timely access to primary care for all New Zealanders, including supporting more doctors and nurses into the primary care workforce.

As part this, funding was announced to support a two year pathway to full registration (external link) with a focus on primary care for up to 100 overseas-trained doctors living in New Zealand.

The NZREX primary care pathway will enable overseas-trained doctors to undertake prevocational training in primary care settings over 2025 and 2026. The first six-months of training is hospital-based and the following 18 months is in community-based primary care settings.

Following the successful pilot in Waikato District, we are building on this model to support the transition into general practice for overseas-trained doctors. Health New Zealand is currently engaging with districts to stand up the programme across New Zealand.

Recruitment is underway for the following programme(s):

• Waikato District (10 NZREX positions) (external link)

This page will continue to be updated as information becomes available on new programmes.

The Expression of Interest for overseas-trained doctors interested in participating in the programme. closed on 31 May 2025.

Expression of Interest respondents will be contacted about any new programmes for a primary care pathway as they become available.

For more information, visit Registration to work as a doctor in New Zealand and NZREX processes - Medical Council of New Zealand (external link).

This programme is focused on hospital training and prepares candidates for entry into the two-year pre-vocational training programme for full registration in New Zealand.

The initial pilot had 10 candidates and ran as a four and a half month bridging programme in the Northern Region (based in Auckland). It was completed in July 2023 with all 10 candidates now working in Auckland-based hospitals.

We are currently considering further programmes. This page will be updated as information becomes available.