Becoming a Fellow
Learn about applying for Fellowship, the College ceremony, and resources to support your success.
At a glance
Each year, we welcome around 1000 new Fellows, offering them the chance to collaborate with peers in improving training, medical care, and health policies.
Fellowship recognises your success in training and provides opportunities to:
- develop skills at the forefront of your profession
- make a positive impact on individuals and communities
- support the next generation of physicians
There are 2 pathways to Fellowship depending on your background.
Advanced Trainees
You can be recommended for Fellowship after completing all RACP Advanced Training requirements.
Final requirements can be submitted from 15 October (for February completions) or around 1 month before your end date.
The Training Committee will review your training and recommend you for admission.
Overseas Trained Physicians (OTPs)
You're eligible pending a successful specialist assessment to practice in Australia or Aotearoa New Zealand.
The relevant Committee overseeing your application will recommend you for admission.
View more
The process: steps to becoming a Fellow
Recommendation finalised
If you're an eligible trainee or OTP, the relevant Committee overseeing your training/application will recommend you for admission to Fellowship.
This part of the process can take 4-6 weeks. You'll receive a confirmation email once the recommendation has been made.
Apply via MyRACP
You’ll receive an email with instructions to apply through MyRACP and pay your admission fee once Fellowship is confirmed.
Confirmation letter
You’ll receive confirmation from the College President confirming your admission to Fellowship within 5 days of submitting your application.
The letter will also be sent to the relevant regulatory body for your physician registration with Ahpra or MCNZ.
Certificate delivered
Your Fellowship certificate (testamur) will arrive by post within 2-3 months.
Fellowship Marks
Once you become a Fellow, you're awarded RACP post-nominals (FRACP, FAFPHM, etc.). You may only use a post-nominal if you're a member of the college. You can download the Fellowship Mark through MyRACP.
Post-nominals are intended exclusively for RACP Fellows to signify their professional qualifications and college membership to patients, peers, and the community.
Registering with a regulatory body
Before you can practice as a specialist or consultant physician you must register with a national regulatory body — Ahpra in Australia, or MCNZ in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Australia
Medical Board of Australia
To practice as a specialist or consultant physician in Australia, you need to register with the Medical Board of Australia through AHPRA.
Register
Recognition as a specialist or consultant physician
For Medicare recognition to provide specialist services with benefits at consultant rates:
Apply
Aotearoa New Zealand
Te Kaunihera Rata o Aotearoa | Medical Council of New Zealand
For vocational registration with the Medical Council of New Zealand to practice as a consultant physician.
Apply
Re-admission to Fellowship
If you're a former Fellow, you can apply for re-admission to the College. The required supporting documents vary depending on the reason.
Re-admission for unpaid subscriptions (within 6 months) | - a letter to the Executive General Manager, Member Engagement and Support, requesting and outlining your reasons for re-admission to Fellowship
- proof of your ongoing registration as a health practitioner
|
All other reasons, re-admission due to non-payment (after 6 months) or resignation | - a letter to the relevant Division, Faculty, or Chapter President requesting re-admission
- an up-to-date curriculum vitae
- proof of your ongoing registration as a health practitioner and the relevant details
- a letter of reference from a peer who is a Fellow of the College and of the same discipline as the applicant
- evidence of CPD activities undertaken in the previous 2 years that meet the College's CPD Framework requirements
|
![sydney-tile[1]](/images/default-source/default-album/college-ceremony/sydney-college-ceremony.jpg?sfvrsn=2d86a51a_4 "Sydney College Ceremony")
Each year, around 1000 new members are welcomed into Fellowship at College Ceremonies across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand to celebrate their achievement.
The ceremony is a cherished tradition, and we encourage new Fellows, your family and friends, to attend.
You'll receive an email invitation to register for the ceremony after becoming a Fellow.
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