For international medical graduates (IMGs) planning to practice medicine in Australia, understanding the latest AMC exam fees is essential for effective financial planning. In 2026, the Australian Medical Council (AMC) pathway continues to include several mandatory expenses, such as EPIC credential verification, AMC portfolio creation, the AMC CAT MCQ examination, and the AMC Clinical Examination. Candidates must pay approximately USD 110 for EPIC verification, USD 35 for EPIC registration, AUD 642 for AMC portfolio creation, AUD 2,920 for the AMC CAT MCQ examination, and AUD 3,000–3,400 for the clinical examination, depending on the exam format. These fees represent a significant investment for aspiring doctors, making it important to budget carefully and stay informed about any official fee updates. In addition to examination costs, candidates should also consider expenses related to English language tests, document verification, travel, accommodation, and registration processes. With proper preparation and financial planning, international medical graduates can successfully navigate the AMC pathway and move closer to achieving medical registration in Australia.
Understanding the AMC Pathway
The Australian Medical Council (AMC) pathway is the primary route for international medical graduates (IMGs) who wish to obtain medical registration and practice medicine in Australia. Designed to assess the knowledge, clinical skills, and professional competence of overseas-trained doctors, the AMC pathway ensures that candidates meet the standards required for safe and effective medical practice in the Australian healthcare system. The process typically begins with the verification of medical qualifications through the EPIC system, followed by the creation of an AMC candidate portfolio. Candidates pursuing the Standard Pathway must then successfully complete the AMC CAT MCQ Examination, which evaluates their medical knowledge and clinical reasoning abilities. After passing the MCQ exam, candidates proceed to the AMC Clinical Examination or an approved Workplace-Based Assessment (WBA) program to demonstrate their practical clinical skills. Upon successful completion of these assessments and meeting additional registration requirements set by the Medical Board of Australia and AHPRA, international medical graduates can apply for medical registration and pursue career opportunities across Australia.
AMC Exam Fee Structure for 2026
The following table summarizes the primary fees associated with the AMC pathway in 2026.
| Assessment Stage | Fee |
|---|---|
| EPIC Credential Verification | USD 110 |
| Credential Upload Fee | USD 110 |
| EPIC Registration | USD 35 |
| AMC Portfolio Creation | Approximately AUD 648 |
| AMC CAT MCQ Examination | AUD 2,920 |
| AMC Clinical Examination (In-Person) | AUD 3,000 |
| AMC Clinical Examination (Online) | AUD 3,400 |
| Workplace-Based Assessment Fee | AUD 1,070 |
These fees may be subject to future revisions, and candidates should always confirm current charges through official AMC announcements before making payments.
EPIC Verification and Credential Costs
Before international medical graduates can apply for assessment through the Australian Medical Council (AMC), they must complete credential verification through the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) Electronic Portfolio of International Credentials (EPIC) system. This process ensures that medical qualifications are authentic and recognized for further assessment. In 2026, candidates are required to pay USD 110 for each credential verification request, along with additional charges for credential upload and EPIC registration. These preliminary costs are an essential part of the AMC pathway and must be completed before candidates can proceed with AMC portfolio creation and examination registration.
AMC Portfolio Creation Fee
After completing credential verification, applicants must establish an AMC portfolio, which serves as their official record throughout the assessment and registration process. The portfolio contains verified qualifications, examination results, and other important documentation required by the AMC. In 2026, the AMC portfolio creation fee is approximately AUD 642–648, depending on the current fee schedule. Creating an AMC portfolio is a mandatory step and allows candidates to access AMC services and apply for examinations.
AMC CAT MCQ Examination Fee
The AMC CAT MCQ Examination is the first formal assessment undertaken by most international medical graduates pursuing the Standard Pathway. This computer-adaptive examination evaluates a candidate’s medical knowledge, clinical reasoning, and decision-making skills across a broad range of healthcare scenarios. In 2026, the examination fee remains AUD 2,920, making it one of the most significant expenses within the AMC process. Candidates should plan their finances carefully and ensure they are adequately prepared before scheduling the examination to avoid additional costs associated with reattempts.
AMC Clinical Examination Fees
Candidates who successfully pass the AMC CAT MCQ Examination become eligible to sit for the AMC Clinical Examination or pursue an approved Workplace-Based Assessment pathway. The AMC Clinical Examination assesses practical clinical skills, communication abilities, and professional competence in simulated clinical settings. In 2026, the fee for the in-person clinical examination is AUD 3,000, while the online clinical examination costs AUD 3,400. These fees remain lower than previous years following fee reductions introduced in 2025, helping to improve accessibility for international medical graduates seeking registration in Australia.
Additional Expenses to Consider
Beyond the AMC examination fees, candidates should budget for several additional expenses that may arise during the registration process. These can include English language proficiency examinations such as IELTS or OET, document translation and certification services, visa application fees, travel and accommodation expenses, study materials, preparation courses, and registration fees payable to the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). While these costs vary between individuals, they can significantly increase the overall financial investment required to complete the AMC pathway successfully.
Estimated Total Cost for IMGs
When all examination fees, verification charges, registration costs, and related expenses are combined, many international medical graduates spend between AUD 8,000 and AUD 12,000 or more throughout their journey toward Australian medical registration. The total amount varies depending on factors such as the number of examination attempts, travel requirements, preparation resources, and personal circumstances. Understanding these costs in advance enables candidates to create realistic financial plans and avoid unexpected expenses during the process.
Tips for Financial Planning
Effective financial planning is crucial for successfully navigating the AMC pathway. Candidates should begin saving early to cover examination and registration fees, monitor exchange rate fluctuations when making international payments, and regularly check official AMC announcements for updated fee information. Developing a comprehensive budget that includes examination costs, relocation expenses, study resources, and emergency funds can help reduce financial pressure throughout the process. By planning ahead, international medical graduates can focus more effectively on their exam preparation and professional goals while minimizing financial stress.
Conclusion
The AMC pathway represents a significant milestone for international medical graduates who aspire to build a successful medical career in Australia. While the journey involves multiple stages of assessment, credential verification, and registration, understanding the updated AMC fee structure for 2026 can help candidates prepare both academically and financially. From EPIC verification and AMC portfolio creation to the AMC CAT MCQ Examination and Clinical Examination, each step requires careful planning and investment. In addition to the official examination fees, candidates should also consider associated expenses such as English language proficiency tests, document processing, visa applications, travel, accommodation, and professional registration costs. Although the overall expenditure may appear substantial, it is an investment toward obtaining medical registration in one of the world’s most advanced healthcare systems. By staying informed about fee updates, creating a realistic budget, and preparing thoroughly for each assessment stage, international medical graduates can reduce financial uncertainty and focus on achieving their professional goals. With dedication, strategic planning, and a clear understanding of the costs involved, candidates can successfully navigate the AMC pathway and take an important step toward practicing medicine and building a rewarding healthcare career in Australia.