AMC Exam Fees 2025-2026: Complete Cost Breakdown for International Medical Graduates

Understanding the full cost of the AMC pathway is one of the most important steps in planning your journey to practising medicine in Australia. Between examination fees, registration costs, English language testing, document verification, and living expenses, the total investment can range from $8,000 to $12,000 AUD or more depending on your circumstances.

Many international medical graduates (IMGs) are surprised by the cumulative cost of the AMC standard pathway. While individual fees may seem manageable, they add up quickly when you factor in English language testing, multiple exam fees, document verification, AHPRA registration, and the cost of study materials. This guide provides a detailed, fully verified breakdown of every fee you will encounter, along with payment methods, refund policies, money-saving strategies, tax deductibility guidance, and a comparison with medical registration costs in other English-speaking countries.

Whether you are just starting to research the AMC pathway or you are already midway through the process, this guide will help you plan your budget accurately and avoid unexpected costs.

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AMC MCQ (CAT) Examination Fee

Current Fee: AUD $2,920

The AMC reduced the MCQ authorisation fee from $3,124 to $2,920 effective 2 July 2024, representing a saving of $204. The AMC has confirmed no further increase is planned for 2025, making this a favourable time to begin the process.

What Is Included in the $2,920 Fee?

Your MCQ authorisation fee covers everything you need for one attempt at the AMC MCQ Computer Adaptive Test:

• 12-month authorisation period — this begins on the date the AMC grants your authorisation, not the date you schedule or sit the exam. You have 12 months from authorisation to complete your attempt.
• One examination attempt — the exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions delivered over 3.5 hours in Computer Adaptive Test (CAT) format at a Pearson VUE test centre.
• Access to the free AMC MCQ preparation app — this app contains 210 practice questions designed to familiarise you with the exam format. A refreshed question set is expected in April 2026.
• Score report — your results are delivered approximately 3 weeks after your exam window closes, typically on a Friday at 4pm AEST.
• Scheduling flexibility — you can schedule your exam at any Pearson VUE test centre worldwide, with the ability to reschedule without penalty before the closing date (approximately 3 weeks before the exam window).

Important timing consideration: Because the authorisation period cannot be paused, extended, or transferred, you should only pay the $2,920 fee when you are genuinely confident that you will be ready to sit the exam within the next 12 months. Paying too early is one of the most common and costly mistakes IMGs make.

Payment Methods Accepted by the AMC

The AMC accepts several payment methods for examination fees:

• Credit card (Visa, Mastercard) — a 0.96% surcharge applies to all credit card transactions. On a $2,920 payment, this adds approximately $28.
• Debit card (Visa, Mastercard) — no surcharge applies for debit cards.
• Bank transfer — details are provided during the payment process in the AMC portal. This is a good option to avoid credit card surcharges, but processing may take 2-3 business days.
• BPAY — available for candidates with an Australian bank account only.

If you are paying from overseas, your bank may charge additional foreign transaction fees (typically 1-3%) on top of the AMC's credit card surcharge. Using a debit card with low international fees, or a multi-currency card, can help minimise these additional costs.

MCQ Refund and Cancellation Policy

Understanding the cancellation policy is essential before committing your $2,920. Here is how the AMC handles cancellations and refunds:

Scenario	Outcome
Cancellation before authorisation expires	$1,460 refund (AMC retains 50%)
Cancellation after authorisation expires	No refund available
Exceptional circumstances (with documentation)	Reviewed case-by-case by the AMC
Rescheduling before closing date (~3 weeks prior)	Free — no penalty
Rescheduling after closing date	Requires medical certificate or statutory declaration
No-show on exam day	Counted as an attempt; no refund

If you cancel, the AMC retains $1,460 as a cancellation fee, refunding approximately half of your payment. Refund applications must be submitted through the AMC online portal before your 12-month authorisation period expires. Once the authorisation expires, no refund is available regardless of whether you sat the exam.

For exceptional circumstances — such as serious illness, bereavement, or natural disasters — the AMC may consider your case individually, but you must provide supporting documentation promptly.

Additional MCQ-Related Fees

Service	Fee (AUD)
Result verification (re-check)	$107
Cancellation fee (retained by AMC)	$1,460
Additional attempt (new full authorisation)	$2,920

A result verification is a formal re-check of your exam scoring. It does not involve re-marking of questions — it verifies that the scoring algorithm was applied correctly. In practice, verification rarely changes the outcome, but it may provide peace of mind for borderline results.

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AMC Clinical Examination Fees

Major Fee Reduction from 1 July 2025

The AMC announced significant fee reductions for the Clinical examination, providing substantial savings for candidates scheduling from mid-2025 onwards:

Exam Format	Previous Fee	New Fee (from 1 July 2025)	Savings
In-person Clinical (NTC Melbourne)	$3,991	$3,000	$991
Online Clinical	$4,391	$3,400	$991

Candidates who already paid the previous higher fee and are scheduled between July and September 2025 will receive an automatic refund of $991. You do not need to take any action — the AMC will process this refund to your original payment method.

In-Person vs Online Clinical Exam: Which Should You Choose?

In-person exams are conducted at the National Test Centre (NTC) in Melbourne, Victoria. You interact with trained simulated patients and examiners face-to-face across 16 stations (14 scored stations plus 2 rest stations). Each station lasts 8 minutes. The in-person format is generally considered the gold standard for clinical examination, as it most closely replicates real clinical encounters. Many candidates feel more comfortable reading body language and establishing rapport in person.

Online exams are conducted via a secure video platform. Candidates must have a reliable high-speed internet connection, a webcam, a microphone, and a quiet, private room. The online option was introduced to improve access for candidates in rural and remote areas, and these candidates receive scheduling priority for online placements. The online format costs $400 more than in-person, reflecting the additional technology and logistics involved.

Our recommendation: If you can travel to Melbourne, choose the in-person format. It is $400 cheaper and provides a more natural clinical interaction. Reserve the online option for situations where travel to Melbourne is genuinely impractical.

Clinical Exam Pass Mark: Changed March 2024

As of March 2024, the AMC updated the Clinical examination pass mark from 10 out of 14 stations to 9 out of 14 stations. This is a significant change that makes the Clinical exam slightly more accessible — you now need to pass 9 of the 14 scored stations rather than 10.

This change was made following a review of the standard-setting methodology and is separate from the MCQ pass standard changes. The Clinical pass mark is determined using a borderline regression method applied to each station individually.

Clinical Exam Appeal Fee

If you believe a particular station was unfairly assessed, you can lodge a formal appeal:

Service	Fee (AUD)
Appeal per station	$910
Appeal upheld	Fee refunded in full
Appeal not upheld	Fee retained by AMC

Appeals must be lodged within 28 days of receiving your results. You must specify which station(s) you are appealing and provide grounds for the appeal. This is an expensive process — at $910 per station — so it should only be pursued if you have genuine and specific concerns about the conduct of a station.

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Portfolio Pathway Fees

For candidates pursuing the Portfolio pathway — an alternative to the Clinical examination available to experienced doctors who meet specific eligibility criteria:

Service	Fee (AUD)
Portfolio establishment fee	$642
Each additional qualification assessment	$107 each
Portfolio assessment review	Included in establishment fee

The Portfolio pathway allows experienced practitioners to demonstrate clinical competence through documented evidence of their practice, qualifications, and professional development, rather than sitting a formal clinical examination. Eligibility is restricted — you typically need several years of supervised practice in an approved setting and strong supervisor reports. Not all candidates qualify, and the AMC determines eligibility on a case-by-case basis.

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English Language Test Costs

Before applying to the AMC, you must demonstrate English language proficiency through one of the approved tests. This is a mandatory requirement for all IMGs regardless of whether you studied medicine in English. Here is a detailed comparison of costs and features:

Test	Approximate Cost (AUD)	Validity	Format	Results Available
IELTS Academic	~$410	2 years	Paper or computer-based	3-13 days
OET (Medicine)	~$590	2 years	Computer-based	16 business days
PTE Academic	~$410	2 years	Computer-based	1-2 days

Required Scores for AMC and AHPRA

Test	Minimum Score Required
IELTS Academic	7.0 in each of the four bands
OET (Medicine)	B in each of the four components
PTE Academic	65 in each of the four components

Which English Test Should You Choose?

• OET (Medicine) is the most expensive at ~$590 but is specifically designed for healthcare professionals. The reading and listening sections use medical scenarios, which many IMGs find more relevant and easier to prepare for than general academic English. If English is not your first language, OET may give you the best chance of achieving the required score.
• PTE Academic is the fastest for results (often within 48 hours), making it the best choice if you need quick results for a visa application or AMC deadline. At ~$410, it is also one of the cheapest options.
• IELTS Academic is the most widely recognised English test globally. At ~$410, it is affordable, but results take longer (up to 13 days for paper-based). Many IMGs are already familiar with IELTS from previous visa or university applications.

All three tests are accepted by the AMC, AHPRA, and the Australian Department of Home Affairs for visa purposes. You only need to pass one.

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AHPRA Registration Fees

After passing both AMC examinations (MCQ and Clinical), you must register with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) before you can legally practise medicine in Australia.

Annual Registration Fee: $1,058 (2025-26)

Fee Type	Amount (AUD)
Annual registration fee (most states and territories)	$1,058
Annual registration fee (NSW)	$908
Application for registration (one-off)	~$720
Total initial cost (application + first year, non-NSW)	~$1,778

Why is NSW cheaper? New South Wales operates under a co-regulatory arrangement through the Health Professional Councils Authority (HPCA), which results in a lower annual registration fee compared to all other states and territories. If you plan to work in NSW, you will save approximately $150 per year on registration fees compared to other states.

Registration must be renewed annually. The renewal fee is the annual registration fee ($1,058 or $908 in NSW). Failure to renew on time can result in your registration lapsing, which means you cannot legally practise until it is reinstated.

Parental Leave Rebate (from July 2025)

From 1 July 2025, AHPRA is introducing a 30% registration fee rebate for practitioners on parental leave. This is a welcome initiative that reduces the financial burden during a period when many practitioners have reduced or no income:

• Standard states: rebate of approximately $317, paying approximately $741
• NSW: rebate of approximately $272, paying approximately $636

The rebate must be applied for through AHPRA during the parental leave period. It applies to the annual registration fee component only.

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Total Pathway Cost Breakdown

Here is a comprehensive estimate of the total cost from your first English test to your first year of AHPRA registration. These figures assume the current (2025-2026) fee schedule.

Minimum Pathway Cost (Best-Case Scenario — Pass Everything First Time)

Stage	Cost (AUD)
English language test (IELTS or PTE)	$410
AMC MCQ authorisation (one attempt)	$2,920
AMC Clinical exam (in-person, from July 2025)	$3,000
AHPRA application + first-year registration	$1,778
Minimum Total	~$8,108

Realistic Budget (Including Common Additional Costs)

Item	Estimated Cost (AUD)
English language test	$410 - $590
Document verification (ECFMG/EPIC)	$400 - $600
Certified translations (if applicable)	$50 - $200
AMC MCQ authorisation	$2,920
AMC Clinical exam (in-person or online)	$3,000 - $3,400
AHPRA application + first-year registration	$1,778
Study materials and preparation courses	$200 - $1,500
Travel to Melbourne for Clinical exam	$0 - $800
Accommodation in Melbourne (2-3 nights)	$0 - $600
Realistic Total	~$9,158 - $12,388

Cost of Repeat Attempts

Failing an exam significantly increases your total pathway cost. Each additional attempt requires a completely new authorisation or registration fee:

Scenario	Additional Cost
MCQ second attempt (new authorisation)	$2,920
Clinical second attempt (new registration)	$3,000 - $3,400
Both exams repeated once each	$5,920 - $6,320

With MCQ pass rates historically around 50% and Clinical pass rates around 21-24%, many candidates do require a second attempt at one or both exams. This makes thorough preparation before your first attempt critically important from a financial perspective.

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International Comparison: How Does the AMC Pathway Compare?

Understanding how Australian registration costs compare with other countries can help you make informed decisions about where to pursue your medical career:

Country	Exam Pathway	Approximate Total Cost	Key Notes
Australia (AMC)	MCQ + Clinical	$8,000 - $12,000 AUD	Highest salaries; strong demand for doctors
United Kingdom (PLAB)	PLAB 1 + PLAB 2	$2,500 AUD (£1,300)	Cheapest pathway; NHS salaries lower than AU
United States (USMLE)	Step 1 + Step 2 CK + Step 3	$8,000 AUD ($5,000 USD)	Requires residency match; highly competitive
Canada (MCCQE)	MCCQE Part 1 + NAC OSCE	$5,000 AUD ($3,000 CAD)	Provincial licensing adds additional costs
New Zealand (NZREX)	Clinical exam	$5,000 AUD ($4,500 NZD)	Smaller market; reciprocal with some AU states

Context matters: While the AMC pathway is among the most expensive, Australian medical salaries are also among the highest in the world. A first-year hospital medical officer (HMO/PGY1) earns approximately $85,000 - $100,000 AUD per year before overtime and penalty rates. With overtime, first-year doctors commonly earn $110,000-$130,000. This means the entire AMC pathway cost is typically recovered within the first 1-2 months of working as a doctor in Australia.

The UK PLAB pathway is significantly cheaper, but NHS junior doctor salaries (approximately £30,000-£40,000 or $55,000-$75,000 AUD) are substantially lower than Australian equivalents. Over a 5-year career horizon, the higher upfront cost of the AMC pathway is more than offset by higher Australian earnings.

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Money-Saving Tips for AMC Candidates

1. Prepare Overseas Where Living Costs Are Lower

Many candidates prepare for the MCQ while still in their home country, where living costs may be a fraction of Australian costs. You can study using online resources, question banks, and textbooks without needing to be physically in Australia. This approach can save tens of thousands of dollars in rent, food, and transport during your preparation period.

2. Use Free and Low-Cost Resources First

Before purchasing expensive preparation courses, maximise your use of free resources:

• The free AMC MCQ preparation app (210 questions) — available to all authorised candidates
• GdayDoctor's free trial — access a sample of our 1,700+ question bank
• Therapeutic Guidelines (eTG) summaries available at Australian hospital libraries
• PBS online for understanding Australian medication availability and prescribing
• Study groups with other IMGs, often organised through WhatsApp, Facebook, or Telegram

3. Choose In-Person Clinical Over Online

The in-person Clinical exam costs $400 less than the online option ($3,000 vs $3,400). If you can travel to Melbourne, the in-person format also provides a more natural clinical interaction. Many candidates find it easier to build rapport with simulated patients face-to-face, which can improve your performance.

4. Time Your MCQ Payment Strategically

Only pay your $2,920 MCQ authorisation fee when you are genuinely ready to sit within 12 months. The authorisation cannot be paused, extended, or transferred. Paying before you are adequately prepared risks wasting the entire fee if you cannot sit the exam or sit underprepared.

5. Pass on the First Attempt

This is the single most important money-saving strategy. Investing in quality preparation upfront — even if it costs $500-$1,500 for a good prep course — is vastly cheaper than paying $2,920-$3,400 for a repeat attempt. Our data shows that candidates who complete structured preparation programs have significantly higher first-attempt pass rates.

6. Avoid Credit Card Surcharges

Pay by debit card or bank transfer instead of credit card to avoid the 0.96% surcharge. On a $2,920 MCQ fee, this saves approximately $28. On a $3,000 Clinical fee, it saves approximately $29. Small amounts individually, but they add up across multiple transactions.

7. Consider NSW for Registration

If you have flexibility in where you work, registering in NSW saves approximately $150 per year on AHPRA fees compared to other states. Over a 5-year career, that is $750 saved on registration alone.

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Tax Deductibility of AMC Exam Fees

Under Australian Taxation Office (ATO) rules, self-education expenses may be tax-deductible if the education relates directly to your current employment or is likely to increase your income from your current employment.

When AMC Fees May Be Deductible

Your AMC exam fees, study materials, and related expenses may be tax-deductible if:

• You are already working in a medical or health-related role in Australia — for example, as a hospital medical officer, research assistant, practice nurse, or in a supervised clinical position
• The AMC exam is directly related to improving your skills in that current role or gaining a higher qualification in your current field of work
• You have assessable income from employment against which to claim the deduction

Deductible expenses may include:

• AMC exam fees ($2,920 MCQ, $3,000-$3,400 Clinical)
• Study materials (textbooks, question banks, online courses)
• Travel to the exam venue (flights, accommodation, meals while travelling)
• Internet costs related to online study
• Stationery and printing costs

When AMC Fees Are Likely NOT Deductible

Your fees are probably not deductible if:

• You are not yet working in Australia or are outside Australia
• You are working in a non-medical role (e.g., retail, hospitality) while studying for the AMC
• The AMC exam is to gain entry to a new profession rather than improve skills in your current medical role

Record Keeping

Regardless of deductibility, keep all receipts for exam fees, study materials, travel, accommodation, and related expenses for at least 5 years. The ATO requires evidence for all claimed deductions.

We strongly recommend consulting a registered tax agent who has experience with IMG tax situations. Tax rules are complex and individual circumstances vary significantly. A good tax agent can often identify deductions you may not have considered.

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Prepare Smart, Save Money with GdayDoctor

Our comprehensive AMC preparation platform is designed to maximise your first-attempt pass rate, potentially saving you thousands of dollars in repeat exam fees:

• 1,700+ practice questions covering all AMC clinical domains, with detailed Australian-context explanations
• 40 structured audio lectures for on-the-go revision during commutes or downtime — browse audio lectures
• OSCE clinical practice with AI-powered simulated patients for Clinical exam preparation — try OSCE practice
• Exam-mode simulations that replicate the real CAT format with adaptive difficulty
• Performance analytics to identify your weak areas and focus your study time efficiently

Explore our all-access bundle and start preparing with confidence.

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Frequently Asked Questions

See the FAQ section below for quick answers to the most common questions about AMC fees and costs.

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Related reading:

• AMC Exam Dates 2026: Complete Schedule & Registration Guide
• AMC MCQ Pass Standard Changes 2026

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All fees verified against AMC and AHPRA official sources as of April 2026. The AMC reviews fees annually — always confirm current amounts on the AMC official website and AHPRA fee schedule before making payments.