Health New Zealand will support internationally-trained doctors already in the country by tripling the number of spots available in the NZREX for 2025, increasing from 60 to 180. Health Minister Dr. Shane Reti has also instructed Health New Zealand to secure necessary clinical placements to ensure these doctors can start working, especially in general practice.This will address barriers to employment faced by many qualified overseas doctors who have struggled to secure exam spots and placements in New Zealand.
In New Zealand, a group of internationally-trained doctors, often referred to as “Uber doctors,” face hurdles in getting employed. Despite being highly qualified, these professionals frequently find themselves in unrelated jobs, such as driving for ride-share services, due to limited opportunities to complete the necessary steps for medical registration. This situation highlights a pressing issue within the healthcare system: untapped potential in the form of skilled medical practitioners already residing in the country.
The key challenges for these doctors revolve around a shortage of examination slots and a lack of access to clinical placements. For years, many overseas-trained medical professionals have been unable to secure the required seats for the New Zealand Registration Examination (NZREX Clinical), an essential step toward registration. This bottleneck has effectively excluded them from getting into the health workforce, leaving many frustrated and underemployed.
To address this, Health Minister Dr. Shane Reti has announced a series of changes aimed at supporting these doctors on their journey to employment in New Zealand. Dr. Reti acknowledged the struggles of these professionals, describing how some were locked out of exam registration within seconds due to fierce competition for the limited spots. Such experiences were likened to competing for tickets to a high-demand concert, underscoring the inefficiency of the previous system.
The Medical Council of New Zealand has responded decisively by tripling the number of examination places for NZREX Clinical in 2025. Previously capped at 60 candidates annually, the council now plans to accommodate up to 180 candidates across three exam dates: March 8, June 14, and September 13. This expansion provides a vital opportunity for many of these doctors to finally progress toward registration.
However, passing the exam is just the first step. Dr. Reti emphasized that securing Postgraduate Year 1 (PGY1) roles, or first-year house officer positions, is another significant obstacle. Without these placements, even successful NZREX candidates remain unable to register and practice. To tackle this, the Commissioner of Health New Zealand has committed to organizing the necessary clinical placements, particularly in general practice settings. This initiative builds on the success of the NZREX GP pilot program, which has proven effective in integrating international doctors into the system.
Dr. Reti expressed optimism about these changes, highlighting how the healthcare system stands to benefit from the expertise of these internationally-trained doctors. He described the collaboration between the Ministry of Health and the Medical Council as an important step toward addressing long-standing roadblocks. By increasing exam capacity and ensuring access to clinical placements, these measures aim to alleviate workforce shortages while providing a pathway for skilled doctors to contribute meaningfully.
Updates on NZREX Clinical Examinations and Registration Pathway
The NZREX Clinical examinations for 2025 are set to accommodate up to 180 candidates, with expanded capacity across three scheduled dates: March 8, June 14, and September 13. Applications for the March examination have closed, but candidates who were not initially allocated a spot may now secure a place as additional spaces have been made available. Meanwhile, applications for the June and September examinations are currently open and will remain so until all places are filled.
For the June 14 examination, those who applied for the March exam but were not assigned a seat will be given priority. Any remaining slots will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Similarly, the September 13 examination will prioritize candidates from the June waiting list before opening to other applicants. Withdrawals from earlier exams may allow candidates from later exams to move forward.
The Medical Council has made clear that passing the NZREX Clinical is only part of the journey to becoming a registered doctor in New Zealand. A Postgraduate Year 1 (PGY1) position within a recognized training provider is mandatory for registration. These placements are vital for ensuring the transition from examination success to practicing on the frontlines of the healthcare system.
Eligible candidates for the NZREX Clinical must meet stringent criteria, including holding an acceptable medical degree, meeting English language requirements, and passing an internationally recognized medical licensing exam within five years of their NZREX Clinical attempt. The Council advises applicants to have at least one year of postgraduate experience in their home country to better prepare for the examination, though this is not a strict requirement.
While the Council emphasizes that the NZREX Clinical can be attempted multiple times, eligibility criteria must be satisfied with each application. To streamline the process, candidates must submit their applications via email, adhering to documentation requirements, including recent photographs and primary source verification of their qualifications.
In addition to the expanded examination capacity, the Medical Council encourages applicants to use its self-assessment tool to determine their eligibility and explore pathways to registration. By implementing these measures, the Council aims to facilitate a smoother process for internationally-trained doctors seeking to contribute their skills to New Zealand’s healthcare system.
