With the increasing difficulty in obtaining jobs in the United Kingdom after passing the PLAB exam, it is important to think of alternative routes that may benefit international medical graduates. Also, for those who already have jobs in the UK, there are still opportunities that can be explored outside the UK if needed.
Australia
By passing the PLAB exams, getting registration with the GMC, and having 1 to 2 years of work experience in the UK, you could be eligible to get licensed to work in Australia. You might still have additional requirements of taking the Australian medical council exam or having to do an internship initially.
Link HERE for Australia health board regulations
New Zealand
Having taken the PLAB exams and having your GMC registration or taking the NZREX clinical examination within the last 5 years, you may be eligible to get a license to practice.
Link HERE for New Zealand pathway
Canada
Although this is a longer route, it is still useful to know for those who feel they want to still move ahead to a different country. You have to have passed PLAB, have your GMC license, do the general practice training, and have 3 to 5 years’ relevant UK work experience to be possibly eligible for license here. You might still need to take the MCCQE exam or having to do a residency program.
Link HERE to pathway for canada
Dubai
By passing the PLAB exam, having GMC registration, and 1 year or more UK work experience, you could be eligible to work in parts of the UAE.
Use this Dubai Health Authority self-assessment tool to check eligibility HERE
Saudi Arabia
This is similar to that of the process for Dubai
Link to health authority site HERE
Ireland
The PRES is the required exam for international graduates to take if wanting to work in Ireland. If PLAB 1 has already been done, you can proceed to PRES level 3, which is an OSCE format exam.
Check your eligibility with the Ireland medical council HERE
Qatar
In addition to passing the PLAB exam, additional tests may be required to obtain a license to work in Qatar.
Go to “policy for qualifying exams” HERE
It is important to clarify the regulations with the licensing board of each country to ensure all the proper steps are taken following your PLAB exam attempt.
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