Psychiatry
Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists
Competition
Moderate
Qualification
FRANZCP
Training duration
Minimum 60 months FTE (5 years)
Applications
State and territory-based — each local training program manages its own application round and dates. Applications are NOT through a single national RANZCP window. Examples: SA opens May, closes June, interviews August; QLD February intake opens late August (prior year); NSW application windows published by NSW Health. Check your target state's health department recruitment page and ranzcp.org/become-a-psychiatrist for current dates.
Selection format
Selection is managed locally by state/territory programs. Application components include: CV, 300-word personal statement (why psychiatry), three referees, and statements of work performance from each employer. Panel interview is common at most state programs. Clinical competency assessments (the CCA-MPR, which replaced the OSCE from 2024–25) are training assessments — not part of selection.
When to apply
Eligibility (rotations commencing 2025 onwards): minimum 24 months (2 years FTE) of general hospital training after your medical degree — so typically PGY3+ at commencement, applying PGY2–4. Dedicated psychiatry rotations are expected before application.
Competition
Less competitive than surgical specialties or cardiology. More training positions available relative to applicants. No cap on the number of selection attempts. Psychiatry-specific clinical experience and a clear personal statement are the primary differentiators.
Selection criteria
Clinical experience
Rotations, logbooks, procedures, and exposure
- Psychiatry rotations — variety across general adult, consultation-liaison (C-L), emergency psychiatry, community, and child/adolescent
- Mental state examination (MSE) proficiency — essential clinical skill for interviews
Rural & regional
Rural, regional, and remote experience
- Rural applicants — all eligible rural applicants (per AU/NZ rural definitions) also progress directly to interview
First Nations
Selection points and pathways for Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, and Māori applicants
- First Nations — all eligible Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, and Māori applicants progress directly to interview
Academic
Exams, qualifications, courses, and teaching
Nothing captured yet — verify with RANZCP.
Publications & research
Papers, impact factor, audits, and QI
- Research or audit in a mental health setting — differentiates candidates
Extracurricular
Leadership and roles beyond clinical work
Nothing captured yet — verify with RANZCP.
Distinction
Prizes, awards, and academic standing
Nothing captured yet — verify with RANZCP.
Eligibility & application
Prerequisites, referees, interviews, and fees
- Eligibility — minimum 24 months (2 years FTE) of general hospital experience after the medical degree
- CV demonstrating medical experience and psychiatry exposure
- 300-word personal statement: why psychiatry, interests, and career plans
- Three professional referees (including psychiatric supervisors)
- Work performance statements from each employer
Entry tips
Sourced from Australian medical community discussion. Always verify with RANZCP.
Recent updates
Accuracy sweep (23 July): the state-based selection claims, components, direct-to-interview provisions, and no-attempt-cap all re-confirmed verbatim against ranzcp.org. Announced change ahead: the CCA-MPR clinical assessment is itself being replaced by the CCPR (Clinical Competency Portfolio Review) from September 2026, with full implementation from April 2027 — a Fellowship-stage change, not a change to selection into training.
Re-verified against ranzcp.org: eligibility is 24 months (2 years FTE) general hospital training post-degree (rotations from 2025). All eligible Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, Māori, AND rural applicants progress directly to interview — a published selection provision. No cap on selection attempts, and selection decisions can be reviewed on request. The OSCE has been replaced by the CCA-MPR (Clinical Competency Assessment – Modified Portfolio Review) as the clinical fellowship assessment.
RANZCP application windows vary by state. Recent examples: SA 2026 applications open 11 May 2026, close 22 June 2026, interviews August 2026. QLD February 2027 intake opens late August 2026. Check your state's training program directly.
Indicative only. Check the RANZCP website for current information.
Official resources
State workforce data
Queensland Health’s medi-nav is the only state health department currently publishing the workforce and selection figures this section shows. We have not verified equivalent data for South Australia yet — the selection criteria and requirements above apply Australia-wide regardless of state. See the Queensland figures.
Community discussions
Recent discussion about Psychiatry training from Australian doctors.
Search r/ausdocs and r/doctorsofaustraliaRequirements, windows, and criteria change annually. Verify with Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) before making career decisions. Report an error on this page.