Which uni produces the most GPs?

More medical graduates from Monash University go on to study general practice or rural generalism than from any other Australian institution, according to a new RACGP-led University of Origin analysis.
 
Last year, 1226 graduates from 21 universities began general practice or rural generalism training – 115 of these studied at Monash University, 107 at the University of Queensland, and 90 at James Cook University (JCU).
 
When measured by percentage of cohort who enrolled in general practice training, the top three universities were JCU with 52%, the University of Notre Dame Australia Fremantle (UNDA Fremantle) with 50.5%, and the University of Wollongong (UoW) with 45.6%.
 
The top universities for metropolitan training were Bond University, UNDA Fremantle, and UNDA Sydney.
 
JCU led the way for regional, rural, and remote training, followed by the University of Tasmania and UoW.
 
The analysis also found 80% of the GP cohort commenced specialist training within five years of graduation.  
 
RACGP President Dr Michael Wright said these rankings reflect which universities are meeting the growing need for GPs who can provide efficient and person-centred care.
 
‘The wide range of results between universities shows students’ experiences at university have a significant impact on their career choice,’ he said.
 
‘It should inform both further research and policies that fund and shape education to create the medical workforce Australia needs.
 
‘The fact that four in five doctors who become specialist GPs start training within five years of graduating shows general practice allows you to rapidly progress from hospital training to independent practice.’
 
Dr Wright said the University of Origin report must now be used to inform future research, policymaking, and targeted interventions to strengthen training. 
 
The analysis examines each university’s performance in producing graduates who go on to train as GPs and Rural Generalists in the Australian General Practice Training Program.
 
It combines data from the RACGP and the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM).
 
In 2025, it also found that 32.9% of the medical school cohort entered general practice training, despite just 18.8% naming general practice or rural generalism training as their first preference in surveys.
 
ACRRM President Dr Rod Martin said the analysis highlights that universities and rural clinical schools with good rural exposure are the ‘fertile ground’ for the next generation of RGs.
 
‘The findings are particularly important following the Australian Government’s announcement of 50 additional Commonwealth supported university medical places this week,’ he said.
 
‘Where those places are directed will play a key role in ensuring universities produce the right doctors with the right skills to work in the places where they are needed most. 
 
‘It’s now time to identify what the lead universities are doing to be successful in their delivery of medical students to RG training.’
 
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