News
RACGP announces FSP changes for 2027
More early support and enhanced learning will be rolled out to improve the experience for doctors in the Fellowship Support Program.
The incoming FSP changes are designed to improve quality, consistency and support for registrars.
Doctors entering the RACGP’s Fellowship Support Program (FSP) are set to benefit from early support and enhanced education as part of a raft of changes being phased in from 2027.
The 2027 changes are the last of a three-phase improvement process, with reforms to the 2026.1 and 2026.2 application periods already announced.
The FSP is a self-funded specialist general practice training program for doctors working in regional, rural and remote locations, aiming to give doctors the skills, confidence and support to achieve Fellowship and build a sustainable career.
The latest changes are designed to improve quality, consistency and support, and to better prepare registrars, especially those with limited Australian healthcare experience, to deliver safe, high-quality care.
Changes being introduced from 2027.1 include:
- strengthened early support with a face-to-face workshop, small-group learning, and workplace-based assessment visits
- enhanced education and flexible entry pathways
- two entry points: Standard (Foundation Term) and Advanced (FSP Term 1)
- new eligibility: minimum two years’ clinical experience (any country)
- minimum 2–2.5 years full-time equivalent training duration.
Fees will increase under the new program but will be set at a minimum to ensure sustainability while keeping costs as low as possible for registrars, many of whom self-fund, the RACGP explained.
The improvements come after extensive 2025 consultation with registrars, supervisors, training sites and stakeholders.
RACGP National Lead Medical Educator – FSP Special Projects Dr Catherine Pendrey said the changes will be phased in over the next three FSP intakes.
‘From the 2026.1 intake, training sites and supervisors will need to be accredited before a registrar starts their training at the site,’ she told
newsGP.
‘Then, from the 2026.2 intake, registrars will sit the National Entry Assessment as part of their application to FSP, and from 2027.1 structural changes will be implemented to uplift the FSP.
‘These will include moving to a flexible competency-based training model with two entry points, introducing a face-to-face introductory workshop and frontloading educational activities at the start of training when registrars need the most support, moving to pro-rata training time, and allowing registrars to start sitting exams earlier in their training.’
Dr Pendrey said these changes will deliver benefits to registrars in the FSP.
‘From the 2027.1 intake, the FSP will offer enhanced education and training support, respond to feedback that RACGP has heard from registrars, supervisors and training sites, and introduce a training structure that responds to registrars’ individual learning needs,’ she said.
‘The FSP will remain a highly accessible and inclusive program.’
Current registrars already in the program or commencing before 2027.1 will not be affected, however, from 2026.1 onwards, any registrar who changes their training site or supervisor must ensure they are
RACGP-accredited before approval – all other program requirements remain the same.
Those interested in joining the program or learning more can visit the
RACGP website or register for
an information webinar on 9 December at 7.30 pm (AEDT).
Log in below to join the conversation.
Fellowship Support Program GP training IMGs international medical graduates rural
newsGP weekly poll
How confident are you in integrating Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Health Workers and Practitioners into your practice in a culturally safe and sustainable way?