In this update:
The AMC acknowledges the impact of conflict, war or political unrest on international medical graduates who are seeking medical registration in Australia.
We recognise that the current situation in Iran is impacting international medical graduates and specialist international medical graduates, particularly those holding Iranian-issued qualifications.
Verification of primary medical degrees
ECFMG is unable to verify qualifications issued by institutions in Iran at this time. If you are an international medical graduate seeking verification of a primary medical degree for general medical registration in Australia, please contact the AMC for information regarding the alternative verification processes.
Iranian-issued specialist and postgraduate credentials
At present, primary source verification (PSV) for Iranian-issued specialist medical qualifications and postgraduate credentials cannot be verified at this time. Because PSV requires direct confirmation from the issuing institution, specialist assessment processes may be affected.
There is currently no alternative verification process for specialist medical qualifications and postgraduate credentials, therefore applications for specialist registration in Australia cannot be processed by the Medical Board of Australia. We will continue to monitor the situation closely.
We recognise that this is difficult news in an already difficult situation, and we will advise as soon as possible when verifications of specialist medical qualifications can proceed.
What this means for you?
If you have already submitted your AMC application and commenced specialist assessment
Please contact your relevant specialist college to confirm whether your assessment can continue.
If you have submitted your AMC application but have not commenced specialist assessment
Your application cannot progress because primary source verification for Iranian-issued specialist and postgraduate credentials is not available at this time.
You may choose to leave your application open until verification becomes available.
Please note that your Iranian-issued primary medical degree may still be eligible for verification through an alternate verification process.
If you have not yet submitted an AMC application
You are advised to delay applying until primary source verification becomes available. Once verification services resume, you may proceed with both verification and the specialist assessment process.
Further Updates
We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as soon as more information becomes available. In the meantime, all enquiries regarding medical registration or renewal of medical registration should be directed to the Medical Board of Australia.
AMC examinations
If you are scheduled to sit an AMC examination (MCQ or Clinical) and are unable to attend an examination due to conflict or political unrest, please be assured that the AMC is committed to supporting you during this time. We understand that the situation may affect your preparation, travel may be unsafe, and circumstances may change quickly.
What support is available?
The AMC can assist affected international medical graduates based outside Australia with:
- Refund options without financial penalty in cases of conflict-related disruption.
- Flexible examination arrangements, where possible rescheduling to a later date.
- Clear and confidential communication with our team to discuss your individual situation.
Our focus is to ensure that international medical graduates are not disadvantaged due to events outside of their control.
What should you do?
If you are located outside Australia and are affected by war, conflict or political unrest and are unable to attend your scheduled MCQ or Clinical examination, please contact the AMC as soon as possible by email
- MCQ examinations – mcq@amc.org.au
- Clinical examinations – clinical@amc.org.au
In your email please include:
- your AMC number
- the examination and date you are currently scheduled for
- a brief explanation of your situation.
We will treat your enquiry with sensitivity and confidentiality and assist you to determine the most appropriate support.
We appreciate the significant efforts that you have made in preparing for the AMC examinations, and/or specialist assessment, we are committed to supporting international medical graduates and specialist international medical graduates who are affected by difficult circumstances due to conflict, war, or political unrest in their home countries or regions.
