Are you an international medical graduate (IMG) looking for a rewarding opportunity to work in Ireland? The IMG Rural GP Programme offers a paid training programme specifically designed for experienced international GPs to integrate into rural Irish healthcare. This programme, supported by the Irish College of GPs (ICGP) and other healthcare bodies, is crucial in addressing the shortage of GPs in rural Ireland.

What is the IMG Rural GP Programme?

The IMG Rural GP Programme is a two-year self-directed learning and mentorship programme. It’s not a traditional GP training programme, but it offers international GPs the chance to work in rural practices, receive guidance from experienced mentors, and access educational support. You’ll be working during regular daytime hours, with some out-of-hours service.

Don’t Worry About the Term “Rural”

Don’t be put off by the word “rural.” In Ireland, “rural” usually means working within a 30-minute to 1 or 1.5-hour drive from the main cities. Plus, you’ll only be in a rural setting for two years, and afterward, you can move to any area you like. Importantly, rural doesn’t mean remote or lacking in facilities. Ireland has excellent infrastructure, and all necessary amenities are available even in rural areas. You’ll also receive a two-year visa, which allows you to bring your spouse and children with you. After completing the two years, you can apply for jobs anywhere in Ireland and will also have the opportunity to apply for Permanent Residency (Stamp 4), which grants you long-term residency in Ireland. If you are already working in Ireland and applying for this programme and you have Stamp 4, you can also do locum work (extra duties for additional income), something not allowed in traditional GP training programmes.

Key Features of the Programme

• Paid Training in Rural GP Practices: One of the main attractions of this programme is that it’s paid. Although the specific salary is decided between you and the GP clinic, you can generally expect an annual salary of around €90,000 to €100,000.
• Supervised Practice: You’ll have a clinical mentor at your host GP practice who will provide ongoing support throughout the two years.
• Educational Support: The ICGP offers extensive educational resources to help you stay current with the latest medical standards and to prepare you for the MICGP exam, which is necessary for specialist registration with the Irish Medical Council.
• Protected Study Time: You’ll have dedicated time for study, ensuring you can focus on both your clinical work and your exam preparation.

Why is This Programme Important?

The IMG Rural GP Programme helps fill the gaps in rural healthcare while also providing international GPs with the opportunity to integrate into the Irish healthcare system. Patient safety is always the top priority, and the programme’s structure—combining clinical mentorship, educational support, and study time—ensures you can practice confidently and effectively.

Who Can Apply?

To qualify for the programme, you’ll need to meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Have a medical degree from outside Ireland.
• Possess at least three years of experience working as a GP, mostly in daytime practice.
• Have completed at least three months of postgraduate experience in general medicine and paediatrics.
• Be able to provide proof of medical indemnity and letters of good standing from your medical council and indemnity organisation.
• Meet the English language proficiency requirements, with a minimum IELTS score of 7.0 (and 6.5 in each section) or OET with a B in all domains.

How to Apply: Step-by-Step

Here’s a simple guide to applying for the IMG Rural GP Programme:

1. Gather Your Documents: Before you start your application, make sure you have all required documents ready in PDF format, such as your medical degree, proof of GP experience, letters of good standing, and English language test scores.
2. Submit Your Application: All applications must be submitted online through the ICGP website. The application fee is only €100, which covers administration costs. Make sure all your documents are correct before submitting your application, as the fee is non-refundable.
3. Follow-Up Documents: If certain documents cannot be uploaded online, you will be instructed to send them via email to the programme team.

Costs to Expect

While the initial application fee is just €100, there are other costs to cover during your two years in the programme. These costs are essential for your professional development:

• ICGP Associate Membership: €1,100 per year.
• Irish Medical Council Registration: €600 per year.
• ICGP Online Course: €1,500 per year.
• MICGP Exams: Core Knowledge Test (€800) and Clinical Competency Test (€1,500).

On a positive note, the programme’s four-day induction, including hotel accommodation and meals, is free. You only need to cover your travel expenses.

Preparing for the Interview

If your application is successful, you’ll be invited for an interview. The interview process for the IMG Rural GP Programme is quite similar to the interview for traditional GP training programmes. To give yourself the best chance, you’ll want to prepare thoroughly.

One highly recommended resource is the GPQuestPro GP Trainee Interview Course. This is a paid course that covers a wide range of interview questions and answers, helping you feel confident and well-prepared. It’s an investment, but many find it to be well worth the cost as it significantly boosts your interview performance.

Please visit ICGP official website below for more details on how to apply and detailed criteria.

ICGP Website