Learn more about the basics of the SIMG process.
Assessment & learning pathways
The available pathways are listed in full on the college's SIMG page.
SIMG Individual program
Following their initial assessment process, most successful applicants must then successfully complete a tailored individual program. The Individual Program is generally comprised of five components. Additional support resources have been linked in below:
Please refer to the Handbook for specialist international medical graduates for further information.
Training sites
The list of accredited ANZCA training sites for extended CPA periods can be found here:
Professional codes & guidelines
Applicable national guidelines and codes of practice are listed below.
Standards of practice
SIMG process for Australia
In Australia, ANZCA is accredited by the Australian Medical Council (AMC) with assessing and training anaesthetists/pain medicine SIMGs. Once the SIMG process is complete and you have met all the requirements set by the college, they advise the AMC that you are eligible for application for fellowship (and entry into the specialist register).
SIMG process for New Zealand (Aotearoa)
The SIMG process in New Zealand differs from the Australian process in that it is run by the Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ) with advice from ANZCA at specific stages. Those stages are: preliminary assessment, full assessment, position description (including orientation plan), approval. MCNZ is involved in the decision-making process at every stage, ending in approval for entry into the New Zealand vocational register (equivalent to Australia’s specialist register).
MCNZ application forms for New Zealand-based SIMGs
MCNZ supervision process for New Zealand-based SIMGs
SIMG documents
The current version of curriculum and the training handbook can be accessed below.
Visa requirements
Information about the visa requirement for both countries.
Australia
New Zealand (Aotearoa)
National health systems
Information about the Australian and New Zealand (Aotearoa) health systems and services.
Australia
New Zealand (Aotearoa)
Resources
Handbook for Specialist International Medical Graduates (SIMGs) by
The SIMG Handbook complements this regulation and sets out in detail the requirements of the SIMG pathway leading to FANZCA or FFPMANZCA. The SIMG Handbook will be the usual source consulted by those seeking information about the SIMG pathway. Should there be conflict between this handbook and Regulation 23, then the regulation takes precedence.
Regulation 23 - Recognition as a specialist in anaesthesia or pain medicine; and eligibility for admission to fellowship by assessment for specialist international medical graduates (SIMGs) by
Regulation 23 - Recognition as a specialist in anaesthesia or pain medicine; and eligibility for admission to fellowship by assessment for specialist international medical graduates (SIMGs)
Orientation Induction and Supervision for International Medical Graduates: Best Practice Guidelines for Employers and Supervisors of International Medical Graduates by
These guidelines set out the roles and responsibilities for international medical graduates (IMGs) coming to work in New Zealand, and their employers and supervisors. Part A discusses orientation and induction, from preparation and recruitment through to starting work and following up in subsequent months. Part B deals with the supervision requirements for doctors coming to work in New Zealand. Orientation is an introduction and overview to medical practice in New Zealand. Induction is the familiarisation of systems and processes of the worksite and the individual service of departments.
ANZCA Anaesthesia Training Program Curriculum by
The ANZCA Anaesthesia Training Program Curriculum defines the learning outcomes, associated requirements and assessments of the ANZCA vocational training program.
Regulation 37 - Training in anaesthesia leading to FANZCA, and accreditation of facilities to deliver this curriculum by 
ANZCA Standards for Anaesthesia by 
Supporting Professionalism and Performance: A Guide for Anaesthetists and Pain Medicine Physicians 2024 by
The guide aims to assist fellows and trainees by providing a framework for understanding professionalism and performance as it applies to the practice of anaesthesia and pain medicine. The structure mirrors the ANZCA and FPM roles in practice and builds from the curriculum frameworks of the anaesthesia and pain medicine training programs under each of these roles.
The college acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and recognises their unique cultural and spiritual relationships to the land, waters and seas and their rich contribution to society. We pay our respects to ancestors and Elders, past, present and emerging.
The college acknowledges and respects Māori as the Tangata Whenua of Aotearoa and is committed to upholding the principles of the Te Tiriti o Waitangi, fostering the college’s relationship with Māori, supporting Māori fellows and trainees, and striving to improve the health of Māori.
The college recognises the special relationship between the Pacific peoples of New Zealand, Australia and the Pacific, and is committed to supporting those fellows and trainees of ANZCA, and improving the health of Pacific peoples.
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