Working in New Zealand with PLAB: Pathway to PGY1

Many international medical graduates (IMGs) ask whether passing PLAB (the UK’s licensing exam) can help them work in New Zealand. The answer is: PLAB alone is not enough for direct registration in NZ, but it can still be part of a pathway.

How PLAB Fits into NZ Registration

The Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ) runs the NZREX Clinical exam as the main route for IMGs.
However, MCNZ also recognises PLAB 1 + 2 (within the last five years) as an equivalent examination for eligibility under the NZREX Clinical Graduates Pathway.
This means if you’ve passed PLAB and can secure a PGY1 position in New Zealand, you can apply for provisional registration and begin supervised practice there.

The PGY1 Step

PGY1 (Postgraduate Year 1) is New Zealand’s equivalent of Foundation Year 1 in the UK.
All IMGs entering through the NZREX Clinical Graduates pathway must start in an accredited PGY1 role under supervision.
After successfully completing PGY1 and PGY2 requirements, you can move onto a general scope of practice and progress towards independent or specialty roles.

Why PGY1 Is Hard to Secure

The reality is that PGY1 posts are limited and highly competitive.

Priority order:
1. New Zealand medical graduates (NZMGs) always get first priority.
2. Graduates from “comparable health systems” (UK, Ireland, Australia, etc.) are considered next.
3. IMGs who passed NZREX or PLAB fall further down the priority list.
Numbers:
- In the 2021 training year, there were 529 PGY1 positions, almost all filled by NZ graduates.
- At different times, dozens of NZREX doctors were left waiting without placements (71 in April 2022, 54 in November 2022, ~35 more recently).
- IMGs do make up a big part of the NZ medical workforce overall (about 22% of house officers and 33% of registrars), but very few actually enter through PGY1.

So, while technically eligible, an IMG with PLAB faces long odds of getting a PGY1 role unless they bring other advantages.

When This Pathway Makes More Sense

Even though securing PGY1 as an IMG with PLAB is generally unlikely, there are situations where this pathway can still be realistic:

If you already have the right visa or residency: Being legally able to work in NZ removes a huge barrier.
If you have family ties in NZ: Living locally and having support makes it easier to wait for opportunities and apply widely.
If you are flexible geographically: Smaller or rural health districts may have less competition compared to Auckland, Wellington, or Christchurch.
If you can afford to wait: For someone already settled in New Zealand, waiting a few months (or more) is more manageable than for someone abroad.

In short, this can be a good pathway for someone who is already in NZ with family and a visa to work, but not the best bet for someone overseas who needs a quick entry route.

Final Thoughts

PLAB alone won’t get you registered in New Zealand.
With PLAB + a PGY1 job, you can enter under the NZREX Clinical Graduates Pathway — but PGY1 jobs are scarce and mostly go to NZ grads.
For IMGs, this is a very competitive and unlikely route, but if you’re already in NZ with family, visa, and time to wait, it may be a good option to consider.

References

Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ). NZREX Clinical graduates – Registration pathway.
https://www.mcnz.org.nz/registration/getting-registered/registration-pathways/general-scope/nzrex-clinical-graduates/
MCNZ. The New Zealand Medical Workforce Survey Report 2024.
https://www.mcnz.org.nz/assets/Publications/Workforce-Survey/Workforce_Survey_Report_2024.pdf
ACE RMO National Data Report. 2021 Training Year – End of Year Report.
Thomas-Maude J, et al. Mobility justice, capabilities, and medical migration: the case of international medical graduates in New Zealand. Australian Geographer, 2023.
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00049182.2023.2245620
New Zealand Medical Journal (NZMJ). Medical licensing for international medical graduates in Aotearoa New Zealand since 1849 – Overview and timeline. 2025.
https://nzmj.org.nz/media/pages/journal/vol-138-no-1615/medical-licensing-for-international-medical-graduates-in-aotearoa-new-zealand-since-1849-overview-and-timeline/40ec0ccc93-1747878257/6652.pdf