International Medical Graduates (IMGs)

This page is intended for doctors who completed their primary medical education outside the UK and wish to work in psychiatry or pursue higher training in psychiatry in the UK.

We're keen to support International Medical Graduates who choose to follow a career in psychiatry in the UK.

RCPsych have produced a guide for International Medical Graduates pursuing a career in psychiatry in the UK. The guide provides a comprehensive overview of working, training and living in the UK as a psychiatrist. 

Please see the Conferences and Events pages for more information. 

RCPsych have developed a dedicated page which provides information on a range of resources available to support refugees and asylum seekers towards working as a psychiatrist in the UK.

You'll find information on getting your license to practice, developing your work skills and available resources and wellbeing support from the college.

Support for refugee psychiatrists.

International Medical Graduates’ Conference 2023: Embracing and Empowering Together took place online via Zoom on 10 February 2023.

The conference was aimed at: 

  • International Medical Graduates (IMGs) 
  • Medical Training Initiative (MTI) doctors 
  • Widening Access to Specialty Training (WAST) scheme doctors 
  • International doctors hoping to start a career in psychiatry 
  • Trainers of International Medical Graduates (e.g. Heads of Schools and Programme Directors) 
  • Anyone interested in recruitment and retention in psychiatry 

This conference was an opportunity for International Medical Graduates and their trainers to share good practice and explore and celebrate diversity in the psychiatric workforce. 

The conference involved a wide range of relevant topics including the RCPsych guide to living and working in the UK, GMC referrals, the new psychiatry curriculum, audit and quality improvement, an introduction to the Psychiatric Trainees Committee and the MRCPsych exams.  

Check out our 2024 Conference which takes place on Friday 2 February 2024: International Medical Graduates’ Conference 2024: Supporting you through training.

Read more to receive further information regarding a career in psychiatry