All applications go through the PMCV Allocation and Placement Service (APS), not directly to hospitals. You create one account, fill in one application, and rank the health services you want. Here’s what you need to know:

• There are two pathways: VIA (automated ballot for most students) and VRPA (merit-based, for those committing to two years in rural/regional Victoria).
• Applications open 5 May and close 4 June 2026.
• You must use the PMCV standardised CV template, no custom CVs accepted.
• Nominate two clinical referees at PGY4 or above, and always ask them before nominating.
• Cover letters are only required for VRPA applicants, and they must be personalised to each health service.
• The order you rank health services directly impacts where you’re placed, so choose carefully.
• Attend PMCV health service information sessions before locking in your preference list.

For the full 2026 PMCV Guide, read our article.

NSW intern recruitment is managed by HETI (Health Education and Training Institute), not individual hospitals. There are 1,200 positions across 15 prevocational training networks, and you apply for all of them through one application in the NSW Health Careers Portal. Here’s what you need to know:

• Applications open 5 May and close 4 June 2026. Late applications are not accepted under any circumstances.
• Check your priority category first. There are six categories based on where you studied, your citizenship, and residency status. Only Category 1 applicants (NSW university graduates who are Australian/NZ citizens or permanent residents) are guaranteed a position.
• There are four pathways: Optimised (standard, no CV or referees needed), Direct Regional Allocation (for those genuinely wanting regional placement), Rural Preferential Recruitment (the only merit-based pathway, requires a CV, referees, selection criteria statement, and potentially an interview), and Aboriginal Medical Workforce.
• For the Optimised, DRA, and AMW pathways, you do not need a CV, cover letter, or referees. Just your ranked preferences, IPN, proof of graduation, and valid AHPRA registration.
• Rank your networks honestly. The algorithm is designed to match you to your highest-ranked preference possible. Do not try to game it (“stacking”) as HETI is aware of this and it can backfire.
• Once an offer is made, you have 48 hours to accept or decline. If you decline, you will not receive another NSW offer.
• Position swaps are allowed but only before the end of National Offer Period 2, and only between applicants with the same residency status.

For the full 2026 HETI Guide, read our article.

Tasmania is one of the simpler intern markets to navigate. It is managed directly by the Tasmanian Department of Health with no separate allocation body. You submit one application and rank three sites in your preferred order. Here’s what you need to know:

• Applications open 5 May and close 4 June 2026. Initial offers go out 15 July 2026.
• The three sites you must rank are: Royal Hobart Hospital, Launceston General Hospital, and North West Regional Hospital and Mersey Community Hospital.
• Unlike NSW, Tasmania does require a CV, but there is no prescribed template. List clinical rotations clearly (specialty, site, duration) and include any research, leadership, or community experience.
• No written statement or referees are required at the application stage.
• Priority goes to local graduates first. If you trained at a Tasmanian university and are an Australian citizen or permanent resident, you are in the strongest position. Interstate applicants are still considered but in lower priority categories.
• Tasmania offers a Rural Generalist Program with a small number of dedicated intern places, where a 13-week rural GP placement is built into your intern year. If this interests you, indicate it clearly in your application as it is a separate selection process.
• Deferral is not permitted. If you accept an offer but cannot start on the specified date, you must decline.
• Joint applications are available for couples applying together, but they do not guarantee placement at the same site.

For the full 2026 Guide, read our article.

A tax return is an ATO obligation which reconciles the tax you have paid with the tax you should have paid in a financial year (for the period of July 1 – June 30). A tax return includes your income and deductions that generate your taxable income.

Salary packaging increases you take home pay each fortnight. That is because there is a portion of your fortnightly income that is not taxed.