Time-limited Affiliates Pathway to Fellowship

This page outlines the pathway for longstanding Affiliate members to become Fellows of the College and attain the qualification FRANZCP.

The RANZCP is introducing a time-limited Affiliates Pathway to Fellowship for eligible long-standing Affiliate members in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand. 

The pathway recognises that a defined cohort of Affiliates has maintained specialist registration, ongoing professional practice, College engagement and Continued Professional Development (CPD) compliance over an extended period. 

Applicants must meet all eligibility and assessment requirements; specialist registration or Affiliate membership alone does not confer eligibility or guarantee admission to Fellowship. 

Pathway eligibility 

To be eligible to apply for the pathway, you must: 

• be an Affiliate member 
• have completed at least 7 full years of practice in good standing, with continual full vocational registration (and annual practising certificates in Aotearoa New Zealand for New Zealand Affiliates). 

This must comprise 7 full years of vocational specialist registration as a psychiatrist. The 7 years may include full-time or part‑time practice (working at a minimum of 0.6 FTE with 0.3 FTE of this being clinical work), provided vocational registration was held and maintained in good standing for the full period of 7 years. 

To ‘be in good standing’ is defined by the RANZCP as having no current investigations or prior formal adverse findings or outcomes by either the Australian Medical Council (AMC), Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ), the Health and Disability Commissioner (HDC), or any other relevant medical regulator or disciplinary body). 

The RANZCP Board reserves the right to request and receive advice on any matter relevant to its consideration of an application for Fellowship. 

Pathway requirements 

1. Three letters of recommendation 

You will need to provide the College with: 

• two (2) letters of recommendation from current RANZCP Fellows of standing 
• a letter of recommendation from the MCNZ or AHPRA 

2. 360 Assessment 

You must complete and submit a 360 Assessment using the College’s preferred supplier, Leaderskill. This assessment is done at your own expense and can be claimed as part of your CPD. 

3. Case-based discussion 

You will need to successfully complete an online Case-based discussion which will be coordinated by the College.

You will need to supply three (3) recent case summaries ahead of the assessment. Details will be provided when you apply for the pathway. 

Fee 

$5000  

How to apply 

Online applications open in July 2026.

Contact

affiliatespathway@ranzcp.org

Frequently asked questions

1. Why are assessments required on this time-limited pathway for long standing Affiliates? 

The College aims to provide a qualifying element within the pathway to ensure validity of assessment. However, acknowledging that Affiliates are integral to our training and health care system, as well as established professionals in their fields, the assessment requirements have been kept to the bare minimum for this pathway.  

2. How long does the pathway take? 

From initial application to receiving a certificate of Fellowship, it is estimated that the process may take 18-20 weeks. 

3. Do I need to pay a fee to apply? 

No, you are not required to pay a fee during the initial application. Following initial application, College staff will determine your eligibility and if deemed eligible, you will be prompted to complete a 360 assessment and invoiced for the pathway. 

4. I am not an eligible Affiliate. What are the options for me? 

The College is also aware of the need for a longer-term solution for Affiliates to be recognised through Fellowship status however the focus is currently to assist with the large numbers of long standing Affiliates via this time-limited pathway. 

5. How will this impact my RANZCP annual fees? 

Upon successful completion of the Pathway, you will be given Fellowship membership status, and your annual fees will be changed accordingly. See RANZCP fees for more information.