2026 First Year Psychiatry Match

Q. When will I receive my candidate ID?

You will receive your unique candidate ID once you commence your match application.

Q. Do I need to submit a CV?

Yes, you need to submit a CV via the PMCV portal using the template provided on the website. Please note that you also need to apply directly to health services and they may also require you to submit a CV, please see the individual job adverts.

Q. The application period is open for almost a month, when should I start my application?

PMCV recommends you apply as soon as possible, as it is important that you nominate your referees early within the application period to allow them time to complete their references prior to the deadline. Ensure you complete all required sections before the application deadline closes.

Q. Do I apply directly to Health Services?

Yes, you also need to apply directly to the health services that you preference. Each health service will have their own application requirements, so please refer to the individual job adverts. Contact details for health services can be found via the Victorian Mental Health Services list that is available on the 2026 Psychiatry Match webpage.

Q. When do I submit my application?

You can submit your application at any time before the application closing date.

The video interview process will occur after the application closing date and will only be open to candidates who met the criteria to participate and were shortlisted by the VPTC.

Q. Can I change my nominated referee?

If your referee has not yet completed your referee report you may delete the referee and add a new referee. Please note you must advise the referee that you are removing that they are no longer required to complete a referee report.

Q. I have entered the incorrect details for my referee. What can I do?

You can edit all referee details via your match application.

Q. Where do I find the Health Service contact details?

The Health Service contact details can be found via the Victorian Mental Health Services list on the 2026 Psychiatry Match Webpage.

Q. Can I obtain a copy of my completed referee report?

No, all referee reports are provided to PMCV on a confidential basis and will not be shared with candidates.

Q. I am a current Intern, am I eligible to apply for First Year Psychiatry training?

No, Interns are not eligible to apply.

Q. I am an International Medical Graduate, can I apply to the First Year Psychiatry Match?

Yes, if you have completed the AMC examinations and/or qualifying process to gain Australian General Medical Registration at the time match applications close.

If you are awaiting registration to be awarded then you must provide written evidence in the application of your eligibility to gain medical registration.

Q. Will I be assigned a time to complete my interview or can I do so any time during the specified video interview period?

You are able to complete your recording at any time during the specified video interview period. However, we recommend that you allow plenty of time to ensure your recording is completed and submitted before the deadline.

Q. How many interview questions in total will the applicants be required to answer?

All candidates will be required to answer seven (7) questions.

Q. Are the interview questions timed?

Yes, you will be provided with 1 – 2 minutes reading time depending on the length of the question and between 2 – 5 minutes to answer each question. It is best to set aside 45 minutes to complete your interview, this includes reading the instructions, testing your audio and video settings, and completing your recording.

Q. How many attempts can I have for each question?

You will only have one attempt for each question, like you would in a face to face interview.

If you experience any technical difficulties during your response then you may request a redo by emailing allocations@pmcv.com.au These requests will be reviewed by PMCV and you will be notified of the outcome.

Q. How do I access the video interview link?

Once the video interview period is open, the video interview button will be active in your application.

Q. What do I do if I have a technical problem during my video interview?

If you experience technical issues during your interview please contact PMCV via allocations@pmcv.com.au  PMCV will provide support during business hours Monday to Friday.

Q. Why is my application status still pending? When will my application be approved?

The approval process is not automatic on submission of your application.

The PMCV team must check every applicant has provided all the necessary information to confirm their eligibility to participate in the Match, this includes checking AHPRA numbers and that you have selected the correct eligibility criterion. Approval times may vary due to the volume of applications and queries we are processing. Rest assured that all candidate applications will be checked and processed by the final application closing date.

Q. What is the minimum and maximum number of preferences I can nominate?

You must nominate a minimum of one (1) and a maximum of eighteen (18) preferences. PMCV recommends that you provide as many preferences as possible to maximise your chance of being allocated but strongly advises that you only preference locations that you are willing to work in. Please ensure you also apply directly to all health services that you preference.

Q. Can Health Services see my preference order?

Health Services cannot see your preference order.

Q. How do the VPTC Select Applicants for Victorian Psychiatry Training?

Applicants will be assessed on their academic record, employment history and level of competence in general medicine, interpersonal and communication skills, professional relationships and ability to work in a team setting; and their ability to understand psychological issues relating to their patients and their work environment.
The commencement of an RANZCP accredited formal education course provides no advantage to applicants. The formal education courses run alongside training and the VPTC only accredits up to one year of any formal education course before entering training.

Q. How do I accept my allocated position?

You have 48 hours to accept your allocated position via your PMCV login. If you do not do so then the offer will lapse.

Q. Can I decline an allocated position?

Applicants are strongly discouraged from declining allocations. If you do decline a position, then you will need to provide the VPTC with a statement of reasons for declining the offer prior to gaining approval to apply for the match in a subsequent year.

Q. Who can I nominate as a referee?

You must nominate 3 referees. Please note it is recommended that at least one referee be a ‘psychiatrist’.

Q. Do I need to contact the referee prior to nominating them?

Yes, you must contact your referee before you nominate them, to ensure they consent to providing a reference and are available to provide the reference during the application period. Please make sure you confirm their contact details.

Q. Who is responsible for making sure the referee forms are completed?

The candidate is responsible for ensuring all references are provided by the time applications close.

Q. How do I check whether a referee report has been submitted?

If a referee report has been submitted then the tag ‘completed referee report received’ will show under the referee’s name and details in step 5 of your application.

If there is a tag that says ‘referee detail entered (click save)’, then this means you have entered the referee’s details but not clicked on the save button at the bottom of the referee screen. If there is a tag that says ‘form sent to nominated email’ then the email request has been sent to the referee. You should follow up with the referee to make sure they have received it.