Frequently Asked Questions
Open each section below, to see the topic-based FAQs and their answers.
Am I eligible to participate in the 2025/26 Matching Process?
It is important that you determine your eligibility for the Match before applying to PMCV.
Step 1: Candidates must answer “yes” to each of three questions to be eligible
- Will you complete all your training requirements, receive your results, and be ready to achieve registration between 1 January 2025 and 30 June 2026?
- Will you meet all the requirements to be registered as a RN and/or RM with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia before stating your proposed employment?
- Are you an Australian/NZ citizen OR a temporary resident who holds a visa that grants the Right to Work in Australia?
Step 2: Check the criteria below. If any apply, the candidate is ineligible:
- Training and qualifications were not undertaken in Australia or New Zealand.
- Training was completed before 1 January 2025.
- Previously participated in an RN/RM graduate program*.
- Do not expect to hold a Visa with the Right to Work in Australia (a holiday visa is not eligible).
- Studying to be an EN or EEN.
- Enrolled in a Postgraduate Diploma in Midwifery* – Employment model.
*If you have previously completed a RN graduate program and are now studying for a subsequent Bachelor of Midwifery/PG Midwifery you are eligible to apply for the match, but you must only select Midwifery positions in your preference list.
Ineligible Candidates
Ineligible candidates should not apply to the Match. Your application will not be approved by PMCV. Ineligible candidates may apply directly to Health Services with remaining vacancies after the Match processes are complete. Ineligible candidates may also consider non-graduate roles or apply to private health services.
Special consideration
There may be circumstances that exclude candidates from the eligibility criteria such as, parental leave. If you believe you qualify for Special Circumstances, contact the PMCV Workforce Unit on for approval via allocations@pmcv.com.au
I completed my training prior to 1 January 2025, what are my options?
While you are not eligible for the 2025 Match for positions commencing in 2026.
You may still apply to rural and regional health services that have graduate positions available for 2025. These can be found on the GNMP Website’s Health Services Directory.
Please undertake the following steps:
- You must filter the Health Service Directory by ticking Late Vacancy Stage.
- You must filter for future months.
- Email directly to the Health Service; not via their e-recruit or by instructions on their website for Match positions.
- Your email must clearly state in the subject line of the email: Late Vacancy application for position commencing in 2025.
Alternatively, you can look at non-graduate roles, private health services or wait until November 2,2025 to see what vacancies remain following the 2025 Match.
Yes, you can participate in the Match for midwifery only roles if you have already completed a graduate nurse program or for nursing only roles if you have completed a graduate midwifery program. You are not eligible to preference positions in the discipline where you have already completed a graduate program.
You can apply for a graduate position via the PMCV GNMP Match and also submit direct applications to private hospitals or interstate graduate programs. Please check the application process for other states in Australia as the GNMP Match is only for Victorian health services.
However, you must choose between remaining in the GNMP Match or withdraw if accepting a position outside of the Match before the final closing date.
If you remain in the Matching process after the cutoff date and have been matched to a health service, the match is binding, and you would need to accept that position. See the Code of Conduct for more details.
Can I apply for a mid-year Graduate Program?
All graduate programs are included in the one match process held each year. There is no match process just for mid-year GNMPs. To be considered for a mid–year intake in 2026 you will need to participate in the 2025 Match process.
Whilst the large majority of graduate programs commence from January – March 2026, there are some health services that offer a mid-year program between April to September 2026. Refer to the Health Service Directory for Health Services with multi-intakes.
In addition, you can discuss with the health services directly before you apply. You will need to indicate which intake(s) you are interested in applying for in your health service application forms.
Yes, you will be eligible to participate in the GNMP match as the positions offered are for RN qualified applicants which is different to the EN program.
Do I have to complete a video interview for the Match?
PMCV highly encourages all approved candidates to complete the video interview associated with their PMCV match. Most Health Services review these videos and utilise them as part of their assessment and/or for shortlisting for interviews.
These video interview recordings will be accessible to the health services listed in the candidate’s preferences via the APS website. Please note that the recorded video interview form one part of the overall selection process.
How many questions will I be asked during the Video Interview?
The 2025 Video Interview questions are still being developed. More information will be available soon.
I am away at the time of the video interview, what should I do?
Candidates only need access to WIFI and a phone/laptop so can complete a video interview from anywhere in any time zone. Please ensure you set aside time in your calendar, as it is your responsibility to undertake this process.
Does it matter what you wear for the video interview?
This is the same as a job interview, please present yourself in a professional manner.
Can I review my answers
No, you will not be able to watch back your answers.
Can I re-attempt my video interview answers?
No, the only question you can re-do is the practice question. Once you start your interview you cannot re-attempt a question unless there has been a technical issue.
You cannot request to reattempt question/s based on that you were unhappy with your answer or performance.
It is important that you submit a video, so don’t just give up. Some questions answered are better than no questions answered.
Do I get to practice my video interview?
During the interview period you will have the ability to test your technology and undertake a practice question using the video interview platform.
You will not be able to view the interview questions prior to the interview or re-watch them back after the interview.
How do I access the video interview link?
Once the video interview period is open, login to your PMCV Match account and the video interview button will be active in your application.
What if I have a technical problem during the video interview?
The instructions for seeking technical support will be available at the time of the interviews.
What positions are offered in the GNMP Match?
This Match includes Nursing, Mental Health, Combined Nursing/Mental Health, Midwifery, Dual degree Nursing/Midwifery, and Combined Nursing/Paramedicine positions within public health services (and two private) in Victoria.
Eligible nursing, midwifery and dual degree nursing & midwifery, nursing & paramedicine final year students, plus students studying a postgraduate diploma in midwifery (clinical placement only) can participate in this process.
Do all Health Services in Victoria participate in the GNMP Match?
All public and two private health services in Victoria participate in the annual GNMP Matching process.
Is there a glossary of terms used in the Match?
Yes, see below for a description of the wording used within the Candidate Handbook and this website:
Allocation – When the match algorithm is run, it allocates candidates to a Health Service based on the candidate preference and Health Service ranking, along with the number of available positions. Candidates will only receive one allocation.
Candidate – Person applying to the GNMP Match for a graduate position.
Distance Education – Candidates living in Victoria but studying at an interstate university online.
GNMP – Graduate Nursing & Midwifery Program
Intake Month – The anticipated month that training will commence.
International Student –
- Eligible – Temporary resident subject to holding a visa, currently living and studying in Australia and will graduate with Australian qualifications.
- Ineligible – A student whose qualifications were obtained overseas.
Multi -Site – Graduate programs offered at a number of Health Service locations, usually a sister site or collaborative site to the main Health Service.
Preference – The action of you nominating Health Service graduate programs where you wish to work as part of a Match application.
PMCV – Postgraduate Medical Council of Victoria, delegated responsibility by the Department of Health to administer the Graduate Nursing & Midwifery Program Match.
Who are the eligible education providers in Victoria?
How many preferences can I list?
The PMCV GNMP Match allows you to apply to a maximum of four health services participating in the Match.
Do I have to preference four health services?
No, it Is not mandatory to preference four Health Services. However, preferencing the maximum number of Health Services increases your chances of receiving an allocation.
Candidates should only ever preference Health Services that they are fully prepared to work at.
Is the preference order important?
Yes, your preference order is crucial.
The matching algorithm considers your preferences to allocate you to the best available outcome, based on your preference order, the health services’ ranking of you, and the number of available positions.
List the health services in the order you most want to work at and do not include any health services where you are not willing to work.
Is it okay to apply to multiple streams at only one hospital?
If you prefer to be considered only for positions at a specific health service, you can certainly do so. However, this approach does not optimise your chance of a match.
It’s advantageous to have multiple options to avoid “putting all your eggs in one basket.” Nonetheless, make sure to prioritize health services where you genuinely want to work.
Where can I find information about the Health Services in the Match?
Refer to the Health Service Directory located on the “HS directory” page on the GNMP website.
Do I need to submit documents to the Health Services as well?
Yes, you must also apply to the Health Services you listed in your GNMP Match application.
PMCV does not assess applications. All candidates must submit the required documents (cover letter, CV, academic transcript, residency documents, placement logs, etc.) to the Health Services preferenced in their GNMP Match application.
For more information about individual Health Service application requirements, please check the Health Service’s website.
Can the selection criteria for each Health Service be slightly different?
Yes, each Health Service is responsible for its own selection process.
PMCV is unable to provide information relating to individual Health Service assessment processes, as we support over 90 Health Services and 200 program streams. Candidates should review the websites of the Health Services they intend to preference to ascertain this information.
Health Services will review cover letters, CVs, clinical assessment tools, video interviews, and referee reports, and may conduct a live interview as part of their selection process.
How do I apply for the GNMP Match?
Candidates must apply to both PMCV and directly to each health service listed in their preferences.
Apply to PMCV
When the Match opens, create an account on the GNMP website and complete the online application components for PMCV approval.
PMCV manages the video interview, referee reports, candidate preferences, and runs the allocation algorithm.
and
Apply to the Health Services in your preference list
Apply via the health service websites. Information and links are available on the GNMP Health Service Directory. Submit your CV or resume and any specific information required by the health services. Cover letters are not required unless specifically requested.
Applications must be submitted to both PMCV and the Health Services in your preference list; to be a valid application.
Interviews
Candidates must undertake a PMCV video interview and may also need to participate in a health service interview. See Interviews tab for more information.
Do I upload my CV/Resume to my PMCV profile?
No, include your CV or resume in your direct application to the health services. Do not upload it to PMCV.
When do I press the submit button on my PMCV Application?
Complete your application by the close date. After completing all the steps prior to the Video Interview and click Submit. PMCV needs to approve you to participate in the Video Interviews. You can update and re-submit your application until the match application close date.
Note: You cannot add new preferences after the match application close date. However, you can reorder or delete existing preferences up to the specified date in the Key Dates. You may also withdraw your application by this date.
No, submitting early does not increase your chances. Health services review all applications simultaneously after the application period closes.
What is the Career Intentions Statement?
This statement is a free text area within the application. Most health services will not require a Cover Letter but will have access to your Career Intentions Statement, which is part of your PMCV application.
Candidate Guidance
Word Limit: Maximum 350 words
Candidates should prepare this statement without using AI tools, as assessors highly value authenticity.
Topics to Cover:
- Briefly introduce yourself.
- Clearly state any specific goals you have for the next 12 months
- Describe any long-term special interest areas and explain why you are passionate about them.
- Describe your experiences relevant to the Graduate Nurse Program, including any positive feedback received or specific experiences that have shaped your progress throughout your undergraduate program.
Why is my application status still pending?
Initially, the status is “Details Required.” After completing the minimum requirements of candidate details and preferences, the status will change to “Pending Approval.”
PMCV staff will manually review and approve eligible candidates before the close date, based on this minimum criterion. Candidates must still go onto complete the entire application to optimise their chances of allocation. If there are issues, you will be contacted or receive notification of withdrawal.
If I’m from New Zealand or Interstate (Border Community candidates exempt) do I have to provide a Statutory declaration?
Yes, this is mandatory as part of the PMCV application. If this is not provided by the Match close date, your application will be withdrawn.
What is a Statutory Declaration?
A Statutory Declaration is a legally binding document that must be witnessed. Your declaration must be submitted on an official Statutory Declaration form and witnessed as instructed. Written statements that are not on this form will not be accepted.
You can generate an online form via the Australian Government Statutory Declaration form link. PMCV will also accept a legal Statutory Declaration form from any Australian State.
What do I write on the Statutory Declaration?
You must include a statement about your intention to move to Victoria, such as:
“I, [Insert your name], will be relocating to live and work in Victoria for the duration of my 2026 Graduate Year.” If you have specific dates or details about your new address, include this information as supporting evidence.
Follow the instructions regarding witnesses to sign this legal document and be aware of the consequences of providing a false declaration.
Once completed, this form must be uploaded as part of your application during the Match open and close dates. PMCV cannot accept any Statutory Declarations by email.
What happens if I don’t provide the Statutory Declaration?
Candidates who are not Victorian residents and fail to provide the Statutory Declaration will be deemed ineligible for the Match by PMCV, with the exception of Victorian Border Community Candidates.
How would my GPA affect my success through the Matching process?
To be eligible, candidates must complete all course requirements between 1 January 2025 and 30 June 2026. PMCV does not require academic scores, but health services may request this information.
How can I maximise my chance of getting matched to a graduate position?
To maximize your chances of getting matched to a graduate position, follow these steps:
- Complete both applications: Ensure your application to both PMCV and the Health Services is fully completed.
- Rank Preferences: Rank your four health service program preferences in order of your genuine personal preferences.
- PMCV Video Interview: Complete every question in your PMCV video interview.
- Diversify Your Options: Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.
- Consider Rural Placements: Rural placements can offer a broad range of clinical experiences and may have more positions available than candidates.
- Select Correct Programs: Ensure you select the correct programs and locations on your preference list and application form. Do not select programs you are not qualified for, such as midwifery programs if you are not training to be a midwifery graduate.
- Referees – Follow up with your referees to ensure they submit in time. You require two clinical referees.
- Career Intentions Statement: Spend time on your Career Intentions statement, write it yourself, and be genuine.
- Fulfill all application requirements: Ensure you fulfill all application requirements for the health service you are applying to, such as submitting the appropriate documents such as Clinical Assessment Tools.
- Statutory Declaration: If you trained in New Zealand or interstate (border community exempt), upload a legal Statutory Declaration form with the required wording, or your application will be withdrawn by PMCV.
- Understand Match Results: Match results are binding, so be prepared to do your graduate year at any of the health services listed in your preferences if allocated.
How do I withdraw from the GNMP Match?
Should a candidate need to withdraw from the Match, they can do so through the Applicant’s portal until Friday 5 September 2025, otherwise the Match results will be binding.
Alternatively, email PMCV via allocations@pmcv.com.au.
Do I need to submit my English language test results to PMCV?
No, you don’t need to meet the requirement at the time of application or upload your certificate if you already have one. However, you must indicate in your application which pathway applies to you and the status of your English Language Skills Test. The Health Services will require the same English Language Skills standard as needed for your initial AHPRA registration.
For more information, please refer to the following links:
Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia – English language skills (nursingmidwiferyboard.gov.au)
If I hold a student or bridging visa, am I eligible to apply?
To be eligible for the GNMP, you must hold a visa that grants you the Right to Work in Australia. If both your current visa and the visa you plan to transition to; ensure your right to work in Australia, you are eligible to apply for the Match.
Please note that Health Services will require additional information and evidence during this process.
PMCV is not qualified to interpret Visa conditions. Please discuss any conditions mentioned with www.homeaffairs.gov.au or your university.
I’m on a bridging visa without an expiry date. How should I complete my application?
You should include as much visa information as possible in your PMCV application. The visa date is not mandatory to complete and there is space for additional comments, if you would like to expand on your situation.
Mention your bridging visa in your CV/resume to Health Services to explain any missing information.
What visa types are eligible for the Match?
The following are visa categories that are acceptable, however work rights can differ and PMCV are not able to assist with visa enquiries. The most important element is that your visa has the “Right to Work in Australia now and in the future”.
Health Services will be able to access the VEVO system to check a candidate’s visa status.
| Visa subclass | Work rights |
| 186 – Employer Nomination Scheme | Unlimited |
| 407 – Training visa | Workplace training visa, limits apply |
| 482 – Temporary Skills Shortage visa | Unlimited – must work in sponsored occupation and for sponsor only |
| 485 – Temporary Graduate visa | Unlimited |
| 491 – Skilled Work Regional visa | Unlimited in regional areas |
| 494 – Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa | Unlimited – must work in sponsored occupation and for sponsor only |
| 500 – Student visa | 48 hours a fortnight from 1 July 2023 (re-introduction of limit that was relaxed over COVID). Unlimited when course not in session. |
| Partner visa – 820 | Unlimited |
| Bridging visas | VEVO should always be checked as work rights differ from case to case |
| 189 – Skilled Independent visa | Unlimited |
| 190 – Skilled Nominated visa | Unlimited |
| Partner visa – 801 | Unlimited |
How does the matching process work?
PMCV use a matching algorithm to allocate candidates to positions. This algorithm uses three parameters to allocate a candidate to a position.
- Candidate health service preference order.
Candidates will apply through PMCV and nominate up to four health services that they are interested in completing their graduate program. They also apply to the Health Services they have in their preference list. These are listed in the order of their preference in the APS. - Health service candidate ranking order.
The health services will review and score the applications they have received and rank candidates in the APS accordingly. - Number of positions.
Each health service will have a set number of positions available for each nursing/midwifery stream (quota).
If successful, candidates will be allocated to their highest health service preference if they are ranked within that health service position quota limit.
Each candidate can only be allocated to one of their preferences and the match result will be binding.
You can watch the How the algorithm works on “the Match” webpage.
Will the algorithm use priority groups when allocating candidates?
In the 2025 GNMP Match, there are no priority groups. The algorithm will consider all candidates equally during the distribution process which is based on the Candidate’s preference, the health services ranking of the candidate and the number of positions available.
Can I be allocated in the Match to a Health Service that I didn’t preference?
Candidates cannot be allocated to a Health Service they have not put in their preference list. It is important to preference only Health Services where you are prepared to work.
SUCCESSFUL
How do I accept my Graduate Position?
There will be an acceptance button within the Candidate Portal for you to click to accept your allocation.
How long do I have to decide if I am going to accept my allocation?
Candidates have 48 hours to accept their allocation from the publication date and time.
What if I miss the acceptance deadline?
If you miss the deadline to accept your position, Health Services has the right to withdraw your allocation. Please speak to the Health Service if you have a situation that may need further discussion.
I am matched to a Health Service, what happens now?
You have 48 hours to accept or decline the offer. Following the 48 hours, the Health Services will be made aware of your acceptance and will contact you within a day or two regarding to commence onboarding procedure such as issuing a contract.
Will I get more offers, or can I try elsewhere?
No, if you were allocated, the algorithm, has already given you the best available outcome based on your preferences. You will not hear from your lower preferences. This is similar to university preferences; you get one allocation only.
Your participation in the match and the preferences you submit signify that you agree to abide by the results and accept the Health Service to which you have been matched. You cannot be matched to a Health Service that you have not submitted in your preference list. If you decline the offer, you will not be eligible to receive any further offers from any Health Services participating in the GNMP Match in Victoria.
UNSUCCESFUL
I wasn’t matched, what do I do now?
Once the match process is completed, any remaining candidates will be transferred in Round 2 of the Match. They will need to put in new preferences to continue with the process.
Following Round2, unmatched candidates or those that did not apply to the Match, can apply to Health Services with remaining vacancies from Monday 2 November 2025.
- Candidates wishing to participate do not need to register with PMCV.
- Applications will be direct to Health Services and can only be accepted and considered after this date.
The GNMP website’s Heath Service Directory, will be updated from 10am Monday 2 November 2025 to reflect Health Services with vacant positions. The Directory also enables access to the Health Service’s websites for further details on their individual application processes.
NEXT STEPS
Can I decline my position?
While you can decline a position, you may not be able to undertake another Graduate Program via PMCV, including through the Late Vacancy Management process.
If your reasons for declining relate to a delay in placements, your training completion date or paternity leave, please speak to the Health Service first before declining the position, they may be able to assist in some way.
All Health Services are made aware of candidates who decline and will not offer positions to these candidates. Gaining a Graduate position is very competitive, so declining an offer should be considered carefully. Always speak to your allocated Health Service first before declining a position.
Can I defer the start of my Graduate Year?
This is at the discretion of the Health Service you have been allocated to. Please contact the Health Service you have been allocated to and request your options.
NOTE: If you chose not to apply for a graduate year for commencement after completing your studies then you would be ineligible to participate in our match process for subsequent year’s allocation.
Am I eligible for release under exceptional circumstances?
In exceptional circumstances, candidates may request a release letter from their allocated Health Service due to hardship. Evidence of hardship must be provided. The decision to issue a Release Letter is at the discretion of the Health Service. If approved, the Release Letter must be presented to any new Health Services before discussions can begin. Without this letter, candidates cannot apply to any other Health Service participating in the Match.
Can a Health Service withdraw a candidate following their allocation?
In the following circumstances, a Health Service may withdraw the matched allocation.
- No response to communications to confirm allocation and contract details by the specified time.
- AHPRA registration not completed in time to commence the graduate program, with no opportunity to defer.
- Delays or supporting evidence not provided regarding “Right to Work in Australia,” visa information, and/or English Language requirements.
- Additional requested documentation not provided in time.
- Preliminary checks not met (e.g., working with children check, police check).
- Refusal to adhere to role requirements (e.g., vaccination status, work locations, rotations, shifts).
In these cases, the Health Service will email the candidate and PMCV to advise of the withdrawal and the reason why. Candidates not completing their course requirements on time may reapply for the next year’s match.
Each health service determines their local FTE requirements. Graduate nurses and midwives can be employed at any FTE. Graduates are generally employed between 0.6 and 1.0 FTE in their first year of practice to support their transition to the clinical environment. Onboarding and contracts are outside the scope of PMCV.
My referee did not receive the reference form. What can I do?
Ensure the email address you entered in the ‘Nominate Referees’ section of your application is accurate. Before the referee submission deadline, contact PMCV at allocations@pmcv.com.au with your details and your referee’s details. PMCV will attempt to resend the reference form manually. An alternative email address may be required as some organizations block emails from external sources.
I entered the incorrect details for my referee. How can I change them?
You can change your referee details, except for the email address, before the referee submission deadline in the ‘Nominate Referees’ section of your application. If you need to update the email address or change referees, contact PMCV at allocations@pmcv.com.au with your candidate ID, name, and all the referee’s details.
My nominated referee is no longer available to complete a reference for me. Can I nominate another referee?
Yes, you can request PMCV to remove the details of a nominated referee from your application and nominate a new referee if the request is made before the referee submission deadline. Contact PMCV at allocations@pmcv.com.au for support. Ensure you give the new referee sufficient time to complete the form.
Can I remove a completed reference from my application and nominate a new referee?
PMCV can only remove a completed referee report from your application if approval has been received directly from the referee.
Can I add a non-clinical referee to my PMCV application?
No, you cannot enter a non-clinical referee report via your PMCV application as the report template asks clinically based questions. If you wish to submit a non-clinical referee, please send it directly to the Health Service as part of your Health Services application.
Who can access my referee reports?
Only the Health Services you selected in your application will have access to the referee reports for their assessment process. While PMCV collects the reports and can view them if requested, PMCV does not read or assess these reports. All reference reports are provided to PMCV in confidence and will not be shared with candidates.
