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Australia is one of the most popular destinations for international students who aspire to pursue a career in medicine. According to the Medical Deans Australia and New Zealand, in 2020, there were 590 international medical graduates from Australian medical schools, representing 16.1% of the total cohort. International medical students come from various countries, with Singapore, Canada, Malaysia, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, and South Korea making up 76% of the total. With its world-class institutions, diverse culture, and booming health sector, Australia offers many opportunities for aspiring doctors to learn, grow, and thrive. Australia has more than 20 medical schools that provide compelling graduate entry medical programs. However, getting into an Australian medical school takes work. The competition is fierce, the acceptance rates are low, and the requirements are rigorous. The average admission rate for medical school programs in Australia is around 30%, meaning that only one in three applicants will be accepted. Some medical schools are even more selective, such as the University of Sydney, which has an acceptance rate of 15.8%. It’s often a complex and tough task to secure a medical seat in an Australian medical school, especially for international students. As such, it’s important to properly understand all eligibility and admission requirements to prepare a strong application and stand out. In this article, we will provide a guide to get into medical schools in Australia, including admission requirements, deadlines, documents required, etc., and more.

Medical Degree in Australia

A medical degree in Australia is a qualification that allows you to practice medicine in Australia and other countries. There are two types of medical degrees in Australia: undergraduate and postgraduate. Undergraduate medical degrees are usually five or six years long and admit students directly from high school or after completing a year of foundation studies. These degrees lead to the award of Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) or equivalent. Postgraduate medical degrees are usually four years long and admit students who have completed a bachelor’s degree in any discipline. These degrees lead to the award of Doctor of Medicine (MD) or equivalent.

After completing a medical degree in Australia, which usually takes four to six years, you need to register with the Medical Board of Australia and complete an intern year in a hospital. This is 47 weeks (full-time equivalent) of supervised clinical practice in various rotations, such as emergency medicine, medicine, and surgery. This will allow you to gain general registration and practice as a junior doctor. You may then choose to pursue further training in a specialty area of medicine, such as surgery, pediatrics, psychiatry, or general practice. This will require you to enroll in a vocational training program and pass the exams of the relevant college or faculty. The duration and structure of the vocational training program depend on the specialty you choose, but it typically ranges from three to seven years. Once you complete the vocational training program, you will become a fully qualified specialist medical practitioner, who can work independently and provide expert care in your chosen field.

Suggested Reading: Study Medicine in Australia

Top Medical Schools in Australia

Australia is home to some of the best medical universities in the world, according to various rankings. These universities offer high-quality education and research opportunities for students who want to pursue a career in medicine or related fields. Some of the top medical universities in Australia are:

The University of Melbourne: Ranked 20th in the world for medicine by QS and 14th by THE, the University of Melbourne offers a Bachelor of Medical Science and a Doctor of Medicine program, as well as a Master of Surgery and other specializations.

The University of Sydney: Ranked 18th in the world for medicine by QS and 33rd by THE, the University of Sydney offers a Doctor of Medicine program for graduates, as well as a Master of Surgery and other courses. The university also has a strong reputation for clinical and health research.

Monash University: Ranked 38th in the world for medicine by QS and 34th by THE, Monash University offers a Bachelor of Medical Science and a Doctor of Medicine program, as well as a Bachelor of Paramedicine and a Bachelor of Physiotherapy. The university is known for its innovative and interdisciplinary approach to medical education and research.

The University of Queensland: Ranked 50th in the world for medicine by QS, the University of Queensland offers a Doctor of Medicine program for graduates, as well as a Bachelor of Science (Medicine) and other courses. The university strongly focuses on rural and remote health, tropical medicine, and global health.

The University of New South Wales (UNSW): Ranked 43rd in the world for medicine by QS, UNSW offers a Bachelor of Science (Medicine), a Bachelor of Medical Science, and a Doctor of Medicine program, as well as other courses. The university has a diverse and international student body, as well as a network of clinical schools and research centers.

Eligibility for Medical Schools in Australia

There are two types of medical programs in Australia: undergraduate and graduate. Undergraduate programs are usually six years long and accept students who have completed high school or equivalent. Graduate programs are usually four years long and require a bachelor’s degree in any discipline as a prerequisite.

For undergraduate programs, the eligibility requirements vary by university, but generally include:

Completion of high school or equivalent with a high academic performance
Completion of the International Students Admission Test (ISAT) or the Undergraduate Medicine and Health Sciences Admission Test (UMAT), depending on the university
An interview, either in person or online, based on the ISAT or UMAT score
Proof of English language proficiency, such as IELTS or TOEFL
Some universities may also require immunization and infection tests, a letter of recommendation, a blue card (working with children check), and a criminal history check

For graduate programs, the eligibility requirements also vary by university, but generally include:

Completion of a bachelor’s degree in any discipline within 10 years of the year of intended commencement, or a graduate diploma, master’s, PhD degree, or equivalent completed within 10 years before the year of intended commencement
Completion of the Graduate Medical School Admissions Test (GAMSAT) or the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), depending on the university
A minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.7 or higher, depending on the university
An interview, either in person or online, based on the GAMSAT or MCAT score
Proof of English language proficiency, such as IELTS or TOEFL
Some universities may also require immunization and infection tests, a letter of recommendation, a blue card (working with children check), and a criminal history check.

Suggested Reading: A Detailed Guide to the GAMSAT

Application Process for Medical Schools in Australia

Decide whether you want to pursue an undergraduate or a postgraduate medical degree. Undergraduate medical degrees are usually six years long and can be entered directly from high school. Postgraduate medical degrees are usually four years long and require a bachelor’s degree in any discipline as a prerequisite. There are advantages and disadvantages to both pathways, and you should consider your academic background, interests, goals, and finances before making a decision.

Complete the required prerequisites and academic assessments. Depending on the type and level of medical degree you choose, you may need to complete certain subjects in high school or university, such as mathematics, chemistry, biology, or physics. You may also need to achieve a certain grade point average (GPA) or Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) to be eligible for admission. Additionally, you will need to sit a standardized test, such as the Undergraduate Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) for undergraduate medicine, or the Graduate Australian Medical School Admissions Test (GAMSAT) for postgraduate medicine. These tests measure your aptitude for studying medicine and health sciences and are used by most medical schools in Australia as part of their selection criteria.

Apply for the medical schools of your choice. You can apply for multiple medical schools, as long as you meet their requirements and deadlines. You will need to submit an online application form, which may include your details, academic transcripts, test scores, personal statement, and referee reports. You also need to pay an application fee. The application form will usually be available on the website of the medical school or the admission service that they use, such as the Graduate Entry Medical School Admissions System (GEMSAS) or the Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC). Some medical schools may have additional or different application processes, such as portfolio submissions, rural or Indigenous entry schemes, or direct entry pathways. You should check the websites of the medical schools you are interested in for more information.

Prepare for and attend an interview. If your application is successful, you will be invited to attend an interview with the medical school. The interview is an opportunity for the medical school to assess your suitability for studying medicine and becoming a doctor. The interview format may vary depending on the medical school, but it is usually a multiple mini-interview (MMI), where you will face a series of stations with different scenarios or questions. You will need to demonstrate your communication skills, ethical reasoning, empathy, motivation, and knowledge of current issues in medicine and health care. You should prepare for the interview by researching the medical school, reviewing your application, practicing your responses, and dressing professionally.

Receive and accept an offer. After the interview, you will receive an offer from the medical school, which may be conditional or unconditional. A conditional offer means that you need to meet certain criteria, such as completing your current degree or maintaining your GPA before you can enroll. An unconditional offer means that you have met all the requirements and can enroll immediately. You will need to accept the offer by the specified deadline, or it may be withdrawn. You may also need to pay a deposit or tuition fee to secure your place. You should also decline any other offers you have received from other medical schools, as you can only accept one offer at a time.

Enroll and start your medical degree. Once you have accepted an offer, you will need to enroll in the medical school and complete the necessary administrative tasks, such as registering for courses, applying for scholarships or financial aid, arranging accommodation and transportation, and obtaining a student visa (if you are an international student). You will also need to complete some mandatory checks and requirements, such as immunizations, police checks, and first aid certificates before you can start your clinical placements. You are now ready to begin your medical degree.

Suggested Reading: A Deep Dive into MMI Interviews

Documents Required

Completed application form: Fill out the application form provided by the university of your choice.

Academic transcripts: Provide official transcripts of all your previous academic qualifications, including your bachelor’s degree.

Entrance exam scores: Depending on the university and the program, you may need to submit scores of UMAT, UCAT, MCAT, GAMSAT, or NEET.

Letter of recommendation: Provide one or more letters of recommendation from your professors, mentors, or employers who can vouch for your academic and professional abilities.

English language proficiency test scores: If English is not your first language, you will need to provide evidence of your English language proficiency, such as IELTS or TOEFL scores.

Copy of birth certificate: Provide a copy of your birth certificate or other proof of your identity and nationality.

Passport-size photographs: Provide two or more recent passport-size photographs of yourself.

Statement of purpose: Write a statement of purpose that explains your motivation, goals, and suitability for studying medicine in Australia.

Personal essay: Write a personal essay that showcases your personality, achievements, challenges, and interests.

Application Deadlines and Fees

Applications for Australian medical schools usually open at the beginning of March the year before the intake. This means that if you want to start your medical studies in 2025, you need to apply in 2024. However, the exact dates may vary depending on the university and the type of program you are applying for. Therefore, it is important to check the websites of the medical schools you are interested in and follow their instructions carefully. Application deadlines range from June to the end of September, depending on the university. For example, the deadline for the Doctor of Medicine (MD) at the University of Sydney is June 30, while the deadline for the Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine (BMedSc/MD) at the Australian National University is September 30.

Application fees for international applicants also vary depending on the university and the degree. These fees are non-refundable and must be paid online when you submit your application. For example, the application fee for the Doctor of Medicine (MD) at the University of Melbourne is 100 AUD, while the application fee for the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) at the University of Queensland is 150 AUD. Some universities may also charge additional fees for processing your transcripts, verifying your documents, or conducting interviews.

Conclusion

In conclusion, getting into medical schools in Australia is certainly not an easy task, considering the amount of competition for the elite programs on offer. However, with careful planning, one can increase their chances of securing a seat in their desired institution. To do so, one needs to review the requirements of each medical school carefully and prepare excellent applications that showcase their academic achievements, personal attributes, and motivation for pursuing medicine. Moreover, one should seek guidance from mentors, advisors, or experts who can provide valuable feedback and advice on how to improve their application and prepare for the interviews. By following these steps, one can hope to achieve their dream of becoming a medical professional in Australia. For information and guidance regarding the same, reach out to our admission experts at Gyanberry. Book your free video call appointment now!

A Guide to Getting into Medical Schools in Australia