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Studying medicine in Australia offers a unique and rewarding opportunity to embark on a career that is both prestigious and impactful. Whether you’re pursuing an undergraduate entry program or a graduate-entry medical course, the journey involves intensive study, practical training, and a deep commitment to improving patient care.

Undergraduate Medicine (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery – 6 years)

Students applying for an undergraduate medical degree in Australia will have their applications assessed against three criteria:

  • Academic merit (as demonstrated by grades in A-Levels, International Baccalaureate or equivalent. BTEC Diplomas are not accepted by Australian medical schools as being suitable for entry)
  • Aptitude test score
  • Interview (the format of this will vary depending on the school. Some interviews are formal and have to be attended in person, others are more relaxed discussions held over Skype or phone)

In order to be eligible to apply, students must have completed their school leaving qualification (or be in the final year of study for that qualification) with strong grades in the required subjects and have achieved a minimum score on an aptitude test.

Provided academic and aptitude test score requirements are met, applicants are invited to interview for a place on the course.

Study Medicine in Australia for International Students: What Subjects Should I Study?

There is some variation in subject prerequisite requirements but almost all medical schools will require you to have a strong pass in Chemistry (at A2 or Higher Level in IB). Most will also require Maths, and Physics or Biology is also recommended.

Study Medicine in Australia for International Students: What Grades Will I Need?

Grade requirements vary between universities between ABB and A*A*A, or between 35 and 43 in the IB. Please note that achieving (or being predicted) the minimum grades required makes you eligible to apply; it does not guarantee you a place.

Study Medicine in Australia for International Students: What Aptitude Test Do I Need?

All but one of the Australian universities that require aptitude test results as part of your application require the International Student Admissions Test (ISAT). The exception to this is the University of Adelaide, which runs its own aptitude test, the PQA.

ISAT is administered by the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER). It is a 3-hour computer-based multiple choice test. There are no set dates for testing and you can choose to sit the test at a date and time that suits you within an 11-month window.

ISAT is designed to test skills including the ability to reason, make logical deductions and form judgements. It does not examine any particular subject knowledge and is therefore not something that can be revised for. Having some familiarity with the type of questions asked can certainly be an advantage, however, and you can access practice tests on the ACER website. However, you can only take ISAT once within a 12-month period.

Undergraduate Medicine: Key Facts

When are the intake dates?

Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery programmes (and all undergraduate pathway options to the Doctor of Medicine) have one intake each year, in Semester 1 (February). Students are required to be on campus early to mid-February in order to attend international student orientation and enrolment. Teaching usually commences on the first Monday of March.

When should I apply?

Applications usually open at the beginning of March the year before the intake. Application deadlines range from June to the end of September, depending on the university.

How much does it cost?

International tuition fees range from A$55,000 to A$71,000 (£30,800 to £39,760) per year.

What are the funding options?

Not available for international students. Domestic students should contact the relevant medical school directly for information.

For detailed information on all the medical programmes in Australia and free, expert support through the application process please contact Study Options.

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