Where to study medicine in Australia

Australia is home to globally respected medical schools offering world-class clinical training, cutting-edge research, and clear pathways to medical registration. Whether you’re a domestic applicant or an international student, this guide explains where to study medicine in Australia, how admissions work, and what to consider before you apply.

How Medical Education Works in Australia #

• Degree types: Programs are delivered as either undergraduate-entry (often 5–6 years, sometimes called “medical program”/MBBS-equivalent) or graduate-entry MD (typically 4 years after a prior bachelor’s degree).
• Accreditation: Choose only Australian Medical Council (AMC)–accredited programs.
• Registration pathway: After graduation, you complete internship and provisional registration with AHPRA before general registration.

Where You Can Study Medicine in Australia (Representative List) #

Below are prominent Australian universities offering accredited medical programs. For the full, current list, check the AMC: https://www.amc.org.au/accreditation-and-recognition/accredited-medical-schools/.

• Australian National University (ACT) – Graduate-entry MD
• Bond University (QLD) – Undergraduate-entry medical program
• Curtin University (WA) – Undergraduate-entry MBBS program
• Deakin University (VIC) – Graduate-entry MD
• Flinders University (SA) – Graduate-entry MD (undergraduate pathways available)
• Griffith University (QLD) – Graduate-entry MD
• James Cook University (QLD) – Undergraduate-entry medical program with strong rural/remote focus
• Macquarie University (NSW) – Graduate-entry MD
• Monash University (VIC) – Undergraduate-entry for domestic (and limited international) plus graduate-entry streams
• The University of Adelaide (SA) – Medical program (check current entry format)
• The University of Melbourne (VIC) – Graduate-entry MD
• The University of New South Wales (NSW) – Undergraduate-entry medical program
• The University of Newcastle/UNE Joint Medical Program (NSW) – Undergraduate-entry pathway to MD
• The University of Notre Dame Australia (WA/NSW) – Graduate-entry MD
• The University of Queensland (QLD) – Graduate-entry MD
• The University of Sydney (NSW) – Graduate-entry MD
• The University of Tasmania (TAS) – Medical program (check current entry format)
• The University of Western Australia (WA) – Graduate-entry MD with assured undergraduate pathways
• The University of Western Sydney/Charles Sturt (NSW) – Undergraduate-entry MD
• The University of Wollongong (NSW) – Graduate-entry MD
• University of New England (NSW) – Joint program with University of Newcastle
• University of the Sunshine Coast (QLD) – In partnership pathways (check current offerings)

Always verify each school’s latest admissions format, prerequisites, and intake details as they change over time.

Entry Requirements and Admissions Tests #

• Undergraduate-entry: Usually requires a high ATAR (or international equivalent), UCAT ANZ score, and interview (MMI). Some programs consider subject prerequisites (e.g., Chemistry, Mathematics).
• Graduate-entry: Typically requires a prior bachelor’s degree, competitive GPA, GAMSAT score, and interview. Many schools coordinate via GEMSAS.
• English language: Proof via IELTS/TOEFL/PTE for international applicants, per university requirements.
• Technical standards and checks: Immunisations, police checks, and working-with-children checks may apply.

Application Portals and Key Links #

• Undergraduate admissions centres: UAC (NSW/ACT), VTAC (VIC), QTAC (QLD), SATAC (SA/NT), TISC (WA)
• Graduate admissions: GEMSAS (most MD programs), or direct to the university

How to Choose the Right Medical School #

• Location and lifestyle: Consider capital cities vs regional/rural training hubs and associated clinical placement networks.
• Course design: Problem-based learning vs case-based learning; early vs later clinical exposure; simulation facilities; research options.
• Rural training and bonded places: If you’re interested in rural practice, look for dedicated streams and learn about the Australian Government’s Bonded Medical Program.
• Outcomes and support: Graduate employment, internship allocation processes, mentoring, and wellbeing services.
• Costs and scholarships: Domestic CSP vs full-fee places; international tuition often ranges widely (indicatively AUD 60,000–90,000+ per year—check each school). Investigate scholarships and bursaries.

Visas, Internships, and Registration (International Students) #

• Student visa (subclass 500): Requirements include COE, OSHC, and financial/English evidence. See: Department of Home Affairs — Student visa 500.
• Post-study options: Some graduates may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485). See: Temporary Graduate visa.
• Internship and registration: After graduation, you’ll seek an internship position and apply for provisional registration with AHPRA, then progress to general registration.

Typical Timeline #

• 18–24 months out: Research programs; confirm prerequisites; plan UCAT ANZ or GAMSAT.
• 12 months out: Sit UCAT ANZ/GAMSAT; prepare personal statements; arrange references (if required).
• Mid-year to late year: Submit applications via UAC/VTAC/QTAC/SATAC/TISC or GEMSAS/direct; attend MMIs/interviews.
• Offer and enrolment: Accept offer, finalise visa (if international), vaccinations, checks, and accommodation.

Get Expert Help with Your Application #

Choosing the right program and navigating UCAT ANZ, GAMSAT, interviews, visas, and documentation can be complex. Skills Campus supports domestic and international applicants with end-to-end guidance—course selection, application strategy, interview preparation, and migration advice for your study journey in Australia.

Visit Skills Campus to learn more, or contact us for personalised advice today.