Australia Medical schools

Australian Medical Schools

Updated April 2024

Applications

• Australians will typically apply via the TAC of the state of the university (for example VTAC).
• Internationals will typically apply directly to the university. Ins some cases they may direct you to apply via TAC.
• All unis publish the key qualities they are looking for. They call this inherent requirements—see here.
• Application components:
  • Application
  • External exam such as ISAT or UCAT ANZ
  • Interview—check out how those work
• Applications typically open the spring prior to the year enrolling (for example, if you plan to start in 2026, the applications will open spring 2024). Deadlines vary from university to university, but plan for June to September. Check EARLY. And, seriously, do not wait to the last minute to apply.
• High school subjects: Many may require Chemistry. Please check.
• Of the 18359 medical students in Australia, 2928 are international—roughly 16%. You can get the details here.
• UCAT: Registration closes 10 May 2024. UCAT ANZ testing begins 1 July and concludes 9 August 2024.  All enquiries concerning UCAT ANZ should be directed to the UCAT ANZ office. Final bookings will be accepted until Wednesday 31 May at 11:59pm AEST and will incur the late fee of AUD $85. See how universities use UCAT scores here.
• New Zealand: Only two universities offer medicine. Both have very limited seats for international. Students apply while in first year universities. Admission is based on first year science scores, UCAT, and interview. Of the 2837 medical students in New Zealand, 132 were international students. That’s less than 5%

Timeline

Junior year

• Take the IB diploma, probably with BIO and Chem HL to keep most options open
• Research universities
• Volunteer
• Join Medical Club

Senior Year

• Finalize your university list
• March: Register for UCATANZ
• April Applications start to open
• Jul 1 to early August: Sit the UCAT ANZ.
• July to September: Complete Applications
• October/November: Interviews
• Dec: Decisions

Bachelor of Medical Studies / Doctor of Medicine 

Most Australian Medical schools have moved away from direct entry, undergraduate degree to a dual degree – this may be 5 or 6 years.

• Year = how long to complete degree
• IB = published score
• # IS = Actual number of international students studying there
• % = Percent enrollment of international students
• Exam = Which external Exam is required
• Other = any comments relevant to entry or how the program works.
• This website has a quick overview for each university