Plan your studiesStudy Medicine in Australia: Best Universities, Benefits, and More

Study Medicine in Australia: Best Universities, Benefits, and More

As pillars of society, doctors and other healthcare workers are known as some of the most respected professions in the world. If you have decided to study the art of saving lives, Australia offers some of the finest schools and opportunities for medical students. 

Whether you’re searching for the best universities to study medicine in Australia or you need more information about fees and program structures, this article will cover everything you need to know.

Benefits of Studying Medicine in Australia

Studying medicine is an arduous yet very rewarding journey, both emotionally and financially. This experience can only be enriched when you choose to study medicine in a progressive and developed country such as Australia. 

Here are some benefits of studying medicine in Australia:

  • Elite universities. Known for its excellent education system and support toward students, the country is home to five universities that rank among the top 100 universities in the world for medicine, with many other universities ranking in the top 200. This ensures that you will be choosing from elite institutions that offer some of the latest facilities and modern approaches to teaching.
  • Strong labour market and job growth. Apart from the benefit of studying in distinguished universities, the strong labour market is another incentive for medical graduates who wish to work in Australia after their studies.
    • According to Labour Market Insights, the occupation category of Specialist Physicians is expected to grow very strongly, with a 27% projected chance of growth during the 2021-2026 period. 
    • General Practitioners and Resident Medical Officers are expected to grow as an occupation category, with a projected 10.2% growth rate. Physiotherapists are also in demand, with a 28.7% projected growth rate.
  • High-paying jobs. Australia is also a country where medical workers are held in high regard and paid fairly. In fact, five out of the 10 highest-paid jobs in Australia are professions in the medical field, with surgeons being the highest-paid role in the country. Therefore, if you decide to work in Australia after finishing your medical degree, you can expect to reap the rewards of your hard work.

Careers and Pathways with a Medicine Degree

With numerous medical specialties and roles, the world is your oyster when it comes to choosing a career in medicine. Here are just a few of the many careers in medicine that you can choose from:

  • Anaesthesiologist
  • Cardiologist
  • Dermatologist
  • Epidemiologist
  • Family physician
  • Medical Researcher
  • Medical assistant
  • Nephrologist
  • Neurologist
  • Oncologist
  • Ophthalmologist
  • Paediatrician
  • Psychiatrist
  • Radiologist
  • Surgeon

Entry Requirements for Medicine Degrees in Australia

There is a wide range of medicine degrees in Australia; therefore, entry requirements can vary depending on the type of program you are applying for. Additionally, medical programs can be competitive in highly-ranked universities, which means, universities set their prerequisites and requirements accordingly. For more detailed information, please check your chosen university’s website or contact a representative of the university.

Most universities also offer different pathways and programs leading to a Doctor of Medicine award. For example, Monash University offers a combined Bachelor of Medical Studies/Doctor of Medicine program with a direct entry for students who have completed Australian year 12 (or equivalent). The University of Melbourne, on the other hand, offers only a graduate entry Doctor of Medicine program for which you must have completed an undergraduate degree in any discipline within 10 years of 1 January in the year during which you plan to begin studies.

Undergraduate Program Requirements

In most Australian universities, if you want to apply to an undergraduate medicine program you will have to meet the following criteria:

  • Successful completion of an Australian year 12 qualification (or equivalent) with good (30+) scores in Units 3 and 4 English and Sciences/Other.
  • Alternatively, you have to submit proof of English proficiency through approved test scores (typically IELTS Academic 7.0 overall score or equivalent).
  • You may have to undergo an interview with the university.
  • Some universities require you to sit the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) or the International Student Admissions Test (ISAT), or both.

Postgraduate Program Requirements

Requirements to enrol in a postgraduate Doctor of Medicine program in Australia usually include:

  • Satisfactory performance on a relevant bachelor’s degree or equivalent finished within the past 10 years.
  • Proof of English language proficiency through Australian Year 12 subjects or approved English language tests 
  • Sitting the Graduate Australian Medical School Admissions Test (GAMSAT) or the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) and achieving minimum scores set by the university.
  • Perform satisfactorily at a multiple mini-interview (MMI).

The following universities currently accept GAMSAT (Graduate Medical School Admissions Test) scores:

  • Australian National University
  • Deakin University
  • Flinders University
  • Griffith University
  • Macquarie University
  • The University of Queensland
  • The University of Melbourne
  • The University of Notre Dame (Fremantle)
  • The University of Notre Dame (Sydney)
  • The University of Sydney
  • The University of Western Australia
  • The University of Wollongong

When you receive your GAMSAT scores, you only need one application to apply to any of these universities. 

Cost of Medicine Degrees in Australian Universities

The tuition fees for medicine degrees in Australian universities can vary depending on the type of program and the university you choose. 

In general, fees for degrees leading to the M.D. title offered by the top Australian universities in medicine range from AUD 74,445 per year to AUD 96,160 per year. 

For more details on complete fees and scholarship opportunities, please check with the university you plan to enrol in.

Here is the full list of Doctor of Medicine programs at the leading Australian universities for medicine and their 2023 fees:

UniversityDegreeCost
The University of SydneyDoctor of MedicineAUD 88,500 per year
The University of MelbourneDoctor of MedicineAUD 96,160 per year
Monash UniversityBachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of MedicineAUD 87,000 per year
The University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney)Bachelor of Medical Studies/Doctor of MedicineAUD 74,445 per year
The University of QueenslandDoctor of MedicineAUD 85,024 per year
Australian National UniversityDoctor of Medicine and Surgery (MChD)AUD 80,136 per year
The University of AdelaideDoctor of MedicineAUD 83,500 per year
*All fees presented above are indicative and apply only to international students.

Medicine Degree Program Structures and Duration

By choosing a quality medical degree, you will learn from a meticulously-planned program that prepares you for a successful career in medicine. These programs are designed differently depending on the university you wish to attend; therefore, you should check individually for details on subjects and program length. 

Typically, pre-medicine undergraduate programs last three to four years full-time, whereas the post-graduate Doctor of Medicine programs last four years full-time. 

A small number of universities offer joint bachelor’s medical degree & Doctor of Medicine programs that last five to six years; however, they can have a heavier course load and be more competitive to get into. 

In general, the most common route to becoming a doctor in Australia takes seven to eight years.

Doctor of Medicine programs in Australia will typically include the following components:

  • Foundations of Medicine
  • Clinical Skills and Principles
  • Diagnostics and Therapy
  • MD Research Projects
  • Medical Ethics and Law
  • Clinical Immersion
  • Contact Hours and Advanced Practice in the Health Sector

Best Universities to Study Medicine in Australia

Are you wondering which university to choose for studying medicine in Australia? These are the highest-ranked and most distinguished Australian universities for medical studies:

The University of Sydney

Ranked first in Australia and 18th globally for medicine, the University of Sydney operates with more than 170 years of experience since its founding. With numerous medicine-related programs, this university is an elite institution for future medical students. Here are some of the medicine degrees you’ll find here:

  • Bachelor of Science (Health)
  • Bachelor of Oral Health
  • Bachelor of Nursing (Advanced Studies)
  • Bachelor of Health Sciences (Honours)
  • Master of Surgery
  • Doctor of Physiotherapy
  • Doctor of Medicine
  • Master of Physiotherapy
  • Master of Global Health
  • Master of Public Health
  • Master of Medicine (Cataract and Refractive Surgery)
  • Master of Medicine (Sexual and Reproductive Health)
  • Master of Medicine (Pain Management)
  • Master of Medicine (Clinical Neurophysiology)
  • Master of Philosophy (Medicine and Health)
  • Doctor of Philosophy (Medicine and Health)

The University of Melbourne

As Australia’s leading university overall, the University of Melbourne is also renowned for its medicine degree programs. Founded more than 160 years ago, this university offers some exceptional medical programs such as:

  • Bachelor of Biomedicine
  • Graduate Diploma in Perioperative Medicine
  • Graduate Diploma in Sports Medicine
  • Doctor of Medicine
  • Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
  • Master of Medicine (Radiology)
  • Master of Sports Medicine
  • Master of Medicine (Research)
  • Master of Philosophy – MDHS (Medicine)
  • Doctor of Philosophy – Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences

Monash University

Monash University’s Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate medical programs that are ranked among the best in the world. This university also offers the only direct-entry medical program in Victoria. These are some of the programs you’ll find at Monash:

  • Bachelor of Biomedical Science
  • Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine (MD)
  • Bachelor of Medical Science (Honours)
  • Bachelor of Paramedicine
  • Bachelor of Public Health
  • Bachelor of Radiation Sciences
  • Doctor of Podiatric Medicine
  • Master of Advanced Health Care Practice
  • Master of Biomedical Science
  • Master of Medical Ultrasound
  • Master of Nursing Practice
  • Master of Perioperative Medicine
  • Master of Radiation Therapy
  • Master of Surgery
  • Doctor of Philosophy
  • Doctor of Philosophy (Clinical Neuropsychology)

The University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney)

Home to more than 63,232 students from all over the world, the University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney) is known for its vibrant campuses and student communities. The UNSW Medicine faculty is renowned globally for impactful research and excellent programs such as:

  • Bachelor of Vision Science
  • Bachelor of International Public Health
  • Bachelor of Medical Studies/Doctor of Medicine
  • Master of Clinical Optometry
  • Master of Reproductive Medicine
  • Master of Women’s Health Medicine
  • Master of Forensic Mental Health
  • Master of Infectious Diseases Intelligence
  • Master of Global Health
  • Master of Public Health

The University of Queensland

UQ’s Faculty of Medicine is another globally recognised medicine program provider in Australia. This school dates back to 1936 and offers a variety of programs for you to choose from:

  • Bachelor of Health Sciences
  • Bachelor of Biomedical Science
  • Bachelor of Nursing
  • Graduate Certificate in Medicine
  • Graduate Certificate in Sports Medicine
  • Master of Medicine
  • Master of Sports Medicine
  • Master of Epidemiology
  • Master of Physiotherapy Studies
  • Master of Public Health
  • Doctor of Medicine
  • Master of Philosophy
  • Doctor of Philosophy

Australian National University (ANU)

Since 1946, the Australian National University (ANU) has been a significant contributor to Australian society through education and research. The prestigious ANU College of Health and Medicine offers various undergraduate and graduate programs in the field of medicine:

  • Bachelor of Health Science
  • Bachelor of Medical Science
  • Bachelor of Genetics
  • Bachelor of Biotechnology
  • Master of Culture, Health and Medicine
  • Master of Preclinical Science
  • Doctor of Medicine and Surgery (MChD)
  • Master of Philosophy, Medicine
  • Master of Philosophy, Population Health
  • Master of Philosophy in Applied Epidemiology
  • Doctor of Philosophy, Medicine
  • Doctor of Philosophy, Population Health
  • Doctor of Philosophy, John Curtin School of Medical Research

The University of Adelaide

The University of Adelaide was founded in 1874 and has since then produced five Nobel laureates, 100 Rhodes Scholars, and a number of significant research findings. As the largest school of the university, Adelaide Medical School offers a wide range of medical programs which include:

  • Bachelor of Medical Studies
  • Bachelor of Health and Medical Sciences
  • Bachelor of Biotechnology
  • Bachelor of Nursing
  • Master of Minimally Invasive Surgery
  • Doctor of Medicine
  • Master of Clinical Science
  • Master of Public Health
  • Master of Nursing Science
  • Master of Philosophy (Medical Science)
  • Master of Philosophy (Ophthalmology)
  • Master of Philosophy (Surgery)
  • Doctor of Philosophy

Careers in medicine are tremendously fulfilling and rewarding despite the challenges you may encounter until qualifying for work. Studying at one of Australia’s universities will equip you with valuable skills and knowledge, as well as you will have all the necessary tools and resources for a well-rounded student experience.

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