.svg)
University of Wollongong Medicine Entry Guide — GAMSAT, Course Structure & Selection
The University of Wollongong (UOW) offers a four-year graduate-entry Doctor of Medicine (MD) through its Graduate School of Medicine in NSW. Selection uses GAMSAT and a weighted GPA as minimum hurdles (50 overall and 50 per section; weighted GPA 5.5+), with CASPer, an online MMI interview and a portfolio determining ranking and final offers. UOW has a strong rural and regional focus, offering CSP, Bonded Medical Program (BMP) and rural training pathways.
Get help with your applicationKey Admission Information
Applications (2026–27): GAMSAT March/September sittings; CASPer in designated UOW windows; GEMSAS opens 1 May 2026, closes 30 May 2026; interview offers late August – early September; online MMIs from mid-September; final offers January. Figures are indicative; confirm against official UOW and GEMSAS pages.
Overview: Medicine at University of Wollongong
Medicine at the University of Wollongong is offered exclusively as a graduate-entry Doctor of Medicine (MD). There is no undergraduate or school-leaver medicine pathway at UOW, so applicants must already hold (or be in the final year of) an approved bachelor degree before they can apply.
The UOW MD is delivered by the Graduate School of Medicine, with teaching spread across the Wollongong, Shoalhaven and Southern Highlands campuses and a network of regional and rural clinical hubs across NSW. The program is built around early clinical exposure, case-based learning, research training and extensive placements in community and regional health settings.
Because UOW is a graduate-entry program, it does not use UCAT. Instead, selection combines GAMSAT, GPA, the CASPer test, an online MMI and a portfolio. UOW is particularly recognised for producing doctors for rural, regional and underserved communities. Compare options in our overview of medical school entry requirements.
How Do You Get Into Medicine at University of Wollongong?
Entry into the UOW Doctor of Medicine is a multi-stage, graduate-entry process. Applicants are assessed using:
- Academic performance (weighted GPA of 5.5 or higher on a 7-point scale)
- GAMSAT (minimum 50 overall and 50 in each section)
- CASPer situational judgement test (completed in a designated UOW testing window)
- Online Multiple Mini Interview (MMI)
- Portfolio and UOW MD admissions bonuses
- Eligibility for rural, Bonded Medical Program (BMP) or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander pathways (where applicable)
GPA and GAMSAT act primarily as minimum eligibility hurdles. Once an applicant clears these thresholds, ranking for an interview offer is driven by CASPer together with the UOW MD admissions bonuses. After interview, final offers are ranked on CASPer (25%), the MMI interview (25%) and the portfolio (50%) — so the test scores get you to the interview, and CASPer, the interview and the portfolio decide the offer.
Typical timeline: GAMSAT March/September sittings; CASPer in designated UOW windows; GEMSAS opens 1 May 2026, closes 30 May 2026; interview offers late August – early September; online MMIs from mid-September; final offers January.
Speak with a GAMSAT advisorWhat Does University of Wollongong Require for Medicine?
The concrete checklist of what you actually need. The key thing to understand at UOW is that GAMSAT and GPA are eligibility hurdles, while CASPer, the interview and the portfolio decide who gets in.
Academic (GPA)
- A completed bachelor degree (AQF Level 7+, minimum 3 years FTE) in any discipline, or be in the final year of one
- A minimum weighted GPA of 5.5 on a 7-point scale
- UOW weights recent study: final year ×3, second-to-last ×2, third-to-last ×1 — aim well above 5.5 to be competitive
Admissions test (GAMSAT)
- GAMSAT required for domestic applicants, used as a minimum threshold only
- Minimum 50 overall and minimum 50 in each of the three sections
- No other entrance exam accepted for domestic applicants; after the minimum is met, GAMSAT is not carried into interview or final-offer ranking
CASPer, interview & portfolio
- CASPer (situational judgement test) is mandatory, completed in a designated UOW window; contributes to shortlisting and final ranking (25%)
- Online Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) — 25% of the final offer — see interview preparation
- Portfolio — required and the largest single component at 50% of the final offer
Prerequisites & additional requirements
- No specific undergraduate subject prerequisites — applicants from any discipline are eligible if GPA and GAMSAT minimums are met
- Online application via GEMSAS; bachelor degree completed by the end of the application year
- A current approved First Aid certificate plus NSW Health Student Compliance (immunisations, Code of Conduct, National Police Check, Working With Children Check) before placement
Special-entry, rural & bonded
- Bonded Medical Program (BMP): 17 places, with a return-of-service obligation in eligible rural/remote areas
- Rural Entry Pathway: eligible rural-origin NSW applicants (Modified Monash Model) who meet the minimums and list UOW first receive a guaranteed interview; a minimum of 32 places are reserved
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander pathway available through the Graduate School of Medicine
Entry Pathways to University of Wollongong Medicine
The standard pathway for graduates of any discipline. Requires a completed (or final-year) bachelor degree (AQF Level 7+), assessed on weighted GPA (min 5.5) and GAMSAT (min 50 overall and per section) as hurdles, then ranked for interview and final offer via CASPer, the MMI and a portfolio. Offered as 49 Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP).
A bonded entry stream attached to a Commonwealth Supported Place — 17 BMP places, carrying a return-of-service obligation in eligible rural or remote areas after graduation. Available to Australian citizens and permanent residents.
UOW is strongly oriented to rural and regional training, with rural end-to-end tracks across Shoalhaven, Southern Highlands and regional NSW and a guaranteed interview for eligible rural-origin applicants (≥32 reserved places). A dedicated Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander pathway runs through the Graduate School of Medicine. International applicants apply directly to UOW for up to 15 full-fee places (GAMSAT or MCAT 495).
What Interview Does University of Wollongong Use for Medicine?
UOW uses an online Multiple Mini Interview (MMI), conducted alongside the CASPer situational judgement test as part of the broader selection process. The UOW MMI assesses:
- Communication and interpersonal skills
- Empathy and compassion
- Ethical reasoning
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Decision-making in clinical and everyday contexts
Interview performance is a major driver of who receives an offer. In UOW's final-offer framework, the interview is weighted at 25%, CASPer at 25% and the portfolio at 50% — so interview and CASPer together account for half of the final ranking. The interview is conducted online, making it accessible to applicants across Australia.
Interview dates: interview offers are released late August to early September, with online MMI interviews held from mid-September; final offers follow in January. See our MMI interview preparation resources.
Prepare for your medical interviewCourse Structure: The Four-Phase Doctor of Medicine
The UOW Doctor of Medicine is a four-year graduate-entry program structured into four phases, progressing from pre-clinical foundations to full clinical immersion and pre-internship readiness. Each academic year is approximately 42 weeks; an optional Honours year may be undertaken at the conclusion of the program. The MD is enrolled by phase (MEDI991–MEDI994), each containing the systems-based blocks, rotations and clerkships for that stage.
Systems-based teaching blocks covering basic and clinical sciences, clinical skills, professional development and research, with early community placement.
Rotations through hospital-based clinical disciplines, including required regional hospital experience (e.g. Shoalhaven, Bowral or Grafton).
An integrated, longitudinal clinical clerkship, frequently based in regional or rural NSW, giving continuity of care.
Working within healthcare teams and developing readiness for practice as an intern.
Indicative Course Units
The UOW MD is enrolled by phase, with each phase an overarching subject (MEDI991–MEDI994) containing systems-based blocks, rotations and clerkships. The MEDI codes are from official handbook documents; named sub-blocks are indicative themes. Confirm via the official UOW course handbook.
| Phase | Unit / Theme | Code | CP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 | Medicine 1 — pre-clinical systems-based teaching, basic & clinical sciences Pre-clinical | MEDI991 | — |
| Phase 1 | Foundations of Medicine & Human Body Systems block | — | — |
| Phase 1 | Clinical & Communication Skills block | — | — |
| Phase 1 | Research & Critical Analysis theme | — | — |
| Phase 2 | Medicine 2 — clinical disciplines, hospital-based rotations Clinical | MEDI992 | 48 |
| Phase 2 | Regional / Rural Hospital Rotation (Shoalhaven, Bowral or Grafton) Clinical | — | — |
| Phase 3 | Medicine 3 — integrated clinical clerkship in regional/rural NSW Clinical | MEDI993 | — |
| Phase 4 | Medicine 4 — pre-internship: healthcare teams & readiness for practice Pre-internship | MEDI994 | — |
| Optional | Honours Year in Medicine (optional research year) Honours | — | — |
Clinical Placements & Training
UOW medical students complete extensive clinical placements across the Illawarra, Shoalhaven, Southern Highlands and wider regional and rural NSW, supported by a network of teaching hospitals, regional hospitals and rural clinical hubs.
A defining feature of the UOW MD is its requirement that students experience medicine in regional settings. All students complete at least one rotation at a regional hospital such as Shoalhaven District Memorial Hospital, Bowral District Hospital or Grafton Base Hospital, in addition to placements at a larger teaching hospital (Wollongong).
Phase 3's integrated clinical clerkship is frequently delivered as a longitudinal placement in a regional or rural community, giving students continuity of care and deep exposure to general practice and community-based medicine. By Phase 4, the placement load resembles full-time clinical work as students prepare for internship.
Rankings & Recognition
UOW is consistently ranked among the world's top 200–250 universities, with a particular reputation for training doctors for regional, rural and underserved communities across NSW. Rankings vary by methodology and year.
University Life at University of Wollongong
Students studying medicine at UOW benefit from a close-knit graduate medical cohort with a strong community and rural-health ethos.
- Active medical student societies supporting peer learning, wellbeing and professional development
- Early and sustained clinical exposure across Illawarra, Shoalhaven and regional NSW
- Strong academic, wellbeing and pastoral support throughout the four-year program
- A coastal lifestyle within easy reach of Sydney, plus genuine immersion in regional communities via the Shoalhaven and Southern Highlands campuses and rural hubs
Students also have access to research opportunities through the Graduate School of Medicine and UOW's broader health and medical research institutes, providing exposure to translational research and clinician-researcher career pathways — including an optional Honours year.
Career and Research Pathways
Graduates of the UOW Doctor of Medicine are awarded the MD, qualifying for provisional registration with the Medical Board of Australia (Ahpra). After an accredited internship, graduates pursue careers across:
- Hospital medicine, including medical and surgical specialties
- General practice and community-based healthcare, particularly in rural and regional settings
- Specialist training programs following internship and residency
- Research and academic medicine, including clinician-researcher pathways
- Rural and remote medicine, public health and health policy roles
UOW is particularly recognised for producing work-ready doctors with strong generalist and rural-medicine foundations, supported by research-led teaching and an optional Honours research year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does University of Wollongong require GAMSAT for medicine?Yes. GAMSAT is required for the UOW Doctor of Medicine and is the only entrance test accepted for domestic applicants. It is used as a minimum threshold — applicants need at least 50 overall and 50 in each section. Once the minimum is met, GAMSAT is not carried into interview or final-offer ranking, which is instead based on CASPer, the MMI interview and a portfolio.
What GPA do you need for University of Wollongong medicine?UOW requires a minimum weighted GPA of 5.5 on a 7-point scale. The weighting emphasises recent study (final year ×3, second-to-last ×2, third-to-last ×1). Like GAMSAT, GPA is a minimum hurdle rather than a heavily weighted scored component, so competitive applicants should aim comfortably above 5.5.
What interview does University of Wollongong use for medicine?UOW uses an online Multiple Mini Interview (MMI), alongside the CASPer situational judgement test. In the final-offer framework the interview is weighted 25%, CASPer 25% and the portfolio 50%, so interview and CASPer together make up half of the final ranking.
How do you apply for the UOW Doctor of Medicine?Domestic applicants apply through GEMSAS (the Graduate Entry Medical School Admissions System). Applications for the current cycle open on 1 May 2026 and close on 30 May 2026. International applicants apply directly to UOW rather than through GEMSAS.
Is there a UCAT or ATAR requirement for UOW medicine?No. UOW medicine is graduate entry only, so it does not use UCAT or ATAR. Selection is based on GAMSAT and GPA (as minimum hurdles), plus CASPer, an online MMI interview and a portfolio.
How many places are available in the UOW Doctor of Medicine?UOW offers 49 Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) and 17 Bonded Medical Program (BMP) places for domestic students, plus up to 15 full-fee international places.
What is the Bonded Medical Program (BMP) at UOW?The BMP is a Commonwealth Supported Place that carries a return-of-service obligation, requiring graduates to work in eligible rural or remote areas for a set period after training. UOW offers 17 BMP places, available to Australian citizens and permanent residents.
How long is the UOW Doctor of Medicine?The UOW MD is a four-year full-time degree structured into four phases, from pre-clinical foundations (Phase 1) through clinical rotations and an integrated clerkship (Phases 2–3) to pre-internship readiness (Phase 4). An optional Honours year may be undertaken at the end.
How much does it cost to study medicine at UOW?For domestic students the UOW MD is offered as a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP), with the student contribution depending on the relevant CSP band (indicatively around $12,720 per year — confirm via UOW for the year you apply). International full-fee tuition is approximately $68,304 per year. Always check UOW's official fee schedule for current figures.
Does UOW have a rural pathway into medicine?Yes. UOW has a strong rural and regional focus and a dedicated Rural Entry Pathway, which gives eligible rural-origin NSW applicants who list UOW first a guaranteed interview, with a minimum of 32 program places reserved for rural-entry students. UOW also offers 17 Bonded Medical Program places, and all students complete at least one rotation at a regional hospital such as Shoalhaven, Bowral or Grafton.
Can international students apply for the UOW MD?Yes. International applicants apply directly to UOW (not via GEMSAS) for up to 15 full-fee places and may use GAMSAT or the MCAT (minimum 495 overall, no section below 123), alongside GPA, an interview, a portfolio and CASPer.
What if I don't meet the requirements for UOW medicine?Applicants who do not initially meet UOW's GPA or GAMSAT minimums can strengthen their profile and reapply, or consider other graduate-entry and undergraduate medical schools in Australia. Our advisors can help map out the best pathways into Australian medical schools for your situation.
Next steps: your path to medicine at UOW
Getting into the University of Wollongong Doctor of Medicine takes careful planning across GAMSAT, GPA, CASPer, the portfolio and the online MMI. MedView's expert tutors can help with GAMSAT targets, GPA strategy, CASPer and portfolio preparation, and interview readiness.
Book a free consultationDisclaimer: This page is an independent guide compiled by MedView Education to help applicants understand entry to the University of Wollongong graduate-entry Doctor of Medicine. Figures such as GAMSAT/GPA thresholds, selection weightings, place numbers, fees, dates and selection details are indicative and subject to change. Always confirm current requirements with the University of Wollongong and GEMSAS before applying. MedView Education is not affiliated with or endorsed by the University of Wollongong.