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Australian Medical Schools: Top Choices for Pursuing Medicine
The journey to medical school is often accompanied by diligent study and meticulous preparation for exams and interviews.
Yet, the application process can be equally daunting, stirring questions about application procedures, preference rankings, required exams, necessary scores, potential relocation, and financial considerations.
These concerns are crucial, and this page is dedicated to demystifying the intricacies of each Australian medical school's application process, striving to streamline your path to a medical career.
- Australian Medical School Overview
- Undergraduate and Graduate Pathways
- List of Undergraduate (Direct Entry) Medical Programs
- List of Graduate Medical
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Australian medical schools
Australia has some of the most highly respected medical schools in the world. The University of Melbourne (UniMelb), Monash University (MU) and the University of Sydney (USyd) are top-ranked institutions with a global reputation for excellence and student satisfaction. Globally, it is ranked 25th, closely followed by its counterparts at 27th (USyd) and 45th (MU).
How many medical schools are there in Australia?
In Australia, there are a total of 27 medical schools available for aspiring students to attend. These include 11 undergraduate programs and 16 graduate entry options.
What is the number 1 medical school in Australia?
According to QS subject ranking, the number 1 medical school in Australia is University of Melbourne (UniMleb), ranking 25 in the world on the subject of life sciences and medicine.
What ATAR score is needed for medicine?
Entry into medical programs in Australia is competitive, requiring a high ATAR score, often above 95. This score can vary between universities and may be influenced by special entry schemes or quotas.
Australian medical school rankings
Australian medical school rankings updated in 2026.
Undergraduate and graduate pathways
In Australia, students aiming to become medical professionals can embark on one of two educational routes: the undergraduate or graduate pathways, offered by institutions such as the Australian National University. These academic tracks include essential clinical placements for hands-on learning.
Recent high school graduates eager to dive straight into medicine can opt for the undergraduate pathway. This consists of a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery program, designed to thoroughly prepare students with a comprehensive understanding of medical sciences.
Alternatively, for those who have already completed a degree in another field but are looking to switch to a medical career, the graduate entry pathway is available. By enrolling in a Doctor of Medicine program, these students can build on their prior knowledge while honing their clinical abilities, culminating in the acquisition of a respected medical degree.
List of undergraduate (direct entry) medical programs
Admission to undergraduate courses, tailored for recent high school graduates, hinges on achieving a robust ATAR score, excelling in the UCAT exam, and performing well in an interview.
- University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney) – Bachelor of Medical Studies / Doctor of Medicine (BMed/MD)
- University of Adelaide (UoA) – Bachelor of Medical Studies / Doctor of Medicine (BMed/MD)
- Monash University – Bachelor of Medical Science / Doctor of Medicine (BMedSc/MD)
- Curtin University – Bachelor of Medicine / Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS)
- University of Tasmania (UTSAS) – Bachelor of Medicine / Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS)
- Western Sydney University (WSU)/ Charles Sturt University (CSU) – Joint medical program, Bachelor of Medicine / Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS)
- University of Newcastle (UoN)/ University of New England (UNE) – Joint medical program, Bachelor of Medical Science / Doctor of Medicine (BMedSci/MD)
- University of Queensland (UQ) – Provisional entry into MD
- University of Western Australia (UWA) – Assured pathway into Doctor of Medicine (MD)
- University of Notre Dame (Sydney & Fremantle) – Bachelor of Biomedical Science / Doctor of Medicine (BMedSc/MD), or equivalent pathway
- Central Queensland University (CQU) – Provisional MD pathway, via UQ regional pathway
- University of Southern Queensland (UniSC) – Provisional MD pathway, via UQ regional pathway
Non-UCAT universities
- Bond University – Bachelor of Medical Studies / Doctor of Medicine (BMedSt/MD)
- James Cook University (JCU) – Bachelor of Medicine / Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS)
- University of Sydney (USyd) – Provisional entry, guaranteed pathway into Doctor of Medicine (MD)
- University of Melbourne (UniMelb) – Gauranteed entry, provisional pathway into Doctor of Medicine (MD)
- University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC) – Provisional entry, Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine (BMedSc/MD), provisional entry to Griffith University MD
- LaTrobe University – Bachelor of Biomedical Science - Medical, and Doctor of Medicine - Melbourne (BMedSc/MD)
- Charles Darwin University (CDU) – Bachelor of Clinical Science and Doctor of Medicine (MD)
UCAT optional / pathway-dependent
- Griffith University – Provisional entry pathway, UCAT used in some provisional entry pathways but not all
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List of undergraduate medical programs by state
List of graduate medical programs
In the graduate pathway, the role of the ATAR is taken over by one's GPA, while the UCAT is substituted with the GAMSAT for assessment purposes.
- Australian National University (ANU) – Medicinae ac Chirurgiae Doctorand(MChD)
- University of Notre Dame (Sydney) – Doctor of Medicine (MD)
- University of Sydney (USyd) – Doctor of Medicine (MD)
- Macquarie University (MQ) – Doctor of Medicine (MD)
- University of Wollongong (UoW) – Doctor of Medicine (MD)
- University of Queensland (UQ) – Doctor of Medicine (MD)
- Griffith University – Doctor of Medicine (MD)
- University of Tasmania (UTAS) - Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine (H3X)
- Monash University - Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine BMedSc/MD)
- Flinders University – Doctor of Medicine (MD)
- University of Melbourne (UniMelb)– Doctor of Medicine (MD)
- Deakin University – Doctor of Medicine (MD)
- University of Notre Dame (KCRMT) - Doctor of Medicine (MD)
- University of Notre Dame (Fremantle) – Doctor of Medicine (MD)
- University of Western Australia (UWA) – Doctor of Medicine (MD)
List of graduate medical programs by state
Summary
Choosing between an undergraduate or graduate pathway, students are presented with a curriculum that is both rigorous and comprehensive, ensuring a well-rounded acquisition of medical knowledge and skills. The accreditation by the Australian Medical Council is a testament to the high standards maintained within these programs.
Navigating the admission requirements may seem complex, but they serve as a structured guide for prospective doctors. These include achieving a competitive ATAR score, excelling in the UCAT exam for undergraduates, and meeting additional criteria specific to each institution.
If you're interested in support for Australian medical school admissions, MedView can help. We understand the process of applying to medical schools is not only complex and confusing but it’s more competitive than ever before!
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