Your Path to Becoming a Doctor: Medicine Programs in Australia

Australia is renowned as a top destination for international students, offering world-class education, cultural diversity, and an exciting student life. With a globally recognized education system and top-ranked universities, Australia has become a hub for students pursuing careers in medicine.

Why Study Medicine in Australia?

Medicine is one of the most sought-after and competitive fields worldwide, requiring dedication, commitment, and passion. Many aspiring doctors choose Australia for its welcoming environment, globally recognized programs, and the opportunity to start their medical journey right after high school.

Globally Recognized Degree

Australian medical universities are accredited by the Australian Medical Council, ensuring top-tier education.

Diverse Pathways

Students can pursue medicine directly after high school or through graduate MD programs after earning a bachelor’s degree.

Licensing Flexibility

Graduates are often exempt from licensing exams in countries like India and New Zealand, allowing them to practice or pursue specializations seamlessly.

Attractive Career Prospects

With salaries starting at AUD 70,000 during internships and reaching an average of AUD 100,000 for specialists with higher salaries going upto AUD 150,000, studying medicine in Australia is a prestigious and financially rewarding choice.

Australian medical universities are accredited by the Australian Medical Council, ensuring top-tier education.

Students can pursue medicine directly after high school or through graduate MD programs after earning a bachelor’s degree.

Graduates are often exempt from licensing exams in countries like India and New Zealand, allowing them to practice or pursue specializations seamlessly.

With salaries starting at AUD 70,000 during internships and reaching an average of AUD 300,000 for specialists with higher salaries going upto AUD 500,000, studying medicine in Australia is a prestigious and financially rewarding choice.

Pathways to Studying Medicine in Australia

Pathway 1: Apply After High School

Students can start their medical education right after completing high school through 5- to 6-year MBBS programs. Top Universities for Undergraduate MBBS Programs:

University Name

Entrance Exam

Duration of Program

Indicative Yearly Fee

Western Sydney University

ISAT

5 Years

AUD $ 76,100

University of Tasmania

ISAT or UCAT ANZ

5 Years

AUD $ 77,500

Curtin University

UCAT ANZ and CASPER

5 Years

AUD $ 93,000

James Cook University

NA

6 Years

AUD $ 66,960

Monash University

ISAT

5 Years

AUD $ 92,200

University of Adelaide

UCAT ANZ

6 Years

AUD $ 89,500

Griffith University

Not Required

6 Years

AUD $ 36,500 till 2nd year. AUD $ 77,500 from 3rd year onwards

Entry Requirements:

1. Academics

Minimum 90% in high school or equivalent; A-levels require A, A, A in subjects including Chemistry and Biology.

2. English Proficiency

IELTS score of 7.0 overall with no less than 7.0 in any module.

3. Standardized Tests

ISAT (for International Students) or UCAT ANZ (computer-based exams testing reasoning, decision-making, and situational judgment). Interview: Multi-mini interviews (MMI) evaluate candidates’ communication, empathy, and decision-making skills.

Pathway 2: Apply After a Bachelor’s Degree

For students who have completed a bachelor's degree, graduate MD programs offer a 4-year pathway to becoming a doctor.

University Name

Entrance Exam

Duration of Program

Indicative Yearly Fee

International Seats

Australian National University

GAMSAT 50+

4 Years

AUD $ 92,650

30

University of Melbourne

GAMSAT

4 Years

AUD $ 101,952

70

University of Queensland

GAMSAT 50+

4 Years

AUD $ 96,400

100

Griffith University

GAMSAT 50+

4 Years

AUD $ 77,500

35

Deakin University

GAMSAT 50+

4 Years

AUD $ 85,550

15

Flinders University

GAMSAT 50+

4 Years

AUD $ 84,500

NA

Macquarie University

GAMSAT 50+

4 Years

AUD $ 89,600

20

University of Notre Dame Sydney

GAMSAT 50+

4 Years

AUD $ 81,000

20

University of Sydney

GAMSAT 50 or above

4 Years

AUD $ 93,500

10

University of Western Australia

GAMSAT overall 55 no less than 50

4 Years

AUD $ 85,800

30

University of Wollongong

GAMSAT overall 55 no less than 50 and CASPER

4 Years

AUD $ 68,304

15 Entry Requirements:

1. Academics

A Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical or Health Sciences, with a GPA of 5.0 or higher (Australian grading system).

2. English Proficiency

IELTS score of 7.0 overall with no less than 7.0 in any module.

3. GAMSAT

A standardized test assessing written communication, humanities, and sciences. Minimum scores vary by university.

4. Interview

Multi-mini interviews (MMI) assess candidates’ suitability for medical training.

Life as a Medical Student in Australia

Living Costs:

Annual expenses range from AUD 20,000 to AUD 26,000 depending on the city.

Internship Opportunities:

Graduates complete a one-year salaried internship, earning approximately AUD 70,000.

Licensure:

Graduates can register with the Medical Board of Australia after completing their internship.

Pathway to Specialization

After earning an MD, students can begin their journey toward becoming a specialist consultant. This involves:

Pathway to Specialization

Complete 1 year internship and 2 years residency training

Apply for specialist training program

Complete training program

Duration varies from 3 to 8 years.

Pass the exam in your chosen speciality

Pre-Vocational Training

2–3 years as a medical resident officer at teaching hospitals.

Specialty Training

Programs managed by institutions like the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons or the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.

Duration

Specialization takes an additional 3–5 years, depending on the field.

Why Choose BrighterPrep for Your Medical Journey?

Navigating the process of applying to medical programs in Australia can be overwhelming, but BrighterPrep makes it seamless. Our expert services include: