Study Medicine Abroad: Come to Australia
Looking to study medicine abroad? Choose Australia for excellent programs-among the best in the world. In fact, admission to medicine in Australia is competitive, especially for international students as places are limited. Australian medical qualifications are recognised and respected world wide as academically excellent and providing a sound base of clinical experience.
What to expect when you study medicine abroad
Australian medical degrees are known for including clinical practice earlier in the program and using problem-solving and self-directed learning. Australian medical programs typically include more clinical experience throughout the entire study program, rather than in years specifically designated for clinical study. The emphasis on problem-based learning and clinical experience make an Australian medical education academically challenging and prepare you for the rapidly changing world of twenty-first century medicine.
Undergraduate medicine
Undergraduate medical degree programs are offered to students coming to university straight out of high school and are typically 5-6 years to complete. Earlier years of the program focus more on classroom study of the general sciences while later years will incorporate more and more clinical experience and allow for more specialisation. Successful completion of an undergraduate medical program results in the awards of a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS).
A few schools also offer undergraduate programs over a longer term that includes a Bachelor of Arts (BA), for a combined Arts and Medicine program. You can also study medicine abroad at the graduate level regardless of your major at the undergraduate level.
Graduate medicine
Graduate programs are typically four years. Students who complete the program graduate with a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS). Like the undergraduate degree, graduate degrees in medicine include clinical experience throughout the program.
Admissions
All medical programs in Australia have designated places for international students looking to study medicine abroad, but are typically few in number. Admissions into Australian medical programs are extremely competitive for international students. Students may consider other programs related to medical practice such as nursing, physiology or physical therapy and biology or other sciences.
Students may begin an undergraduate medical program directly after secondary school or a graduate medical program after obtaining a bachelor's degree.
Contacting a university’s admissions office is recommended for more specific information about medical program admissions, as universities have varying admissions practices. International students are not required to take the undergraduate Medical and Health Sciences Admissions Test (UMAT). Most graduate medical programs accept either MCAT or GAMSAT (Graduate Australian Medical School Admissions Test) scores but you should check with programs before applying.
Finding a program
To help you choose where to study medicine abroad, check out the Australian universities below that offer medical programs. For a complete list, visit the course search.
Australian National University (only graduate programs available)
University of New South Wales
University of Newcastle
University of Sydney
University of Western Sydney (only undergraduate available)
Bond University
James Cook University
University of Adelaide
University of Tasmania
University of Queensland
University of Melbourne
University of Western Australia (only undergraduate available)
University of Wollongong (only graduate programs available)
Monash University
Flinders University (only graduate programs available)
LaTrobe University (only graduate programs available)
Returning to North America to practice medicine
Australian medical degrees are accredited by the Australian Medical Council, which oversees and assures medical education standards in Australia. While Australian degrees are generally held to be of high academic quality, recognition in the US or Canada requires passing a medical licensing exam. Before you decide to study medicine in Australia, we recommend you contact your state, territory, or provincial government for specific information regarding local recognition of Australian medical degrees and the available pathways to practice once you are qualified.
For more information related to the study of medicine abroad, accreditation and recognition of Australian medical degrees in North America please consult the following websites:
Australian Medical Council
US Medical Licensing Exam
National Resident Matching Program
Canada Medical Licensing Exam
Centre for the Evaluation of Health Professionals Educated Abroad
Healthforce Ontario
Canadian Residency Matching Service
Medical Deans Australia & New Zealand