Choosing to study medicine in Australia opens the door to one of the most respected and dynamic careers. Australia offers world-class universities, strong support systems, and high-quality clinical experience. Whether you're starting after school or later in life, a clear plan makes this journey easier.
This guide walks you through the seven steps needed to apply and succeed in medicine. You’ll also learn how alternatives like the physiotherapy degrees Australia offers can lead to meaningful healthcare roles.
Step 1: Know Your Pathway Options
In Australia, there are two main ways to study medicine. Each suits different backgrounds.
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Undergraduate medicine is for students who finish high school and want to start right away. These courses usually run for five to six years.
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Postgraduate medicine is for students who already hold a bachelor's degree. These courses are shorter, around four years but more intense.
Undergraduate students often benefit from longer exposure to foundational sciences and build clinical confidence gradually. These programmes provide a slower transition into hands-on care. Postgraduate students, on the other hand, usually begin clinical exposure earlier and move at a faster pace.
Not everyone chooses medicine straight away. If you are drawn to patient care but want a different pace or focus, the physiotherapy degrees Australia offers could be a great fit. These degrees also lead to healthcare careers with plenty of job opportunities and involve both manual skills and deep understanding of anatomy and rehabilitation science.
Step 2: Meet Entry Requirements
Entry requirements depend on the path you choose.
For undergraduate medicine, you'll need:
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A strong high school score {ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank) or equivalent}
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A good result in the UCAT ANZ test
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An interview, usually a series of short discussions
For postgraduate medicine, you’ll need:
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A bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject
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A good score on the GAMSAT test
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An interview, similar to an undergraduate entry
In both cases, universities look for evidence that you’ve thought carefully about this career. That includes not just good grades but also communication skills, ethical reasoning, and problem-solving ability. These qualities matter in the real world of patient care.
Step 3: Choose the Right University
Australia has many excellent medical schools. Picking the right one takes research. You should think about:
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Location: Cities offer large hospitals. Regional areas offer closer communities.
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Teaching style: Some schools focus on group learning. Others rely more on lectures.
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Placements: Find out when and where clinical training begins.
Some schools also integrate Indigenous health training and rural placements, which help students understand the diversity of Australian communities. If you’re interested in global health, look for programmes that include international electives or global health modules.
Also, if you're interested in the physiotherapy degrees Australia provides, some schools offer both courses. This helps if you're deciding between them. These degrees also often involve shared foundational units in the first year, making it easier to understand the healthcare system as a whole.
Step 4: Get Ready for the Tests
The main tests are the UCAT ANZ and GAMSAT. Each measures skills needed for a future in medicine.
UCAT ANZ:
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Tests logical thinking and quick decisions
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Has five timed sections
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Needs the practice to improve
It includes sections like verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, abstract reasoning, decision-making, and situational judgement. Time is very tight, so building speed matters as much as getting the right answers. Online practice tools and timed mocks can help you build exam endurance.
GAMSAT:
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Tests science knowledge and essay writing
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Used for postgraduate entry
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Requires months of study
The GAMSAT includes multiple-choice sections on biology, chemistry, and physics, as well as two written essays. The essays challenge you to explore social issues and personal perspectives. Reading widely and writing often is key.
Use past papers and sample questions. Study in short, focused sessions. Keep track of your progress so you can improve steadily.
Step 5: Write a Strong Application
A complete application shows who you are and why medicine suits you. Here’s what you’ll need:
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Academic results
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Test scores
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A personal statement
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Referees or recommendations
Your statement should explain your goals and show real experiences. Talk about moments that inspired you, whether it was caring for someone, volunteering, or learning about healthcare.
Avoid copying common phrases. Use your voice. Keep your writing clear and honest.
Admissions officers read hundreds of applications. The ones that stay in their memory often include clear reflections on growth and challenge. For example, describing how a personal setback taught you resilience or how teamwork during a school project built your communication skills adds depth.
Step 6: Get Ready for Interviews
Universities want to meet you before offering a place. Most use Multiple Mini Interviews (MMI). These involve:
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Answering role-play or scenario-based questions
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Sharing your opinions on healthcare topics
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Showing teamwork and problem-solving skills
To prepare:
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Practise speaking out loud
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Record yourself to check your tone
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Review real-life situations that tested your judgement
These interviews aren’t about perfect answers. They’re about showing how you think and behave in real-life situations.
Each station lasts about five to eight minutes and tests a different skill. One might involve ethics, another teamwork, and another empathy. The key is not to panic. Listen carefully, think clearly, and speak with confidence. If you're unsure, it's better to admit it and explain your reasoning rather than guess.
Mock interviews with teachers or peers can prepare you. Focus on staying calm, respectful, and consistent in your values.
Step 7: Accept Your Offer and Apply for a Visa
Once you receive your offer, check it carefully. If it’s a conditional offer, make sure you meet the extra requirements.
After accepting, the university gives you a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). You’ll need this to apply for a student visa (subclass 500).
You must also show:
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A valid passport
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Proof you can support yourself
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Health cover (OSHC)
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Proof of English skills (if needed)
The visa application process takes time, so apply early. Many students also arrange temporary accommodation before arrival. Knowing where you’ll stay in your first weeks can ease the stress of moving.
Keep digital copies of all your important documents. These help if anything goes missing during travel.
Starting Your New Life in Australia
Moving to Australia brings new challenges. It also brings great support.
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Orientation weeks help you meet others and settle in
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Campus support services offer help with mental health and study tips
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Clubs and societies help you relax and build friendships
Medicine is tough. But you're never alone. If you need help, speak to your tutors or student services. If you’re studying physiotherapy degrees Australia offers, the same support applies.
Outside of study, life in Australia can be rich and exciting. You’ll discover new cultures, foods, and natural landscapes. Balancing study with personal well-being is vital. Make time for hobbies, healthy routines, and social connections.
International students also benefit from language support, legal advice, and career planning services, all part of university life.
How the Two Main Pathways Compare?
To help you decide, here’s a comparison of undergraduate and postgraduate medicine:
 
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