Many college students aspiring to become medical doctors often dream of studying in Australia. This is because medicine is a rewarding career, and Australian universities provide world-class medical education. In this article, you will find details about the best medical universities in Australia for international students.
Research indicates that the field of medicine in Australia has gained an excellent reputation worldwide. This is largely because medical schools in the country place a strong emphasis on research, evident from their innovations using emerging technologies.
While pursuing your medical education in Australia, you will learn from faculty members who are experts in the field of medicine. Some of these professionals have made several discoveries that continue to play significant roles in the medical field.
Why Study Medicine in Australia?
There are many reasons why students choose Australia for their medical education. These reasons are outlined below.
Australian institutions are renowned for providing world-class education in the field of medicine. As a result, they are consistently ranked among the best schools in the world by Times Higher Education rankings and QS World University rankings.
Studying in Australia will give you the opportunity to engage in global research. Australian universities are familiar with this, as they have made numerous discoveries in the field of sciences, including the discovery of penicillin and IVF.
Another reason to study medicine in Australia is that international students are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week while pursuing their medical degrees. This allows them to save some money to cover their needs.
Additionally, they can take advantage of the post-study work visa to stay back and work in Australia after graduation.
What Are the Entry Requirements to Study Medicine in Australia?
Universities specify their requirements, which differ from one another. The entry requirements for medicine in Australia come in two categories: undergraduate and graduate.
For undergraduate medical programs, the criteria that applicants must meet include:
- Academic grades, which may be ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank), IB, or university results like GPA or WAM.
- UCAT (University Clinical Aptitude Test) scores.
- Scores in the medical interview or oral assessment.
For graduate medical programs:
- Applicants must have completed a primary degree in science.
- Candidates must take and pass the GAMSAT (Graduate Australian Medical School Admissions Test) or MCAT (Medical College Admission Test).
- Applicants must have completed a bachelor’s degree program in a related science field or be in their final year of a bachelor’s degree program.
How Can I Apply to a Medical School in Australia?
Universities offering medicine in Australia have a streamlined application process. Each state in Australia has an admission center where students submit their applications. You may choose to apply to more than one state’s admission center to increase your chances of gaining admission.
Almost all the admission centers require an application fee, which must be paid before the application deadline.
At the tertiary admission centers, you will provide your contact details (name, address, phone number, and email address). You will also be asked if English is your second language and if you are an Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander.
The tertiary admission center will require you to provide your high school and/or college grades as well as your UCAT ANZ number. This UCAT ANZ number will enable institutions to check your UCAT result.
On the other hand, some institutions may require that you submit a written application. Institutions that require a written application include James Cook University (JCU) and UNSW.
Is Studying Medicine in Australia Cheap?
Studying medicine in Australia is not particularly cheap, especially if you are an international student. For international students, the average cost of pursuing a medical degree in Australia from any of their best universities ranges between 255,200 AUD to 630,000 AUD.
However, there are more affordable institutions that offer medicine in Australia. These include the Australian National University (A$56,736), the University of Western Sydney (A$67,000), and Deakin University (A$69,400).
Can Foreign Students Work in Australian Hospitals as Medical Personnel?
Yes. International students who graduate from Australian medical schools and have completed their internships can work as physicians in Australian hospitals.
How Much Do Health Workers Earn in Australia?
The amount of money that health workers in Australia earn depends on their location and the number of years spent in the field.
An average community mental health worker in Australia earns $82,133 per year or $42.12 per hour. Entry-level health workers make $68,048, while those with several years of experience in the field earn up to $104,306 per year.
Best Medical Universities in Australia for International Students
International students dreaming of studying medicine in Australia can choose from any of the medical schools listed below. These medical schools stand out among others due to their global reputation and rankings.
The best medical universities in Australia include:
- University of Melbourne
- University of Sydney
- Monash University
- University of New South Wales (UNSW)
- University of Queensland
- Australian National University
- University of Adelaide
- University of Western Australia
- University of Newcastle
- Deakin University
University of Melbourne
The University of Melbourne is a public research university in Melbourne, Australia, founded in 1853. It is the oldest university in Victoria and the second-oldest university in Australia.
The Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Health Sciences includes several schools, with the Medical School being one of them.
Each year, the medical school receives grants from the government to fund research in the field of medicine. This research enables Melbourne to provide world-class medical education, making it a top choice among the best medical universities in Australia for international students.
University of Sydney
The University of Sydney (USYD or Sydney Uni) is a public research university in Sydney, Australia, established in 1850. It is the first university in Australia and ranks among the top universities in the world.
Sydney Uni’s Faculty of Medicine and Health offers undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in the field of medicine. The university’s undergraduate medical program is available to only 30 domestic and 10 international high school graduates.
This double-degree medical program takes seven years to complete, leading to either a Bachelor of Arts and Doctor of Medicine or a Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Medicine.
Graduates of USYD medical school acquire leadership and clinical skills, as well as the human understanding needed to make an impact on people’s lives and society.
Monash University
Monash University is a public research university in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, founded in 1958. It has four campuses in Victoria (Clayton, Caulfield, Peninsula, and Parkville) and one in Malaysia.
The Monash School of Medicine has a global reputation for providing a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach to medical education.
This medical school is the only institution in Victoria that offers a Direct Entry medical program for students completing year 12 and a Graduate Entry program leading to the same degree (Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine).
Monash School of Medicine provides world-class medical education focused on patient safety and professional practice, making it one of the best medical universities in Australia for international students.
University of New South Wales (UNSW)
The University of New South Wales (UNSW or UNSW Sydney) is a public university in Australia, established in 1949.
UNSW is the best institution for research impact, thereby making it one of the best medical universities in Australia for international students.
The university offers undergraduate and indigenous entry into their Bachelor of Medical Studies/Doctor of Medicine (MD) program.
Students are provided research-focused and hands-on learning by renowned researchers and health professionals.
University of Queensland
Founded in 1909, the University of Queensland (UQ or Queensland University) is a public research university in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
Queensland University’s Faculty of Medicine offers the Doctor of Medicine program. In addition, the university provides excellent training in public health and biomedical sciences.
Medical students at UQ study in research-intensive faculties, three clinical medical schools, and five hospital-based institutes and centers.
Queensland University is one of the best medical universities in Australia for international students.
Australian National University
Australian National University (ANU) is a national research university in Canberra, Australia, founded in 1946.
The Doctor of Medicine and Surgery program at ANU is administered by the university’s College of Health & Medicine. This program, otherwise known as Medicinae ac Chirurgiae Doctoranda (MChD), is an AQF Level 9 Extended qualification that leads to pre-registration as a junior doctor.
The MChD supports four themes including clinical skills, medical skills, population health, and professionalism & leadership. This program
ANU’s College of Health & Medicine is listed among the best medical universities in Australia for international students.
University of Adelaide
The University of Adelaide is a public university in Adelaide, South Australia, established in 1874. It has four campuses; three in South Australia (North Terrace, Roseworthy, and Waite) and one in Melbourne, Victoria.
Adelaide offers the Bachelor of Medical Studies/Doctor of Medicine program. Through this program, medical students gain the knowledge, confidence, and skills required to excel in the healthcare field.
Students learn from clinicians in the new state-of-the-art Adelaide Health and Medical Sciences buildings, including Adelaide Hospital, Lyell McEwin Hospital, Modbury Hospital, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, etc. Here, they work in small groups to solve problems related to health and diseases.
The University of Adelaide’s top-notch medical program makes the institution one of the best medical universities in Australia for international students.
University of Western Australia
The University of Western Australia (UWA) is a public research university in Western Australia, founded in 1911.
UWA’s Doctor of Medicine produces medical doctors who are committed to the well-being of the patient, community, responsible, and scholarly. The program revolves around six core themes including Professional, Leader, Advocate, Clinician, Educator, and Scholar.
On the other hand, the university’s medical school is the only medical school in Australia to have a longitudinal Professional Development and Mentoring (PDM) program. Here, all medical students are assigned to a clinical mentor to help the students develop in the field during the duration of their program.
UWA’s focus on research and innovation makes the institution one of the best medical universities in Australia for international students.
University of Newcastle
The University of Newcastle (UON) is a public research university in Australia, founded in 1965. It has campuses including Callaghan, Ourimbah, Port Macquarie, Singapore, Newcastle CBD, and Sydney CBD.
The University of Newcastle’s School of Medicine and Public Health offers a Joint Medical Program including a Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine (MD-JMP). This program is comprised of an integrated problem-based curriculum with early clinical exposure and significant community involvement.
Medical students at UON gain clinical experience from the Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI). Within four months after graduation, medical students secure employment. This makes UON one of the best medical universities in Australia for international students.
Deakin University
Deakin University is a public university in Victoria, Australia, established in 1974.
The university’s School of Medicine is located on the Waurn Ponds campus in Geelong, Victoria, Australia. Deakin’s School of Medicine offers a 4-year, graduate-entry, Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree.
Currently, Deakin University’s School of Medicine offers new undergraduate and postgraduate programs including Optometry, Medical Imaging, Agricultural Health & Medicine, Health & Medical Science, MBA (Healthcare Management), and Master of Philosophy.
At Deakin University, medical and optometry students learn and work under the supervision of doctors, surgeons, and other medical professionals during clinical placements.
