How to Get MD Admission in Australia as an International Student – A Complete Guide

Why Study MD in Australia?

Often while choosing for a country to pursue MD (Doctor of Medicine), aspirants take in consideration a lot of factors. Luckily, Australia is one of the top countries which ticks off the checkboxes in the list:

• Doctors are in high demand in Australia, and therefore have a much higher success at getting a Permanent Residency (PR) and Citizenship. 

• Australian doctors earn among the highest salaries around the world.

• Unlike some countries, Australian doctors have reasonable working hours and promote work-life balance.

• Australia is also home to some of the best medical schools in the world with great QR rankings.

• The country also offers clean, green environment with a high standard of living.

Now, let’s go through the eligibility criteria and step-by-step process of getting into an MD program in Australia.

Eligibility Criteria for MD Admission in Australia (Graduate Entry Medicine)

To apply for MD program in Australia, international students must meet the following minimum requirements:

1. Academic Requirements

12th Grade Qualification – You must have completed 12th standard with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (PCB) with at least 90% marks.
Bachelor’s Degree – You must hold a BSc in Science or any healthcare-related degree such as:

• Pharmacy

• Nursing

• Dentistry

• Physiotherapy

• Biomedical Sciences

NEET Exam (For Indian Students) – If you are from India, you must qualify NEET to study MD in Australia.

2. English Language Requirements

Since the medium of instruction in Australia is English, all aspiring students must take an IELTS test scoring a minimum of 7.0 overall band, with no section below 6.5.

3. GAMSAT/MCAT Exam (Mandatory for MD Admission)

What is the GAMSAT exam?
The Graduate Medical School Admissions Test (GAMSAT) is a 4.45 to 5.25-hour long exam which is used by Australian universities to assess if you are suitable for practising medicine in Australia. The exam is divided into 3 sections:

• Reasoning in Humanities & Social Sciences

• Written Communication

• Reasoning in Biological & Physical Sciences

Alternatively, students can also give MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) instead of GAMSAT, as a few universities also accept the former exam.

Where Can You Take the Exam?

• Australia

• UK

• Ireland 

Step-by-Step Admission Process for MD in Australia

Step 1: Complete a Bachelor’s Degree

You need to have a BSc in Science or a healthcare-related degree.

Step 2: Qualify for GAMSAT/MCAT

After completing your bachelor’s degree, you must take the GAMSAT or MCAT exam.

Step 3: Apply to Australian Medical Universities

Once you have your GAMSAT/MCAT scores, you can apply to Australian universities offering MD programs.

Your admission will be based on: 

• GAMSAT/MCAT Score

• NEET Score (For Indian Students)

• Academic Performance (12th & Bachelor’s Degree Marks)

• Interview Performance

Step 4: Attend an Interview

If you cleared all the steps so far in the process, you will be shortlisted and invited for an interview, which will play a key role in the selection process.

Top Universities Offering MD in Australia for International Students

Here are some of the top medical universities in Australia that accept international students for MD programs:

Scholarships for MD in Australia (International Students)

There are multiple Australian universities which offer scholarships to international students looking to pursue MD programs in the country. Here are some options:

• University of Sydney MD Scholarships – Covers up to 25% of tuition fees.

• Monash University International Scholarship – Offers AU$10,000 per year.

• University of Queensland High Achievers Scholarship – Covers AU$5,000 – AU$15,000 per year.

• Australia Awards Scholarships – Fully funded scholarships for students from eligible countries.

Flinders University International Medical Scholarship – Partial tuition fee waivers.

Is Pursuing MD in Australia Worth It?

Absolutely! If you are a healthcare graduate seeking to become a doctor, pursuing MD in Australia is a great option. You will be required to clear the competitive admission process, and prepare well for the GAMSAT/MCAT and the interview. However, once all these steps are completed, you will finally be able to live your dream of getting world-class medical education, excellent career opportunities, and a clear path to permanent residency.

If you require personalized guidance on MD admissions in Australia, my team and I are here to help. From choosing the right university to exam preparation, applications, visa process, and scholarships, we will assist you at every step.

Feel free to reach out to us and get started on your journey towards becoming a doctor in Australia!

Also read: Explore Top Healthcare Courses in Australia Without NEET