How to Study Medicine in Australia – MBBS & MD Admission Guide for International Students

Why Study Medicine in Australia?

Often while choosing for a country to pursue MBBS or 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 a clean, green environment with a high standard of living.

Now, let's explore the two main medical education pathways in Australia.

Pathway 1: MBBS in Australia After 12th (For High School Graduates)

If you've completed 12th grade with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (PCB) and want to become a doctor in Australia, you need to follow these steps:

Eligibility for MBBS in Australia

• 12th Grade Qualification – Minimum 90% marks in PCB subjects.

• NEET Exam (For Indian Students) – Must qualify NEET to be eligible.

• Foundation Program (1 Year) – Required before MBBS admission.

• English Proficiency Test – IELTS 7.0 overall, with no section below 6.5.

• UCAT ANZ Exam – A 2-hour exam with 5 sections (can only be taken in Australia, New Zealand, or Ireland).

Step-by-Step MBBS Admission Process

• Step 1: Complete 12th with PCB (90%+ marks)

• Step 2: Qualify NEET (for Indian students)

• Step 3: Complete a 1-Year Foundation Program (AU$15,000–40,000)

• Step 4: Take the UCAT ANZ Exam

• Step 5: Apply for MBBS Admission & Attend Interviews

• Step 6: Get Selected & Start Your MBBS Program

Top Universities Offering MBBS in Australia for International Students

Pathway 2: MD in Australia After BSc or Healthcare Degree (Graduate Entry Medicine)

If you already have a BSc in Science or a healthcare-related degree, you can apply for the MD program (Doctor of Medicine) in Australia.

Eligibility for MD in Australia

• Bachelor's Degree – Must have a BSc in Science or healthcare degree (Pharmacy, Nursing, Dentistry, Physiotherapy, etc.).

• NEET Exam (For Indian Students) – Mandatory for Indian students.

• English Proficiency Test – IELTS 7.0 overall, with no section below 6.5.

• GAMSAT/MCAT Exam – A 4.45–5.25-hour test required for MD admission.

• Can be taken in Australia, UK, or Ireland.

Step-by-Step MD Admission Process

• Step 1: Complete a Bachelor's Degree in Science or Healthcare

• Step 2: Qualify NEET (for Indian students)

• Step 3: Take GAMSAT or MCAT Exam

• Step 4: Apply to Medical Universities & Attend Interviews

• Step 5: Get Selected & Start Your MD Program

Top Universities Offering MD in Australia for International Students

Scholarships for Medical Students in Australia (MBBS & MD)

Many universities offer scholarships to international students for both MBBS and MD programs:

• University of Sydney MD & MBBS 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.

Final Thoughts – Which Pathway is Right for You?

If you are a high school graduate (12th pass), the best option to pursue your medical career is to enroll in an MBBS program and follow the traditional medical education pathway.

However, if you have already completed a healthcare degree, then you can go ahead and apply for the MD program (Graduate Entry Medicine), which is a faster route to becoming a doctor in Australia.

Both these career paths offer high-paying career opportunities, Citizenship eligibility, and a top-quality medical education.

If you need personalized guidance on choosing the right medical university, preparing for exams, and securing scholarships, my team and I are here to help!

Contact us today and start your medical career in Australia!

Also Read: How to Get MD Admission in Australia as an International Student