MBBS in Australia for International Students: Admission Process, Requirements & Fees

Why Choose Australia for MBBS?

The first reason why countless students from abroad prefer Australia is due to its global recognition in medical practices. Having completed MBBS from there, would enable them to practice medicine in not just Australia, but internationally as well. Additionally, doctors are highly sought after in Australia. This makes it easier for international medical graduates to secure permanent residency and citizenship. Australia is also known for promoting healthy work-life balance, along with a well-regulated healthcare system. Furthermore, doctors in Australia earn a handsome salary compared to many other countries, and the well developed infrastructure with a clean environment makes it a cherry on top of the cake for all looking to build their career. 

Eligibility Requirements

All international students who wish to seek admission into Australian MBBS programs must fulfill the following specific criteria:

Academic Qualifications

• Complete 12th grade (higher secondary education) with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (PCB), achieving at least 90% marks.

• Indian students are required to clear the NEET exam as mandated by India's National Medical Commission (NMC).

Foundation Year Program

• International applicants must complete a one-year foundation course before enrolling in an MBBS program.

• These courses are available at institutions such as TAFE or selected Australian universities.

• Its foundation year fees typically range between AU$15,000 and AU$40,000.

English Language Proficiency

• International candidates are required to demonstrate English proficiency through standardized tests for example IELTS (minimum overall band score of 7.0 with no individual section below 6.5).

Step-by-Step Admission Process

Step 1: Complete a Foundation Year
Direct entry into MBBS programs after high school isn't available for international students. Therefore, completing the mandatory one-year foundation course is the initial step.

Step 2: Appear for UCAT ANZ Exam
The University Clinical Aptitude Test (also known as UCAT ANZ) is a two-hour exam which consists of five sections, that are:

• Verbal Reasoning

• Decision Making

• Quantitative Reasoning

• Abstract Reasoning

• Situational Judgment

The test is conducted exclusively in Australia, New Zealand, and Ireland.

Step 3: Application Submission
After completing the foundation year and obtaining the UCAT ANZ scores, students can apply to their selected Australian universities. Admission decisions depend on multiple factors including UCAT ANZ results, NEET scores (for Indian candidates), academic performance during high school and foundation year studies, and interview performance.

Step 4: Attend University Interviews
All shortlisted candidates will then be invited for personal interviews by the respective universities. During these interviews candidates performance could significantly influence the final admission decisions.

Cost Breakdown for MBBS Studies

Studying medicine in Australia involves considerable expenses:

• Foundation Year: AU$15,000 – AU$40,000

• Annual MBBS Tuition Fees: AU$50,000 – AU$80,000

• Annual Living Expenses: Approximately AU$20,000 – AU$25,000

Conclusion

Choosing Australia for MBBS studies is a great aim for all international students aiming to practice medicine in the country. With numerous benefits such as world-class education standards, promising career opportunities, attractive salaries for doctors, and pathways toward permanent residency, Australia is one of the best career hubs for medical professionals. However, securing admission requires a strong academic background, good UCAT ANZ scores and successful interview performance by the student.

Also Read: How to Study Medicine in Australia