Study the most in-demand degree in NSW.* Our award-winning medicine program will equip you with the research skills and clinical experience you need to navigate the complex and ever-changing medical industry.

*Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) 2018 - 2023
 

Faculty
Faculty of Medicine and Health
Delivery Mode
Face-to-face (includes blended)
Award
Bachelor of Medical Studies, Doctor of Medicine
Commencing Terms
Term 1
Duration (Full Time)
6 Year(s)

Overview

Start your medical career at one of the top medical schools in the world.* Through our six-year medical program, you’ll graduate with two degrees – the Bachelor of Medical Studies (BMed) and the Doctor of Medicine (MD). This degree will prepare you for professional practice and empower you to lead the future of health.

The program is renowned for its dynamic blend of hands-on clinical experience and research-focused learning. From your first year, you’ll be applying course content to real-world scenarios and developing your clinical skills in some of Australia’s largest metropolitan and rural hospitals. Your fourth year is dedicated to medical research, where you’ll gain the skills and knowledge to become a change leader in health.

*Ranked 52nd globally according to the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023

Key features

  • Combined undergraduate/postgraduate degree
    We’re one of the few universities in Australia that offers a medicine degree at an undergraduate level. You’ll enter our combined program as an undergraduate student and graduate with both a bachelor’s degree and the Doctor of Medicine. After completing the six-year program, you’ll be eligible for provisional registration with the Medical Board of Australia and be ready to commence the next phase of your career.

  • Progressive clinical exposure
    Immerse yourself in hands-on learning with patient interactions from year one. Practical training and scenario-based learning will build your confidence as a healthcare professional, allowing you to become an innovative clinician who is proficient in teamwork.

  • Research skills and experience
    In your fourth year, you’ll complete either an Independent Learning Project (ILP) or honours year on a topic of your choice. Research enhances your employability, widens your knowledge as a clinician and opens doors to career opportunities beyond clinical practice, like medical research. 

Why study this degree at UNSW?

Study the most in-demand degree in NSW 
The Bachelor of Medical Studies/Doctor of Medicine was the most popular first preference choice in NSW for the last six years running (2018 – 2023).*

Learn within a world-class biomedical precinct
You’ll be learning within the Randwick Health and Education Precinct – a world-leading health, education and research environment. Attracting the best clinicians and academics from around the world, the precinct fosters collaboration between healthcare professionals, providing an environment for ground-breaking research.

Leverage UNSW’s industry connections
Our strong industry links give you the opportunity to learn within Australia’s best hospitals and private practices. Gain valuable exposure to one of the world’s best healthcare systems and work and study as part of interdisciplinary teams on hospital wards. Study alongside some of Australia’s best medical researchers through our affiliated Independent Medical Research Institutes. Leverage our connections to gain professional opportunities and start building your own professional network.

Join our innovative health community
Our health community features award-winning educators, clinicians and leaders in medicine. You’ll have close engagement with our distinguished alumni community of celebrated doctors and researchers. You’ll be welcomed into our supportive community of healthcare professionals, who are working together to improve life for all.

*Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) 2018 - 2023

 

Program Code
3805
CRICOS Code
077423G
Campus
Kensington
UAC Code
428000
Total Units of Credit (UOC)
288
Indicative Enrolments
1,572

Want to see more from UNSW Medicine and Health?

Entry requirements

2023 Lowest Selection Rank

ATAR + UCAT ANZ+ Interview

2023 A Levels

A Levels + UCAT ANZ + Interview

2023 IB Diploma

IB + UCAT ANZ + Interview

2023 Lowest ATAR

97.05 (local)
91.55 (rural)

    1. The 2023 Lowest Selection Rank (LSR) is the adjusted rank (ATAR plus adjustment factors) you would have needed to gain entry to this degree in 2023.
    2. The 2023 A levels score is based on four Advanced Level (A2) subject. Entry scores are calculated from the best three or four A2 subjects (excluding repeated subjects) using the following values: A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1. At most one Applied A Level subject may be included in the best four subjects used to calculate the aggregate.
    3. The 2023 IB Diploma is an indication of the IB you would have needed to gain entry to this degree in 2023. It is to be used as a guide only.
    4. The 2023 Lowest ATAR is the lowest ATAR (before adjustment factors were applied) to which an offer was made. Where <5 is listed, this indicates that less than 5 ATAR-based offers were made and so the score has not been published. N/A indicates no offers were made on the basis of ATAR.
  • At UNSW, we are committed to ensuring prospective students have all the information they need in order to make informed decisions about their study options.

    To assist you in gaining a better understanding of how Admissions works at UNSW, we have provided you with a summary of ATAR offers and the student profile.

    We hope this information will help you identify the degree that is right for you.

Additional Selection Criteria

All applicants must complete an external test (UCAT ANZ) and also complete an interview. Please see here for more info on applying to Medicine.

Assumed knowledge

English Standard. English as a Second Language and Fundamentals of English are not considered suitable preparation

Adjustment Factors

Educational Access Scheme (EAS)
Factors such as illness, financial hardship, language difficulties or attending a particular school can mean you don't always get the best possible marks in Years 11 and 12. If one of these situations applies to you, submit an application for the Educational Access Scheme (EAS) via UAC. Eligible students can receive between 1 and 10 points towards their chosen UNSW degree.

Admission pathways

Our students come to us from many backgrounds and all walks of life. We offer a range of entry schemes to ensure the brightest minds have the opportunity to study with us. Explore your options below and get in touch with our future student advisors to discuss your path to UNSW. 

Visit the special entry schemes page for detailed information on our medicine pathways, including:

  • Gateway Entry Scheme
  • Lateral Entry Scheme
  • Rural Entry Scheme
  • Indigenous Entry Scheme
  • Students from other medical schools.

English language requirements

 

You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on your educational background and citizenship. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.

If you’re completing an Australian Year 12 qualification (e.g. NSW HSC or equivalent), you do not need to provide anything extra to prove your proficiency. Your qualification will be used as evidence of your English proficiency.

If you do need to provide evidence of your English proficiency, this will be indicated in your application. You can prove this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:

If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College’s Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.

International entry

We do not accept secondary qualifications from this country. We may accept tertiary study results, please contact us for more information.

Please contact us for direct entry requirements.

Additional Selection Criteria

All applicants must complete an external test (UCAT ANZ or ISAT) and also complete an interview. Please see here for more info on applying to Medicine.

Admission pathways


If you do not meet the requirements for direct entry into your chosen degree, you may be eligible for a pathway program with UNSW College. UNSW College provides alternative entry options using university-approved content so that you can start your UNSW journey with confidence. 

English language requirements


You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on whether you are from an English-speaking background or non-English speaking background. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.

If English is not your first language, you’ll need to provide proof of your English proficiency before you can be given an offer to study at UNSW. You can do this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:

If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College’s Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.

Check the specific English language requirements for this program

Program structure

Our combined undergraduate/postgraduate program allows you to graduate with two degrees within six years. The Bachelor of Medical Studies/Doctor of Medicine program is split into three phases, with two years in each phase.

Phase One: Scenario-based learning
In your first two years, you’ll learn the basic medical sciences in relation to the human life cycle and social/ethical/legal issues related to healthcare. Clinical and communication skills training also begins in this phase.

Phase Two: Practice-based learning
In your third year, you’ll gain increased clinical exposure in hospital placements with ongoing learning in biomedical and social sciences. Your fourth year is dedicated to research, where you’ll complete either the Independent Learning Project (ILP) or the Medicine Honours Program.

Phase Three: Independent reflective learning
Years five and six consist of clinical placements and include content from the basic medical and social sciences. 

Full program structure

The Bachelor of Medical Studies/Doctor of Medicine is completed over six years of full-time study.

  • This phase consists of eight core courses. Basic medical sciences, clinical skills, teamwork, ethical/legal issues and socio-cultural aspects of health are anchored by clinical scenarios.

    The majority of teaching in your first two years takes place at UNSW’s Kensington, Port Macquarie or Wagga Wagga campus and includes lectures, small group work, tutorials and practical classes held in laboratories. Clinical sessions are held in hospitals.

  • In your third year, you’ll undertake clinical placements and spend three days per week in hospitals, practicing and applying your clinical skills. Lectures, small group work, tutorials and practical classes are held on the other two days per week on campus.

    In your fourth year, you’ll complete an Independent Learning Project (ILP) or the Medicine Honours Program. You’ll also complete 12 units of credit (generally two courses) of general education courses from a faculty other than Medicine & Health to broaden your education.  

  • This phase consists of ten eight-week courses, including seven core courses in the major disciplines:

    In this phase, almost all teaching is conducted in hospitals. It includes bedside tutorials, classroom tutorials, ward rounds and attendance at clinics. 

  • Collaborative learning and teamwork are cornerstones of this program. Within each phase, vertical integration occurs, where you’ll collaborate with students from different years. For example, first and second year students are combined in Phase One in the second half of the year. This means you’ll play the roles of both learner and mentor as you progress through phases one, two and three. 

  • In all phases of the program, you’ll be required to travel to various clinical environments associated with UNSW. These will be the predominant learning locations in Phases Two and Three.

    The main hospitals located in Sydney used for clinical teaching are:

    • Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwick
    • St George Hospital, Kogarah
    • St Vincent's Hospital, Darlinghurst
    • Liverpool Hospital, Liverpool
    • Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick
    • Royal Hospital for Women, Randwick
    • Sutherland Hospital, Caringbah

    The main hospitals located outside of Sydney and in rural New South Wales and Victoria used for clinical teaching are:

    • Wagga Wagga Base Hospital, Wagga Wagga
    • Albury Base Hospital, Albury
    • Wodonga Regional Health Service, Wodonga (Victoria)
    • Port Macquarie Base Hospital, Port Macquarie
    • Coffs Harbour Hospital, Coffs Harbour

Future careers

Our graduates go on to pursue diverse and rewarding careers in a wide range of roles across the medical industry. Further study and experience will allow you to specialise in a specific area of medicine, such as general practice, paediatrics, cardiology, oncology, general surgery, orthopaedics, pathology, radiology or psychiatry. If you choose not to work as a medical practitioner in a hospital or private practice, this degree will also prepare you for other career opportunities in medical research, health policy and medical education. 

Accreditation

Upon successful completion of the six-year program, you’ll be eligible to apply for provisional registration with the Medical Board of Australia. This will allow you to commence your one-year hospital internship following graduation, which is required to gain general registration as a doctor in Australia.

Our alumni

“Knowing that UNSW is a leader in medical research was really crucial in my decision making because I know the medical workforce is getting more and more competitive. UNSW builds research into its medical program, which means once you graduate, you’re in a much better position to get a job.” 


Ashna Basu

Junior Medical Officer, Prince of Wales Hospital

How to apply

To study the Bachelor of Medical Studies/Doctor of Medicine at UNSW, you must sit the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT ANZ). You’ll also need to apply through UNSW’s Medicine Application Portal before submitting a UAC application. The final step for entry into the degree is an interview.

If you’re successful based on our selection criteria and you’ve submitted your MAP and UAC applications, you’ll be invited for an interview, which will also count towards your overall application.

Admission process for Special Entry

Additional or different steps may need to be taken by applicants that apply under one of our special entry schemes - including Indigenous, Rural and Gateway applicants. Additional information and deadlines are available on our Special Entry Schemes page. 

For further information on the application process, visit our dedicated how to apply page

To study the Bachelor of Medical Studies/Doctor of Medicine at UNSW, you must sit the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT ANZ) or the International Student Admission Test (ISAT). You’ll also need to apply through UNSW’s Medicine Application Portal before submitting a UAC application or applying via our Apply Online portal. The final step for entry into the degree is an interview.

  • Step One: Register for the UCAT ANZ and /or ISAT
    As of 2021, you can choose to sit the UCAT ANZ and/or ISAT. If you sit more than one test, we’ll take your best score
  • Step Two: Sit the UCAT ANZ and/or ISAT
  • Step Three: Submit your application through UAC or our Apply Online portal. If you’re sitting an Australian or New Zealand high school qualification, you must apply through UAC. If you’re not sitting an Australian or New Zealand high school qualification, or if you have completed all or part of a tertiary degree program, you’ll need to submit your application via our Apply Online portal.
  • Step Four: Apply via the Medicine Application Portal (MAP). This step only applies to applicants who submit a UAC application or applicants studying in UNSW Foundation Studies. Applicants who submit their application via the UNSW Admissions Team (the Apply Online system) are not required to complete an application via MAP.
  • Step Five: Attend the interview. 

If you’re successful based on our selection criteria and you’ve submitted your MAP and UAC/Apply Online portal applications, you’ll be invited for an interview, which will also count towards your overall application. Interviews can be completed via Skype, Zoom, face-to-face or, in some circumstances, via telephone. Interviews commence in April and continue throughout the year for the following year’s Term One (T1) commencement.

For further information on the application process, visit our dedicated how to apply page

The information on this page is subject to change. Applicants are advised to monitor this page regularly.

Fees & Scholarships

2024 Indicative First Year Full Fee
$10,000*

Commonwealth Supported Place: Student Contribution Band 3

*The student contribution for a Commonwealth Supported Place is an indication only of the amount payable in Year 1 based on a standard full-time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). The actual student contribution you will be liable for depends on your individual program of study and the calendar year in which you enrol. Actual fees are calculated upon enrolment. Student contribution amounts are subject to annual review by the university and may increase each year during your studies (subject to caps determined by the Australian Government), effective at the start of each calendar year.

The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only - other fees and charges are not included.

Commonwealth Study Assistance such as Ausstudy, and Youth Allowance is available for some Masters degrees. For the most up-to-date information and list of degrees visit UNSW Current Student Financial Support.

2024 Indicative First Year Fee
$84,000*
2024 Indicative Fee to Complete Degree
$570,500*

*Fees are subject to annual review by the University and may increase annually, with the new fees effective from the start of each calendar year. The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only other fees and charges are not included. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year to enrol, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (8 courses per year).

Indicative fees are a guide for comparison only based on current conditions and available data. You should not rely on indicative fees. More information on fees can be found at the UNSW fees website.

Indicative fees to complete the program have been calculated based on a percentage increase for every year of the program. Fee increases are assessed annually and may exceed the indicative figures listed here.

Indicative fees to complete the program include tuition plus an estimate of study-related costs of approximately $1,000 per year. To find out more about other costs, visit UNSW International.

Scholarships


At UNSW, we award over $83 million in scholarships each year. We pride ourselves on rewarding excellence and making university accessible to students from all walks of life. Whether you’re a domestic or international student, our range of scholarships, prizes and awards can support your journey.


  • Top 20
    Worldwide

    QS World University Rankings, 2024.

  • Most
    Employable Graduates

    AFR Top 100 Future leaders Award.

  • Leading
    Innovation

    #1 Australian uni attended by start-up founders.

The faculty encourages you to be involved in student life and have a healthy study/life balance.
Rashmi Jayathilake

Rashmi Jayathilake

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