MBBS, also known as Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery
Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery are the two first professional degrees in medicine and surgery awarded upon completion from medical school by universities. The historical degree nomenclature suggests that they are two separate undergraduate degrees; however, in practice, they are usually treated as one and conferred together. In countries that follow the system in Australia, the equivalent medical degree is awarded as Doctor of Medicine (MD).
Why would you choose to study medicine in Australia?
Australian has been at the forefront of groundbreaking, life-changing medical research for many years. From the cochlear ear to IVF treatment, heart transplants to ultrasounds, they have been changing lives for yonks! To help you to make the decision a little bit easier, we have compiled a list of top ten medicine universities in Australia, and what you’ll need to do to gain admission.
There are two levels of medical programs are available in Australia:
- Undergraduate Entry: You can apply to an undergraduate medical program directly from Secondary/High School. The programs are of five or six years’ duration.
- Graduate Entry: If you have already completed a bachelor’s degree, then you are eligible for graduate-entry medicine programs. The programs are of four years duration, two of which are devoted to clinical training.
Are you planning to migrate to Australia as a medical practitioner?
Studying medicine is an exciting and life-changing career path. Australia offers a number of schools that are dedicated to delivering top-notch medical education. Typically, admission to medical schools in Australia is based on the GPA, GAMSAT, and essays, or a personal interview. Australia needs more medical related practitioners due to the growing population and some states are willing to sponsor the practitioner that fit into their requirement.
List of occupations that suitable for General Skilled Migration (GSM) Program (Medicine)
This information is for medical practitioners who are interested in applying for a visa under the General Skilled Migration (GSM) Programme.
Eligible Occupation | State Nomination | Assessment Body |
Dentist | ACT(C) / QLD489 / TAS | Australian Dental Council |
Anaesthetist | ACT(C) / QLD489 / TAS | Medical Board of Australia |
Dermatologist | ACT(C) / TAS | Medical Board of Australia |
Emergency Medicine Specialist | ACT(C) / NSW190 / TAS | Medical Board of Australia |
General Medical Practitioner | ACT(O) / NT* / QLD489 / TAS / WA489-190 | Medical Board of Australia |
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist | ACT(C) / NSW190 / TAS / WA489-190 | Medical Board of Australia |
Ophthalmologist | ACT(C) / NSW190 / SA(H) / TAS | Medical Board of Australia |
Paediatrician | ACT(C) / QLD489 / TAS | Medical Board of Australia |
Pathologist | TAS | Medical Board of Australia |
Psychiatrist | SA | Medical Board of Australia |
Radiologist | ACT(C) / NSW190 / QLD489 / TAS | Medical Board of Australia |
Specialist Physician | ACT(C) / QLD489 / TAS | Medical Board of Australia |
Surgeon | ACT(C) / QLD489 / TAS | Medical Board of Australia |
Nurse | ACT(O) / NSW190 / QLD489 / TAS / VIC | Australian Nursing and Midwifery Council |
Midwife | ACT(C) / NSW190 / QLD489 / SA(H) / TAS / VIC / WA489 | Australian Nursing and Midwifery Council |
Occupational Therapist | ACT(O) / NSW190 / NT* / QLD489 / SA(H) / TAS / VIC | Occupational Therapy Council |
Optometrist | ACT(O) / NSW190 / QLD489 | Optometry Council of Australia and New Zealand |
Osteopath | ACT(C) / TAS | Australian and New Zealand Osteopathic Council |
Physiotherapist | ACT(O) / NSW190 / NT* / QLD489 / TAS / VIC | Australian Physiotherapy Council |
Podiatrist | ACT(C) / NSW190 / QLD489 / SA(H) / TAS / VIC | Australian and New Zealand Podiatry Accreditation Council |
Clinical Psychologist | ACT(O) / NSW190 / TAS / VIC | Australian Psychological Society |
Educational Psychologist | ACT(O) / NSW190 | Australian Psychological Society |
Organisational Psychologist | ACT(O) / NSW190 | Australian Psychological Society |
Medical Diagnostic Radiographer | ACT(O) / NSW190 / NT* / QLD489 / TAS | Australian Institute of Radiography |
Sonographer | ACT(O) / NSW190 / NT / QLD489 / SA(H) / TAS / VIC / WA489-190 | Australian Institute of Radiography |
Veterinarian | ACT(C) / NSW190 / NT* / QLD190-489 / TAS / VIC | Australian Veterinary Boards Council |
Here are top 10 universities which can help you build the medical career of your dreams!
1. The Australian National University Medical School (ANUMS), (ANU)
ANUMS is a graduate medical school, and admissions are based on GPA and GAMSAT scores. It offers an MChD – a four-year graduate entry, where students explore the foundations of medicine and healthcare in the Australian environment.
2. The University of Sydney (USYD)
The Sydney Medical School offers a 7 year MD double undergraduate programs, where students can opt for combined disciplines such as science, commerce, music, economics with medical science. The graduate MD program provides extensive clinical training, with exposure to clinical environments, along with research skills training.
3. University of Melbourne
Ranked in the top 20 universities for medicine, the University of Melbourne was the first medical school in Australia. Renowned for its leadership in health research and practice, the University of Melbourne medical school offers a reputed four-year graduate entry MD program with a focus on anatomy, physiology and biochemistry.
4. Monash University, Melbourne
The MU Medical School offers a four-year MBBS Honors undergraduate program with an interdisciplinary program within biomedical sciences. It emphasises clinical interaction, with early exposure to clinical environments (metro, rural and overseas) and case studies.
5. Flinders University, South Australia
The Flinders Medical School pioneered a 4 year MD graduate undergraduate entry breaking away from the traditional 5-6 year undergraduate program. They are driven by innovation and build on capturing new ideas in the field of medical research. Students are trained in clinical skills using patients and well-equipped simulation labs.
6. Deakin University, Melbourne
Deakin, one of Australia’s top-rated universities, is a leading educator with world-class facilities committed to practical learning. It offers a four-year MBBS undergraduate program, combined with clinical experiences, and rural health training.
7. University of Tasmania (UTAS)
The University of Tasmania offers a 5-year MBBS undergraduate program. The students have the option to complete their last two years at a clinical school. The school also offers a number of undergraduate and postgraduate courses in biomedical sciences, medical research, and Etc.
8. University of Queensland (UQ)
One of the most reputed schools in Australia, the University of Queensland has one of the top medical education and research programs. Aside from an MBBS and a Bachelor of Paramedic Science, it also offers a number of post-graduate programs. The school also has tie-ups with leading teaching hospitals and research institutes.
9. University of Adelaide, South Australia
One of the oldest schools in Australia, University of Adelaide offers a variety of graduate programs including Bachelor of Health Sciences which focuses on a broad study of human health and a six-year MBBS course.
10. James Cook University Medical School (JCU)
JCU is acknowledged as Australia’s leading tropical research school, with campuses in Australia and Singapore. The School of Medicine and Dentistry is the only school in north Australia that offers a full medical course. It offers an undergraduate MBBS undergraduate program and a post-graduate Certificate of Research Methods with an emphasis on tropical medicine.
International Entry requirements for MBBS a.k.a. Doctor of Medicine
The requirements for International applicants to be considered for admission to the medical course are:
- Achieve a scholastic performance in the final year of secondary school equivalent to an Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) of 93.50. Equivalency: Baccalaureate 36 or higher; OP 1 to 4, GCE of A A A* (3 or less A2 subjects); or
- Complete a recognised university degree with a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 5.1 or higher on a 7 point scale; or
- Complete a minimum of one year of full time study in a recognised Bachelor’s degree, achieving an GPA outcome determined to be equivalent to an ATAR of 93.5 by the University, based on the extent of the degree completed; and
- A good command of written and spoken English. Medicine has strict English language requirements. International students must have either completed the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or equivalent examination and achieved a minimum score of 7.0 in each of the four components, and have an overall score of at least 7.0 OR have successfully completed five consecutive years of secondary education, including all assessable items, in English only OR have completed the Higher School Certificate within Australia; and
How to Apply
Student is encourage to get in contact with our education consultant (Click here) before submitting you application as there are many dos and don’ts that you might not aware of and your application could end up with being ignored by the university.
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About Post Author
Michelle Phan
A freelance writer, graduated from Curtin University, specialises in commercial writing, love travel and enjoy walking on the beach, Michelle also feeds on Psychology and will give away just about anything to cuddle with furry felines.