World-class training and lifestyle
Student — MD 2023
Study Medicine (MD) in Australia
Earn a globally respected, AMC-accredited MD at world-leading Australian universities, through either undergraduate or graduate entry.
5000+ Students trust us
AMC / AHPRA
Licensing Exam
UCAT / GAMSAT + Interview
Admission Criteria
MD (4–6 Yrs)
Medical Program
Canberra
Capital
Universities
Top Medical Universities for MD in Australia
Australia is home to some of the world's highest-ranked medical schools, all accredited by the Australian Medical Council (AMC). Most award the MD through either graduate entry (four years after a bachelor's) or direct undergraduate entry (five to six years from Year 12). Places for international students are limited and highly competitive.
Introduction
About Studying Medicine in Australia
- Study program:MD (Doctor of Medicine, MBBS-equivalent)
- Language:English
- Total duration:4 Years (graduate entry) or 5–6 Years (undergraduate entry)
- Degree awarded:MD (Doctor of Medicine)
- Entrance exam:UCAT-ANZ / GAMSAT + interview (+ NEET-UG for Indian students)
- Regulator:Australian Medical Council (AMC) / AHPRA
- Avg. tuition (per year):₹46–58 lakh (approx., international)
- Licensing:AMC / AHPRA registration; FMGE / NExT to practise in India
For Indian students Australia is a premium option: entry is highly competitive through the UCAT-ANZ or GAMSAT plus interviews, and international tuition is very high, so realistic financial planning is essential. Students who plan to return to India must also qualify NEET-UG before studying abroad and clear the FMGE (or NExT) afterwards to practise in India.
The Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge from the air, Australia
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Why Australia
Why Study Medicine in Australia
Australia pairs world-leading medical schools with strong clinical training and high living standards, though at a very high cost and a competitive entry bar.
World-Leading Medical Schools
MD Degree (MBBS-Equivalent)
Two Entry Pathways
Strong Clinical Training
High Quality of Life
Global Recognition
Read all about MBBS abroad in our free brochure
Know exactly what options exist for your MBBS-abroad success.
Program Structure
MD Program Structure in Australia
The Australian MD is a four-year graduate-entry degree or a five-to-six-year undergraduate-entry program, taught in English with an integrated curriculum and clinical placements, followed by an internship year to gain general registration.
Doctor of Medicine (MD)
Duration:
4 Years (graduate) / 5–6 Years (undergraduate)
Degree:
MD (Doctor of Medicine, MBBS-equivalent)
Structure of the Medical Program
Early Years
Pre-Clinical / Foundation
Integrated basic and clinical sciences with early patient contact and communication skills:
AnatomyPhysiologyBiochemistryPharmacologyPathologyClinical SkillsResearchLater Years
Clinical Years
Full-time clinical placements (rotations) across teaching hospitals and community settings:
Internal MedicineSurgeryObstetrics & GynaecologyPaediatricsPsychiatryGeneral PracticeSpecialties
Important: Australia awards the MD, not the MBBS. Depending on the university, the MD is entered directly after Year 12 (a five-to-six-year program) or after a bachelor's degree (a four-year graduate program). Graduation is followed by a supervised internship year to obtain general registration with AHPRA.
Get the full curriculum
Download a free brochure to see detailed subjects, the course structure and everything you need to plan your studies.
Admissions
Eligibility Criteria
Academic Qualification
For undergraduate entry, applicants need excellent Year 12 / Class 12 results with the required science subjects and the UCAT-ANZ; for graduate entry, a recognised bachelor's degree and the GAMSAT. Indian students must also qualify NEET-UG if they plan to return to India.
Prerequisites:
ChemistryBiologyPhysicsMathematicsEnglish
Undergraduate entry (Class 12):
High PCB %UCAT-ANZInterview
Graduate entry (Bachelor's):
Recognised degreeGAMSATInterview
Minimum Requirements
Indicative minimum requirements for application (vary by university and pathway):
| Category | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Class 12 (undergraduate entry) | High % in PCB + UCAT-ANZ |
| Bachelor's (graduate entry) | Strong GPA + GAMSAT |
| English (IELTS Academic) | 7.0+ (no band below 7.0) |
| NEET-UG (for India return) | Qualified (valid score) |
Age Requirement
Candidates must meet the following criterion at the time of admission:
- Minimum age 17–18Applicants are generally at least 17–18 by the start of the course; there is no fixed upper age limit.
Entrance & Application Requirements
Applicants sit the UCAT-ANZ (undergraduate) or GAMSAT (graduate), attend an interview and meet the English requirement.
UCAT-ANZ / GAMSAT
Admissions tests for Australian medicine — UCAT-ANZ for undergraduate entry and GAMSAT for graduate entry — followed by an interview (often multiple mini-interviews).
IELTS (English)
English-proficiency test for applicants whose prior education was not in English; most schools ask for IELTS Academic 7.0–7.5.
For Students Planning to Return to India: NEET-UG is required before admission because the NMC makes it compulsory for Indian students abroad. Under the NMC Foreign Medical Graduate Licentiate (FMGL) Regulations 2021, the qualification must meet the required length and be completed with internship in the same country, after which you must clear the FMGE (or NExT) to practise in India.
Admission Guidance & Document Checklist
Get the complete document checklist or admission guidance from our experts.
Study Visa
Student Visa Overview
International students study in Australia on a Student visa (subclass 500). Once you accept an offer and receive a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE), you apply online, showing your finances, English and health cover.
Accept your university offer and receive the electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE), which is required for the subclass 500 visa application.
Get help with your subclass 500 visa
Our experts guide you through the CoE, financial requirement and visa application end to end.
Cost
Cost of Living for Medical Students in Australia
Living costs in Australia are high and vary by city (Sydney and Melbourne are the most expensive). Here is an indicative monthly breakdown for a medical student (in ₹ approximations); the subclass 500 visa requires proof of about AUD 29,710 a year for living costs.
Monthly Living Cost
| Category | Monthly Expense (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | ₹70,000 – ₹1,40,000 |
| Food / Groceries | ₹25,000 – ₹45,000 |
| Transportation | ₹8,000 – ₹16,000 |
| Utilities / Internet | ₹9,000 – ₹16,000 |
| Health Cover (OSHC) & Insurance | ₹5,000 – ₹9,000 |
| Miscellaneous | ₹12,000 – ₹25,000 |
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Total Monthly
₹1,29,000 – ₹2,51,000
About the Country
History of Medical Education in Australia
Uluru (Ayers Rock) under a blue sky in the Northern Territory, Australia
From Colonial Schools to Global Leaders
Aerial view of Sydney Harbour, the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, Australia
The Move to the MD
Get all information about MBBS in Australia in our free brochure
Read on to find out how you can fulfil your dream of studying medicine in Australia.
Role in Medicine
Australia's Role in Global Medical Education
The Sydney Opera House illuminated with colourful light projections at night, Australia
A Global Standard-Setter
Research and Clinical Innovation
Get all information about MBBS in Australia in our free brochure
Read on to find out how you can fulfil your dream of studying medicine in Australia.
How to Practise
Your Path After the MD in Australia
After the MD
Finish the four-year graduate MD or five-to-six-year undergraduate MD at an AMC-accredited Australian university.
Duration of Residency
Postgraduate / specialty training length depends on the pathway. Typical durations after the MD are:
| Pathway | Duration |
|---|---|
| Internship (PGY1) | 1 year |
| General Practice (RACGP) | 3–4 years |
| Physician / Surgery (RACP / RACS) | 5–7 years |
| MD / MS in India (if returning) | 3 years |
| DNB in India | 3 years |
Understand the Australia & Return-to-India Pathways
A clear overview of AHPRA registration, the internship, specialty training and the FMGE / NExT route after your MD.
Our blog
Medical Education Insights
Articles that turn complex MBBS-abroad rules into simple, practical steps for students and parents.
Ratings
Reviews & Ratings
Hear from students and alumni about their experience studying medicine in Australia.
4.7
71 reviews
Academics4.9
Clinical Training4.8
Quality of Life4.8
Career Prospects4.8
Value for Money3.8
Compare
Compare Pathways
See how the Australian MD pathway compares with the MBBS route in India.
Quick Comparison:
MD in Australia vs MBBS in India
| Pathway | MD in AustraliaAustralia | MBBS in IndiaIndia |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level | After Class 12 or a Bachelor's | After Class 12 (10+2) |
| Entrance Exam | UCAT-ANZ / GAMSAT (+ NEET for India) | NEET-UG |
| Degree | MD (MBBS-equivalent) | MBBS |
| Course Duration | 4 yrs (grad) / 5–6 yrs (undergrad) | 4.5 years + 1-yr internship |
| Medium | English | English |
| Licensing | AMC / AHPRA (Australia); FMGE / NExT (India) | NExT |
| Approx. Tuition (full course) | ₹1.9–2.8 crore | ₹50 lakh – ₹1 crore+ (private) |
Compare Top MBBS Destinations for Me
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FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Short answers to the questions students and parents ask most often about studying medicine in Australia.