Doctor of Medicine Entry Requirements in Australia for International Students

If you're planning to study a Doctor of Medicine (MD) in Australia, it's important to understand the entry requirements early.

Medical schools can have very different requirements. Some focus more on your GPA. Some require specific subjects. Others place more weight on your GAMSAT score or interview performance.

This guide explains the common entry requirements for international students and what you may need before applying for an MD program in Australia.

Most Doctor of Medicine (MD) programs in Australia require a completed bachelor's degree, a competitive GPA, a GAMSAT or MCAT score, proof of English language proficiency, and an interview if shortlisted.

Most Doctor of Medicine programs assess applicants based on:

Please note that the exact requirements vary between universities.

Know how to study Doctor of Medicine in Australia

1. A completed bachelor's degree

Most Doctor of Medicine programs require a completed bachelor's degree before you can apply.

The good news is that many universities accept degrees from a wide range of disciplines. You don’t always need a health, science, or biomedical background.

Accepted degrees commonly include:

• Bachelor of Science

• Bachelor of Biomedical Science

• Bachelor of Health Science

• Bachelor of Nursing

• Bachelor of Arts

• Bachelor of Business

• Bachelor of Engineering

Some universities may also require:

• specific prerequisite subjects

• that your degree was completed within the last 10 years

• a minimum GPA

Can I apply with a bachelor's degree from overseas?

Yes. Many Australian universities accept overseas bachelor's degrees if they are recognised as equivalent to an Australian bachelor's qualification.

Universities may assess:

• GPA

• grading system

• subject background

• admissions test scores

If your qualification is not recognised or is not competitive enough, you may need to consider an alternative pathway before applying for MD.

2. GPA requirements

Your Grade Point Average (GPA) is one of the most important factors in MD admissions.

Most universities require a minimum GPA of around 5.0 to 5.5 on a 7-point scale. However, successful applicants are often well above the minimum requirement.

Universities may also calculate GPA differently, especially when assessing international qualifications.

Sample GPA requirements for Doctor of Medicine programs

*Some universities may not publish a minimum GPA requirement but still use academic performance as part of their selection process.

3. GAMSAT and MCAT requirements

Most graduate-entry medical schools require an admissions test.

For applicants in Australia, this is usually the Graduate Medical School Admissions Test (GAMSAT).

Many universities require:

• minimum score of 50 in each GAMSAT section

• competitive overall GAMSAT performance

Sample GAMSAT and MCAT requirements

Universities that may accept the MCAT

Some universities allow eligible international applicants applying from overseas to submit Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) results instead of GAMSAT.

Examples include:

• University of Melbourne

• University of Western Australia

If you are residing in Australia when you apply, universities may require GAMSAT instead of MCAT.

Universities that don’t require GAMSAT

Not all universities require GAMSAT.

For example, Monash University doesn’t require GAMSAT or MCAT for international applicants. Instead, applicants must meet subject prerequisite requirements covering biomedical science content.

4. English language requirements

Doctor of Medicine programs require strong English language skills because students must communicate effectively during:

• lectures

• tutorials

• group discussions

• written assessments

• clinical placements

• patient interactions

One common way to meet this requirement is through IELTS Academic.

Typical IELTS requirements for MD

Some universities may also accept previous studies completed in English.

Is IELTS One Skill Retake accepted?

Many universities now accept IELTS One Skill Retake for medicine admissions.

Examples include:

• University of Western Australia

• Flinders University

• University of Tasmania

Always check the latest university requirements before applying.

Book IELTS for Doctor of Medicine

5. Multiple Mini Interview (MMI)

Most universities require shortlisted applicants to attend a Multiple Mini Interview (MMI).

The MMI assesses qualities that are important for future doctors, including:

• communication skills

• ethical reasoning

• professionalism

• decision-making

• motivation for medicine

What happens if I am not shortlisted?

Universities usually shortlist applicants based on:

• GPA

• GAMSAT or MCAT

• other university-specific requirements

Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee an interview invitation.

6. Subject prerequisite requirements

Some universities require specific prerequisite subjects.

Common examples include:

• Chemistry

• Biology

• Biomedical Science

However, not all universities require prerequisites.

For example, Flinders University does not require specific prerequisite subjects, while Monash University requires biomedical science content.

Because requirements vary significantly, it is important to compare universities carefully before applying.

Entry requirements can vary significantly between universities. A profile that is competitive for one medical school may not be competitive for another.

Our IDP counsellors can help you compare universities, understand how competitive your profile may be, and identify pathways that best match your background and goals.

What GPA do I need for a Doctor of Medicine in Australia?

Most universities require around 5.0 to 5.5 on a 7-point scale, although successful applicants are often more competitive than the minimum requirement.

Can I apply for MD with a non-science degree?

Yes. Many universities accept applicants from a wide range of academic backgrounds, although some may require prerequisite science subjects.

What GAMSAT score do I need for medicine in Australia?

Many universities require a minimum score of 50 in each section, but competitive applicants often achieve higher scores.

Is IELTS required for a Doctor of Medicine application?

Yes. Most universities require proof of English language proficiency, such as IELTS Academic.

Can international students apply for Doctor of Medicine programs in Australia?

Yes. Many Australian universities accept international applicants into graduate-entry MD programs.

Which universities accept MCAT instead of GAMSAT?

Examples include the University of Melbourne and the University of Western Australia for eligible international applicants applying from overseas.