MBBS in Australia: Guide for International Students

If you want to study medicine straight after high school, the undergraduate pathway is for you.

This guide explains:

• Fees and duration

• MBBS and undergraduate medicine pathways

• Universities offering undergraduate medicine programs

• Entry requirements

• Application steps

• Important timelines and interviews

• What happens after an MBBS degree

• FAQs

MBBS stands for Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery. In Australia, it’s already a complete medical degree pathway that allows you to enter medicine directly after high school and progress towards becoming a doctor

These programs usually take 5 to 7 years to complete and combine classroom learning with clinical placements in hospitals and healthcare settings.

• Annual Fees (indicative): AUD $70,000 - AUD $100,000

• Duration: 5 to 7 years

After graduation, you can continue into an internship, registration, and supervised medical practice.

Important to know

Undergraduate medicine is one of the most competitive university pathways in Australia.

While some universities publish minimum ATAR requirements around 90–95, competitive applicants often achieve ATARs closer to 99+ alongside strong UCAT and interview performance.

Most universities also have limited places. For example, the University of Sydney has 10 international places for its Doctor of Medicine undergraduate program.

Our IDP Education counsellors can help you understand how competitive your profile may be and build a more strategic undergraduate medicine application plan.

Both MBBS and Doctor of Medicine (MD) lead to becoming a doctor in Australia, but they follow different entry pathways.

MBBS is usually an undergraduate pathway for high school graduates.

Doctor of Medicine (MD) is usually a graduate-entry pathway for students who have already completed a bachelor’s degree.

Several universities in Australia offer undergraduate medicine pathways for students entering directly after high school.

However, these pathways can look very different depending on the university.

Direct-entry medicine pathways

At some universities, you can enter a complete medicine pathway directly after Year 12.

These are integrated programs in which you complete both the undergraduate and Doctor of Medicine (MD) stages within a single, connected pathway.

UNSW Sydney and Monash University offer integrated medicine pathways.

Provisional-entry medicine pathways

Other universities offer undergraduate degrees first, instead of one integrated medicine program.

You can study:

• Bachelor of Medical Science

• Bachelor of Biomedical Science

• Bachelor of Science

After completing any of these undergraduate degrees, you may then progress into the Doctor of Medicine (MD) if you meet requirements such as GPA and prerequisite subjects.

The University of Queensland and Griffith University offer provisional-entry pathways linked to future MD studies.

Traditional MBBS pathways

Not all undergraduate medicine programs in Australia are called Doctor of Medicine (MD).

Some universities still use the traditional Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) structure.

For example, both James Cook University and Curtin University offer direct-entry MBBS programs where students enter medicine straight from high school.

Some of the universities that offer undergraduate medicine programs to international students include the University of Sydney, the University of Queensland, the University of Newcastle, and Monash University.

See our list of universities below.

Know which medicine pathways match your background

Different universities may suit different strengths, subject backgrounds, and career goals.

Our IDP counsellors can help you compare:

• MBBS vs provisional-entry pathways

• Undergraduate medicine options

• Universities across different Australian states

Most undergraduate medicine programs in Australia assess students using a combination of academic results, admissions tests, interviews, and subject prerequisites.

Exact requirements vary between universities, but the main entry requirements usually include:

ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank)

Undergraduate medicine programs in Australia are highly competitive, and successful applicants often achieve ATARs of 95 and above. For some pathways, competitive scores may be closer to 99+.

International students may also apply using qualifications such as:

UCAT (University Clinical Aptitude Test)

The UCAT is an admissions test used by many undergraduate medicine programs. It assesses reasoning, decision-making, problem-solving, and situational judgement rather than scientific knowledge.

Interviews (commonly MMIs)

Many universities require Multiple Mini Interviews (MMIs) as part of the selection process. These usually assess communication skills, professionalism, ethical reasoning, and how you respond under pressure.

Year 12 prerequisite subjects

Some universities require specific high school subjects such as Chemistry, English, or Mathematics. Requirements can vary significantly between universities.

Some universities may also assess:

• previous tertiary study

• non-academic achievements

• additional application requirements depending on the pathway and university.

English language requirements

International students usually need to show proof of English proficiency through tests such as IELTS. Medicine programs often require high English scores because of the communication demands of healthcare training.

Many universities commonly require IELTS scores similar to the following:

Prepare for IELTS for your medicine degree

Book IELTS

Applying for undergraduate medicine in Australia usually involves multiple steps, and the process can vary depending on the university and state you apply to. Most universities assess students using a combination of academics, admissions testing, and interviews.

Step 1: Check which medicine pathways fit your background

Before applying, it is important to understand which type of undergraduate medicine pathway suits you best.

Some universities offer:

• integrated medicine pathways

• provisional-entry pathways

• direct-entry MBBS programs

Universities may also differ in:

• UCAT requirements

• subject prerequisites

• interview formats

• progression rules into the MD stage

Step 2: Prepare for the UCAT

Many undergraduate medicine programs require the UCAT (University Clinical Aptitude Test) as part of admissions.

The UCAT is usually taken during Year 12 and is used together with your ATAR and interview performance when universities assess applications.

Step 3: Meet the academic and subject requirements

Medicine programs in Australia are highly competitive. While some universities publish minimum ATAR requirements around 90–95, competitive applicants often achieve scores closer to 99+.

Step 4: Submit your applications

Unlike graduate-entry medicine pathways, undergraduate medicine applications are not managed through one national system.

Applications are usually submitted through state-based admissions centres such as:

• UAC

• VTAC

• QTAC

• SATAC

• TISC

Some universities may also require:

• direct university applications

• additional forms

• Casper testing

• supplementary requirements

This means deadlines and application steps can vary significantly between universities.

Step 5: Attend interviews if shortlisted

If shortlisted, you may be invited to attend an interview. Many universities use the Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) format, where students rotate through short interview stations designed to assess communication skills, judgement, and professionalism.

Some universities may place strong emphasis on interview performance as part of final selection decisions.

Step 6: Receive your offer and begin your medicine pathway

Successful applicants may then receive an offer into:

• an integrated medicine pathway

• a provisional-entry pathway

• a direct-entry MBBS program

Depending on the university, students may progress directly into clinical training or first complete an undergraduate stage before entering the Doctor of Medicine (MD) component later.

Undergraduate medicine applications usually involve multiple stages throughout the year.

Students are encouraged to prepare early because timelines can vary between universities and admissions centres.

How undergraduate medicine applications are assessed

Most universities assess medicine applicants holistically.

This means universities usually consider more than just academic scores.

Applications are often assessed using a combination of:

• ATAR

• UCAT

• interviews

• subject prerequisites

• communication skills

• professionalism

Different universities may weigh these components differently.

Completing MBBS or undergraduate medicine is only one step towards becoming a doctor in Australia.

After graduation, students must complete:

• internship training

• supervised practice

• medical registration through AHPRA

before progressing into further clinical training or specialisation.

Can medicine graduates get PR in Australia?

Medicine graduates may have opportunities to remain and work in Australia through pathways such as:

• skilled migration

• employer-sponsored visas

• regional pathways

Eligibility depends on:

• occupation requirements

• registration status

• work experience

• current migration settings

Internal link suggestions:

• PR pathways for healthcare students

• AHPRA guide for international students

Medicine is one of the most competitive study pathways in Australia, and every university may assess applicants differently.

Small decisions around university selection, UCAT preparation, timelines, and application strategy can shape your competitiveness and future pathway options.

Our IDP Education counsellors can help you:

• Compare undergraduate medicine pathways

• Understand entry requirements

• Pan your application timelines

• Shortlist universities strategically

• Understand IELTS and English requirements

What is MBBS in Australia?

MBBS is an undergraduate medical degree that allows students to enter medicine directly after high school in Australia.

Is MBBS the same as MD in Australia?

No. MBBS is usually an undergraduate pathway after high school, while MD is commonly a graduate-entry pathway after a bachelor’s degree.

What is the UCAT?

The UCAT is an admissions test used by many undergraduate medicine programs in Australia to assess reasoning, decision-making, and situational judgement.

Which universities don’t require UCAT?

Some universities, such as Bond University, Griffith University, and James Cook University, currently do not require UCAT for undergraduate medicine.

Can international students study MBBS in Australia?

Yes. Many Australian universities accept international students into undergraduate medicine pathways.

How many years does an MBBS take in Australia?

Most undergraduate medicine programs in Australia take around 5 to 6 years to complete.

What happens after MBBS in Australia?

Graduates usually move into internship training and medical registration before continuing into supervised practice or specialisation.

Can I study medicine in Australia as an international student?

Yes. Many universities in Australia accept international students into undergraduate and graduate-entry medicine pathways, although places can be highly competitive and limited at some universities.

Can you do undergraduate medicine in Australia?

Yes. Some Australian universities allow students to enter medicine directly after high school through undergraduate pathways such as MBBS programs, integrated bachelor’s and Doctor of Medicine (MD) programs, or provisional-entry medicine pathways.

How much does it cost to study medicine in Australia for international students?

Medicine is one of the more expensive degrees in Australia, with international tuition fees often ranging from approximately AUD 70,000 to AUD 100,000+ per year, depending on the university and program structure. Total costs can vary significantly based on the university, city, and length of the program.