Study at Medical Schools in Australia from Canada: Top Universities, Entry Requirements & Scholarships for 2025–2026

According to the Australian Medical Council, there are 21 accredited medical schools in Australia. Accreditation is a signal of the university’s strong purpose, accountability, and context. It verifies the quality of its curriculum, students, and learning environment and assures a reputable standard of its medical graduates.  These accredited universities include: 

• The Australian National University 

• Bond University 

• Curtin University 

• Deakin University 

• Flinders University 

• Griffith University 

• James Cook University 

• Macquarie University 

• Monash University 

• University of Adelaide 

• University of Melbourne 

• University of Newcastle/University of New England 

• University of New South Wales 

• University of Notre Dame Australia 

• University of Queensland 

• University of Sydney 

• University of Western Australia  

• University of Tasmania 

• University of Wollongong 

• Western Sydney University 

• Charles Sturt University and Western Sydney University (Joint medical degree program)

The majority of Australia’s medical schools are public, with the exception of two private universities: Bond University and University of Notre Dame Australia. Public medical schools typically have lower tuition costs and greater access to varied clinical experience. Several private medical schools in Australia offer the benefit of smaller classes, but with higher tuition. However, there are also many public medical schools that are known for their small cohort sizes like Macquarie University and James Cook University.

Depending on your career goals and budget, you may have a strong preference for undergraduate over graduate entry:  

• Undergraduate entry. Generally most cost-effective, this has a quicker track into a full-time career, but students can often suffer from a lack of maturity to keep up with the demands of the program. 

• Graduate entry. Provides a significant amount of time for emotional and academic development and gives students the right amount of time to know if the medical field is right for them. However, it is often more costly. 

According to the Australian Medical Council, the following accredited medical schools in Australia offer these entry points: 

• The Australian National University 

• Graduate entry: MChD 

For more information about this program, please see the Doctor of Medicine and Surgery page here.  

• University of Sydney 

• Undergraduate/graduate entry joint program: BA/MD; BSc/MD 

For more information about this program, please see the joint BSc/MD degree page here, and the joint BA/MD degree page here.  

• Graduate entry: MD 

For more information about this program, please see the Doctor of Medicine and Surgery page here.  

• University of New South Wales 

• Undergraduate/graduate entry joint program: BMed/MD 

For more information about this program, please see the joint BMed/MD degree page here. 

• Western Sydney University 

• Undergraduate/graduate entry joint program: BClinSci/MD 

For more information about this program, please see the joint BClinSci/MD degree page here. 

• University of Wollongong 

• Graduate entry: MD 

For more information about this program, please see the Doctor of Medicine page here.  

• University of Newcastle/University of New England 

• Undergraduate/graduate entry joint program: BMedSci/MD 

For more information about this program, please see the joint BMedSci/MD degree page here. 

• University of Notre Dame Australia 

• Undergraduate/graduate entry joint program: BBioMedSc/MD;BAdvBioMedSc (Hons)/MD 

For more information about this program, please see the joint BBioMedSc/MD degree page here, and the joint BAdvBioMedSci/MD degree page here.  

• Graduate entry: MD 

 For more information about this program, please see the Doctor of Medicine page here.  

• Macquarie University 

• Graduate entry: MD 

For more information about this program, please see the Doctor of Medicine page here.  

• Charles Sturt University 

• Undergraduate/graduate entry joint program: BClinSci/MD 

For more information about this program, please see the joint BClinSci/MD degree page here. 

• Bond University 

• Undergraduate/graduate entry joint program: BMedSt/MD 

For more information about this program, please see the joint BMedSci/MD degree page here. 

• Central Queensland University  

• Undergraduate entry: BMedSci (Pathway to Medicine) 

For more information about this program, please see the BMedSc degree page here. 

• Griffith University 

• Graduate entry: MD 

For more information about this program, please see the Doctor of Medicine page here.  

• James Cook University 

• Undergraduate entry: MBBS 

For more information about this program, please see the Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery page here.  

• University of Queensland 

• Graduate entry: MD 

For more information about this program, please see the Doctor of Medicine page here.  

• University of Southern Queensland 

• Undergraduate entry: BBMP 

For more information about this program, please see the Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences page here.  

• Queensland University of Technology 

• Undergraduate/graduate entry joint program: BBiomedSc/MD 

For more information about this program, please see the joint BBiomedSci/MD degree page here. 

• University of Adelaide 

• Undergraduate entry: BMedSt 

For more information about this program, please see the Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences page here.   

• Flinders University 

• Undergraduate/graduate entry joint program: BClinSci/MD 

For more information about this program, please see the joint BClinSci/MD degree page here. 

• Graduate entry: MD 

For more information about this program, please see the Doctor of Medicine page here.  

• University of Tasmania 

• Undergraduate/graduate entry joint program: BMedSc/MD 

For more information about this program, please see the joint BMedSci/MD degree page here. 

• University of Melbourne 

• Graduate entry: MD 

For more information about this program, please see the Doctor of Medicine page here.  

• Monash University 

• Undergraduate/graduate entry joint program: BMedSci/MD  

For more information about this program, please see the joint BMedSci/MD degree page here. 

• Deakin University 

• Graduate entry: MD 

For more information about this program, please see the Doctor of Medicine page here.  

• University of Western Australia  

• Graduate entry: MD 

For more information about this program, please see the Doctor of Medicine page here.  

• Curtin University 

• Undergraduate entry: MBBS  

For more information about this program, please see the Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery page here. 

Incoming Medicals Schools in Australia (2026-2030)

It can be strategic to apply to newer medical schools that are still building their reputation, as they commonly have lower entry requirements and higher admission rates. Consult the school’s program page for more information.  

• Charles Darwin University (2026) 

• Graduate entry: MD 

For more information about this program, please see the Doctor of Medicine page here.  

• University of the Sunshine Coast (2030) 

• Undergraduate entry: BMedSc 

For more information about this program, please see the Bachelor of Biomedical Science page here.  Please note that it’s still a good idea to aim for high test scores, grades, and a well-rounded application to help you stand out.

Australian medical schools are a popular option for many Canadian students because of the ease of its admissions process, the country’s high demand for doctors, and more. Here’s a breakdown of the top medical schools in Australia by ranking, according to QS World University Rankings for Medicine 2025, including their post-graduates’ employer reputation rating. 

Want to learn more about the best medical schools in Australia for Canadian students (2025)? Read our comprehensive guide here.

Medical Schools in Sydney

Medical Schools in Melbourne

Medical Schools in Brisbane and Queensland

Medical Schools in Adelaide

Medical Schools in Western Australia

Medical Schools in Tasmania

Undergraduate Medical Schools in Australia (Bachelor of Medicine)

• Duration  

The standard length for most undergraduate medical programs at medical schools in Australia is 5 to 6 years. Some universities offer pathways or faster entry, but students need to research these programs and find out more about requirements.  

• Test Requirements  

 Undergraduate medical schools in Australia require students to take the UCAT ANZ, the most common test designed to assess aptitude for medicine. A score of 2250+ (90th percentile) is expected, along with certain prerequisites and other assessments such as the ISAT (170/200) for specific programs. 

• Schools for Undergraduate Programs  

• Central Queensland University  

CQUniversity's Bachelor of Medical Science (Pathway to Medicine) provides a provisional entry pathway into The University of Queensland's regionally based Doctor of Medicine program and equips students with relevant skills and knowledge in science, biomedical science, and health. For more information about this program, please see the BMedSc degree page here. 

• University of Southern Queensland 

The Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences (Medicine Pathway) here trains students to apply a broad and coherent body of theoretical and practical knowledge in the biomedical sciences with in-depth knowledge in one or more specialist disciplines. For more information about this program, please see the Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences page here.  

Graduate Medical Schools in Australia (Doctor of Medicine)  

• Duration  

Graduate medical school programs in Australia are typically 4 years long and require a bachelor's degree for entry. However, after completing the 4-year program, graduates must complete a one-year internship to be fully registered. Additional years of specialty training may also be required depending on the chosen specialty. 

• Test Requirements  

 Graduate medical schools in Australia typically require either a GAMSAT (Graduate Australian Medical School Admissions Test) score of 50+ or an MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) score of 500+ for domestic and international applicants. However, in addition to these scores, applicants must also meet minimum GPA requirements, successfully perform in an interview, and provide proof of English proficiency with tests like IELTS. 

• Schools for Graduate Programs 

• The Australian National University 
  MChD: For more information about this program, please see the Doctor of Medicine and Surgery page here.  

• University of Sydney 
  MD: For more information about this program, please see the Doctor of Medicine and Surgery page here.  

• University of Wollongong 
  MD: For more information about this program, please see the Doctor of Medicine page here.  

• University of Notre Dame Australia 
  MD: For more information about this program, please see the Doctor of Medicine page here.  

• Macquarie University 
  MD: For more information about this program, please see the Doctor of Medicine page here.  

• Griffith University 
  MD: For more information about this program, please see the Doctor of Medicine page here.  

• University of Queensland 
  MD: For more information about this program, please see the Doctor of Medicine page here.  

• Flinders University 
  MD: For more information about this program, please see the Doctor of Medicine page here.  

• University of Melbourne 
  MD: For more information about this program, please see the Doctor of Medicine page here.  

• Deakin University 
  MD: For more information about this program, please see the Doctor of Medicine page here.  

• University of Western Australia  
  MD: For more information about this program, please see the Doctor of Medicine page here.  

• Curtin University 
  MBBS: For more information about this program, please see the Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery page here.    H3: Joint Undergraduate-Graduate Medical Schools in Australia (Bachelor/Doctor of Medicine)
    

• Duration  

For international and Canadian students interested in joint undergraduate-graduate programs at medical schools in Australia, these typically take five to six years. The programs combine an undergraduate-level Bachelor of Medical Science (BMedSc) or similar degree with a postgraduate Doctor of Medicine (MD) into a single, direct-entry pathway. Always check with your school for more information based on how the program has been structured.  

• Test Requirements  

 Requirements for joint undergraduate-graduate medical schools in Australia include the UCAT ANZ (Score of 2250+ (90th percentile)), as well as university-specific requirements such as the MCAT, an interview, and other test scores. Always check the specific requirements of each university or program, as they can differ.  

• Schools for Joint Undergraduate-Graduate Programs  

• University of Sydney 
  BA/MD; BSc/MD: For more information about this program, please see the joint BSc/MD degree page here, and the joint BA/MD degree page here.  

• University of New South Wales 
  BMed/MD: For more information about this program, please see the joint BMed/MD degree page here. 

• Western Sydney University 
  BClinSci/MD: For more information about this program, please see the joint BClinSci/MD degree page here. 

• University of Newcastle/University of New England 
  BMedSci/MD: For more information about this program, please see the joint BMedSci/MD degree page here. 

• University of Notre Dame Australia 
  BBioMedSc/MD;BAdvBioMedSc (Hons)/MD: For more information about this program, please see the joint BBioMedSc/MD degree page here, and the joint BAdvBioMedSci/MD degree page here.   

• Charles Sturt University 
  BClinSci/MD: For more information about this program, please see the joint BClinSci/MD degree page here. 

• Bond University 
  BMedSt/MD: For more information about this program, please see the joint BMedSci/MD degree page here. 

• Queensland University of Technology 
  BBiomedSc/MD: For more information about this program, please see the joint BBiomedSci/MD degree page here. 

• Flinders University 
  BClinSci/MD: For more information about this program, please see the joint BClinSci/MD degree page here. 

• University of Tasmania 
  BMedSc/MD: For more information about this program, please see the joint BMedSci/MD degree page here. 

• Monash University 
  BMedSci/MD: For more information about this program, please see the joint BMedSci/MD degree page here.

• Academic Requirements 

Grade Percentage: Minimum of 79-89% 

IB score: Minimum 38-40 

Required core coursework: Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics), and Maths 

• English Language Proficiency Tests (IELTS and TOEFL) 

 IELTS: Overall score no lower than 7.0, must have at least 7.0 in all categories 

TOEFL: Score of 93+ 

• Medical School Interview Process in Australia 

• Primary: Multiple Mini Interviews (MMI) 

This common interview style involves 6-10 stations to test your skills through different tasks including role-playing and problem-solving. These tasks last 5-10 minutes and are an opportunity for you to display your ability to stay calm, clear communication skills, critical thinking, and adherence to ethics.  

• Secondary: Panel Interviews 

This is a more traditional interview style that is less common, consisting of 2-4 medical professionals, current students, or professors that will ask you questions to test your knowledge and give you an opportunity to expand on your personal statement. Panellists will be looking for your ability to maintain professionalism, share your passion and interest in medicine, as well as your general knowledge of the medical field.

• Tuition Fees  

 University fees in Australia for international students vary depending on the type of course, level of study, and university chosen. The estimated tuition fees per year are:  

• Undergraduate Degree: Average annual cost of AUD $20K - AUD $45K 

• Master's Degrees: Average annual cost of AUD $22K - AUD $50K 

• Doctoral Programs: Average annual cost of AUD $18K - AUD $42K 

• Diplomas or Vocational Degrees: Average annual cost of AUD $4K - AUD $22K 

To find out more, check out this blog on the cost of studying at universities in Australia. 

• Cost of Living for International and Canadian Students 

According to the Human Development Index and Quality-of-Life Index reports, Australia is ranked among the top 10 nations*, which implies it is counted in the top countries in terms of GDP, education system, and purchasing power parity index. The cost of living here depends on where you choose to study, and how you budget for groceries, utilities, transportation, and entertainment, among other costs. Find out more about the cost of living in Australia. 

• Fee Types (CSP, BMP, FFP) 

 International and Canadian students applying to medical schools in Australia may be required to pay any of the following fees:  

Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP): The most common fee requiring students to pay a government-subsidized contribution amount. 

Bonded Medical Places (BMP): A type of CSP fee that requires a commitment from students to work in a rural or workforce shortage area after graduation. 

Full Fee-Paying Places (FFP): Full tuition with no government subsidy. 

You can look for program-specific, needs-based, and merit-based scholarships available exclusively through your school by accessing their financial aid website and reaching out to your financial aid centre.  Other resources include IDP Education’s Find a Scholarship tool and these Australian scholarships for international students: 

• Chevening Scholarships 

• British Council UK Scholarships 

• Scottish Government Scholarships 

• UK and Wales Scholarships 

• Student Action for Refugees Scholarships 

• Displaced Student Opportunities UK 

• Commonwealth Scholarship Commission 

Scholarships for Medicine and Medical Studies in Australia 

 Here are some scholarship opportunities offered by top Australian universities that accept international and Canadian students into their medical programs: 

International Masters Scholarship

School: Edith Cowan University 
Location: Australia 
Qualification: Postgraduate 
Funding type: Fee waiver/discount 
Value of award: 20% of fees John Curtin School of Medical Research PhD Scholarship 
School: The Australian National University 
Location: Australia 
Qualification: Doctorate 
Funding type: Fee waiver/discount 
Value of award: 34,000 AUD 

Master of Pharmaceutical Industry Practice International Student Scholarship

School: The University of Queensland 
Location: Australia 
Qualification: Postgraduate 
Funding type: Fee waiver/discount 
Value of award: 5000 to 10000 AUD 

Fenner Merit Scholarship in Medical Sciences

School: The Australian National University 
Location: Australia 
Qualification: Doctorate 
Funding type: Fee waiver/discount 
Value of award: 10,000 AUD 

DEPM Prostate Cancer Research Scholarship
 
School: Monash University 
Location: Australia 
Qualification: Undergraduate 
Funding type: Fee waiver/discount 
Value of award: 3,000 AUD 

James Rice Postgraduate Award 
School: The Australian National University 
Location: Australia 
Qualification: Doctorate 
Funding type: Fee waiver/discount 
Value of award: 34,000 AUD 

Elise & Jack Middleditch PGCW Scholarship  

School: The University of Western Australia   
Location: Australia 
Qualification: Postgraduate 
Funding type: Fee waiver/discount 
Value of award: 15,000 AUD 

Doherty Scholarship 

School: The Australian National University 
Location: Australia 
Qualification: Doctorate 
Funding type: Fee waiver/discount 
Value of award: 34,000 AUD 

To find out more, check out our detailed guide to scholarships for Canadian and international students here.  

Looking for more scholarship and financial aid guidance? Reach out to IDP Education Canada. Our student counsellors have helped many international students like you perfect their application and secure the funding they need for study abroad. Book a call now.

• Step 1: Choose Your Entry Pathway 

Your budget, schools of interest, academic standing and history will all factor into which entry pathway to choose. Here’s how: 

• Undergraduate pathway: For high school entry. It has a lower overall cost but is not widely offered for the majority of Australian medical schools. May offer a foundation year if you fall short of academic requirements, but this varies from school to school. This may limit your career options post-graduation if you don’t decide to pursue a graduate degree. 

• Graduate pathway: For undergraduate entry. Higher overall cost inclusive of your bachelor’s degree, and available at a majority of Australian medical schools. This level of education has stronger recognition with potential employers in comparison to the undergraduate pathway. 

• Joint degree pathway: The most common option at Australian medical schools. Depending on the school, it may offer an accelerated timeframe. A foundation year may also be offered and is a reasonable return on investment for comprehensive education to prepare for the medical field.
  

• Step 2: Prepare Academic Documents and Exam Results 

Verify all documents necessary for your application including your: 

• Transcripts 

• Exam test scores (UCAT, ISAT, GAMSAT, or MCAT) 

• Personal statement 

• Teacher references 

• Language test scores (IELTS or TOEFL) 

Prepare in advance of your application deadline and make sure your documents adhere to file specifications on your program page. Double check for any mistakes, as they can slow down your application or may cause it to be rejected. 

• Step 3: Submit Applications via University or GEMSAS/TAC 

Depending on your school and your entry pathway, you will need to submit your application through your university’s portal or Graduate Entry Medical School Applications Service (GEMSAS), or your regional Tertiary Admission Centre (TAC). It is recommended that you complete this step as early as possible in January or March to meet early admission deadlines. 

• Step 4: The Interview Stage  

If you are successful in reaching this step, congratulations! Prepare in advance by practicing with loved ones and research relevant ethics and advancements related to your career goals and interests. Combine this information with the selection criteria in your answers and choices during your interview, and be sure to communicate openly, to provide insight into your critical thinking and problem-solving skills. 

• Step 5: Accept an Offer and Apply for a Student Visa 

Once you accept your offer and arrange for the payment of your Australian medical school fees, you will need a Subclass 500 student visa. Be sure to review all requirements for your visa application and reach out for visa assistance through a study abroad agency like IDP Education to prevent errors that can slow down your application.  

• Step 6: Apply with IDP Education for Support 

Leverage the expertise of a study abroad agency, like IDP Education, to create an application that stands out in the competitive pool of medical school applicants. Look for services that include direct IELTS integration, Australian partnerships, and free support at all stages of your international student journey. Learn more.

AMC Accreditation  

If you intend to practice in Canada post-graduation, apply for a program accredited by the Australian Medical Council (AMC). It’s not mandatory but it verifies the quality of your education that will be recognized in Canada, which will make the licensing process easier.  

• Canadian Pathways for Australian Medical Graduates 

The Medical Council of Canada (MCC) is responsible for licensing international graduates to practice in Canada. Completing the MCC Qualifying Exam and NAC assessment will determine which one of these pathways you will need to complete: 

• Canadian Resident Matching Service. Conduct retraining via a residency match.  

• Practice-Ready Assessment. If you’ve completed a residency and have a practice abroad. 

• Jurisdiction approval. You have verified training equivalent to Canadian standards.  

• Practice eligibility. Designed for medical training with a primary speciality.  

Learn more about these pathways on the Medical Council of Canada’s Pathways for international medical graduates page.

Benefits of Applying Through IDP 

 Working with a study abroad agency that offers free services like IDP Education Canada can give you a strong advantage as an international student. There’s high competition for medical schools in Australia that accept international students, so leveraging the expertise of our student counsellors means you can be assured your application meets requirements and stands out, and that you will get the support to prepare for all stages of your student journey, including student visa assistance.

Thousands of international students choose IDP Education, with 94% highlighting the ease, trust, and satisfaction of the relationship. Here’s why: 

• IDP Education is co-owned by universities in Australia, which means your best interests are prioritized 

• IDP Education co-owns IELTS, giving us unprecedented expertise in language tests 

• We are a global company with over 210+ offices across 35 countries. 

• Our holistic support includes program applications and integration into life in your study abroad country.  

• Student counsellors receive ongoing training and have often been international students themselves with experience in Australia.  

Want to create a competitive medical school application? Reach out to IDP Education to access our free services. Book a call now.  

IDP vs Other Education Consultants  

Want to learn more about what makes IDP Education different? Here’s why we stand out as a trusted service for international students: Read more.

Can Canadians Go to Medical School in Australia? 

 Yes, Canadians can go to medical school in Australia, and many choose the country for its high-ranking institutions, globally recognized programs, similar medical systems, and easier admission process. 

How Many Years Is Medical School in Australia? 

Medical school in Australia can take 5 or 6 years for an undergraduate degree and 4 years for a graduate-entry program. 

Are Australian Medical Schools Accredited in Canada? 

 No, Australian medical schools are recognized by the Medical Council of Canada, but graduates are required to pass Canadian licensing exams before practicing in Canada. 

Can I Practice Medicine in Canada with an Australian Degree? 

 Yes, you can practice medicine in Canada with an Australian degree, provided you apply to the Medical Council of Canada (MCC) to have your credentials verified, and then pass the MCCQE Part I, as well as the NAC exam. Students must then secure a residency position through the Canadian Resident Matching Service (CaRMS). Find out more here.

Do Australian Medical Schools Accept International Students from Canada? 

Yes, Australian medical schools accept international students from Canada, provided they meet requirements, complete required admission tests, and offer proof of English language proficiency, in addition to other specific program or university requirements. 

Can I apply for scholarships as a Canadian student? 

Yes, Canadian students can apply for scholarships to Australian medical schools and explore university-specific awards as well as government-backed programs that can cover full or partial tuition.