Top Affordable Medical Universities in Australia for International Students and Canadians (2025-2026)

Why International Students and Canadians Choose to Study Medicine in Australia

• Clinical Training Opportunities

• Students have access to diverse clinical training opportunities, from rural to urban and international, along with remote settings. This provides them with a competitive skillset that can improve job prospects post-graduation. In fact, a recent study confirmed that medical students with a wide range of clinical training saw immediate benefits in their general knowledge base as well as their understanding of diverse patient needs.

• Accreditation and World Reputation

• An Australian medical school's strong reputation is signalled through its accreditation status, which can only be given based on the quality of curriculum, resources, and faculty. Several Australian medical schools are accredited and approved by the Australian Medical Council and the Directory of Organizations that Recognize/Accredit Medical Schools (maintained by Intealth’s FAIMER). You can explore the Australian Medical Council's full list here. H4: Simple Application Process In comparison to other countries, the Australian medical school process is more streamlined, typically involving only:

  • Your transcripts

  • GAMSAT/MCAT or UCAT ANZ/ISAT

  • Interview (where applicable)

Unlike other countries, a personal statement, essay or autobiographical sketch (ABS) is not always required in Australia, meaning faster entry into your program and, eventually, career.

• Undergraduate and Graduate Entry

• Australia allows students to apply either directly from high school or after completing a bachelor’s degree. Both entry points come with their own benefits and downsides, which you can learn about here.

Importance of Affordability in Choosing a University in Australia

International student fees are commonly higher than domestic ones. Medical school is generally quite expensive, and the cost of your program can have an impact on long-term finances, including future debt. International students and Canadians are often drawn to Australian medical schools because of how the Australian dollar fares against the Canadian dollar. They may weigh incremental value that adds up when one factors in all costs associated with studying abroad. It also helps to speak with a trained education counsellor, who can offer sound advice on affordability and what suits your budget.

Undergraduate vs Graduate Entry Medical Degrees

While both entry pathways include pre-clinical and clinical training, as well as theoretical and practical education in a range of environments and patient considerations, here are the key differences.

Undergraduate Entry

• Pros:

• Faster Career Entry. Direct entry from high school means less time on your studies, resulting in a faster entry into your career.

• Cons:

• Maturity. As a demanding career, there are many students who feel unprepared for the rigorous demands, stress, and level of self-directedness at an earlier age.

Graduate Entry

• Pros:

• Ample time for career consideration. As a prior degree is already completed, students have significant time to consider if pursuing medicine is right for them, reducing the risk for time and financial commitments in comparison to direct high school entry.

• Academic and study skills. Students have already demonstrated an ability for self-direction and strong academic performance at the level required for a medical degree.

• Cons

• Costs. Graduate entry into medicine in Australia means higher fees overall because of prior studies, greater time investment, and delayed entry into your career.

Duration of Medical Programs

Generally, graduate entry will take 4 years to complete and undergraduate entry can span 5 to 6 years. The duration of your studies will vary from program to program, especially if you decide to take a joint undergraduate and graduate medical program, which can take 5-6 years to complete.

Admission Requirements for International Students and Canadians

Always check with your current program for this academic year for the most accurate information.

Academic Qualifications

Grade percentage: 79-89% at minimum
International Baccalaureate score: 38-40+
Necessary courses: Chemistry, Biology, Maths, Physics.

English Language Proficiency

IELTS: Overall score of 7.0 minimum, no score lower than 7.0 across all categories

TOEFL: Minimum score of 93

Entrance Exams

This will vary depending on the school, but generally you can expect to have these test scores:

Undergraduate entry:

• UCAT ANZ: 90th percentile equating to a score of 2250+

• ISAT: 170/200

Graduate entry:

• GAMSAT: Minimum 50

• MCAT: Minimum 500+

Tuition Fees for International Students and Canadians

$206,800 CAD to $580,000 CAD

Living Costs by City and Region

Additional Expenses (Books, Equipment, Insurance)

Looking for more information on what expenses to expect as an international medical student? Here’s our comprehensive breakdown of the cost of study at universities in Australia.

Here are the best medical schools in Australia for international students, in terms of affordability, including their associated international student fees and what value they bring.

University of Tasmania

Tuition and Fees

$59,000 - $84,000 CAD per year (depending on 5-year or 7-year program).

Key Features of the Program

The program is known for its hands-on clinical experience and mentorship, 100% intern placement success, and state-of-the-art facilities. Its unique courses include an intensive 8-day Expedition Medicine course and Healthcare in Remote and Extreme Environments course.

Flinders University

Tuition and Fees

Bachelor of Medical Science: $38,000 - $40,000 CAD per year.

Doctor of Medicine: $84,000 CAD per year.

Rural and Tropical Health Focus

For students interested in supporting healthcare equity for underserved communities, this program is for you. Flinders University is the first university in Australia to offer a medical program in a remote environment and is known for its long-term strong focus on healthcare support for remote and rural areas. They offer both a Northern Territory Medical Program and a South Australia Rural Medical Program.

Student Support

Flinders University’s medical program is ranked 2nd in Australia for student support (The Good Universities Guide 2024), and 1st in South Australia for overall education experience, student support, and learning engagement and resources (The Good Universities Guide 2025).

Monash University

Tuition and Fees

Dual degree (Bachelor of Medicine and Doctor of Medicine): $18,000 CAD per year

Global Reputation

Monash University is a member of Australia’s Group of Eight, making it one of Australia’s ​ ​most research-intensive schools. It is also ranked 47th in the world for its medical school, according to QS University Rankings 2025.

Scholarships and Support for International Students and Canadians

Monash University offers several scholarships for international students studying medicine, including The Alfred Research Alliance Honours Scholarship and The Sir James McNeill Postgraduate Research Scholarship (SJMN). The school also offers pre-departure information sessions and support services for international students.

Curtin University

Tuition and Fees

Bachelor of Medicine, Surgery: At this time, international fees are not listed, but you can check the university webpage for updates or speak to an IDP counsellor for more information.

Research and Facilities

​​ ​Curtin University has world-class facilities and state-of-the-art equipment, with specialized laboratories and operational clinics. This program also offers students the unique opportunity to practice and learn in under-served areas across Australia through its Midland and Kalgoorie facilities.

Cost-Effective Option

Curtin University’s medical program is worth the investment. It is ranked 1st in Australia for skills development, and 1st in Western Australia for full-time employment, learning resources and student support, learner engagement, teaching quality, and student support according to Good Universities Guide 2025.

University of Western Sydney

Tuition and Fees

Bachelor of Clinical Science (Medicine)/Doctor of Medicine (MD): $12, 200 CAD per year.

Program Pathways

​​Their Bachelor of Clinical Science (Medicine)/Doctor of Medicine (MD) joint degree offers students internship opportunities in New Zealand and Australia. ​​​​The program is multidisciplinary and includes experiential learning from elders through its Aboriginal Health Services placement.​ ​​

Aboriginal Health Services Placement​​​

This unique feature of the program allows students to immerse themselves in a rural and remote setting for 4-5 weeks, growing their skills and experience within an Aboriginal community. Some students may even work in this area for up to a year.

Living Costs in Perth

Costs include $1,500 - $2,500 CAD for student accommodation, $222 - $1,500 CAD for transit, and $276 CAD per month for utilities. For a more comprehensive cost of living overview based on your lifestyle, use Study Perth’s Cost of Living Calculator.

University of Sydney

Tuition and Fees

​​​​ ​​Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Medicine (Joint Degree)​: $​​​​55,000 CAD - $89,000 CAD

​​​​ ​​Doctor of Medicine​: $89,000 CAD

Program Highlights

The University of Sydney's medical degrees are known for their early clinical exposure, small group theoretical learning, and international student opportunities for rotations in your home country. It's also ranked 27th globally for Medicine, according to QS World University Rankings 2025.

Balancing Cost and Prestige

This medical program has a long-standing reputation for excellence in research and training, with students gaining access to globally recognized researchers, institutions, and networks.

Australian National University (ANU)

Tuition and Fees

Doctor of Medicine and Surgery: ​ ​$91,800 CAD per year (4-year program)

Graduate Entry Focus

Offering a sole graduate entry, this degree spans theoretical knowledge for medical sciences, clinical skills, and population health. With a strong focus on research, it is ideal for students interested in making a positive impact in medical advancements.

Why It’s Still Popular Despite Higher Fees

This degree brings exceptional value, ranking at #1 in Australia for graduate employability, according to Times Higher Education. It’s also known for its strong simulation environments to help build student experience.

University of Adelaide

Tuition and Fees

​​ ​​Bachelor of Medicine and Doctor of Medicine​: ​​$91,000 CAD​ per year​

Research Excellence

Students benefit from the University of Adelaide’s long-standing 135-year reputation in research through skill development, culminating in a final project in their last year. Students can also access exceptional facilities including advanced health simulation technology.​ ​

Deakin University

Tuition and Fees

​​ ​​Doctor of Medicine:​ ​​$82,000 CAD​ annually​

Graduate Entry Pathway

Deakin University offers a graduate entry for their 4-year medical program, with locations varying between its Waurn Ponds Geelong Campus and Warrnambool Campus, or East Grampians Health Service Ararat for its Rural Training Stream students. The program is known for its strong regional and rural healthcare focus.

On top of applying to an affordable medical school in Australia, you can reduce costs as an international student by applying for funding and scholarships.

Scholarships for International Students and Canadians

Some programs at medical universities in Australia offer scholarships to international students based on their research. For example, at The Australian National University, eligible students may apply for:

• James Rice Postgraduate Award -34,000 AUD 
  Supports high-achieving international postgraduate students in medicine and health sciences. 
  

• Pac-EVIPP+ MAE Fellowship - 45,000 AUD 
  For postgraduate students undergoing advanced training in applied epidemiology and medical research. 
  

• John Curtin School of Medical Research PhD Scholarship - 34,000 AUD 
  Awarded to doctoral students pursuing high-impact medical science research. 
  

• Fenner Merit Scholarship in Medical Sciences -10,000 AUD 
  Recognizes excellence among doctoral students in the medical sciences. 
  

• Doherty Scholarship - 34,000 AUD 
  Provides support to PhD candidates researching disease and immunology. 
  

Government and External Scholarships

As a Canadian student studying in Australia, your best bet for government and external funding is to pursue Canadian scholarships like the Pierre Trudeau Foundation Scholarships. You can find the right opportunity by doing research at the EduCanada directory.

Consider Program Duration and Structure

In Australia, medical degrees are offered as both undergraduate-entry (5–6 years) and graduate-entry (4 years) programs. While graduate entry is shorter, it requires you to first complete a bachelor’s degree, which can add significantly to your overall expenses. In comparison, undergraduate entry allows you to begin right after high school, often making it the more affordable plan in terms of tuition and living expenses. When selecting your options, think about time as well as money. A shorter graduate program may save years once you already have a degree, but direct entry can reduce your overall financial investment and help you enter the workforce sooner. Choosing the right pathway depends on your current qualifications, financial situation, and career goals. ​​​​​ H3: Compare Living Costs by Location Tuition is only one part of your budget. The city you select can make a big difference in your total expenses.

• Estimated monthly costs (excluding rent): 1,486 CAD (1,610 AUD) for a single person. 
  

• Living costs in Australia are 7.7% higher than Canada overall, while rent is about 4.1% higher. 
  

Here’s a comparison by city (Cost of Living & Rent Indices):

(Data source: Cost of Living Index and Living Index)

Balance Reputation with Affordability

Affordability is important, but accreditation and global recognition matter just as much. Australian medical programs must be accredited by the Australian Medical Council (AMC), to ensure graduates are eligible for professional registration.

For Canadian students, this means they can consider affordable universities such as Curtinor Tasmaniawith confidence, as they provide accredited training and strong student support. At the same time, universities like Sydney, Monash, and Flinders carry global prestige and offer many research opportunities that may open more competitive career pathways.

Demonstrate strong academic performance

Your grades are the key criteria for a successful application that stands out from the competition. Medical schools in Australia require a minimum of an 85% average. Include past scholarships you received for previous degrees or schooling to demonstrate your aptitude.

Write a Strong Personal Statement

Use your personal statement as an opportunity to showcase who you are, why attending medical school is important to you, and the impact you want to have in the field and with patients. Leverage past experiences and use evidence to explain and substantiate your points.

Seek Expert Support

You don’t have to complete your scholarship or program application on your own. There are free resources available that can provide expertise and guidance for crafting a compelling and competitive application.

IDP Education is co-owned by Australian universities, so you can ensure your best interests are always kept in mind. Chosen by over ​500,000​ students​ studying abroad​, our counsellors offer free information and tips for all aspects of your study abroad journey. Interested in learning more? Book a free call.

Can I work while studying medicine in Australia?

Yes, as an international student on the Subclass 500 Student visa, you’re allowed to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during the semester. During university breaks or holidays, you can work unlimited hours.

Are scholarships available for international medical students?

Yes, many Australian universities offer merit-based, research-specific, or course-aligned scholarships for international medical students. You can learn more by visiting our scholarships page.

Do affordable universities still offer quality education?

Yes. Many affordable medical universities in Australia, such as Curtin and Flinders, are ranked highly for student support and quality of the education, showing that lower tuition fees don’t mean sacrificing on quality. H3: How long does it take to complete a medical degree in Australia? This depends on the entry pathway:

• Graduate-entry route: typically 4 years

• Undergraduate-entry route: typically 5 to 6 years

Can I stay in Australia after graduation to practice medicine?

Yes, with conditions. This is not guaranteed for all international graduates because you must meet registration and immigration requirements to practice.