Study Medicine in Australia: A Guide for Singaporean Students

The Singapore Medical Council (SMC) maintains a list of approved Australian medical schools whose degrees are recognized for medical practice in Singapore. If you intend to study medicine in Australia and to continue practicing medicine in Singapore thereafter, it will be beneficial to select a university from this list.

As of 2025, the SMC-approved Australian universities include:

As SMC updates this list periodically, students should check the official SMC website or consult IDP Singapore for guidance.

There are three primary pathways to studying medicine in Australia:

1. Undergraduate Direct Entry

2. Foundation Year Pathway

3. Graduate Entry Pathway (3+4 years)

You may refer to the graphic below. We will be covering each pathway in detail.

1. Undergraduate Direct Entry

This pathway is designed for students completing high school, such as Singapore-Cambridge A Levels, IB Diploma, UK A Levels, or Year 12 equivalents.

International students who narrowly miss the direct entry requirements may attempt the SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test), which some universities, such as Monash University or UNSW Sydney, accept as an alternative pathway.

This pathway allows international students apply directly to an undergraduate medical program, which typically lasts 5–6 years. Entry is highly competitive and requires:

• Strong academic results

• High scores in standardized admissions tests

• Successful completion of interviews

All Australian universities publish cut-off scores based on academic performance. Note that most medical schools also cap the number of international students due to limited spots.

Combined Bachelor + Doctor of Medicine (Assured or Provisional Entry Pathway)

Some universities offer an Assured or Provisional Entry Pathway, where students can secure a place in both a Bachelor’s degree and the Doctor of Medicine (MD) at the time of admission. This pathway functions similarly to the graduate entry route (3+4 years), but your place in the MD program is guaranteed based on your high school performance—provided you maintain satisfactory academic results during your bachelor’s studies.

Example:

The University of Western Australia (UWA) offers an Assured Pathway Entry to Medicine for international students.

International school leavers can apply for UWA’s Bachelor of Biomedicine (Specialised), selecting the Integrated Medical Sciences and Clinical Practices major.

International students who meet the GPA requirements for the undergraduate program can then progress directly into the Doctor of Medicine (MD).

The Integrated Medical Sciences and Clinical Practices major provides one year of credit towards the MD, allowing students to complete both degrees in six years of full-time study instead of the usual seven.

Key takeaway:

Undergraduate direct entry is the quickest and most straightforward route to studying medicine in Australia. However, if you do not meet the cut-off scores, you may consider other pathways.

2. Foundation Year Pathway

The Foundation Year Pathway is ideal for:

• Year 12 students who do not meet direct entry requirements

• Polytechnic diploma holders not considering the graduate pathway

• GCE O-Level, IGCSE, or Year 10 students

Program overview:

Foundation programs typically last 8–12 months and are offered by partner institutions affiliated with Australian universities. These programs equip students with the academic skills and prerequisites needed to progress into a medical degree.

Benefits:

• Structured preparation for medical studies

• Tailored coursework in sciences, mathematics, and academic English

• Some programs offer guaranteed progression into a medical degree, subject to meeting academic and assessment criteria

Cons:

• Progression is not always guaranteed and depends on competitive performance

• Additional time and cost compared to direct entry

Examples of Foundation Programs:

• Monash College (1+5 Program): A one-year foundation leading to Monash University’s undergraduate medical program

• UNSW Global (Standard Foundation): A one-year foundation program for international students, providing a pathway into UNSW’s 6-year undergraduate medical program.

Tip:

International students progressing from a foundation program need excellent grades, strong ISAT/UCAT ANZ scores, and a successful interview to secure a place in medical school.

3. Graduate Entry Pathway (3+4 years)

The graduate entry pathway is for students who have already completed a bachelor’s degree.

It is also a popular option for polytechnic diploma holders who plan to first pursue an undergraduate degree before progressing to medicine.

How it works:

Polytechnic diploma holders can enroll in a bachelor’s degree in a related discipline, such as Health Sciences, Biomedical Science, or Life Sciences.

After completing the degree (usually 3 years, or 2 years for students with a diploma in Science or Biomedical fields who may be eligible for credit exemptions), international students can then apply for a four-year Doctor of Medicine (MD) program at an Australian university.

In total, this pathway takes about 7 years (3+4) of study.

Pros:

• Provides flexibility and more entry options after your first degree.

• Allows diploma holders to strengthen their academic profile through a strong bachelor’s GPA.

• Admissions tests like GAMSAT or MCAT are content-based and can be studied for with preparation.

• You’ll graduate with two qualifications — a bachelor’s and a Doctor of Medicine — which adds long-term value.

Cons:

• Longer total duration compared to direct entry (7 years vs. 5–6 years)

• Requires consistent academic performance across both degrees.

Singapore-Cambridge A Level and IB Diploma graduates can apply for undergraduate entry (Direct Entry) to Medicine programs in Australia. You’ll need to meet specific academic requirements, sit for an admissions test (such as the UCAT ANZ or ISAT), and complete a Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) if shortlisted.

Direct Entry (Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine)

This pathway is for students applying straight after high school.

Academic Qualifications:

• Completion of Year 12 or equivalent (e.g,. Singapore-Cambridge GCE A Levels, International Baccalaureate (IB), UK A Levels, or SAT). A polytechnic diploma can be considered for some universities. Most Australian universities also accept other national exams — interested applicants can consult IDP Singapore for more details.

• Must meet the minimum GPA or ATAR-equivalent score as set by each university.

• Strong academic results (Some universities require Chemistry).

English Proficiency Requirements:

• Most universities accept IELTS, TOEFL, Pearson PTE, or Cambridge English as proof of English proficiency.

• Some institutions may also accept prior study in English, such as completing your secondary education in Singapore. For Singapore GCE A-Level students, a minimum ‘B’ grade in General Paper (GP) is typically required for Medicine applicants. Knowledge & Inquiry (KI) may also be considered by certain universities.

Admissions Tests and Interviews:

• UCAT ANZ (Undergraduate Clinical Aptitude Test for Australia and New Zealand) or ISAT (International Student Admissions Test). For the University of Newcastle, applicants are instead required to complete the PQA (Personal Qualities Assessment).

• Multiple Mini Interviews (MMI) to assess communication skills, empathy, and problem-solving.

Graduate Entry (Doctor of Medicine)

This pathway is designed for students who already hold an undergraduate degree.

Academic Qualifications:

• A completed bachelor’s degree with a strong GPA. Most universities prefer a relevant discipline, such as Biomedical Science, Health Sciences, or Life Sciences.

English Proficiency Requirements:

• Most universities recognise IELTS, TOEFL, Pearson PTE, or Cambridge English results.

• In some cases, the requirement may be waived if your undergraduate degree was taught in English.

Admissions Tests and Interviews:

• GAMSAT (Graduate Medical School Admissions Test) or MCAT (Medical College Admission Test).

• Interview (often MMI format) to evaluate your motivation, communication, and ethical reasoning.

Getting into a medical school in Australia is highly competitive. Besides strong academic results, most universities also require international students to complete admissions tests and interviews to assess their aptitude, reasoning, and personal qualities essential for becoming a doctor.

Here’s what Singaporean students need to know about the main tests and interview formats used by Australian universities.

1. Undergraduate Admissions Tests

Singaporean students planning to apply to medicine programs in Australia should check which test (UCAT ANZ or ISAT) their target universities require — as some accept only one of the two.

UCAT ANZ (University Clinical Aptitude Test for Australia and New Zealand)

The UCAT ANZ is the most widely used admissions test for undergraduate medicine programs in Australia.

What UCAT ANZ assesses:

• Verbal reasoning

• Decision making

• Quantitative reasoning

• Situational judgement

This test is designed to assess your critical thinking and problem-solving skills, rather than your science knowledge.

When to take UCAT ANZ:

• Usually held between July and August each year, before university applications open.

Which universities accept UCAT ANZ?

• University of Newcastle

• The University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney)

• The University of Queensland

ISAT (International Student Admissions Test)

Some universities use the ISAT for international applicants who do not take the UCAT ANZ.

What ISAT assesses:

• Critical reasoning

• Quantitative reasoning

When to take ISAT:

• Four testing cycles per year, which run from January to November 2025

Which universities accept ISAT?

• Monash University

• The University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney)

• The University of Western Australia (UWA)

UCAT ANZ vs ISAT: What’s the Difference?

2. Graduate Admissions Tests

GAMSAT (Graduate Medical School Admissions Test)

GAMSAT is required for students applying to graduate-entry Doctor of Medicine (MD) programs. It is more content-heavy than UCAT, requiring strong foundations in biology, chemistry, and physics.

What GAMSAT assesses:

• Reasoning in humanities and social sciences

• Written communication

• Biological and physical sciences knowledge

When to take GAMSAT:

• Offered twice a year (in March and September).

Which universities accept GAMSAT?

• Australian National University

• The University of Melbourne

• The University of Queensland

• The University of Sydney

• The University of Western Australia (UWA)

MCAT (Medical College Admission Test)

A few Australian universities also accept the MCAT as an alternative to GAMSAT. If you’re also considering medical schools in the US or Canada, taking the MCAT may be a more versatile choice.

What MCAT assesses:

• Biological and biochemical foundations of living systems

• Chemical and physical foundations of biological systems

• Psychological, social and biological foundations of behavior

• Critical analysis and reasoning skills

When to take MCAT:

• Offered multiple times from January through September

Which universities accept MCAT?

• The University of Melbourne

• The University of Queensland

• The University of Sydney

• The University of Western Australia (UWA)

GAMSAT vs MCAT: What’s the Difference?

3. Interviews for Medicine in Australia

After academic and test-based shortlisting, most Australian medical schools invite students for an interview to assess personal attributes and communication skills.

Multiple Mini Interviews (MMI)

The most common interview format used by Australian medical schools.

What to expect:

• Consists of several short “stations” (usually 6–10), each testing different skills or scenarios.

• Topics may include:

  • Empathy and communication skills

  • Ethical reasoning and integrity

  • Problem-solving under pressure

  • Motivation to study medicine

Interviewers may include faculty members, healthcare professionals, or trained assessors.

MMIs test how you think and respond, not just what you know. Practice with timed mock interviews and reflect on real-life experiences that show empathy and professionalism.

Panel Interview (less common)

A traditional interview format with two or three interviewers asking questions about your motivation, understanding of the medical profession, and relevant experiences.

What to expect:

• Questions about your academic background, motivation, and understanding of the medical profession.

• Usually shorter and more conversational than MMIs.

Tip for Students:

Preparation is key — practice responding to scenario-based and ethical questions, stay updated on healthcare topics, and be ready to explain why you want to study medicine and what makes you a suitable candidate.

Usually, the Australian academic intake has 2 main periods, in February/March and July/August. However, for most Australian universities, Medicine, Dentistry, and other Professional Health Science courses only offer one intake per year — the Semester 1 (February/March) intake. There are no mid-year intakes for these programs.

For Singaporean males serving National Service, deferment policies vary by university:

• Some universities may allow a full two-year deferment.

• Others may permit only one year or none at all.

It’s important to check each university’s policy before accepting your offer.

If your chosen university does not approve your deferment request, your offer will lapse. You’ll need to reapply the following year and will be reassessed with the new applicant batch.

Medical schools in Australia follow strict application timelines. Depending on your course completion date or ORD (Operationally Ready Date), you must ensure your application aligns with the correct intake period.

If you’re unsure about your timeline, it’s best to speak to an IDP education counsellor. Our team can advise you on:

• The most suitable intake based on your NS schedule

• Application deadlines and test dates

• University-specific deferment policies

Applications for Australian medical programs can usually be submitted either through IDP Education, which partners with many universities, or directly via the university’s international admissions portal.

When applying, you will need to provide:

• passport copy

• your academic transcripts and predicted grades,

• admission test scores (UCAT ANZ/ISAT for undergraduate entry or GAMSAT/MCAT for graduate entry),

• proof of English proficiency, and

• a personal statement if required by the university.

If you meet the minimum GPA and admission test requirements, you will be shortlisted for an interview. This is a key stage of the selection process where universities assess your motivation to study medicine, communication skills, ethical reasoning, and understanding of the healthcare profession.

Once your application and interview performance have been reviewed, you may receive either a conditional or unconditional offer. A conditional offer requires you to meet specific academic or test requirements before the offer is final.

After accepting an offer, you can begin preparing for your student visa application and making arrangements for accommodation.

The cost of studying in Australia and their tuition fees vary depending on the university and program type (undergraduate or graduate entry). Fees are reviewed annually and may differ based on the university, program duration, and location (e.g. Sydney and Melbourne generally cost more than regional cities).

On top of tuition fees, international students should budget for:

• Cost of living expenses: AUD 20,000 – 40,000 per year (accommodation, transport, food, etc.)

• Health insurance: Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is mandatory.

• Other costs: Application fees, textbooks, and clinical placement expenses.

Undergraduate Direct Entry for Medicine Programs

Here are some indicative annual tuition fees for Medicine programs in popular Australian universities.

Graduate Entry for Medicine Programs

Cheapest Medicine programs in Australia

Below is a table of some universities offering Medicine programs at a comparatively lower tuition fee:

Please note that the medicine program listed below are not recognised by Singapore Medical Council (SMC). Graduates from these programs are not eligible for medical registration in Singapore.

Most Australian universities do not offer scholarships specifically for Medicine or Dentistry due to the competitive nature of these programs.

However, Singaporean students who plan to return home to practise may consider applying for the MOHH Pre-Employment Grant.

MOHH Pre-Employment Grant

The MOHH Pre-Employment Grant (PEG) is a discretionary recruitment scheme designed to encourage Singaporean students studying medicine overseas to return and work as House Officers or Medical Officers in Singapore’s public healthcare clusters after graduation.

Singaporean students enrolled in an overseas medical school recognised by the Singapore Medical Council (SMC) can apply for the grant midway through their medical studies.

Grant coverage:

• Covers up to 60% of remaining tuition fees,

• Capped at SGD 50,000 per year,

• With a maximum total of SGD 150,000.

Bond requirements:

• 1-year grant: 3-year service period

• 2- or 3-year grant: 4-year service period

• The housemanship in Singapore counts towards this bond.

For full details, visit the MOHH Pre-Employment Grant page.

Graduating from a medical program in Australia opens up a wide range of career and training opportunities, both within Australia and internationally. Depending on your long-term goals, you can choose to stay and practise in Australia, return home to Singapore, or explore global career pathways.

1. Practising in Australia

After completing your medical degree, you’ll need to complete a one-year internship (PGY1 training) in an accredited Australian hospital. This internship provides supervised clinical experience across different specialties and is required for provisional registration with the Medical Board of Australia.

Upon successful completion of the internship, you can apply for general registration, allowing you to work independently as a doctor in Australia. Many graduates then continue to specialist training programs, such as surgery, general practice, internal medicine, or paediatrics.

2. Returning to Singapore

Singaporean students who graduate from an SMC-recognised medical school can return to Singapore to practise after completing their degree. You’ll need to apply for Provisional Registration with the Singapore Medical Council (SMC) and complete the housemanship in a recognised Singapore hospital before obtaining Full Registration.

Graduates who received the MOHH Pre-Employment Grant (PEG) will also serve their bond period within Singapore’s public healthcare clusters.

3. Practising in Other Countries

Australian medical degrees are well-recognised internationally, giving graduates the flexibility to pursue medical practice or postgraduate training abroad — such as in the UK, US, Canada, or New Zealand. However, each country has its own licensing exams and registration requirements, such as the USMLE (US) or PLAB (UK), which must be completed before practising.

4. Non-Clinical and Research Pathways

Not all medical graduates continue into clinical practice. Some choose to specialise in medical research, public health, or health administration, while others work in fields such as medical education, health policy, or consulting. Australia’s strong medical research environment also provides opportunities for graduates to pursue Master’s or PhD degrees in related disciplines.

Pursuing medicine in Australia can sound daunting. However, with proper planning, guidance and strong academic performance, students can maximize their chances of acceptance.

IDP has helped hundreds of students apply for medicine courses in Australia. We also have additional resources that go into detail on application timelines, cut off scores and different metrices for the various Australian universities. If you’re unsure on how to go about applying or which universities or pathways are open to you or simply looking for more information, we’re here to help you. Every situation is unique, which is why we offer one-to-one student counselling services for students.

For more information about studying Medicine in Australia, fill in the enquiry form below to receive our comprehensive Medicine Guide. An IDP education counsellor will also get in touch to provide personalised advice and support.

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