Are you thinking about studying medicine abroad? With excellent career opportunities and favorable working conditions post-graduation, pursuing a medical degree in Australia is a popular choice for international students.

Discover the outstanding medical programs offered by Australian universities, renowned for their exceptional professors, and the benefits of studying medicine in Australia.

Course overview

Health and Medicine is a thriving field in Australia with some of the best institutions in the world offering quality education across the spectrum of disciplines. The programs offered in Australia help prepare students for health and medical careers from both the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. The fields include medicine, sport science, pharmacy, nutrition, radiography and physiotherapy. Postgraduate opportunities in Australia allow students to pursue specializations that include public health, laboratory medicine, dietetics and sport management.

Many international students choose to pursue their medical and health education in Australia due to the quality of training, research and coursework in the institutions. All universities in Australia that offer undergraduate (MBBS) and post-graduate courses in medicine (MD) are accredited by the Australian Medical Council, ensuring the qualification is recognized. Many universities also include internships and clinical placements as part of the curriculum, allowing students a holistic understanding and hands-on experience.

Why study health and medicine in Australia?

● Universities in Australia offering health and medical courses have a rigorous curriculum to ensure graduates are employment ready. Every medical college in Australia that offers graduate and post-graduate courses are accredited by the Australian Medical Council.

● Australian universities offer a wide range of courses that include medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, clinical psychology, nutrition and physiotherapy in both the undergraduate and postgraduate level.

● Students studying health and medicine have the opportunity to gain industry insight during their program through internships, hospital and clinical attachments.

● Among the countries with the most pioneering medical research, Australia has proudly contributed to many medical discoveries and breakthroughs such as the bionic ear, greyscale ultrasound imaging, spray-on skin and the cervical cancer vaccine.

● Excellent employment opportunities await students back home and within Australia itself.

Key facts about studying health and medicine in Australia

● Australia is home to 7 of the top 100 universities in the world (QS Top Universities 2020) such as The University of Melbourne and Monash University, all of which offer programs in medicine.

● You can stay and work in Australia between 2 and 4 years after you graduate with a degree from an Australian university with the Post-Study Work Stream Temporary Graduate visa.

● Australia is a safe and peaceful country, ranking 13 out of 163 countries in the 2019 Global Peace Index

Choosing your health and medicine university

Here are some key things to look out for in choosing your health and medicine university in Australia:

● Academic Excellence – Research on reviews and teaching professors can give a good insight into the course curriculum in addition to course descriptions. Understand if any internships, hospital or clinical attachments are available to ensure a more holistic and practical education.

● Location – Whether it’s the urban cosmopolitanism of Sydney and Melbourne or the more laid-back vibe of Brisbane you prefer, look for a university situated in a region that offers you the best mix of lifestyle and standard of living.

● Cost – Tuition fees will vary greatly depending on the type of course chosen the kind of financial assistance and scholarships available to you may differ substantially as well. Look for a university that offers scholarships and determine if you are eligible, some scholarships are only awarded to students in certain countries, regions and situations.

● International Student Support – Find a university that offers well-planned support for international students, as they can advise on essentials such as accommodation, student welfare, and post-graduate employment opportunities.

Admission requirements for Australian universities

Entry into an Australian university typically requires a bachelor's degree from a recognized university or an equivalent diploma or certificate depending on the course applied for.

For undergraduates seeking to enter medical school in Australia, it is a necessary requirement to pass the Undergraduate Medicine and Health Sciences Admission Test (UMAT) in order to qualify.

Non-native speakers will also require an overall IELTS (Academic) band score of 7.0, with no individual sub-score less than 7.0 as evidence of English language proficiency.

Those looking for postgraduate programs may need to meet additional entry requirements, such as prior knowledge in certain subjects, work experience, and the successful completion of an audition, portfolio, interview or test. The Graduate Australian Medical School Admissions Test (GAMSAT) is the test required as part of the postgraduate application for a Doctorate in Medicine (MD).

Studying Medicine in Australia: Fees & Costs

The average tuition fees for Australian medical schools and colleges range from AU$225,200 to AU$ 630,000 for international students. Undergraduate medical courses usually last for 6 years, while graduate medical courses are 4-year long in Australia.

There are also financial incentives provided by the Australian government if you choose to practice medicine in Australia after you complete your medical studies. One of them is Workforce Incentive Program Doctor Stream, which encourages doctors and physicians to practice in rural areas. Eligible doctors might receive varying financial incentives based on the location and number of years practising medicine there.

Career Prospects

Medical professionals, like general practitioners and psychiatrists, have been in high demand in Australia for years and they still are.

After finishing the course and obtaining a degree in medicine, you can start your career as a general practitioner in Australia. But there are also other career choices for you, such as specialized doctors, researchers, lecturers, and scientific journalists. Some of them include:

  • General Practitioner: Average annual salary: AU$297,184

Specialized Medical Professionals

  • Anesthetist: Average annual salary: AU$477,942

  • Cardiologist: Average annual salary: AU$471,619

  • Radiologist: Average annual salary: AU$515,606

  • Neurologist: Average annual salary: AU$353,405

  • Psychiatrist: Average annual salary: AU$300,758

  • Surgeon: Average annual salary: AU$458,698

  • Professor of Medicine: Average annual salary: AU$150,877

At IDP, we help students by providing free expert advice on studying abroad. If you would like to pursue studying in Australia, fill out the form and book a free appointment with our expert Education Counselors today.