The art of medicine consists of amusing the patient while nature cures the disease.
Voltaire
That Fench writer's wry statement isn't likely to ease any prospective medical student's nerves, especially not about getting into med school. Entry into Australia's medical studies programs is notoriously competitive. Statistics show that roughly 1/3 of all Australian medical school applicants make the cut.
Thus, logic dictates that anyone considering entering medical school should aim for the campus(es) with the lowest admission bars. However, that distinction isn't clear: do we mean the lowest acceptable gradepoint average (GPA)? Or the lowest Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR)?
In this article, Superprof details medical schools with the lowest admissions criteria across the country. For each campus, we list application requirements, as well as tuition fees and other mandates. This chart provides an overview of the information detailed below.
| School name | GAMSAT/UCAT? | Minimum GPA | Average #students accepted | Financial aid Y/N |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Sydney School of Medicine | UCAT (99.95 ATAR) GAMSAT | 5.0 | 300 | Y |
| Griffith University School of Medicine | UCAT (99.85 ATAR) GAMSAT | 5.0 | 313 | Y |
| University of Queensland Medical School | UCAT (95 ATAR) GAMSAT | 5.0 | 455 | Y |
| Deakin University School of Medicine | UCAT (92 ATAR) GAMSAT | 5.0 | 136 | Y |
| University of Adelaide Medical School | UCAT (90 ATAR) | 5.0 | 164 | Y |
| Macquarie University | UCAT (85 ATAR) GAMSAT | 5.0 | 255 60 | Y |
| Melbourne Medical School | GAMSAT | 5.0 | 352 | Y |
| University of Notre Dame Australia Schools of Medicine | GAMSAT | 5.2 | 110 | Y |
University of Adelaide Medical School
You'll note, in our table, that some schools list two entry requirements. The Graduate Medical School Admissions Test, GAMSAT, applies to graduate-level applicants. The University Clinical Aptitude Test, UCAT, is for undergraduate candidates who wish to study medicine.
Schools that seek both offer two medical study paths. Should you wish to begin your medical studies at the undergraduate level, you will not have to provide a GAMSAT score. Conversely, if you aspire to graduate-level medical courses, you will not have to provide a UCAT result, or an ATAR.
Of the eight easiest medical schools to get into, only this one does not offer graduate entry into medicine. The University of Adelaide medical program only considers undergraduate candidates. Of course, applicants must meet the school's minimum requirements.
Ranking 162 globally, 7th in Australia
Admission requirements: UCAT+90 ATAR,
SACE stage 2 (biology, plus chemistry OR maths)
💵 Yearly tuition fees: Commonwealth-supported place (CSP): $13,240
🌐 Website: health.adelaide.edu.au/medicine/
🎓 Program duration: 6 years, full-time; Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS)
📍 Course Location: North Terrace Campus
Applying to the University of Adelaide Medical Program
As long as you meet the medical faculty's requirements for entry, the application process is like every other university application. You must make sure you have all the relevant documentation, and fill out the school's forms completely.
You will sit mini-interviews, as the school uses these to refine their selection processes. Once you're in, though, get set for some of the best doctor training in Australia.
University of Sydney School of Medicine
This medical school ranks among the most prestigious, and the most competitive to get into. However, it offers undergraduate applicants a seven-year, double-degree pathway, complete with clinical training. For its reputation and its ease of access, it's no wonder so many candidates want to study medicine here.
Ranking: 31 globally; #1 in Australia
Admission requirements UCAT+99.95 ATAR;
maths, chemistry, and biology
💵 Yearly tuition fees: $10 000 to $12 720/year
🌐 Website: www.sydney.edu.au/medicine-health/schools/sydney-medical-school.html
📌 Notes: CSPs are available, but not guaranteed.
Applying to University of Sydney
You must apply during your last year of high school. Should you not receive your final results in time for the next available intake, you must wait until the next available one. Deferrals are only possible for candidates fulfilling mandatory obligations, such as national service.
Griffith University School of Medicine
At Griffith, you may enrol in an undergraduate program related to medicine, but actual medical studies begin at the higher level. However, this school adds a feature that makes it one of the best places to earn your medical degree.
Professional placements are hard to come by in competitive industries like medicine. Griffith's work-integrated learning system puts you into the treatment environment, even as you learn.
So, not only can you count on this uni to feature on the easiest med school to get into Australia list, it's also the easiest one to get out of.
Ranking: 359 globally, #12 in Australia
Admission requirements UCAT+99.85 ATAR,
or GAMSAT, min 50 in each section
💵 Yearly tuition fees: $8 500 - $12 500/year, depending on the program
🌐 Website: www.griffith.edu.au/study/health/medicine?location=dom
📍 Course Location: location depends on your course.
Applying at Griffith University
As with any other study program, you must make sure your qualifications meet or exceed the acceptance criteria. Once certain of that, submit your application through the University Admissions Centre (UAC) or Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC).
University of Queensland Medical School
Some applicants consider this university the easiest med school to get into Australia because it offers nine pathways to study. Applicants in their last year of high school may apply directly, provided they meet the school's criteria.
Students from rural areas, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders merit extra consideration. And graduate applicants have five ways to access this medical faculty.
Ranking: 63rd globally; #3 in Australia
Admission requirements: UCAT+95 ATAR;
English, Maths and a science
💵 Yearly tuition fees: (2024) indicative fee: $9 303
🌐 Website: medical-school.uq.edu.au
📌 Notes:: Guaranteed pathway with timely course completion and a 5.0 GPA
Applying to Queensland Medical School
This university admits the most applicants each year. Each candidate's GPA counts for half of their admission weight. The other half comes from their interview processes.
Deakin University School of Medicine
Deakin counts among the easiest med schools to get into Australia, because of its relatively low ATAR requirement. Of course, that only matters if you're entering its undergraduate medical program. GAMSAT requirements are more in-line with other top schools where you can earn doctor credentials in Australia.
Your first few years at Deakin will revolve around medicine-related studies. Actual medical training begins at the graduate level. These are the details you need to ensure your successful application.
Ranking: 369 globally; #14 in Australia
Admission requirements: undergraduate: UCAT/92 ATAR;
graduate: min. 50 GAMSAT/GPA
💵 Yearly tuition fees: vary on a case-by-case basis
🌐 Website: www.deakin.edu.au/study/find-a-course/medicine
📍 Course Location: Warrun Ponds campus, Geelong, Victoria
Applying to Deakin University School of Medicine
As an undergraduate, you have a lot of help going through the application process. Deakin student support staff are on standby, and you can call on your university adviser for help through the graduate application process.
Macquarie University
If you're looking for a school with the lowest ATAR for medicine in australia, you've found it. Macquarie's Bachelor of Medical Science course requires 85 ATAR.
Access to this three-year course is a bit easier than at other schools, because Macquarie doesn't dwell on specific admissions quotas. You'll then enrol in graduate medical studies to meet all the years of training to become a doctor.
Ranking: 410 globally, #17 in Australia
Admission requirements UCAT+85 min. ATAR;
HSC Mathematics Advanced and Chemistry recommended
💵 Yearly tuition fees: CSP, based on individual criteria
🌐 Website: www.mq.edu.au/study/find-a-course/courses/bachelor-of-medical-sciences#overview
📌Notes: Government tuition assistance available for qualified students
Applying to Macquarie Medical School
Unlike other schools on this list, inherent requirements weigh admissions decisions in your favour. When applying, be sure to describe how your academic and personal bona fides match the course's inherent requirements. Note that this school will make reasonable adjustments for extraordinary conditions.
Melbourne Medical School
This school is easy to get into because it boasts so many places. On our list, only Queensland medical school admits more students each entry cycle. And, Melbourne Medical, like Macquarie, doesn't focus on filling quotas. Its 100+ full-fee places go to the best-qualified candidates, be they domestic or international.
Finally, Melbourne Medical School boasts one of the country's highest graduate job placement rates. Finding good jobs in medicine can be a challenge in Australia. Schools that help their students find work once the learning is done automatically have more cachet.
Ranking: 18 globally, #1 in Australia
Admission requirements: min. 50 in each GAMSAT component;
undergraduate AND graduate degrees less than 10 years old;
multi-mini interviews
💵 Yearly tuition fees: $417 616/whole course (full-fee students) CSP places based on individual criteria
🌐 Website: study.unimelb.edu.au/find/courses/undergraduate/bachelor-of-biomedicine/
📌Notes: Melbourne University undergraduates should apply through the Guaranteed Entry portal.
Applying to Melbourne Medical School
This school consistently ranks at the top of global and national charts for quality education, in medicine and other fields. Work with your school adviser to ensure your application is as competitive as possible.
University of Notre Dame Australia Schools of Medicine
Notre Dame Australia offers medical school candidates two campuses: Freemantle and in Sydney. The Sydney campus is a bit more generous with its acceptance rate. However, both schools deliver the same quality education. Also, they list the same requirements for consideration.
Freemantle MD program
- GPA 5.2
- GAMSAT: 52, minimum 50 in each section
- Undergrad placement ATAR: 92
- Casper Score: required
- Acceptance rate: 120 candidates
Sydney MD program
- GPA 5.2
- GAMSAT: 52, minimum 50 in each section
- Undergrad placement ATAR: 92
- Casper Score: required
- Acceptance rate: 120 candidates
Ranking: 1477 globally, #46 in Australia
Admission requirements: beyond those listed above: mulitple-mini interviews
💵 Yearly tuition fees: CSP, individual considerations apply
🌐 Website: www.notredame.edu.au/about-us/faculties-and-schools/school-of-medicine/
📌 Notes: no campus transfers allowed; you must study on the campus you applied at.
Applying to Notre Dame Australia Schools of Medicine
Notre Dame Australia medical schools place high emphasis on personal and inherent requirements. It's this insistence on - and development of quality that allows doctors to command the salaries they do.,
Note that these schools are the most competitive of all the ones this article features. The minimum requirements typically won't be enough to get your foot in the door. Notre Dame advises that the lowest GPA and GAMSAT scores for consideration in 2024 were 6.58 and 64.65, respectively.
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