Applying to Study Undergraduate Medicine in Australia (for International Students)
by Khairillah Irwan
Australia has been an extremely popular destination for international students for their tertiary education in the medical field, due to the high-quality facilities and training provided by its various universities.
In addition, many Australian medical courses are well-recognized. In 2020, seven Australian universities have ranked within the Top 100 in the QS World University Rankings. Coupled with an excellent living environment and cultural diversity, Australia is definitely an attractive place to pursue your study at.
· Schools
Out of all the universities, those who are currently recognized by the Singapore Medical Council and have direct-entry undergraduate medicine courses include:
1. The University of Adelaide
2. Monash University
3. Monash University
4. University of New South Wales
5. The University of Queensland *
6. The University of Sydney *
7. The University of Western Australia *
* These universities offer “train” programmes in which students study an undergraduate degree, and then move on to a graduate degree in medicine.
· Application Details
As an international student, you can apply directly to these schools, through the online portal found on the individual school websites. Alternatively, you can apply through authorized agents in your home country.
Take note of the application deadline of each school and allocate sufficient time to prepare your documents.
Also, these schools will require you sit for a test, and your scores will be considered for entry.
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Schools
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Application Deadline
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Test Required
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Remarks
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The University of Adelaide
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By 30 June 2020
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UCAT ANZ
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Monash University
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Application deadline depends on the region the applicant resides in, as their region determines the time period of their interview. Applicants are advised to check https://www.monash.edu/medicine/som/direct-entry/important-dates/important-dates-international
as dates will continue to be updated in lieu of the COVID-19 situation. As of now, the deadlines are:
Asia – 22 June 2020
Canada and North America – 17 July 2020
Australia – 23 August 2020
Asia (later round) – 30 October 2020
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ISAT
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Students must achieve an overall 170 or above in the ISAT, with a minimum of 165 in both Critical Thinking and Quantitative Reasoning
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University of New South Wales
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Rolling, but by 30 November 2020
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ISAT
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A minimum score of 150 in the ISAT is required for consideration.
The application includes questions on why you want to study medicine at UNSW, your relevant personal qualities and skills, your non-academic interests and activities and a brief description of your life experience.
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The University of Queensland
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Application for provisional entry (for school leavers to enter an undergraduate course at UQ, followed by a Doctor in Medicine) can be submitted by the following dates for the respective interview seasons:
By 15 June 2020 for 15, 16 and 17 July 2020 Interview
By 3 August 2020 for 1 September 2020 Interview
By 7 September 2020 for 2 October 2020 Interview
By 19 October 2020 for 17 November 2020 Interview
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ISAT
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The University of Sydney
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By 31 October 2020
Applicant should also fulfill requirements for the Bachelor of Arts / Bachelor of Science course that they wish to take up.
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The University of Western Australia
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By 31 May 2020
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ISAT
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Applicants must meet or exceed the 25th percentile in each section of the ISAT to be considered
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· Interview Details
The interview component of your application process is a huge factor in determining your suitability to be a medical student. It is important that you go to the individual school websites to find out how each school conducts its interview in detail, as well as the qualities each school is looking for.
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Schools
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When:
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Interview format:
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Interview format:
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The University of Adelaide
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Late September 2020 – Early October 2020
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üAdelaide, Australia – Face-to-face
üToronto, Canada – Video conferencing
üSingapore – Video conferencing
Skype, telephone, MSN and Yahoo chat requests will not be accepted.
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A series of scenarios and associated questions focusing on personal qualities will be given.
20 minutes in length
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Monash University
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Visit https://www.monash.edu/medicine/som/direct-entry/important-dates/importa...
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Due to the COVID-19 crisis, overseas interviews are most likely to be conducted online pending further changes to the situation.
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Semi-structured
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Monash University
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Visit here
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Only face-to-face interviews at the various locations.
Skype or online interviews are not conducted.
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MMI Structure
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University of New South Wales
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April – the commencement of Term 1 in the next year
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Skype, telephone or face-to-face available
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Semi-structured
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The University of Queensland
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15, 16 and 17 July 2020
OR
1 September 2020
OR
2 October 2020
OR
17 November 2020
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Either face-to-face or through videoconferencing
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MMI Structure
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The University of Sydney
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19 December 2020 (projected)
OR
21 January 2020
(projected)
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Compulsory online assessment will involve a written component and a panel discussion
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The University of Western Australia
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By 15 July 2020
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Applicants are responsible to book a test online themselves. Go to https://takecasper.com/about-casper/ if you are invited to interview.
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Online assessment-based interviews on platforms such as CASPER have replaced in person interviews. The test will include scenario-based questions about ethical dilemmas and situational judgement
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Applying to a foreign university may seem confusing, but it will be much easier if you have a good understanding of the requirements. Therefore, do your research and you will prepare yourself to succeed!
