collageEntry Criteria
Applications to GEM courses are assessed against some or all of three criteria:
- Previous tertiary academic achievements;
- Aptitude test scores;
- Interview
Not all Australian and New Zealand medical schools use all three criteria to determine places; some base their assessments on two.
To be eligible to apply, you must achieve a minimum GPA and a minimum aptitude test score (GAMSAT or MCAT) where required. If your GPA or aptitude test score is below the minimum set by the school, your application will not be accepted for assessment.
You can apply for admission during your final year of undergraduate or postgraduate study or having already completed a university qualification. Your key degree must generally have been completed within the last 10 years in order to be eligible.
What academic background do the universities look for?
Some medical schools have subject pre-requisites (typically in anatomy, physiology and biochemistry) for entry to Doctor of Medicine, including the University of Melbourne and Monash University. Others do not set pre-requisites and consider applicants with a first degree in any academic discipline. These include the University of Sydney and Deakin University.
Which aptitude test should I take?
GAMSAT or MCAT. The Graduate Medical School Admissions Test (GAMSAT) is run by the Australian Council for Education Research (ACER) and is used for applications to graduate entry programmes in Australia, the UK and Ireland. It is available to sit twice a year, in March and September. The test must be taken in person at a test centre; it is not available online. Registrations typically close at the start of the month preceding the test (for example, at the beginning of February for the test held in the UK in March).
What is the structure and content of GAMSAT?
GAMSAT evaluates the extent of abilities and skills gained from prior experience and learning, including use of concepts in basic science as well as more general skills in problem solving, critical thinking and writing. It is divided into three sections (Reasoning in Humanities and Social Sciences; Written Communication; and Reasoning in Biological and Physical Sciences). You will need an overall score of at least 50, with a minimum score of 50 in each section to be eligible to apply for a Doctor of Medicine programme.
When and where are interviews held?
This varies. Some universities hold their interviews in the UK in person, usually at Study Options’ offices. Others will require you to travel to undertake an MMI format interview, held in Asia, Canada or Australia. And others will conduct interviews via Skype or phone. Study Options can advise on interview requirements for individual medical schools.
Graduate Entry Medicine: Key facts
When do courses start? One intake each year, in Semester 1 (February). Students are required to be on campus early to mid-February in order to attend international student orientation and enrolment. Teaching usually commences on the first Monday of March.
When should I apply? Applications open at the start of April the year before the intake. Students should have their GAMSAT results ready to include OR be waiting for results to be announced when they apply.
How much does it cost? International tuition fees range from A$70,000 to A$90,000 per year.
Funding options: Not available for international students.
Graduate entry medicine programmes are favoured over school-leaving courses by many of Australia’s top universities, and there are a number of programmes available to international applicants. An international applicant is anyone who does not hold citizenship or permanent residency of Australia or New Zealand.
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