Can’t wait to save lives and make the world a better place? We’re going to tell you about the eligibility requirements to take up a course in medicine at some of the best universities in Australia. Currently, the healthcare industry is Australia’s biggest employer and even amid the Covid-19 pandemic, this industry is growing rapidly innovative. Let’s get started! 

1. Why are there a very limited number of seats for Medicine? 

The limitation on the number of seats for medicine is pre-set by the medical council. 

• As this is a professional program, there is a need to ensure that only the most eligible students are admitted to the programme. 
• Oftentimes, universities partner with healthcare institutions for clinical placement. As a result of this, the university has the need to control the intake of the number of students and has only limited seats to offer, sometimes not more than 20.
• All medicine courses require access to multiple clinical facilities. Therefore, the university has to make sure that every student has full access to the necessary facilities. In order to ensure that each student is benefitted fully, the university has to lay restrictions on the number of intakes as it is not possible to provide full access to clinical facilities to large groups of students. 

2. Are there any prerequisite subjects to take up a course in medicine?

• The University of New South Wales Sydney: No prerequisite subjects but it is recommended to have chemistry.
• Monash Universty: Chemistry and English. (+ biology and physics) 
• The University of Western Australia (UWA): No prerequisite subjects but it is recommended to have chemistry, biology or human biology, maths applications or higher and physics. 

3. What are the entry requirements to apply to these universities and how many seats are reserved for international students each year?

You would need to submit your academic result (A-levels or IB) for the application. 

4. Where do students usually get their clinical placement?

UNSW Sydney

A minimum of 30% of UNSW medical students must take up an extended clinical experience at a Rural Clinical School Campus. Students can benefit from a 4-week rural placement in the following hospitals:

• Griffith Base Hospital, Griffith
• Kempsey District Hospital, Kempsey
• Grafton Base Hospital, Grafton
• Broken Hill Hospital, Broken Hill
• Bloomfield Hospital, Orange (Psychiatry term only)
• Wagga Wagga Base Hospital, Wagga Wagga

Monash University

Students pursuing a degree in medicine at Monash can take up their clinical placements in the following centres: Monash Medical centre, Dandenon Hospital, Casey Hospital, Moorabbin Hospital, Kingston and more. These healthcare institutions offer a wide range of surgical, medical, mental health and allied health services.

UWA

This university UWA offers the Profesional Development and Mentoring (PDM) program as part of their clinical student mentoring programme. Students can benefit from this programme by getting mentored by experienced clinicians, attending seminars, and learning in detail about medical ethics and medical law governance.

5. Why is it important for students to consider the accreditation and recognition of the universities? 

It is imperative for students to take into consideration the accreditation and recognition, as they determine if the institutions have the necessary quality standard. Institutions with excellent education facilities have higher accreditation. Therefore, students can be guaranteed that institutions with these grades will benefit their learning process. 

The above-mentioned universities have been approved by the Singapore Medical Council. Singaporean students who are considering applying to the following universities can be assured of the institutions’ standards. 

6. How does the housemanship work? Can international students do it in Australia?

Yes, you will be offered housemanship in Australia after graduation if you meet the criteria. However, it’s subject to availability and conditions.