In Queensland, there are two avenues to take if you are interested in studying medicine after high school:

  1. Undergraduate degree followed by a postgraduate Doctor of Medicine (MD), or
  2. Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS)

The institution you choose and whether you are a domestic or international student, will impact the overall cost of your medical degree.

  • In Australia, most domestic students studying medicine are entitled to a Commonwealth supported place (CSP) which provides reduced course fees.
  • A domestic medical student with a CSP is liable to pay a contribution, while the Australian Government pays the difference. The student contribution amount can be paid upfront or through a HECS-HELP loan.
  • International and some domestic students (e.g. at private universities), can apply for a full fees-paying place. Fees are set by the university.

Important for regional, rural and remote students.

The Australian Government is currently prioritising ensuring access to studying medicine in regional, rural and remote parts of Australia. Visit Access and Participation – Department of Education, Australian Government for more information on:

  • Demand Driven Funding for all First Nations Australians
  • Regional University Study Hubs program
  • National Regional, Rural and Remote Tertiary Education Strategy
  • Rural Access Scheme (RAS), which allows eligible applicants to have their ATAR rank boosted by 2 ranks upon applying for their eligible program.

Medical degree options

There are four universities in Queensland who provide these medical degree options.

Universities
InstitutionDuration Course typePrerequisites Entry requirementsLocation Rural Access Scheme
Bond University 4 years 8 mths Undergraduate Bachelor of Medical Studies, Doctor of Medicine English (Units 3 & 4 at Grade C or better) Minimum ATAR 96.75, psychometric testing Gold Coast Not available
James Cook University 6 years Undergraduate MBBS English (3/4, C); Mathematical Methods (3/4, C); Chemistry (3/4, C) ATAR 91.65-99.95 Townsville or Cairns RAS available
Griffith University 4 years Postgraduate MD - Any Bachelor Degree with min GPA 5.0 and overall score of 50+ in GAMSAT test Gold Coast or Brisbane (Nathan) RAS available
The University of Queensland 4 years Postgraduate MD Two science prerequisites in cell and tissue biology, and systems physiology at 2nd year undergrad level Any Bachelor Degree with min GPA 5.0 and overall score of 50+ in GAMSAT test Brisbane (Herston or St Lucia) RAS available

Additionally, the Regional Medical Pathways (RMP) are available to those based in Central Queensland and Wide Bay, and Darling Downs and South West regions which provide an undergraduate pathway to the University of Queensland’s MD program.

Regional Medical Pathway for Central QLD and Wide Bay Regions

University
InstitutionDuration Course typePrerequisites Entry requirementsLocation Rural Access Scheme
Central Queensland University3 years

Undergraduate Bachelor of Medical Science

(Entry pathway to UQ MD)

English (3/4, C); Mathematical Methods (3/4, C); Biology, Chemistry or Physics (3/4, C)Minimum ATAR 95.00, competitive UCAT ANZ score.Bundaberg or RockhamptonRAS available

Regional Medical Pathway for Darling Downs and South West Regions

University
InstitutionDuration Course typePrerequisites Entry requirementsLocation Rural Access Scheme
University of Southern Queensland 3 years

Undergraduate (Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences)

(Entry pathway to UQ MD)

 English (3/4, C); General Mathematics, Mathematical Methods or Specialist Mathematics (3/4, C). Recommended Biology, Chemsitry or Physics (3/4, C). Minimum ATAR 95.00 Toowoomba RAS available

For further information on individual course information, including specific eligibility requirements, please contact the relevant institution via the weblinks above.

Medical Path Diagram

The below diagram provides a general idea of what a medical pathway may look like from start to finish:

Career pathway

Last updated: October 2024