Did you know that Australia is the second healthiest nation according to the 2021 Global Health Security Index? The land down under has one of the best healthcare systems in the world with over 104,000 medical doctors and specialists, with overseas medical professionals or International Medical Graduates (IMGs) constituting a substantial portion of it.

Medicine has been one of the most preferred courses in Australia for a long time because of the excellent teaching quality, leading-edge courses and dynamic research facilities and skills training that is offered — thereby enabling students who are interested in study MBBS in Australia to experience the best of global education.

Because of its efficient infrastructure, quality of healthcare and excellent treatment and diagnosis, Australia is one of the top destinations to pursue a career in medicine and to be a part of phenomenal discoveries and medical inventions. Here's what you need to know about studying medicine in Australia as an international student.

Why Study MBBS in Australia a Smart Choice?

​With 8 of its universities being in the top 100 in the 2023 QS World Universities list, Australia is one of the top 10 study destinations to pursue courses in medicine and health sciences. Here are more reasons to know why study MBBS in Australia a smart choice:

1. World-class education - Australian universities are renowned for their excellent teaching and quality of education and professorship, making them an ideal choice for international students. With access to advanced medical technology, students have access to advanced equipment and clinical procedures during their training. According to the 2023 QS World University rankings by subject, six Australian universities are ranked in the top 50 for medicine, including the University of Sydney and the University of Queensland.
2. Research and clinical training opportunities - According to the 2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) report, medical research in Australia was rated as "well above world standard" in several areas, including cancer, clinical sciences, and immunology. Medical students can also avail of clinical rotations in hospitals throughout the country to gain valuable practical experience.
3. Career prospects - According to the Department of Employment, Government of Australia, healthcare and social assistance is the largest employing sector in Australia, with over 133,667 medical practitioners registered as of December 2020. According to the Australian Government's Job Outlook website, the healthcare and social assistance industry is predicted to be the largest employing industry in Australia by 2024, with an estimated employment growth rate of 15.7% between 2019 and 2024.
4. Multicultural environment - Australia is one of the most diverse countries with over 250 different languages spoken across various ethnic settlements, making it a culturally diverse and inclusive study destination. According to the latest MedicalDeans report, there were a total of 18,157 medical students enrolled in Australian medical schools in 2022, with over 15% of these students being international students.
5. Global recognition - Australian medical schools offer a wide range of course specialisations, including clinical training, surgical science, neurophysiology, human anatomy, embryology, vascular surgery, medical oncology, immunology, etc. Australian medical degrees are globally accredited, enabling graduates to practise anywhere in the world.

Also Read - Why study medicine in Australia?

Top Universities to Study MBBS in Australia​

With 3 of its most prestigious universities in the top 50 according to the QS World University Rankings, Australia presents a nurturing environment to study and pursue courses in medicine and health sciences. Here are the top universities to study MBBS in Australia:

1. Monash University ​

• Changing lives through research and education for nearly six decades, Monash is ranked #37 in Best Global Universities rankings.
• A member of the prestigious Group of Eight, Monash University is ranked #32nd in the Clinical, Pre-clinical and Health Sciences in the 2023 World University rankings.
• With an international student population of 41%, the university becomes the top choice in Australia for Medicine & Health Sciences by students worldwide. 

2. University of Sydney

• The first and the oldest university in Australia, the University of Sydney has a rich history spanning over 2 centuries in education and academia.
• Also a member of the prestigious Group of Eight, the University is ranked #35th in Clinical, Pre-clinical and Health Sciences in the 2023 QS World University Rankings.
• It is one of the best universities in Australia to specialise in Health, Medical and Applied Sciences.

3. The University of Queensland

• Ranked #36 in Best Global Universities Rankings by U.S. News & World Report, the university is among the top 50 universities according to the 2023 QS World Rankings.
• Offering exceptional study experiences, research excellence and collaborative partnerships, the university ranks #56th in Clinical, Pre-clinical and Health Sciences and #32nd in Life Sciences by the 2023 World University Rankings.
• Home to some of the most crucial technological developments in medicine and health, the university offers abundant scope for experimenting and achieving breakthroughs in Health Sciences. 

4. University of Adelaide

• Ranked #109 in the 2023 QS World University Rankings, the university is ranked #59th in Clinical, Pre-clinical and Health Sciences by the 2023 World University Rankings.
• A member of the Group of Eight universities in Australia, this university is well-known for its world-class education and research activities, minority inclusion and community support.
• It is one of the best universities in Australia for international students to specialise in Medicine, Dentistry, Health, Biological and other sciences.

5. University of New South Wales (UNSW)

• The university is ranked #70th globally and 6th in Australia offering some of Australia's most in-demand medical and science courses.
• The university is a member of the Group of Eight (Go8) and is ranked #1 in Australia for research quality and impact.
• With an international student population of 40%, the university becomes the top choice in Australia for Medicine & Health Sciences by students worldwide. 

Cost of Studying MBBS in Australia

The annual tuition fee for MBBS programs can range from AUD $50,000 to AUD $100,000 per year. In addition to tuition fees, students will also need to consider the cost of living, accommodation, and other expenses.

Eligibility Requirements To Study MBBS In Australia For International Students​

Ensure to meet the following conditions before applying for undergraduate courses in medicine:

• Clear the Undergraduate Medicine and Health Sciences Admission Test (UMAT) in order to qualify.
• An overall IELTS (Academic) band score of 7.0, with no individual sub-score less than 7.0.

And for postgraduate and doctoral courses:

• Ensure to meet any additional entry requirements, such as prior knowledge in certain subjects and work experience.
• Successful completion of interview or test, like the Graduate Australian Medical School Admissions Test (GAMSAT) which needs to be cleared as part of the postgraduate application for a Doctorate in Medicine (MD)

Also Read - How to write a winning Statement of Purpose?

​Medical Degree Scholarships In Australia​

Here are some of the popular medical scholarships in Australia for international students:

How To Apply For MBBS Courses In Australia​

Apart from the university-specific requirements, the application procedure remains the same for international students, mentioned below:

1. Ensure to meet the academic and subject-specific requirements stipulated by the universities, such as the minimum required UMAT score for undergraduate courses and GAMSAT score for postgraduate/doctoral courses.
2. Take an English language proficiency test like IELTS, TOEFL or PTE, and ensure that you meet the minimum score requirements stipulated by the universities.
3. Apply to universities well in advance before the start of the term, and simultaneously apply for your Australian student visa. Keep the necessary supporting documents including Confirmation of Enrollment (CoE), current passport, English language proficiency test results, and proof of financial stability ready – and prepare yourself for the personal interview.
4. Look for accommodation (on-campus/off-campus) and prepare a budget for the post-departure and landing expenses you're likely to incur upon reaching Australia. 

Also Read - Top PTE accepting universities in Australia

Post Study Work Opportunities ​

​After completing the course, MBBS degree graduates can work in Australia for up to 2-3 years with the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485). Listed below are a few popular career choices that are in high demand for MBBS graduates in Australia.

1. Resident medical officer - One of the busiest and highly renowned professions in Australia, being a resident medical officer has a great earning potential, with experienced ones earning up to AUD 200,000 a year.
2. Anaesthetist - With a rise in surgeries and surgical procedures in Australia, there has been a resultant rise in the demand for skilled and experienced anaesthetists. Anaesthetists in Australia earn an average of AUD 300,000 - 450,000 a year.
3. Emergency medicine specialists - Highly risky and highly remunerative, an emergency medicine specialist is one of the most in-demand careers in Australia, especially in the rural and semi-urban areas where the state of emergency aid and healthcare is comparatively lower than in the urban areas. Emergency medical specialists in Australia earn an average of AUD 190,000 - 203,000 a year.
4. Psychiatrists - With the demand for psychiatrists exceeding its supply, psychiatry is one of the most on-demand career choices in Australia. Given the rise in mental health conditions, mental health professionals and services are in high demand now more than ever, making it a lucrative profession in Australia for international students. Average earning potential of psychiatrists in Australia is $200,000. Entry level professionals earn around $180,000, with more experienced ones earning up to $220,000.
5. Occupational health physician - Occupational health physicians work with employers and employees to promote health and safety in the workplace and manage occupational health issues. There has been a great surge in occupational therapy for employees worldwide and particularly in Australia because of its growing corporate sector.

How Can AECC Help?

When it comes to various services such as course counselling, accommodation, scholarships and career support, AECC provides end-to-end education services to help you achieve your study abroad dreams. Be it a course, a university program or a career goal, our expert counsellors can show you the way towards the future you've always dreamed of.

If you have been aspiring to study MBBS in Australia, make it a reality with us. Get in touch with us right away! 

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