Doctor of Medicine

Admission criteria

To be considered for entry into the Doctor of Medicine via the standard pathway, as a domestic applicant you must:

• Have completed a bachelor degree (AQF7) or equivalent in any discipline with studies to have been completed within 10 years of 1 January in the year in which you intend to commence the Doctor of Medicine.

Or

• Have completed a bachelor degree (AQF7) or equivalent in any discipline completed 10 or more years before 1 January of the year in which you intend to commence the Doctor of Medicine.
  
  And
• Have completed a graduate diploma (AQF8) or equivalent in any discipline completed within 10 years before 1 January of the year in which you intend to commence the Doctor of Medicine.

And

• Complete the Graduate Australian Medical Schools Admission Test (GAMSAT) with a minimum of 50 in each section.

The University of Melbourne is committed to maintaining a transparent admissions policy by clearly communicating all entry scores to prospective students. Entry requirements to the University of Melbourne are regularly reviewed to ensure they align with the University's Selection and Admissions Policy. The entry requirements published for this course will apply from the start year 2027 intake onwards.

Information about selection for the standard pathway

• In addition to meeting the entry requirements, you must also perform satisfactorily at a Multi-Mini Interview (MMI).
• For the standard entry pathway, the Selection Committee will shortlist applicants for the Multi-Mini Interview on the basis of their performance in previous studies, using a Grade Point Average (GPA) computed in a manner approved by the Academic Board for the Doctor of Medicine (outlined in the Additional Information section below), and their results in the GAMSAT. All sections in the GAMSAT will be weighted equally to determine the GAMSAT score.
• Offers will be made on the basis of a combined ranked list where the interview will contribute 50%, GPA will contribute 25%, and GAMSAT will contribute 25% to the final ranking after the interview.

Where degree levels are referenced, levels align with the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). Applications are assessed against these standards.

English language requirements

All applicants to the University of Melbourne must satisfy the English language requirements. This may be achieved in a number of ways, including recognised previous study taught and assessed entirely in English or an approved English language test. If you are from a non-English speaking background, the required standard of English for this degree is one of the following English proficiency test scores:

About selection

As part of your application, you must also:

• Attend an interview (if shortlisted)
• Have successfully completed the Graduate Australian Medical Schools Admissions Test (GAMSAT)

Missing information or documents may result in your application being deemed ineligible.

When assessing (and where relevant, ranking) applications, the Selection Committee will consider:

• Prior academic performance
• Performance in test or examination
• Performance at an interview
• Motivation to complete the course
• Capacity to complete the course

The Selection Committee may seek further information to clarify any aspect of an application in accordance with the Selection and Admission Policy.

Meeting the minimum entry requirements for this course does not guarantee selection.

Admission criteria

To be considered for entry into the Doctor of Medicine via the standard pathway, as an international applicant you must:

• Have completed a bachelor degree (AQF7) or equivalent in any discipline with studies to have been completed within 10 years of 1 January in the year in which you intend to commence the Doctor of Medicine.

Or

• Have completed a bachelor degree (AQF7) or equivalent in any discipline completed 10 or more years before 1 January of the year in which you intend to commence the Doctor of Medicine.
  
  And
• Have completed a graduate diploma (AQF8) or equivalent in any discipline completed within 10 years before 1 January of the year in which you intend to commence the Doctor of Medicine.

And

• Complete the Graduate Australian Medical Schools Admission Test (GAMSAT) with a minimum of 50 in each section. For international students who are located overseas only, either complete the GAMSAT or the North American Medical Colleges Admission Test (MCAT).

The University of Melbourne is committed to maintaining a transparent admissions policy by clearly communicating all entry scores to prospective students. Entry requirements to the University of Melbourne are regularly reviewed to ensure they align with the University's Selection and Admissions Policy. The entry requirements published for this course will apply from the start year 2027 intake onwards.

Information about the MCAT for international students

• International students residing overseas at the time of application may complete the MCAT in place of the GAMSAT.
• International applicants residing in Australia at the time of the application must use the GAMSAT; they are not permitted to use the MCAT.
• You must achieve a minimum score of at least 492 in the MCAT in order to be considered eligible for entry.

Information about selection for the standard pathway

• In addition to meeting the entry requirements, you must also perform satisfactorily at a Multi-Mini Interview (MMI).
• For the standard entry pathway, the Selection Committee will shortlist applicants for the Multi-Mini Interview on the basis of their performance in previous studies, using a Grade Point Average (GPA) computed in a manner approved by the Academic Board for the Doctor of Medicine (outlined in the Additional Information section below), and their results in the GAMSAT or MCAT. All sections in the GAMSAT will be weighted equally to determine the GAMSAT score.
• Offers will be made on the basis of a combined ranked list where the interview will contribute 50%, GPA will contribute 25%, and GAMSAT (or MCAT) will contribute 25% to the final ranking after the interview.

Where degree levels are referenced, levels align with the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). Applications are assessed against these standards.

English language requirements

All applicants to the University of Melbourne must satisfy the English language requirements. This may be achieved in a number of ways, including recognised previous study taught and assessed entirely in English or an approved English language test. If you are from a non-English speaking background, the required standard of English for this degree is one of the following English proficiency test scores:

About selection

As part of your application, you must also:

• Attend an interview (if shortlisted)
• Have successfully completed the Graduate Australian Medical Schools Admissions Test (GAMSAT)

Missing information or documents may result in your application being deemed ineligible.

When assessing (and where relevant, ranking) applications, the Selection Committee will consider:

• Prior academic performance
• Performance in test or examination
• Performance at an interview
• Motivation to complete the course
• Capacity to complete the course

The Selection Committee may seek further information to clarify any aspect of an application in accordance with the Selection and Admission Policy.

Meeting the minimum entry requirements for this course does not guarantee selection.

Additional information

How your Grade Point Average (GPA) will be calculated

Except for applicants eligible under the Guaranteed entry pathway, the Grade Point Average (GPA) used to rank applicants on academic merit based on their previous tertiary studies will be computed in the following way:

• The most recent bachelor degree results (including honours*) will be used for the purposes of calculating the Grade Point Average (GPA) regardless of any subsequent graduate studies completed.
• The Grade Point Average (GPA) will be measured by considering the last three years of the applicant's undergraduate coursework studies (including honours*).
• Weightings will be applied by weighting the first of the final three years by 1, the second year by 2 and the final year by 2.

Further information about the entry score, including the treatment of 2020 results, can be found at: Doctor of Medicine Handbook entry.

*Honours: The GPA will be measured by considering the last three years of the applicant’s undergraduate coursework studies, only including honours where the honours degree is completed by June, and the results are available by 15 July of the year of application.

Applicants with a PhD

The Selection Committee may re-rank applicants with a PhD subject to the following:

• The PhD must have been completed within ten years of commencement of the Doctor of Medicine, and
• The PhD must be in a health-related or biological sciences discipline.

A quota of 10 places will be available for selection of applicants re-ranked on the basis of completion of a PhD in a cognate discipline.

Re-ranked applicants not selected on this basis, who otherwise satisfy the selection criteria, will be considered on the basis of their undergraduate results. The Selection Committee is not required to fill the quotas and any unused places will be allocated as normal.

Further selection information

Further information on selection, for all pathways including those domestic applicants applying for Graduate Access Melbourne can be found at:

• Doctor of Medicine Handbook entry
• Domestic Admissions Guide
• International Admissions Guide (PDF)
• Doctor of Medicine Selection Guidelines (PDF)
• Doctor of Medicine Application of Interview In Course Selection Guidelines (PDF)
• Doctor of Medicine Deferral Guidelines

Inherent requirements for the Doctor of Medicine

In line with University of Melbourne education, and diversity and inclusion strategies, the Melbourne Medical School (MMS) is committed to Doctor of Medicine students' experiences being powerful, engaging and tailored to the individual, and nurturing excellent students from all backgrounds that better reflect our local, regional and global communities. The Melbourne MD prepares future medical professionals to provide culturally safe, high-quality patient-focused healthcare across the population of Victoria and Australia, including First Nations people, people living in rural and remote communities, and people who disproportionately experience adverse health care interaction and health outcomes.

The Inherent requirements for the MD program are the essential functional abilities that form the basis of knowledge, skills and behaviours necessary for a student to successfully achieve the course learning outcomes. In addition to describing the inherent requirements required to engage successfully with the MD program, these requirements also support the retention, promotion and graduation of medical students. Inherent requirements help maintain the academic integrity, assessment and accreditation processes of the Melbourne MD. The Melbourne MD has course learning outcomes in four domains: as a clinician scholar and scientist, medical practitioner, health advocate and a professional and leader. Medical students are expected to achieve the course learning outcomes by the completion of the program. The Melbourne MD course learning outcomes are in line with the Graduate Outcomes statement set out by the Australian Medical Council required of all medical students at the time of graduation from an accredited medical program in Australia. It is essential that all students can demonstrate the inherent requirements during the course activities including placements within health care settings.

The MD Course Inherent Requirements are designed in reference to the Medical Deans of Australian and New Zealand Inclusive Medical Education: Guidance on medical program applicants and students with a disability 2021 and builds upon work undertaken by the Association of Faculties of Medicine Canada (AFMC).

_{Issakhany D, Crampton P. Inclusive medical education for students with disabilities: a new guidance document from Medical Deans Australia and New Zealand. The New Zealand medical journal. 2023;136(1575):65-71. doi:10.26635/6965.6035}

_{Holmes, C, Bulk, L, Lear, N, et al. Core Competencies for Students Entering Medical School: Reaching Pan-Canadian Consensus for Inclusive and Accessible Medical Education. Acad Med. 2025;100(10S):S152-S160. doi:10.1097/ACM.0000000000006132.}

Informed decision making

The MMS considers applicants from a variety of backgrounds and is committed to social responsibility, accountability, and being an accessible and inclusive program. Prospective students, and enrolled students should read the information provided in this section on inherent requirements alongside the course learning outcomes to assist you to make informed decisions as to whether a medical career and the Melbourne MD is suitable for you, and about your ability to engage successfully with the course.

Students with disability are invited to consider the type of reasonable adjustments that could be put in place to assist you to participate in the course. In consultation with you, the University will make reasonable adjustments provided this does not compromise the academic integrity of the course.

To assist you in your decision making we are developing an Inherent Requirement Self-Assessment for you to undertake. By undertaking this activity with careful consideration, it will provide you with our recommendations on whether you should have an early discussion about reasonable adjustments. This is an optional exercise, however we strongly encourage all students, particularly those with disability, to undertake this activity prior to commencing the course and ideally when you are considering a career in medicine and the Melbourne MD. As soon as finalised, the tool will be made available on this page.

Students with disabilities

Students with disabilities are welcomed, supported and provided equal opportunity to successfully complete the program requirements, including the provision of reasonable adjustments. We strongly encourage re-enrolling students to raise questions or concerns about a disability that has occurred, arisen or changed during their time in the course.

Reasonable adjustments

The University of Melbourne recognises disability and provides reasonable adjustments to students with disability in accordance with the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth) and the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 (Vic). The University of Melbourne respects the lived experiences of students and expertise in their own disability, and strive to have early, open and constructive dialogues with students about what reasonable adjustments may be possible. Students with disabilities may require reasonable accommodation to demonstrate their abilities. Reasonable adjustments may be provided to meet inherent requirements. If you have an approved reasonable adjustment, it is not an adjustment to the inherent requirements of the course, but an adjustment to how you can meet the

inherent requirements for the course. The inherent course requirements need to be met, with or without reasonable adjustments. Reasonable adjustments could include

• Alternate exam arrangements
• Provision of adaptive equipment
• Participation support
• Flexible teaching material

These reasonable adjustments:

• Must not fundamentally change the nature of the inherent requirement,
• Be reasonable, and
• Cannot compromise the academic integrity of the course.

A significant amount of learning in the MD is within health care settings. This setting would also need to be considered when discussing reasonable adjustments, ensuring the priority for health care settings of providing safe and quality patient care. Consultation maybe required between the provider, student and University to facilitate reasonable adjustments in a clinical context. The MMS strives to provide accessible learning spaces and materials to support all students to meet the course learning outcomes. Students should flag issues with accessibility with the course so that it can be addressed in a timely manner. Discussions are often most successful when a collaborative effort is made to explore all possible reasonable adjustments and services available. Students are strongly encouraged to share information about their disability to commence open and constructive dialogues about reasonable adjustments as early as possible, or when applying. If you have a disability or health condition and are seeking advice as a prospective student, please reach out to Future students for advice. As an enrolled student, you can open this conversation with your subject or course coordinator listed in the handbook or students are strongly encouraged to register with Student Equity Disability Services.

Student Equity and Disability services allows you to meet with a member of the team who can

• Assess your needs and identify what support you may need at university
• Work with you and the MMS to determine the reasonable adjustments to assist you to meet the inherent requirements
• Provide guidance regarding other study options in the case where it is determined that inherent requirements cannot be met with reasonable adjustments

Students are assured that personal or sensitive information you provide to support an accommodation request is treated confidentially and respectfully. Ongoing conversations and communications take place with student consent, particularly when the adjustment requirements need to be shared with people to implement the required accommodation.

The success of this process is reliant on a mutual commitment from you and the program to engage early and openly in the process.

The earlier these discussions occur, the more likely we will be able to support you to be successful, implement reasonable adjustments, or if reasonable adjustments cannot be made to support you to meet the inherent requirements, constructive discussions about career and study options can be undertaken.

Registration and Accreditation Standards

The Melbourne MD program is externally accredited by the Australian Medical Council (AMC). To be an accredited program, the course must meet standards set by the AMC and graduating students must meet the AMC Graduate Outcomes. Graduates from an accredited program, will be eligible to apply for registration to the Medical Board of Australia, if registration is granted, practice as a doctor.

Enrolled students

Students enrolled in the MD are required to be registered with Australian Health Practitioners Regulation Agency (AHPRA) for the duration of their enrolment. A registered student is required to meet and continue to meet the registration standards. When you are enrolled in the Melbourne MD, the University must pass on your details to Medical Board of Australia (AHPRA) for registration purposes. The Board has developed facts sheets and frequently asked questions about student registration.

On graduation

To be registered to practice as a medical practitioner after graduation, graduates must meet the Australian Medical Board’s registration standards including those for English language skills and criminal history. Universities do not determine a student’s eligibility for registration as a medical practitioner after graduation, and this decision is made by the Medical Board of Australia, based on regulatory requirements. The course will strive to provide counsel about possible limitations or challenges to future professional registration, internship or employment, recognising that the final decision lies with the Medical Board of Australia.

University Policy – Code of Conduct

Students must conduct themselves in a manner consistent with the codes, guidelines, policies and any other directives specified by the course, University, employer or placement organisation and the professional or registering body.

University of Melbourne have essential policy information regarding enrolment, assessments, exams and student behaviour.

Students must comply with the Fitness to Practice Rules, which are accessible from Schedule 1 of the Student Fitness to Practice Policy (MPF345).

The Melbourne Medical School consulted widely in the development of the University of Melbourne MD Student Code of Conduct. This code is referenced in the inherent requirement on professionalism and is a standard of conduct expected of all MD students.

MD Code of Professional Conduct

The Doctor of Medicine (MD) is a professional degree, and students are expected to uphold the highest standards of integrity, respect and responsibility from the moment they enter the program. The MD Code of Professional Conduct outlines the behaviours, values and expectations that guide students as learners, clinical trainees, and emerging clinicians. It explains what it means to act ethically, work respectfully with peers and health professionals, engage safely with patients, and contribute to culturally safe and compassionate healthcare.

Prospective students are encouraged to review this Code as part of their decision to pursue medicine at the University of Melbourne. It reflects not only what the program requires, but also the qualities that underpin trusted, patient-centred medical practice.

Clinical placements

Clinical Placements are undertaken as part of this course.

Successful applicants are allocated to a clinical school region (Metropolitan or Rural) at the point of offer into the course and then to a primary clinical school within their clinical school region for the duration of their studies. Refer to the Doctor of Medicine Clinical School Region and Site Allocation Procedure for further information on this allocation process.

All students must undertake a Police Record Check, obtain a Working with Children Check and comply with immunisation requirements. Refer to the following pages for important information:

• Clinical Education Risk & Governance
• MDHS Compliance Booklet
• Student Placements

Graduate Access Melbourne (GAM)

We encourage domestic students to explore eligibility for Graduate Access Melbourne (GAM). GAM offers an opportunity for admission to this course even if your tertiary marks are below the standard entry requirements. GAM applicants may also be considered for financial bursaries and Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) where available.

GAM categories include coming from a rural area, being an Indigenous Australian, experiencing financial hardship or personal difficulties, having refugee status, or living with a disability or medical condition. In assessing applications, we look to balance opportunity and your capacity to succeed.

In considering students under special entry access schemes, the Selection Committee will consider aspects of disadvantage as set out from time to time in the University of Melbourne Graduate Access policy, evidence of rurality for rural applicants, and confirmation of Aboriginality for Indigenous applicants.

Advanced Standing

Prior studies may be credited towards your degree and potentially reduce the duration of your course. This is known as Advanced Standing (also known as credit or recognition of prior learning).

Advanced Standing is not considered for the Doctor of Medicine.

For additional, in-depth details on entry requirements and admissions for this course, refer to the University Handbook.