University of Queensland Doctor of Medicine (MD)
The University of Queensland (UQ) is situated in the sunny region of Queensland in Brisbane, the capital city of the state. Prospective students interested in pursuing the Doctor of Medicine (MD) program at UQ can benefit from opportunities for clinical practice abroad. Upon completion of the program, graduates can pursue pre-approved placements through UQ's network partners, such as Queen's University in Canada.
The four-year full-time Doctor of Medicine program at UQ is designed to offer a top-tier medical education, providing hands-on experience to equip you for practice in diverse global environments. The university focuses on cultivating medical professionals who possess clinical excellence, teamwork skills, kindness, compassion, a sense of responsibility, and a commitment to continually improving health outcomes for individuals and communities.
The University of Queensland is ranked:
- 32 in the world for life sciences and medicine (QS World University Rankings 2023)
- 39 in the world for public health (Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2023)
Beginning in 2023, the university introduced a revised Doctor of Medicine (MD) program aimed at leveraging the enthusiasm, maturity, and diversity of its student body. This updated program features a streamlined structure with an integrated approach to active learning. Throughout the program, students have the opportunity to customise their learning experience by selecting enrichment opportunities.
UQ Doctor of Medicine Program Outline
The UQ medicine course is set around 4 themes:
- Clinical Science
- Clinical Practice
- Ethics and Professional Practice
- Health, Society, and Research
Within UQ's medical program, education is deeply integrated, emphasising a case-based learning methodology that involves early engagement with patients. The curriculum includes a strong emphasis on research, equipping students with advanced critical thinking and clinical reasoning skills essential for delivering high-quality medical care.
At the culmination of Year 1, students embark on a 4-week Observership, followed by Phase 2 (years 3 & 4) where they undertake ten core clinical placements within various frameworks, along with a final year elective.
Domestic applicants have the opportunity to secure placements at both Metropolitan and Rural hospitals, while international students are limited to placements within Metropolitan hospitals.
Throughout the program, students become part of a 'learning community', which serves as a clinical home for continuous learning and development.
- Year 1: Emphasises foundational concepts in medical sciences, clinical practices, professional skills, procedural skills, and the roles of physicians.
- Year 2: Students engage in clinical practice settings, honing their medical knowledge and skills while focusing on the symptomatology of common conditions and refining clinical reasoning abilities.
- Year 3: Involves immersion in hospital and community environments, with structured teaching and clinical learning embedded within the workplace.
The final semester is dedicated to a Transition to Practice term, during which students become active pre-intern members of a clinical team. This experience facilitates a safe and effective transition into internship/residency and sets the stage for their ongoing medical careers.
University of Queensland Doctor of Medicine Entry Requirements
Provisional Entry (For School Leavers) into UQ Doctor of Medicine Program
School leavers have the opportunity to enter the Doctor of Medicine program through the provisional entry pathway.
To be eligible for provisional entry, applicants will need to meet the following requirements:
- Achieve a minimum adjusted ATAR of 95 (or equivalent)
- Successfully complete Queensland Year 12 English (or equivalent)
- Obtain a competitive aggregate score on the University Clinical Aptitude Test for Australia and New Zealand (UCAT ANZ) during the year of application (previous years this has been 3000+ for some pathways)
- Participate in a multiple mini-interview (MMI) as part of the application process.
The University of Queensland offers 4 provisional entry pathways into their Doctor of Medicine Program:
- Greater Brisbane Provisional Entry
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Provisional Entry
- Central Queensland and Wide Bay Regional Medical Pathway
- Darling Downs and South West Queensland Medical Pathway
If applicants receive a provisional entry offer, they must fulfil the following criteria to progress to the MD program:
- Complete their degree at UQ within the specified minimum time for the program.
- Attain a grade point average (GPA) of 5.0 on a 7-point scale in their first degree.
- Successfully complete the MD subject prerequisite courses.
Domestic Graduate Entry (For University Graduates) into UQ Doctor of Medicine Program
To be eligible for the MD course at UQ, domestic students must have:
- Completed a degree within ten years of the course commencement date.
- GPA of at least 5 in any key undergraduate degree from a recognised university.
- Competitive applicants with a GEMSAS GPA between 5.0 and 5.75 will be reviewed to determine equivalency to UQ’s specific assessment method.
- Minimum (unweighted) GAMSAT score of 50 per section.
- Attended the UQ Medicine Interview, also referred to as the UQ Multiple Mini Interviews (MMI).
International Graduate Entry (For University Graduates) into UQ Doctor of Medicine Program
The prerequisite for the Doctor of Medicine at UQ for domestic applicants applies to international students as well, except the latter can choose to sit either the GAMSAT or an MCAT exam.
International applicants sitting the GAMSAT must receive a minimum score of 50 per section, or an MCAT score of 504. Once the GPA and GAMSAT/MCAT scores are weighted, students may then be invited to attend the UQ MMI.
UQ Subject Prerequisites for MD Entry
Starting from 2022, applicants aspiring to join the MD program at UQ are required to fulfil two science prerequisites: cell and tissue biology, and systems physiology. These prerequisites should be completed during the second year of undergraduate study. It is crucial to note that these prerequisite subjects must have been completed within a 10-year timeframe from the commencement of the Doctor of Medicine program. For instance, if you are applying for the 2027 intake, the prerequisite subjects must have been completed from 2016 onwards.
Recommended Courses for University of Queensland Doctor of Medicine Program
While not mandatory, it is recommended to undertake courses in the following areas during your undergraduate studies:
- Biostatistics
- Anatomy
- Humanities
Although not obligatory, proficiency in these fields will lay a strong foundation for your MD studies.
How to Apply to UQ's Doctor of Medicine
Domestic Application to University of Queensland MD Program
All domestic students must apply online via the Graduate Entry Medical School Admissions System (GEMSAS). Refer to the GEMSAS website to learn key dates and timelines to apply for the University of Queensland. For the 2027 intake, GEMSAS applications open in early May 2026 and close on 29 May 2026 at 5pm AEST.
Please note that for UQ's rural schemes, applicants must rank UQ within their top three preferences in their GEMSAS application to be eligible.
International Application to University of Queensland MD Program
If an international applicant has either completed a key degree or is currently in their final year of a bachelor's degree (or equivalent), they have the option to apply directly to UQ online.
To proceed with their application, they will need to select the postgraduate MD program with the code 5740. They will have the choice to either complete the application themselves or utilise the services of an approved UQ agent located near them.
Please note that there is a non-refundable application fee of A$100 that must be paid upon submission of the application.
UQ Medicine Application Dates for International Students 2027
To apply for enrolment in the 2027 academic year, applicants must adhere to the following application deadlines:
- Round 1 offers: The deadline for submission is 14 June 2026. If applicants plan to sit for the MCAT in May 2026, they can still apply for Round 1. However, applicants must provide evidence of their MCAT booking confirmation. The University will assess their application once the MCAT results are released.
- Round 2 offers: The deadline for submission is 15 September 2026. If applicants intend to take the MCAT in July 2026, they can still apply for Round 2. Similar to Round 1, they will need to provide evidence of their MCAT booking confirmation, and the University will consider their application upon the release of MCAT results.
University of Queensland Multiple Mini Interviews (MMI)
Both domestic and international students are evaluated based on non-academic factors, such as:
- Empathy
- Integrity
- Communication skills
The UQ MMI is composed of short stations where each applicant interacts with individual interviewers. At each interview station, an applicant is presented with a scenario and is given 2 minutes to prepare. The next 7 minutes is allocated for the applicant to speak and reflect upon the given scenario.
For the 2027 intake, interviews are anticipated to be held in September 2026. The format — whether in-person or via Zoom — is pending confirmation by the university. Candidates should monitor the UQ website and their GEMSAS correspondence for the latest details.
The UQ MMI requires each applicant to have any form of photo identification proof at the time of the interview. Applicants should not be accompanied by another individual during the interview. Students must also refrain from using wristwatches, writing materials, mobile phones, and other electronic devices. The scenarios will be presented to each applicant, and after each scenario is answered, a new interviewer poses a fresh question.
Once all the scenarios have been presented by each interviewer and answered by the applicant, the circuit is complete.
All interviewed applicants will be ranked in merit order and will be granted final medical places based on:
- 50% Interview (MMI) score
- 25% Unweighted average GAMSAT Score
- 25% Grade Point Average (GPA)
Please note that since the University of Queensland is a GEMSAS school, interview offers will be released at the same time as other GEMSAS schools — around early September 2026.
Following the interviews, all applicants will be ranked, and applicants will be notified if they are eligible to receive an offer.
Is it Hard to get into Medicine at University of Queensland?
This is a commonly asked question by students wanting to pursue a career in medicine at UQ. Applicants with a good GPA and GAMSAT score, as well as satisfactory performance in the MMI, will be considered to study medicine at UQ.
For the 2027 intake, the total domestic graduate entry quota has been reduced from 350 to 340 places (107 CSP, 43 BMP, and up to 190 international places). This represents a reduction of 10 places from the 2026 intake, with CSP places down from 114 to 107 and BMP places down from 46 to 43.
Approximately 107 places are allocated for Graduate CSP applicants (including rural, Brisbane and Central Queensland – Wide Bay) and 28.5% (43 places) are allocated for BMP.
The University of Queensland has approximately 135 places (including BMP and rural) reserved for the Provisional Entry pathway (applicants completing Year 12 and entering medicine) and the remainder for graduates entering via the Graduate/Direct Entry Pathway.
Up to 190 places are available for international applicants.
University of Queensland Medicine Fee Structure
Please note that all fees are subject to change. Refer to the UQ website for the most current fee information.
