GEMSAS Guide 2026/2027 Entry

What is GEMSAS?

The Graduate Entry Medical School Admissions System (GEMSAS) provides a centralised application system for graduates seeking entry into Australian medical and dental schools' graduate-entry programs, making it easier to apply to multiple universities at once.

How does GEMSAS work?

GEMSAS facilitates applications to graduate-entry medical and dentistry programs, requiring applicants to have completed or be in their final year of a bachelor's degree. Applications typically open in early May and close by the end of May each year, though specific dates may vary. Through the GEMSAS online portal, students can apply directly to participating universities, simplifying the process of pursuing postgraduate studies in medicine or dentistry.

Notably, GEMSAS utilises a six-preference list system, enabling applicants to prioritise their preferred medical schools from the GEMSAS Consortium.

It's important to note that USyd, Flinders, and Monash require separate applications as they are not part of GEMSAS.

New Changes To GEMSAS 2026/2027

The GEMSAS 2026/2027 application cycle introduces several noteworthy changes, some of which build upon trends or shifts already underway in 2026, impacting application strategies:

1. Currency of Qualification at the University of Melbourne:

Since 2025, the guide confirms that the University of Melbourne has refined its policy regarding the "Currency of Qualification" by explicitly removing "Honours degree" from the list of postgraduate qualifications that can be used to meet this requirement.

This adjustment reflects an ongoing specificity in acceptable qualifications.

If an applicant's most recently completed undergraduate degree was finished 10 or more years before 1 January 2027, they must have completed a Graduate Diploma, Master's, PhD, or an equivalent qualification within the preceding 10 years.

2. Clarification on Not-for-Degree Study at University of Notre Dame

There is a clarification and a change in the policy. In 2026, Not-for-Degree and single-unit study undertaken outside of an AQF qualification will not be used for GPA calculation.

How will the GEMSAS 2026/2027 Change Affect my Application?

1. Portfolios Officially Phased Out as of 2025

Portfolios are no longer part of any medical school application process. The University of Wollongong (UoW) was the final school to remove them, marking a pivotal shift in postgraduate medical admissions across Australia.

The removal of portfolios from the University of Wollongong (UoW) application process means that applicants who previously relied on strong portfolios to compensate for low GPA/GAMSAT scores will need to adjust their strategies.

2. GAMSAT and GPA Used as Hurdles at UoW

The University of Wollongong (UoW) continues to use GAMSAT and GPA as hurdle requirements only. Interview offers will be based entirely on CASPer results and eligible bonus points.

3. CASPer and UoW Admissions Bonuses for Interview Offers

For 2027 entry, CASPer scores are combined with UOW MD Admissions bonuses to rank for interview offers. A minimum eligible CASPer score is set annually, reflecting the application cohort.

Applicants with lower scores may find CASPer preparation to be a critical aspect of their application. Additionally, understanding and capitalising on the newly introduced bonuses is essential for maximising competitiveness for UoW.

4. GPA Calculation at Notre Dame (Fremantle and Sydney):

Similarly, the change regarding GPA calculation at Notre Dame (Fremantle and Sydney) remains consistent in its application for the 2027 cycle. The policy explicitly excludes not-for-degree and single-unit study undertaken outside of an AQF qualification from GPA calculations, a change that was introduced in 2025.

5. Continued and Expanded Bonus Criteria at UoW

The University of Wollongong (UoW) has implemented a comprehensive bonus scheme. This scheme awards bonus points for various factors such as rurality, healthcare work experience, full-time employment, volunteering, local residency, UoW graduate status, academic excellence, and first preference ranking.

For the 2027 intake, a new 12th admissions bonus has been introduced for applicants who received eligible Centrelink income support for a minimum period within the last five years, expanding access for those from financially disadvantaged backgrounds.

For 2027 entry, admissions bonuses are combined with CASPer score to rank for interview offers, and combined with interview score to rank for place offers.

6. Expanding Opportunities for Rural Applicants

The focus on encouraging and facilitating applications from rural applicants continues into 2027. For the 2027 intake, rural background assessment is now completed using the Modified Monash Model (MMM) 2023, based on 2021 census data.

Universities such as Deakin maintain their commitment to enrolling a substantial proportion of students from rural backgrounds, and rural training schemes at UND, UQ, and Deakin persist, demonstrating an ongoing effort to address rural healthcare needs.

Furthermore, Deakin's aim to have a minimum of 25% of its new MD students from rural backgrounds and the emergence of new rural training schemes at UND, UQ, and Deakin highlight the increasing importance of rural experiences in medical admissions.

The University of Melbourne has also increased its MD Rural Pathway quota from 30 to 32 places for 2027 entry.

GEMSAS Application Timeline for 2026/2027 Entry

GEMSAS Application Dates for 2027

Applications for domestic students will open in early May 2026 and will conclude on the 29th of May 2026 at 5pm AEST.

Preparing Your GEMSAS Application

Preferencing Universities based on your GAMSAT Score

When choosing where to apply, remember that while most schools look at the Overall GAMSAT Score (with section scores typically needing to be around 50), some institutions, including the University of Melbourne, the University of Queensland, and the University of Notre Dame (Sydney and Fremantle), average the scores across the three sections.

• Overall Score = [ (Section 1 mark) + (Section 2 mark) + 2x(Section 3 mark) ] / 4
• Average Score = [ (Section 1 mark) + (Section 2 mark) + (Section 3 mark) ] / 3

This scoring difference is key to aligning your application with institutions where your strengths are most valued. For instance, a strong performance in Section 3 but weaker scores in Sections 1 and 2 could influence your choice of university, depending on their scoring approach.

Extended GAMSAT Validity: Quick Facts

In addition, it's important to note the recent extension in GAMSAT score validity, from two to four years, providing a broader window for your application efforts:

• March 2026 GAMSAT scores remain valid for application cycles spanning 2026 to 2029.
• September 2026 GAMSAT scores are applicable from the 2027 to 2030 application periods.

Please note that not all universities accept the 4-year currency of GAMSAT results. Check the GEMSAS guide accordingly to see which universities do and don't.

Understanding the Role of GPA in your GEMSAS Application

Understanding your GPA is as crucial as your GAMSAT score for effectively planning your application preferences. GPA is typically based on the most recent three years of study, making it essential to focus on your academic performance during this period. Each university has its unique way of evaluating GPAs, and GEMSAS plays a crucial role by calculating and ranking each applicant's GPA from their most to least preferred medical school.

To determine your GPA, you should start by collecting your most recent undergraduate degree transcripts. GEMSAS offers clear guidance on how to carry out this calculation. Additionally, our GEMSAS & Medicine GPA Calculator is available as a free tool to simplify the process, helping you to effortlessly compute your GPA.

Also, check out our Interview Guide 2026 to know GPA cut-offs for each Australian Med School for more insights.

Organising Your Academic Transcript for GEMSAS Application

For applicants to Medicine, Dentistry, and Optometry programs, many Australian universities participate in the Automated Results Transfer System (ARTS), which automatically provides your results to GEMSAS for GPA calculation. If all your tertiary education was completed at an ARTS-participating university, there's no need for you to submit a transcript.

However, if you've studied at any institutions not covered by ARTS, including for exchange programs, you'll need to obtain original academic transcripts from each of these universities. Remember to submit these transcripts to GEMSAS to ensure your entire academic history is considered in your application.

Other Supporting Documents for GEMSAS Application

When applying through GEMSAS, aside from your academic transcripts, you may need to provide various supporting documents. These documents play a crucial role in complementing your application and can include:

• Proof of Residency: Documents that verify your residency status in Australia, which could be necessary for determining your eligibility for certain quotas or places.
• Identification: Official identification documents, such as a passport or a driver's license, to confirm your identity.
• Special Categories Documentation: If you're applying under a special category (e.g., rural background, Indigenous status), specific documentation will be required to verify your eligibility. This might include:
  • Rural Background: Proof of residence in a rural or remote area, such as utility bills, school records, or statutory declarations covering the required period. Note that for the 2027 intake, applicants must provide a statutory declaration in their own name. If using utility bills or invoices in a parent's name (from when the applicant was under 18), both the parent and the applicant must provide a statutory declaration. Supporting letters from professionals such as a GP, dentist, or school must explicitly detail how the author knows the applicant in a professional capacity.
  • Indigenous Applicants: Documentation that supports your Indigenous status, potentially including letters from community organisations or other formal acknowledgments. For UoW applicants, all First Nations applicants must now provide the names of two referees from the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community who can speak to their community engagement. If official Confirmation of Aboriginality is difficult to obtain, a witnessed Commonwealth Statutory Declaration is accepted, which must include names of Aboriginal family members, their ancestral land or country, and/or efforts being made to find these details.

For an in-depth understanding, carefully review each university's application requirements on the GEMSAS website or their direct admissions pages.

Selecting Universities for Medical School

When navigating through the GEMSAS application process, one of the most strategic decisions you'll make is choosing which universities to apply to. This choice should not be made lightly, as it involves considering a multitude of factors, including your personal preferences, the course structure and content, location, and specific entry requirements of each university.

Preferencing Based on GAMSAT/GPA: Practical Advice

When strategising your university preferences through GEMSAS, considering your academic strengths and how they align with specific university requirements is crucial.

Here's how you can approach this with practical examples:

• Lower Score in a Particular GAMSAT Section: If a particular section is pulling your overall score down, targeting universities that weight sections differently could be beneficial. For instance, the University of Sydney could be a more favourable option if your scores in Sections 1 and 2 compensate for a lower score in Section 3, given their unique approach to evaluating GAMSAT scores.
• For Lower GPA: If your GPA isn't as strong, you may be able to compensate by achieving a very high GAMSAT score, which may be enough to gain a place at the University of Sydney (USyd). Although, please note that USYD value S1 and devalue S3 - science background students might be able to prioritise other universities.

Griffith, Deakin, and ANU Bonuses

Griffith, Deakin University and the Australian National University (ANU) consider additional factors that may enhance your application beyond the basic GPA and GAMSAT scores.

Deakin University Bonuses

Deakin University values a diverse range of experiences and backgrounds, offering bonuses for:

• Healthcare Background (Must be APHRA Professional): A bonus of 4%, with an additional 2% for applicants who have practised for a year.
• Financial Disadvantage: An additional 2% in their application.
• General Full-Time Employment: A 2% bonus for equivalent full-time work for 2 years in any field
• Residence Location: 4–8% bonus depending on your residence location.
  • MM2 or Geelong MM1: an adjustment of 4% of the combined GPA and GAMSAT score
  • MM3-7: an adjustment of 8% of the combined GPA and GAMSAT score
• Deakin Alumni: Receive a 4% application bonus.

Note that applicants who were found eligible for bonuses in 2023, 2024, or 2025 do not need to resubmit documentation — they can simply select a "previously applied" tick box.

Australian National University Bonuses

ANU encourages further academic achievements by awarding bonuses for:

• Honours or Masters Completion: A 2% bonus.
• Ph.D. Completion: A 4% bonus.

Please note that applicants cannot accumulate additional bonuses for completing more than one of the degrees listed above. If an applicant has completed more than one qualification that is eligible for a bonus, only the highest bonus will apply.

Griffith University Bonuses

Griffith University offers significant recognition for postgraduate achievements:

• Ph.D. Holders: Awarded an automatic 7.0 GPA.
• Full-time Master's by Research: Receives a maximum GPA for each year of study.

These bonuses can provide a competitive edge in your application, underscoring the importance of considering all aspects of your background when applying. If you're eligible for any of these bonuses, it places you at an advantageous position within the application pool. Conversely, understanding the competitive landscape is crucial, especially if you're not eligible for these additional considerations.

GEMSAS Quotas 2027

Understanding the quotas for each university's medical program is essential when selecting where to apply through GEMSAS. These quotas determine the number of available places for domestic students, including Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP), Commonwealth Supported Bonded Places (BMP), and full-fee places for certain universities.

Most schools allocate at least 25% of CSPs to students from rural backgrounds. Here's an overview of expected quotas for 2027 entry.

Quotas are indicative only and could change. Please see the GEMSAS website for the latest information.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How many offers can I receive from GEMSAS?

GEMSAS will extend only one offer per applicant, covering one type of placement. This includes Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP), Bonded Medical Program places (BMP), and various local sub-quotas like rural or community-based placements.

How many preferences can I choose in my GEMSAS application?

You can list up to six preferences in your application, specifying the types of offers you're open to receiving. GEMSAS calculates a GPA for each preference, then ranks courses based on GPA, GAMSAT scores, and other criteria, including potential bonuses.

Which medical schools should I apply to?

You may choose up to six universities in your GEMSAS application, but note that the University of Sydney (USyd), Flinders University, and Monash University require separate applications and are not included in these six preferences. For guidance on choosing your preferences, check out our Postgraduate Medical School Preferencing Guide.

How many interviews can I get through GEMSAS?

You can only receive one interview offer via GEMSAS. This interview is standardised across the GEMSAS consortium, meaning your score may be considered by other schools if you do not receive your first-choice offer.

Following the interview, you must accept the offer by a specified deadline, or it will lapse. Declining an offer disqualifies you from further consideration in that cycle.

What happens if I want to decline my GEMSAS offer?

Should you decide to decline your offer, be aware that you will not be eligible for consideration for another place nor receive an alternative offer. Offers must be accepted by the deadline provided by the institution, or they will automatically lapse.

What are conditional offers in GEMSAS?

Conditional offers typically mean that final academic results are pending, and the offer hinges on the completion of your current degree. Often, maintaining a specified GPA is also a condition. Applicants not meeting these criteria will be notified directly by GEMSAS of their unsuccessful status.

How are GEMSAS offers released?

Offers are made on a uniform date, with unsuccessful applicants informed via email. While GEMSAS and certain medical schools notify successful candidates by email, some schools may take additional time to send out notifications due to the complexity of offer generation. Also ensure that emails from info@gemsas.edu.au, noreply@gemsas.edu.au, and GEMSAS-noreply@vtac.edu.au are marked as 'trusted senders' in your email system to receive all communications.