The University of Western Australia Doctor of Medicine Program (MD)

The University of Western Australia Medicine is structured in a way for students to undertake relevant bioscience foundation and improve clinical knowledge, effective skills in reasoning, develop engaging communication, leadership and teamwork skills that will ultimately prepare graduates for a future of collaborative patient care.

The University of Western Australia medicine program is a four-year, full-time postgraduate course and the first year of study period provides necessary biomedical science foundation for medical students. Once students commence their second and third year of study, they will gain clinical experience in different wards and hospitals located in Perth, in addition to general practices and other community services.

University of Western Australia students in their third year, must choose a Scholarly Activity Program that continues into year four of study. The choices include:

• Community service-based learning
• Research
• Public health
• Health education

Additionally students must also undertake a rural clinical school program meant to improve their longitudinal and integrated clinical working execution. Up to 25% of the students enrolled in the University of Western Australia MD are offered work within Australia’s rural setting, which includes clinical service, ward experience and general practices ranging from Esperance to Kununurra.

The fourth year concludes with preparation for internship, which includes an exclusive option to practice in a clinical area of your choice, as well as an intern-shadowing segment to ensure that graduates are ready for internship.

Applications for UWA's Medicine via the Biomedicine (Specialised) Program for domestic school leavers is a competitive process and based on factors such as ATAR or equivalent, UCAT ANZ score, and an interview process. Applicants must meet minimum eligibility requirements to be considered for a place.

Applicants from schools outside Western Australia may also be considered if they meet the minimum ATAR or equivalent requirements.

• Minimum ATAR 98 for Rural, Broadway and/or High Academic Achievers (HAA). Minimum ATAR 90 for applicants who are eligible for the Indigenous school leaver pathway
• UCAT ANZ score of 3000 and above to be competitive
• Interview
• English language competency

Successful candidates will be offered a conditional place in the Doctor of Medicine (MD) program. Admission into the MD program for school leavers is contingent upon completing UWA's Bachelor of Biomedicine (Specialised) with the Integrated Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice major and achieving a minimum selection GPA of 5.5 within the first two years of the bachelor's degree. This major provides one year of credit towards the MD, enabling students to complete both degrees in six years of full-time study.

The final ranking for course offers into the Bachelor of Biomedicine (Specialised) Program is determined based on several criteria.

• Final ranking will be based on ATAR or equivalent (30%), interview (50%) and UCAT ANZ score (20%)
• Final ranking for Rural applicants will be based on ATAR or equivalent (22.5%), interview (27.5%), UCAT ANZ score (15%), and rurality rating (25%)

School leavers may defer an offer for one year. School leavers with Australian permanent residency or dual citizenship who have National Service obligations may defer up to two years.

Applications for UWA's Medicine via the Biomedicine (Specialised) Program for international school leavers follows a competitive process, evaluating applicants based on their ATAR or equivalent, ISAT score, and an interview.

• Minimum ATAR 98 (or equivalent)
• ISAT score
• Interview

Successful applicants will be granted a conditional place in the Doctor of Medicine (MD) program. For international school leavers, this conditional acceptance is contingent upon completing UWA's Bachelor of Biomedicine (Specialised) with the Integrated Medical Sciences and Clinical Practices major, and achieving a minimum selection GPA of 5.5 within the initial two years of the bachelor's degree. Notably, the Integrated Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice major facilitates one year of credit towards the MD, enabling completion of both degrees in six years of full-time study.

The final ranking will be determined based on ATAR or equivalent (30%), interview performance (50%), and ISAT score (20%).

To be eligible for the UWA medical school, students with a bachelor’s degree or those who are in their first year bachelor’s degree can apply through graduate entry for this course.

Students in their first year bachelor's degree may be eligible to apply in their final year of the course, but must meet all undergraduate degree requirements by the 31st of December of the preceding application year.

To be considered for admission to the UWA Doctor of Medicine program, an applicant must have:

• A bachelor’s degree, or an equivalent qualification recognised by the UWA.
• A recognised bachelor’s degree from an Australian university or higher educational institutions is recognised by the Australian Qualifications Framework or the National Office of Overseas Skills Recognition (NOOSR).
• An equivalent unweighted GPA of at least 5.5
• A GAMSAT overall score of at least 55 and no section score less than 50
• Or an overall minimum MCAT score of 500
• Attend the Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) at UWA

Please note that all GAMSAT scores are valid for 2 years and must be valid before the closing date of applications at UWA.

The final ranking for course offers into the UWA MD Program is determined based on several criteria.

• Final ranking for non-rural domestic applicants to the MD will be based on GAMSAT (20%), GPA (30%) and interview (50%).
• Final ranking for rural applicants to the MD will be based on GAMSAT (15%), GPA (22.5%), interview (37.5%) and rurality rating (25%).
• Final ranking for applicants who are eligible for Indigenous entry will be based on GPA and interview by the Centre for Aboriginal Medical and Dental Health (CAMDH).
• Final ranking for international applicants to the MD will be based on GAMSAT (or equivalent) (20%), GPA (30%) and interview (50%).

There are also additional pathway options for students that satisfy the following criteria:

• Rural domestic students who are a part of a Federal Government initiative to address rural and remote areas of workforce shortage in allied healthcare.
• Applicants who identify as an Australian Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander with valid proof of their identification. Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander applicants should contact the Faculty Admissions team or the Centre for Aboriginal Medical and Dental Health (CAMDH) for more information about entry pathways.

To be eligible for consideration, domestic school leavers must register for and complete the UCAT ANZ examination. Please note that registration for UCAT ANZ usually closes in May each year.

• All applicants are required to submit a TISC application for admission. TISC application dates close in late September
• For applicants seeking Rural eligibility, submission of UWA's Rural eligibility form via TISC is mandatory. This form must be submitted by the TISC closing date for Medicine applications.
• Notification of interview eligibility will be communicated via email during the week commencing November 18, 2024, following the completion of WACE exams.
• Interviews for domestic school leavers are scheduled to occur between November 25 and December 8, 2024.

To be eligible for the international school leaver entry into the Medicine program at UWA, please ensure that all entry requirements are fulfilled.

1. The applicant should access the application portal via this link. If they are an agent, they should utilize the agent portal for submission.
2. The applicant selects the Bachelor of Biomedicine (Specialised) program from the available options.
3. On the Course Details tab within the application, the applicant will encounter four pathway questions. For the first question, they should indicate their preference for the Doctor of Medicine program.
4. The subsequent three questions provide the applicant with options to select their second, third, and fourth preferences. They may choose from Doctor of Dental Medicine, Doctor of Podiatric Medicine, or the Medical Science major for the Bachelor of Biomedicine (Specialised) as a standalone degree. Alternatively, they can opt out of consideration for any of these alternative options.
5. The applicant should ensure they fill out all required information accurately and completely, then submit their application by following the prompts provided.

It should be noted that late applications will not be considered, so the applicant must make sure to submit their application within the specified timeframe.

For all domestic students, including rural applicants:

1. Apply for the Doctor of Medicine program via the GEMSAS website. Utilise the GEMSAS website for the application process.
2. The application period for the UWA Doctor of Medicine typically opens during the first week of March and remains active until the end of May preceding the intended commencement year of the medical course.

For international students:

1. International students have the option to pursue an alternative pathway by applying through an authorized international education agent.

This process ensures that both domestic and international graduate applicants can appropriately apply for admission to the Doctor of Medicine program at UWA.

Applicants for the UWA Doctor of Medicine course are selected based on their GAMSAT or equivalent score and GPA. Those who meet the criteria will receive an invitation for the Multiple Mini Interviews (MMI) at UWA. The MMI evaluates candidates based on personal attributes essential for medical practitioners. Shortlisted applicants will be notified via email two weeks prior to the interview date, allowing them time to prepare.

The MMIs for domestic applicants typically take place in late September at the Perth campus. Applicants invited to the MMI must allocate a minimum of two-and-a-half hours, which includes registration, preparation, and the interview process itself.

The MMI consists of 5-8 stations, each focusing on different aspects of the candidate's suitability for the program. Each station is allotted approximately 5-10 minutes, divided between preparation time and response duration to MMI questions. Five of the stations present scenarios to the candidate, who then has three minutes to prepare before responding. The remaining stations involve a Graduate Presentation Exercise, Graduate Presentation Preparation, and a rest station.

EXCLUSIVE: Domestic applicants who were successful in obtaining an interview for 2024 entry averaged GPA of 6.79.

Unlike the MMI format used to assess domestic applicants, the University of Western Australia MD course uses a slightly different format for international students. The interview process involves two University representatives conducting the interview to evaluate the applicants.

Each year, interviews for international graduates are held in Perth and in specific overseas locations during July and early August. Due to Covid-19 disruptions the interview process for international applicants is currently under review by the university.

Once an individual receives the medical interview offer, it is crucial to prepare thoroughly for the MMI stations. Some essential considerations before attending the interview include:

• Ensuring you have a valid photo ID for verification purposes, such as a passport, driver’s license, or school card.
• Abiding by the rules regarding personal electronic devices; interviewees must refrain from bringing mobile phones or other personal electronic gadgets into the interview room.
• Avoiding wearing any uniforms, accessories, or badges that represent specific organizations to prevent potential biases during the interview process. It's important to maintain a neutral appearance.

A total of 103 places are available for the UWA Doctor of Medicine program, distributed as follows:

• Approximately 30% of places, totalling about 31, are reserved for rural applicants.
• Up to 10% of places, totalling approximately 10, are allocated for Indigenous students.
• 28.5% of all domestic medical places, equivalent to around 29, are designated for Bonded Medical Places (BMPs).
• There are 30 places available for international students.

Students who have accepted the Australian Government's BMP must adhere to work in areas of identified workforce shortage for a period specified in the Department of Health once they graduate. Students will be allocated in areas of workforce shortage, be it in remote, rural or urban regions based on their specialisation.

What Should You Read Next?

Now that you have read about the application process for medicine at The University of Western Australia, check out our GAMSAT and GPA score cutoffs for postgraduate MD programs in Australia.