Australia offers both undergraduate and graduate-entry medicine — with two distinct admissions tests depending on which pathway you choose.
Two pathways: Australia has both undergraduate (5–6 year) and graduate-entry (4 year) medical programmes. The admissions test you need depends entirely on which pathway you're applying for.
The UCAT ANZ (Australia and New Zealand) is the same test as the UK UCAT, adapted for the Antipodean application cycle. Taken in Year 12 or equivalent for direct-entry programmes.
The Graduate Australian Medical School Admissions Test is a more demanding, science-heavy exam taken after completing an undergraduate degree. Required for graduate-entry programmes.
Registration opens ~6 weeks before each sitting. September scores are used for applications due in October.
Some schools accept March sitting scores. Useful for a practice run or if you need to improve.
Most graduate-entry schools require a completed bachelor's degree. Check each school's requirements.
Primary sitting used for the October application round.
Most graduate-entry medical schools have October application deadlines. Apply directly to each school.
Interviews take place across the Australian summer. MMI is the dominant format.
Conditional and unconditional offers are made. VTAC (Victoria) has coordinated offer rounds.
Australia actively accepts international students at most medical schools, though fees are substantially higher (AUD $70,000–$90,000+ per year). International applicants must demonstrate English proficiency (IELTS 7.0+ typically).
Graduates may need to complete an AMC (Australian Medical Council) assessment to practice if they trained internationally. Australian-trained graduates are eligible for registration with AHPRA.
The University of Otago and the University of Auckland are the two medical schools in New Zealand. Otago uses UCAT ANZ. Both are highly competitive and primarily oriented toward domestic NZ applicants, though international applications are considered.
NZ graduates can register to practice in Australia under the Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Agreement.