Charles Sturt University’s New Independent Medicine Program
4 days ago by Chris
Charles Sturt University (CSU) is launching its own independent medical program, the Bachelor of Clinical Science (Medicine)/Doctor of Medicine, with its first cohort commencing in March 2027. Previously, CSU delivered the medical course jointly with Western Sydney University through the Joint Program in Medicine. If you are planning to apply for entry into medicine in 2027, here is what you need to know.
What Is CSU's New Medicine Program?
The Bachelor of Clinical Science (Medicine)/Doctor of Medicine is a five-year undergraduate medicine program delivered from CSU's Orange campus in New South Wales. The program is newly accredited as an independent program, separate from the former CSU/WSU Joint Program in Medicine (JPM), which has been discontinued as of 2026.
The new program is structured as follows:
- Years 1–2: Preclinical study completed full-time on campus in Orange, NSW
- Years 3–5: Full-time clinical placements and community-based training at a rural location in NSW or northern Victoria
After completing the first three years of the degree, students may either exit with a Bachelor of Clinical Science (Medicine) or continue into years four and five to complete the Doctor of Medicine requirements. Students who complete the full five-year program are awarded both the Bachelor of Clinical Science (Medicine) and the Doctor of Medicine degrees.
Why Has the Joint Program in Medicine Been Discontinued?
Since 2021, CSU and Western Sydney University (WSU) have delivered a medical course together through the Joint Program in Medicine. Under the JPM, both campuses shared a single UAC course code, and identical selection criteria and course structure. Applicants could indicate a campus preference, but offers were ultimately allocated at the university's discretion with no guarantee of studying at your preferred location.
For the 2026 application cycle, both universities are transitioning to independent medical programs, allowing each institution to focus on its own distinct mission. CSU will concentrate on training doctors for regional and rural Australia, while WSU continues its focus on serving the communities of Greater Western Sydney and beyond. A practical benefit of this change is that if you receive offers from both programs, you now have full control over where you choose to study.
Who Can Apply?
CSU's Bachelor of Clinical Science (Medicine)/Doctor of Medicine is open to Australian citizens and permanent residents only. CSU considers both school leavers and non-school leavers through the same applicant pool, with no separate selection process for non-standard applicants. Both the rural and non-rural pathways are open to eligible non-school leavers, who will be assessed on GPA in place of an ATAR, with minimum requirements varying depending on the level of study completed.
Note that there is no lateral or advanced entry for postgraduate applicants. Students who have already completed a degree and wish to study medicine at CSU will need to begin from the start of the Bachelor of Clinical Science component and complete the full five-year program.
Entry Requirements
There are no specific subject prerequisites for CSU's medicine program. However, prior knowledge in mathematics, chemistry, physics, biology, and English can be an advantage once you begin your studies.
To be considered, applicants must meet the academic threshold for their pathway, sit the UCAT ANZ in the same calendar year as their application, and if successful at the UCAT stage, complete a Multi-Station Mini Interview (MMI).
The academic thresholds are as follows:
- Standard (non-rural) pathway: Adjusted ATAR of 95.5 or above
- Rural Entry Admissions Scheme (REAS): Adjusted ATAR of 91.5 or above, available to applicants who live in a qualifying rural area
For applicants without an ATAR, equivalent qualifications are accepted (for example, International Baccalaureate of 38 or higher for non-rural applicants and 35 or higher for rural applicants).
How Do I Apply?
Applications are made through UAC. CSU's Bachelor of Clinical Science (Medicine)/Doctor of Medicine now has its own dedicated course code, separate from the single shared code that existed under the former JPM.
- Applications open: 1 June 2026
- Applications close: 25 September 2026
The first cohort is due to commence on 1 March 2027. If you are applying via the Rural Entry Admissions Scheme (REAS), note that a rural confirmation form must be completed as part of your UAC application at the time of applying.
How Competitive Will This Program Be?
For the 2027 intake, CSU is offering 47 Commonwealth Supported Places, with approximately 15-20 places expected to be allocated to the non-rural pathway. The remaining places are reserved for rural applicants. Given CSU's commitment to training doctors for regional and rural communities, rural applicants are strongly encouraged to apply.
ATAR (or equivalent) functions as an entry threshold rather than a ranking tool. On the other hand, UCAT ANZ scores alone determine whether you will receive an interview invitation, with the top-ranked UCAT applicants being offered an interview.
About 80% of interview offers will be made to rural applicants. Across both rural and non-rural pathways, 80% of interview places will be allocated to NSW applicants, with the remaining 20% allocated to interstate applicants.
If you are invited to interview and subsequently considered for an offer, your final selection rank is calculated as 75% interview performance and 25% UCAT ANZ score. Provided you also meet the minimum ATAR or equivalent academic requirement, you will receive an offer.
This means that for any student intending to apply to CSU's medicine program, your UCAT ANZ result is the most important factor you can actively prepare for. It determines whether you get to the interview stage — and without an interview, an offer is not possible. Starting your UCAT ANZ preparation early will give you the best chance of progressing through the selection process.
Once you receive an interview offer, quality interview preparation will maximize your chances of success.
