Monash Interview Rounds Explained
3 days ago by Chris
Since Monash university offers the only undergraduate medical degree in Victoria, entry into Monash is extremely competitive.
If you're applying for medicine at Monash University, understanding how the interview selection process works is an important part of your application strategy. At Monash, interview offers are released in stages depending on various criteria.
This blog will discuss when interviews are offered, what determines who gets invited for an interview, and how the Dean’s Rural List (DRL) and non-DRL pathways differ.
Understanding the Dean's Rural List (DRL)
The Dean's Rural List is a special consideration pathway for domestic applicants from Australian rural backgrounds. A minimum of 27% of all domestic places are reserved for students who qualify for the DRL, which significantly increases chances of entry.
To be eligible for the DRL, you must have resided in a rural area of Australia (according to your principal home address) for at least 5 consecutive years, or 10 years in total. Find out your rural classification to check whether you're eligible.
Because DRL applicants compete in a smaller pool with reserved places, the UCAT cut-offs are generally significantly lower than for non-DRL (general/metropolitan) applicants.
Monash Interview Rounds: How They Work
Monash runs multiple interview rounds throughout the selection period, each targeting various applicant groups and using different ranking criteria. Interviews are conducted via Zoom and typically span from late November through to late January.
First round - DRL applicants (Late November)
This round is open to any student, regardless of location, who qualifies for the DRL. Selection is based on UCAT score only (ATAR is not considered at this stage).
First round - Victorian applicants (Early December)
This round is open to Victorian-based applicants who are not on the DRL. Location is determined by your residential address as provided in your VTAC application. Selection is based on UCAT score only.
Receiving an interview in this phase is extremely difficult: for 2026 entry, students must have achieved a UCAT score of at least 2380 (equivalent to 94th percentile).
Second round (Early January)
This round is open to Victorian-based applicants and any student who qualifies for the DRL. Selection is based on an equally-weighted combination of your ATAR (including adjustment factors) and UCAT score. This means that students who may have missed the earlier round of interviews due to failure to achieve the required UCAT cut-off can still receive interview invitations if their combined results are competitive.
Later rounds (Mid to Late January)
Subsequent interview rounds are open to students who completed year 12 interstate or overseas. Selection is based on an equally-weighted combination of ATAR (including adjustment factors) and UCAT score.
Recent UCAT Cut-offs for First Round Interviews
Here are the UCAT cut-offs from recent years for the first interview rounds (UCAT-only selection):
| Entry Year | DRL Cut-off | Non-DRL Cut-off |
| 2026 | 2050 (66th percentile) | 2380 (94th percentile) |
| 2025 | 2730 (66th percentile) | 3140 (93rd percentile) |
| 2024 | 2670 (64th percentile) | 3020 (91st percentile) |
| 2023 | 2620 (61st percentile) | 2990 (90th percentile) |
Keep in mind these cut-offs are specific to the first rounds where UCAT only is considered. Later rounds incorporate ATAR alongside UCAT, and cut-offs can vary each year depending on the applicant pool and available places.
If You Receive an Interview Invitation
If you have been invited to interview at Monash university, congratulations, this is a significant achievement! However, it's vital to know that applicants for this course are only allowed to attend the interview once. If you're re-applying and have previously attended an interview for this course, you won't be eligible to interview again. A one-opportunity policy exists, and your previous interview results will be used instead.
Furthermore, interviews at Monash university are extremely competitive, and are worth one third of the admissions criteria. There are many students who have achieved perfect ATAR scores and 99th percentile in the UCAT, and have not received a place due to failure to excel in their interview.
These factors mean that thorough preparation is absolutely essential. Your focus should now shift to developing the skills and confidence needed to perform at your best. Consider practicing MMI scenarios, and building your communication and critical thinking abilities. Starting early and simulating realistic interview conditions can make a significant difference to your performance.
If You Haven't Yet Received an Interview Invitation
Not receiving an invitation in the first round doesn't mean your chances of admission into Monash medicine are over. There are several practical steps you can take to boost your chances of receiving an interview offer in subsequent rounds:
- Focus on achieving a strong ATAR. Later selection rounds combine UCAT and ATAR scores, so a high ATAR can improve your overall ranking and compensate for a lower UCAT score.
- Apply to multiple universities. Consider other medical programs and pathways to broaden your opportunities beyond Monash university.
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Prepare for interviews anyway. Even if you're unsure about your chances, developing your interview skills is valuable. Many students receive offers in later rounds when they don't initially expect to. Keep in mind that interviews can be scheduled only days after receiving an invitation, for example, at UNSW and the University of Sydney, so being prepared in advance is crucial.
Final Thoughts
Monash's multi-round interview selection process means there are multiple opportunities to receive an invitation throughout the application period. Understanding the difference between DRL and non-DRL pathways, knowing which round applies to you, and understanding how each round weighs different criteria helps you plan accordingly.
Whether you're invited in the first round or a later round, thorough interview preparation is essential. Your UCAT and ATAR scores determine who gets invited, but your performance in the MMI ultimately determines your success. Staying informed and proactive throughout the application process gives you the best chance of achieving your goal.
