Medicine Prerequisites: What are the Requirements for Studying Medicine at each University?
2 months ago by Rob
Entering medicine can be a confusing and complicated process, particularly if you are applying to multiple medical schools. If you wish to study medicine, you will need to ensure that you are studying the right subjects, and that you achieve certain minimum academic scores.
The table below summarises the prerequisite subjects and minimum scores required for medical and dental courses across Australia.
| VICTORIA | |||||
| University | Course | Subject Prerequisites | Minimum ATAR | UCAT Required? | Notes |
| Monash University | Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine (MD) - Direct Entry |
English and Chemistry English - At least 35 out of 50 for EAL or 30 out of 50 in English Chemistry - At least 30 out of 50 Biology recommended or may do Biology bridging program IB - At least 5 in Standard English or 4 in Higher Level English or 6 in Standard English B (ESL) or 5 in Higher Level English B (ESL). 5 in Standard Chemistry or 4 in Higher Level Chemistry. |
90 or above | Yes | |
| University of Melbourne | Doctor of Medicine | As for chosen undergraduate course | 99 or above | No | Provisional entry university |
| NEW SOUTH WALES | |||||
| University | Course | Subject Prerequisites | Minimum ATAR | UCAT Required? | Notes |
|
Newcastle University / JMP |
Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine | None | 94.3 or above (rural applicants 91.4 or above) | Yes | |
| University of New South Wales | Bachelor of Medical Studies / Doctor of Medicine (BMed/MD) | None | Minimum requirements: ATAR 96 / OP3 / IB 37 | Yes | |
|
Western Sydney University & Charles Sturt University Joint Program |
Doctor of Medicine (MD) | None | 95.5 or above (Western Sydney and rural applicants 93.5) | Yes | |
| Charles Sturt University | Bachelor of Dental Science | None | 90 | Yes | |
| Sydney | Doctor of Medicine |
Maths Advanced Maths Methods Maths Extension or Specialist Maths |
99.95 | No |
Online written assessment |
| Queensland | |||||
| University | Course | Subject Prerequisites | Minimum ATAR | UCAT Required? | Notes |
| University of Queensland | Doctor of Medicine (MD) | English | 95 | Yes | Provisional entry university |
| University of Queensland | Bachelor of Dental Science | English and Chemistry (Biology recommended) | 99 | Yes | |
| Griffith University | Doctor of Medicine | English | 99.85 | No | Provisional entry university |
| Griffith University | Bachelor of Dental Health Science | English, EAL, Literature or English & Literature Extension; One of Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Mathematical Methods | No specific minimum ATAR | Yes | |
| James Cook University |
Bachelor of Medicine / Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) Bachelor of Dental Surgery |
English Mathematical Methods Chemistry |
No specific minimum ATAR |
No |
Written application required Generally favours rural applicants |
| SOUTH AUSTRALIA | |||||
| University | Course | Subject Prerequisites | Minimum ATAR | UCAT Required? | Notes |
| Adelaide University | Bachelor of Medical Studies / Doctor of Medicine | Biology or Chemistry or Mathematical Methods (IB Applications and Interpretations HL or Analysis and Approaches SL) | ATAR 90 / IB 33 / GPA 5 | Yes | |
| Adelaide University | Bachelor of Dental Surgery |
Two science subjects: one from Chemistry, Mathematical Methods, Specialist Mathematics, Physics; and one from Biology, Geology, Chemistry, Physics IB: two science subjects (one of Chemistry, Maths: Applications and Interpretations (HL) or Maths: Analysis and Approaches (SL) or Physics AND one of Biology, Chemistry or Physics) or equivalent |
ATAR 90 / IB 33 / GPA 5 | Yes | |
| Adelaide University | Bachelor of Oral Health | One 20-credit SACE Stage 2 Tertiary Admission Subject from the Mathematics or Science Learning Areas; OR IB equivalent subjects; OR Equivalent University courses (i.e., 1st year Human Biology as part of the Bachelor of Health and Medical Sciences) | ATAR 70 / IB 25 / GPA 4 | Yes | |
| Flinders University | Bachelor of Clinical Sciences, Doctor of Medicine | None | 95 | Yes | Provisional entry university |
| WESTERN AUSTRALIA | |||||
| University | Course | Subject Prerequisites | Minimum ATAR | UCAT Required? | Notes |
| Curtin University | Bachelor of Medicine / Bachelor of Surgery |
Chemistry Study in one of the following Maths courses is desirable: Maths Applications, Maths Methods, Maths Specialist, or equivalent |
95 | Yes | |
| University of Western Australia |
Doctor of Medicine (MD) - direct pathway Dental Medicine - direct pathway |
English Mathematics Applications ATAR OR higher-level mathematics OR |
99 or above; 98 for rural or Broadway applicants; 90 for indigenous school leaver pathwa | Yes | Eye test required for dentistry applicants |
| TASMANIA | |||||
| University | Course | Subject Prerequisites | Minimum ATAR | UCAT Required? | Notes |
| University of Tasmania | Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine (BMedScMD) | English or English Literature or English Writing (or equivelant) | 95 for rural | Yes (excluding SJ) | |
Note: The above information is subject to change at any time in accordance with each university's individual preferences
Succeeding in UCAT and interviews is very important if you wish to pursue medicine and dentistry. In many cases UCAT and interviews are as important, or more important, than your ATAR in securing a place in medical school. It is best to start your UCAT preparation early, as it tests skills that need to be developed over time.
Last updated: November 2025
