“Medicines cure diseases but only doctors can cure patients.” These words of wisdom by Carl Jung are perhaps the best way to understand the value that doctors have in society. Not all heroes wear capes, but many wear lab coats! If you want to begin saving lives, it’s time to consider a degree in medicine. To help you along with your process, here is a detailed guide on everything you need to know about getting an MBBS in Australia.
A brief overview of getting an MBBS in Australia
An MBBS or Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery is a 5-6 year program of undergraduate study, after which a student can go on to become to licensed, practising medical professional. The program typically consists of a four-year-long study plan, followed by a year of practical training in the form of an internship.
Best medical colleges in Australia
Home to a handful of the world’s top medical colleges, students from all around the globe come to Australia. Medical degrees require a lot of time and effort, so it’s important for you to choose the right university. Some of the top universities for medicine in Australia include:
1. The University of Melbourne
2. The University of Sydney
3. The University of Queensland
4. Monash University
5. The University of New South Wales
For more information on what these colleges offer, read our deep dive into the top medical schools in Australia.
What are the MBBS requirements in Australia?
Depending on the country you’re applying from, the eligibility criteria and requirements for your application will be slightly different. However, there are several basic requirements you will need to meet to pursue an MBBS in Australia. Some of these requirements are:
1. Candidates must be at least 17 years old
2. Completed a recognised board or institution’s higher secondary education
3. For International applicants: English language proficiency (a minimum IELTS score of 7.0)
4. For International applicants: a qualified UMAT (Undergraduate Medicine and Health Sciences Admission Test) or UCAT (University Clinical Aptitude Test) test result may be used instead of an entrance exam.
Admission process
There is a standardised, basic application process for anyone who is applying to pursue an MBBS in Australia. Australia has two major intakes for undergraduate students. Their intake for the 1st semester runs from January to early March, and intake for the second semester is from July to early August.
What are the documents required for an MBBS in Australia?
As you begin applying, there are a few basic documents you will need to keep handy. Some of these requirements may differ slightly depending upon the university you are applying to, but here is an overview of the kind of documents you will be required to submit.
1. A Statement of Purpose (SOP)
2. Letters of recommendation
3. Original academic transcripts
4. Financial documents
5. Official test scores
How to apply for an MBBS in Australia?
Once you have your documents handy, you can start your process! It is best to start your application process 2-3 months before the deadline so you have ample time to refine your application. While the specifics of how to apply may change depending on the college you are applying to, here is a general overlook of how your application process for an MBBS in Australia will look:
Step 1: Research and select your program
Step 2: Gather all your official documents
Step 3: Create an account with the university
Step 4: Fill out your application form and submit
Step 5: Pay the application fees
Once your application is submitted, the university can take anywhere from 3 weeks to 2 months to get back to you with a response. Some colleges may have an additional interview round before giving out the final acceptance.
What are the benefits of studying MBBS in Australia?
If you’re not from the land down under and are wondering why you would leave your home, or on the flip side, if you’re from Australia and are considering leaving, allow us to persuade you to pursue your MBBS in Australia. There are a number of reasons you should do an MBBS in Australia, and some of the most important are:
1. Great teaching faculties: Australia is home to some of the best practical teaching programs for medical students and is armed with some of the most experienced professionals in the field.
2. Good career advancement: The government offers a range of benefits and incentives to medical professionals. After pursuing your degree, your professional life will likely be incredibly fruitful.
3. Centre of medical innovation: If you want to be in the middle of all the action at the site of new medical discoveries, Australia is the place to be. The country is the birthplace of in vitro fertilisation and the life-saving Gardasil vaccine.
Check out this guide to know about the things you should know before studying in Australia.
Cost of getting an MBBS in Australia
After you’re accepted, the next step is to get started on planning out your expenses. The tuition costs for an MBBS in Australia will vary depending upon on the university you apply to. Here is a rough breakdown of costs for the top medical colleges for an MBBS:
Scholarships
Becoming a doctor in one of the best countries in the world, doesn’t come cheap! While Australia does have more affordable programs than the UK or the US, a 5 to 6-year program can end up costing you a lot. Luckily there is a range of scholarships available to students who want to pursue an MBBS in Australia.
1. University Scholarships: Each university will likely have their own range of scholarships that they offer to outstanding students. For example, the University of Sydney offers a range of scholarships to students who will be pursuing health and medical-related degrees at their colleges.
2. Government and external scholarships: You can also look for scholarships provided by third-party organisations or government-funded scholarship opportunities. For more information, you can check out our blog for a comprehensive understanding of scholarships in Australia.
What are the career opportunities after MBBS in Australia?
With a booming medical industry, there will be no shortage of jobs for you after getting your degree. Your MBBS will likely be followed up by an MD, after which you can begin applying for your dream job. If you are an international student, you may start applying for jobs after applying for your Australian post-study work visa. Some of the most in-demand jobs in the medical field are
1. Physiotherapist: Average salary of about $100,000
2. Dermatologist: Average salary of about $135,000
3. Radiologist: Average salary of about $145,000
4. Cardiologist: Average salary of about $195,000
5. General practitioner: Average salary of about $200,000
That was everything you needed to know about pursuing an MBBS in Australia. We hope you’ve found some helpful information within this blog and feel better prepared to start your application process. If you’re looking for a way to cut down on your costs, check out our blog on student discount cards. For more information on the land down under check out our blogs on the best courses for permanent residency and the highest-paying jobs in Australia. You can also read our blog on the 10 best countries for pursuing MBBS.
