International applicants

Admission to the UOW MD degree for international applicants is based on:

• A weighted Grade Point Average (GPA) from a valid Bachelor’s degree *
• A valid GAMSAT or MCAT score *
• A valid Casper score *
• A completed UOW MD Admissions Portfolio *
• A structured UOW MD Admissions Interview *
• Evidence of English proficiency

* see specific sections below to determine required standards for each measure

Applicants who are NOT citizens or permanent residents of Australia or citizens of New Zealand are considered international applicants. The GSM welcomes all international students to submit applications for the 2023 intake directly to UOW. There is no application fee. Applications will be assessed on a rolling basis from late January 2022. Early applications are encouraged.

Direct applicants are encouraged to download and complete the application form and submit all the supporting documents along with the completed application form to UOW Future Students at future-students@uow.edu.au.

Weighted Grade Point Average (GPA) from a valid Bachelor's degree

Applicants must be in their final year or have a completed Bachelor’s degree from either:

An Australian University listed in the National Register of higher education providers at the TEQSA National Register
OR
An equivalent overseas Bachelor qualification from an institution that is recognised under the framework and guidelines set by the Australian Department of Education and Training Qualifications Recognition Policy Unit (previously AEI-NOOSR).

All applicants must have a weighted GPA of 5.5 on a 7-point scale at the time of application, to be eligible to apply.

The undergraduate degree on which the GPA is calculated must have been awarded no greater than 10 years prior to the year of application to the UOW MD. This is designed to ensure the currency of a student’s academic and research skills which are required in the rigorous academic environment of the MD program. Prospective students whose Bachelor's degrees were awarded more than 10 years prior to the year of application are not usually considered unless they can provide documentary evidence of successful tertiary level postgraduate coursework from an accredited institution of not less than one year’s full-time equivalent study within the 10 year period. The GSM reserves the right to also waive the 10-year policy if a student demonstrates academic currency and skills by experiences other than the qualifications stipulated above. All evidence must be produced in writing prior to application to md-enquiries@uow.edu.au. In cases where the degree is greater than 10 years old, and the candidate is considered eligible to apply, the GPA will still be calculated on the most recent completed bachelor degree.

Medical school places are limited and competitive. Applicants who have completed medical studies in another country should seek advice from the Australian Medical Council about pathways to recognition of their qualifications in Australia. Qualified physicians are not considered eligible for entry to the UOW MD program. Applicants who have failed to complete medical studies previously (including in Australia) would also not normally be considered eligible for entry. Applicants who have studied medicine previously should contact GSM prior to close of applications if they wish to confirm their eligibility.

Grade Point Average (GPA)

All applicants will be required to submit electronic copies of  their most recent Bachelor's degree with their application. If an offer is accepted, either certified copies or original transcripts will be required for final enrolment.  The GPA is calculated using all subjects taken within the last three full-time equivalent years of the most recent undergraduate degree.

To be accepted applicants would normally have spent at least 2 years in the institution conferring the degree. An Honours year is normally considered as the final year of an undergraduate degree. Postgraduate qualifications (Masters, PhD) are not included in GPA calculations. To maintain absolute transparency and equity for all international applications, the GPA for all international transcripts will be calculated using the GEMSAS GPA calculator in the same method as used for domestic applicants. The GPA calculator tool and the supporting documents that help you follow the process can be accessed on the GEMSAS website.  The documents explains the different steps for calculating GPAs from Australian and international degrees.

 The GPA is calculated for each of the last 3 calendar years.

The scores are expressed as:

GPA1 for the first year of study
GPA2 for the second year of study
GPA3 for the third (most recent) year of study.
The scores are weighted by the GSM as follows:

(GPA1 + (2 × GPA2) + (3 × GPA3)) ÷ 6 = weighted GPA

This weighting is based on the calendar year of study, not the academic level of each subject. The minimum weighted GPA for application in 2022 is 5.5.

International applicants sitting the Graduate Australian Medical Schools Admission Test (GAMSAT), GAMSAT (UK and Ireland) need to have gained a minimum score of 50 for each of the three sections and an overall minimum score of 50 to be eligible to apply.

International applicants that use MCAT must have gained a minimum score of 123 in each sub-section and minimum overall score of 495 in the MCAT.

Graduate Medical School Admissions Test (GAMSAT): The GAMSAT test is offered twice each year in Australia, United Kingdom and Ireland and other countries. The test is held in March and September of each year. Please visit gamsat.acer.edu.au  for details regarding GAMSAT.

Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) The MCAT test is offered a number of times each year in a range of countries. Please visit the AAMC website - Taking the MCAT® Exam for details regarding MCAT.

The score for either test must not be over two years old at the time of application. The GAMSAT / MCAT score required to receive an offer for interview may fluctuate annually.

For international applications to be considered at UOW GSM, applicants are required to complete Altus Suite (Casper + Snapshot) during the testing periods identified for UOW MD applicants. Applicants who do not have a Casper score/Snapshot video will not be considered eligible for entry.

Altus Suite is a standardised, two -part online assessment of non-cognitive skills, interpersonal characteristics, and personal values and priorities that we believe are important for successful students and graduates of our program.

Altus Suite consists of:

• Casper: 100-120 minute online, open-response situational judgment test
• Snapshot: 15-minute one-way video interview with standardized questions

Casper is an online video based scenario, situational judgement test and is designed to measure the personal and professional traits, such as ethics, empathy and communication and how these traits will be best suited towards a career in medicine. For domestic applications to be considered at UOW GSM, applicants need to have completed the Casper test during the testing periods identified for UOW MD applicants. Applicants who do not have a valid Casper score will not be considered eligible for entry, regardless of their competitiveness against other entry criteria.

Snapshot is a short, one-way video interview. It is made up of three interview-style questions, with two minutes to respond to each. Snapshot is an extra opportunity for you to demonstrate your personal attributes, especially during this time where face to face communication is difficult. This will help give UOW additional information to make more informed decisions on your application and who you are as an individual. All candidates to UOW MD are required to sit Snapshot in addition to the standard Casper test. 

For 2023 entry, Casper scores will be used as a primary hurdle requirement for interview ranking and will be included as part of a holistic review for final offers. Snapshot will be used to provide additional information for interview selection and place offers.

Casper sitting dates will be available throughout the year for International applicants. For the 2022-2023 admissions cycle the following dates are available:

• Wed March 23, 2022 at 12:15 pm AEDT
• Sun May 22, 2022 at 11:00 am AEST
• Thurs June 2, 2022 at 8:00 pm AEST
• Wed August 24, 2022 at 10:00 am AEST

The Casper test dates correlate with interview rounds in April, June and September. Please register for your Casper as early as possible to ensure you are eligible for that interview round.

It is recommended that applicants try and register to take the test on the first available date. Applicants without Altus Suite scores/videos will not be considered for entry. 

More information about the Altus suite tests can be found on our FAQs

The UOW MD Admissions Portfolio is an innovative document that allows applicants to identify personal experiences and qualities in areas of achievement, leadership, teamwork and service ethic and commitment and ties to regional, rural and remote communities. All applicants will be required to prepare a portfolio to be submitted to UOW GSM. The portfolio will be used to provide additional information for interview selection and as part of a holistic review for final offers.

In submitting an admissions portfolio, applicants will need to consider the following:

• Leadership
• Capacity to work with others
• Service ethic - outside your employment environment
• High level of performance in an area of human endeavour

After candidates are selected for an interview, verification of activities may be undertaken by email. Any negative responses provided by verifiers will be forwarded to the Academic Leader: Admissions & Selection for review.

• Applicants who do not submit a portfolio will not be considered for an interview.
• Applicants who do not submit a valid email address in their portfolio will not be considered for an interview.
• All activities listed in the UOW MD Admissions Portfolio require a contact name with a valid email address and/or contact phone number to verify the activity.

All international applications should download and thoroughly read the guidelines below:

Portfolio Guidelines [PDF]
Portfolio Application Form [PDF]

Applicants will be considered for interview based on a combination of GPA, Casper and MCAT/GAMSAT score plus UOW MD portfolio and Snapshot. Interviews for 2023 entry are scheduled to occur in rounds from March to September 2022 and will be conducted by formally trained interviewers in an online format.

UOW MD Admissions Interviews are designed to assess personal qualities deemed desirable in medical students and medical practitioners. Interviewees are rated on personal qualities including their communication skills, empathetic and ethical approach, reflective manner, teamwork and decision-making skills. The international interviews are designed to assess the following personal qualities:

• Communication skills
• Empathy and compassion
• Resilience and coping skills
• Decision making and problem-solving ability
• Teamwork
• Honesty
• Reflection/self-appraisal
• Leadership
• Ethical standards and values
• Insight and understanding

More information on the details and format of the interview process will be provided to candidates once they are selected for interview.

Students whose undergraduate degree was not completed in English may be required to demonstrate English proficiency.

The UOW GSM's English Language Requirements are:

A minimum IELTS score of 7.0, plus the following band scores:

• 7.0 in reading and listening; and
• 7.0 in speaking and writing

The interviewed candidates are ranked for an offer after the interview by a holistic review of all available admissions metrics. Offers of places are made based on the recommendations of the GSM Admissions Committee. All international offers are full-fee paying places.

Firm offers are only made to applicants who are already graduates. Provisional offers are made to applicants who have not completed their final year of their Bachelor's degree at the time of interview. A provisional offer will lapse if the applicant does not reach a weighted GPA of 5.5 on a 7-point scale or above on completion of their degree. The original academic transcript issued by the conferring University providing final year results and confirming the completion of the Bachelor's degree must be submitted to GSM before enrolment.

Offers will be made throughout the year from when applications open. This is a highly competitive process, and more offers may be made to eligible applicants than places available. To ensure your place is secured in the program you are required to return the acceptance form and $AUD 15000 + Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) as soon as possible. The remainder of first semester fees will need to be paid by 31st October. If the remaining of the 1st-semester fees is not paid by 31st October, your offer will be withdrawn. Once all 15 places have been confirmed and accepted, any students with outstanding offers will be placed on a waitlist in case any of those places become vacant. Many highly ranked candidates will also be holding offers so your prompt response to your offer is vital to secure your place.

The GSM of the University of Wollongong consists of two main campuses – Wollongong and Shoalhaven. At the time of the interview, applicants will need to indicate their preferred campus (Wollongong or Shoalhaven) for Phase 1 of the program. This preference will be considered but not guaranteed. Extenuating circumstances for campus preference may be considered. International students may be offered the opportunity to study on either campus at the discretion of the Academic leader, Admissions and Selection. See Wollongong campus and Shoalhaven campus facilities. 

Acceptance of a UOW MD place indicates acceptance of the campus allocation. It should be noted that the International Student Office is only located at Wollongong campus.

Applicants who are NOT citizens or permanent residents of Australia or citizens of New Zealand are considered international applicants.

Permanent Resident Status is established from the date stamped on the applicant/student's passport or a "certificate of Evidence of Resident Status" from the Department of Immigration & Border Protection, not the date on which the application for status is made.

Should an international applicant be granted Permanent Resident status (or New Zealand Citizenship status) before an offer is made, his/her application will be void. He/she may re-apply for a domestic place in a subsequent intake.

An international student who is granted Permanent Resident (or New Zealand Citizen) status after an offer is made may be ineligible for a place at the GSM and may be excluded from the program. For more information, please see FAQs below.

First Aid Certificate

Successful applicants must have completed and hold a current approved First Aid Certificate (minimum 14hr training content) prior to commencement of study. Evidence of this certificate must be presented on the first day of the program.

Examples of relevant courses are:

• St John’s Ambulance - Apply First Aid 2-day
• Red Cross - Apply First Aid

No exceptions will be made to this requirement for entry regardless of previous work experience or qualifications.

The cost of a First Aid course is the student's responsibility.

NSW Health Verification

Prior to the commencement of any clinical placement, all students are expected to complete the verification process with NSW Health. Students may be excluded from clinical placement if this process is incomplete.

International students are required to bring with them a certified criminal record check clearance letter, in English, from their country of origin. At the time of enrolment, applicants must show this letter plus provide a copy for certification by a Justice of the Peace. The copy is then attached to the criminal record check application form.

Students will be excluded from clinical placement if this process is incomplete.

Students commencing a medical degree program at any Australian or New Zealand medical school are expected to complete the entire program at their chosen university. Transfer of enrolment between medical schools is not normally approved except in very exceptional circumstances. Any student wishing to transfer into the MD program at UOW must apply in writing to md-enquiries@uow.edu.au. All applications for transfer will be assessed individually by Academic Leader, Admissions & Selection.

Information on scholarships may be found at Scholarships at UOW

WHEN SHOULD I APPLY?

You should apply for entry to the UOW MD program as early as possible. Applications are assessed throughout the year with multiple interview rounds being scheduled and we strongly encourage applicants to apply promptly to ensure their best chance of selection. The course is competitive and places may fill early. If you are unsure of your eligibility to apply at this time, contact GSM.

WHAT ARE THE LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS?

All students who have undertaken undergraduate study in a non-English speaking country are required to obtain a minimum overall IELTS score of 7.0, with at least 7.0 in the reading and listening band, and at least 7.0 in the speaking and writing band. Evidence of the score must be submitted with your application. See The Medical Board of Australia website for ‘English Language Skills’ requirements for internships.

WHAT IS THE COST OF TUITION?

The cost of tuition is set and indexed every year by the University. Contact GSM or check the website for more information: International student fees

WHAT IS THE STATUS OF THE UOW MD OVERSEAS?

The UOW MD degree is fully accredited in Australia and is listed on the FAIMER World Medical School Database. For more information regarding a specific country contact GSM or check your country’s accreditation organisations.

CAN I DO MY INTERNSHIP IN AUSTRALIA?

Australian-trained international medical graduates may be eligible to stay on and work as interns and access vocational medical training. In Australia, state health departments are predominately responsible for the funding and placement of students for internships. Internships are therefore determined by the relevant State Health Departments, not vocational medical training universities. Each State Health Department has implemented a priority ranking system for internships. As a result it is now more difficult for international students studying at an Australian medical school to obtain an internship position. Additionally, the Commonwealth Government offers some Commonwealth Medical Internships (CMI) opportunities http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/ content/work-commonwealth-medical-internships Australian citizens who hold Commonwealth Supported Places in medical schools have been guaranteed an internship upon graduation from a medical program within NSW; this guarantee does not extend to international students. Please visit the NSW Health Education & Training Institute (HETI) website: heti.nsw.gov.au for updates. Students should be mindful that they may be unable to stay in Australia and are advised to make alternative plans accordingly. This situation is the same for all international medical students regardless of the university they study at or their country of origin.

WHAT HAPPENS IF MY RESIDENCY STATUS CHANGES DURING THE COURSE?

If a student gains Australian permanent residency status or becomes a New Zealand citizen, they are unable to continue in the UOW MD program as an international student. This is a requirement of the Australian Government and GSM has no discretion in this situation. The student may be reconsidered as to their eligibility for a domestic place; however it should be noted that the domestic application process has different entry requirements and the student may not be eligible. There is no guarantee that a place will be available as they are limited by a quota set by the Federal Government. Ultimately a student changing their residency is likely to lose their place in the program altogether. GSM strongly advises applicants considering Australian residency to complete the process well prior to applying to GSM, or delay the process until after graduation.