Medicine Prerequisites: What are the Requirements for Studying Medicine at each University?
6 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 |
| NEW SOUTH WALES | |||||
| University | Course | Subject Prerequisites | Minimum ATAR | UCAT Required? | Notes |
|
Newcastle University / |
Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine | None |
94.3 (rural applicants 91.4) |
Yes | |
| University of New South Wales | Bachelor of Medical Studies / Doctor of Medicine (BMed/MD) | None | Minimum requirements: ATAR 96 / OP3 / IB 40 | Yes | |
|
Western Sydney University & Charles Sturt University |
Doctor of Medicine (MD) | None |
95.50 (Western Sydney and rural applicants 93.50) |
Yes | |
| Charles Sturt University | Bachelor of Dental Science |
None |
90 | Yes | |
| Sydney | Doctor of Medicine |
None |
99.95 | No |
Online written assessment required |
| QUEENSLAND | |||||
| University | Course | Subject Prerequisites | Minimum ATAR | UCAT Required? | Notes |
| University of Queensland | Bachelor of Medical Science / Doctor of Medicine |
English Mathematical Methods |
95 | Yes | Direct entry dual degree |
| University of Queensland | Doctor of Medicine (Provisional Entry MD) |
English |
95 | Yes | Provisional entry |
| University of Queensland | Bachelor of Dental Science (Honours) |
English and Chemistry (Biology recommended) |
99 | Yes | |
| Griffith University | Doctor of Medicine (Bachelor of Medical Science pathway) |
English |
99.90 | No | Provisional entry |
| Griffith University | Bachelor of Dental Health Science |
None |
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 (requires applying via both QTAC and JCU) 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 (or equivalent) IB: as above; plus high proficiency in written and spoken English |
ATAR 90.00 / IB 33 / GPA 5.0 | Yes | |
| Adelaide University | Bachelor of Dental Surgery |
Two science subjects: one from Chemistry, Mathematical Methods, Specialist Mathematics, Physics (or equivalent); and IB: as above; plus high proficiency in written and spoken English |
ATAR 90.00 / IB 33 / GPA 5.0 | 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: One IB subject equivalent to a SACE Stage 2 Tertiary Admission Subject from mathematics or Science Learning Areas, plus high proficiency in written and spoken English. |
ATAR 70.00 / IB 25 / GPA 4.0 | Yes | |
| Flinders University | Bachelor of Clinical Sciences, Doctor of Medicine | None | 95 | Yes |
Provisional entry |
| 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 pathway |
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) |
Chemistry English or English Literature or English Writing or English Inquiry Level 3 or English Studio Level 3 or equivalent |
95 for rural | Yes | |
Note: The above information is subject to change at any time in accordance with each university's individual preferences
It is important to note that some universities set a minimum eligible ATAR requirement – for example Adelaide university, as guidance and the actual academic score required of successful applicants is significantly higher.
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: March 2026
