Where Can I Apply if I am Currently Studying at University?
6 months ago by Chris
Are you already studying a degree at university and thinking of applying to study medicine or dentistry? If so, the requirements differ compared to if you are a standard, or school leaver applicant.
Not all universities will accept students who are currently studying at university into their medical or dental programs, but some will. Furthermore, applying as a non-standard applicant can be very competitive, as the number of places available is significantly less than that for school-leavers. It is therefore recommended to apply to as many universities as possible to maximise your chances of being offered a place.
Each university has its own requirements and the process can be confusing. This blog describes which universities accept students who are currently studying at university, and summarises the requirements.
Medical courses accepting applicants who are currently studying at university
Some universities will accept students who are studying at any university, not just those who are current students studying at that particular university. The following universities will accept students applying from any university:
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University of Newcastle/New England: Students studying any degree and from any university can apply, but need a GPA threshold of 4.7. Interview offers are based on UCAT only. Final offers are based on interview score. The number of places available to non-standard applicants is not disclosed but in the range of about 40.
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Western Sydney/Charles Sturt University: Students studying any degree and from any university can apply. Interview offers are based on GPA and UCAT. Final offers are based mainly on interview score and less on UCAT. The number of places available to non-standard applicants is not disclosed but is in the range of about 20.
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University of New South Wales: Students studying any degree and from any university can apply. A minimum ATAR of 96 or 70% at Uni required (whichever is higher is considered). Interview offers are based on ATAR/GPA and UCAT. Final offers are based on the following: 33% interview score, 33% ATAR/GPA, and 33% UCAT. The number of places available to non-standard applicants is not disclosed but is in the range of about 10.
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James Cook University: Students studying any degree and from any university can apply. Interview offers are based on GPA (you need at least 5.75) and a written application. Final offers are based mainly on interview score and less on GPA. Approximately 10 places are made available every year.
Some universities will only accept students transferring into medicine if they are currently studying at that particular university. These include:
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Curtin University: You must be studying full time (any degree) at Curtin university. Interview offers will be based on UCAT and GPA. There are only a handful of places available.
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Adelaide University: You must be studying full time (any degree) at Adelaide university and be in the first or second year of study. Interview offers will be based on UCAT. Final offers are based on 40% for GPA, 40% for Interview and 20% for UCAT. There are approximately 20 places available.
Dental courses accepting applicants who are currently studying at university
The following dental schools will accept applicants who are currently studying at university:
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Adelaide University: Students studying (any degree) from any university are eligible. Interview offers will be based on UCAT. Final offers are based on 40% for GPA, 40% for Interview and 20% for UCAT. Only a handful of places are available.
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James Cook University: Students studying any degree and from any university can apply. Final selection is based on GPA (at least 5.75 is required) and a written application. There is no interview. Approximately ten places are available.
Non-standard entry requirements change regularly and without notice, so it is important to check the university’s websites and contact the universities concerned directly. For example, depending on your situation, it may be also be possible to apply to the following additional universities:
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Medicine: University of Tasmania
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Dentistry: Griffith University, University of Queensland, Charles Sturt University and La Trobe University
As you can see, it can be competitive to get into medicine as a non-standard applicant who is currently studying at university. However, it is certainly possible! You can maximise your chances of being offered a place by applying to all universities for which you are eligible, and undergoing quality medical interview training and UCAT preparation.
