Everything you need to know about UQ's Postgraduate Medicine!

The University of Queensland (UQ) is located in the sunny state of Queensland in Brisbane, the state’s capital. Students applying to study the Doctor of Medicine (MD) at UQ have access to clinical practice overseas and post-graduation with pre-approved placements available within UQ’s network partners, such as the Queen’s University in Canada. 

UQ Doctor of Medicine Program Outline

The UQ medicine course is set around 4 themes:

  • Clinical Science
  • Clinical Practice
  • Ethics and Professional practice
  • Health, society, and research

In UQ’s medical program the teaching is highly integrative and follows a case-based learning approach with early patient contact. The university incorporates research into the medical degree and upskills students on advanced critical thinking and clinical reasoning skills, vital for high-quality clinical practice. At the end of Year 1, students complete a 4-week Observership and in Phase 2 (years 3 & 4), undertake ten core clinical placements in various course frameworks, as well as a final year elective. Domestic applicants are eligible for placements at Metropolitan and Rural hospitals, while International students are allowed to undertake their placements within Metropolitan hospitals only.

University of Queensland Entry Requirements

Domestic applicants 

To be eligible for the MD course at UQ, domestic students must have:

  • Completed a degree within ten years of the course commencement date.
  • GPA of at least 5 in any key undergraduate degree from a recognised university.
  • Minimum (unweighted) GAMSAT score of 50 per section
  • Attended the UQ  Medicine Interview, also referred to as the UQ Multiple Mini Interviews (MMI).

International applicants

The prerequisite for the Doctor of Medicine at UQ for domestic applicants applies to the international students as well, except the latter can either choose to sit the GAMSAT or an MCAT exam.

International applicants sitting the GAMSAT must receive a minimum score of 50 per section or an MCAT score of 504. Once the GPA and GAMSAT/MCAT scores are weighted, the students may then be invited to attend the UQ MMI.

UQ Subject Prerequisites for MD Entry

From 2022 onwards, applicants interested in the MD program at UQ must complete two science prerequisites in cell and tissue biology and systems physiology completed at second year undergraduate degree study.

Another important requirement is that these prerequisite subjects must have been completed within 10 years of commencement in the Doctor of Medicine program. For example, if you are applying for the 2023 intake, the prerequisite subjects must be completed from 2013 onwards.

University of Queensland Multiple Mini Interviews (MMI)

Both domestic and international students are evaluated based on non-academic factors, such as:

  • Empathy
  • Integrity 
  • Communication skills

The UQ MMI is composed of short stations where each applicant interacts with individual interviewers. At each interview station, an applicant is presented with a scenario and is given 2 minutes to prepare. The next 7 minutes is allocated for the applicant to speak and reflect upon the given scenario. The MMIs at UQ are usually face-to-face but due to ongoing Covid-19 restrictions, all applicants appearing for their interviews for 2023 entry will use the Zoom platform online.

The UQ MMI on the virtual platform requires each applicant to have any form of photo identification proof at the time of the interview. The applicant should not be accompanied by another individual during the time of the interview. Students must also refrain from using wristwatches, writing materials, mobile phones/and electronic devices. The scenarios will be presented to each applicant similar to the face-to-face interview style, however, after a scenario is presented and answered by the applicant, a new interviewer joins the screen posing a fresh question.

Once all the scenarios have been presented by each interviewer and answered by the applicant, the circuit is complete.

All the interviewed applicants will be ranked in a merit order and will be granted final medical places based on:

50% Interview (MMI) score
25%
Unweighted average GAMSAT Score
25%
Grade Point Average (GPA) 

How to apply to UQ’s Doctor of Medicine 

All domestic students must apply online via the Graduate Entry Medical School Admissions System (GEMSAS). Refer to the GEMSAS website to learn key dates and timelines to apply for the University of Queensland.

Is it hard to get into Medicine at University of Queensland?

This is a commonly asked question by students wanting to pursue a career in medicine at UQ. Applicants with a good GPA and GAMSAT score, as well as satisfactory performance in the MMI will be considered to study medicine at UQ.

Approximately 100 places are allocated for Graduate CSP applicants (including rural, Brisbane and Central Queensland – Wide Bay) and 28.5% (40 places) are allocated for BMP.

The University of Queensland has 135 places (including BMP and rural) reserved for Provisional Entry pathway (applicants completing Year 12 degree and entering medicine) and half for graduates entering via the Graduate/Direct Entry Pathway.

Interestingly, about 180 places are purely meant for international applicants.

University of Queensland Fee Structure

Fee Type

Course Fees (Fees indicative per year of study load) (Subject to change)

Domestic Students
Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP)
Bonded Medical Places (BMP)
AUD $11,400
International Students AUD $82,944

NOTE: Note that is the cost per unit. To calculate the tuition fees, multiply the unit value of your selected course in the given subject area by the rate per unit for that subject area.

What Should You Read Next?

Now that you have all the information about the application process for medicine at The University of Queensland, check out the Fraser’s Guide to Medical School Applications for additional information on GPA, GAMSAT, and Portfolios.