Pathways to medicine

Changes to MD Admissions

In March 2018, changes to the selection process for the Doctor of Medicine (MD) program were approved. The changes will be progressively introduced between 2019 and 2022, allowing prospective students ample time to prepare.

Learn more

2018 Applicants

Entry to the Doctor of Medicine (MD) program does not require prerequisite bachelor courses or specified prior degrees for applying to the MD program in 2018.

It is recognised that science, biomedical science or health sciences degrees are good preparation for medical study and a subsequent medical career. Therefore, we recommend that students without a science, biomedical science or health science degree, take some biomedical science courses in their first degree in order to adequately prepare themselves for the medical science that will commence in the MD from year one.

Currently the minimum suggested study plan of appropriate preparation would include year two university level courses in Anatomy, Physiology and Biochemistry. This implies completion of year one prerequisite courses for these year two level courses.

Please take into consideration the introduction of subject prerequisite courses for the eligibility to enrol into the MD program from 2022 onwards.

In addition, it is recommended that applicants with science degrees spend time studying social sciences and humanities, as these are also important foundations to a successful medical study and medical career.

Non-UQ Graduate Entry Pathway

Prospective MD students from other universities are urged to adhere to the minimum suggested study plan, including year two university level courses in Anatomy, Physiology and Biochemistry in their undergraduate degree.

UQ Provisional and Graduate Entry Pathways

Some Schools across UQ provide suggested program study plans that include the recommended courses to prepare for the UQ MD. These study plans should be used in conjunction with advice from the appropriate program's academic advisor. Some UQ programs may already meet the equivalent of the above recommended courses via their prescribed or compulsory courses. Other undergraduate programs will require careful management of available elective space to incorporate the above recommended courses. Applicants interested in such pathways should consult with the respective faculty.

Please take into consideration the introduction of subject prerequisite courses for the eligibility to enrol into the MD program from 2022 onwards.

Pathway A

UQ programs* that cover the prerequisite courses and provide health professional registration before entry to the MD:

Pathway B

UQ programs* with study plans that cover the prerequisite courses, or have elective space, before entry to the MD:

Pathway C

UQ programs* with limited elective space that could cover the prerequisite courses with careful planning before entry to the MD:

* Program lists are not exhaustive. Prospective MD students should discuss alternative programs that are not listed with their respective undergraduate program academic advisors. They will work with you to develop an appropriate study plan.

Note:

This information is provided as a guide and should be utilised in conjunction with appropriate advice from respective program advisors for the program students wish to complete prior to commencing the MD program.
Successful provisional entry applicants must meet all program admission prerequisites of their preferred first degree. Please refer to the UQ Courses and Programs page for the prerequisite subjects of your preferred first degree.

Special entry programs

Some communities in Australia face unique challenges, which is why have a range of special entry pathways and schemes to help students reach their goals. Learn more about our special entry programs for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students as well our programs for students from rural and remote parts of Australia.