Top Medical Schools in Australia for 2027 Entry & Fees

The top medical schools in Australia include the University of Melbourne, Monash University, the University of Sydney, the University of Queensland and UNSW Sydney. These institutions lead Australia's 2026 Medicine subject rankings and offer accredited medical programmes supported by established clinical networks and research facilities.

But the highest-ranked medical school is not necessarily the best choice for every student.

Some Australian universities admit students directly after secondary school. Others require a bachelor's degree before entry to a Doctor of Medicine (MD). Admission tests, course duration, tuition fees and clinical training also vary considerably.

For students considering 2027 entry, this guide compares 10 of the best medical schools in Australia, explains their qualifications and entry pathways, and highlights the differences that matter when choosing where to study medicine.

Top 10 Medical Schools in Australia

The following ranking uses the Times Higher Education (THE) Medicine subject rankings for 2026, filtered to include universities offering Australian Medical Council-accredited primary medical programmes.

Ranking note: Positions reflect the order of eligible accredited medical schools in THE Medicine 2026, with ties preserved. Deakin is tenth after filtering, although it holds joint 12th place in the unfiltered subject table. This is a comparison for 2027 applicants, not a separate 2027 Medicine subject ranking.

How were these medical schools ranked?

We used two established sources.

The Times Higher Education Medicine subject rankings assess teaching, research environment, research quality, industry connections and international outlook.

The Australian Medical Council's accreditation register identifies institutions offering recognised primary medical programmes.

This distinction matters. A university can rank strongly for health sciences research without offering an accredited medical qualification that provides a pathway towards professional registration.

We also consider course length, admission requirements and clinical education. These factors help explain why a lower-ranked institution may be a better fit for a particular applicant.

10 Best Medical Schools in Australia

1. University of Melbourne

The University of Melbourne ranks first in Australia and equal 20th globally in THE Medicine 2026. Its reputation reflects strong medical research, established teaching hospitals and extensive clinical training opportunities.

Melbourne Medical School offers a four-year Doctor of Medicine within the Parkville biomedical precinct, close to major hospitals and research institutes.

The standard programme requires a completed bachelor's degree. Selection considers academic performance, an eligible admissions test and an interview. GAMSAT is commonly used, while eligible international applicants may present MCAT results under the university's published conditions.

The main trade-off is time.

A student entering university straight after school will usually need approximately seven years to complete a three-year undergraduate degree followed by Melbourne's four-year MD.

For someone already holding a suitable bachelor's qualification, however, Melbourne offers a research-intensive graduate medical pathway.

Best for: Graduate-entry medicine, biomedical research and access to major clinical networks.

Melbourne publishes its medical degree selection criteria for prospective applicants.

2. Monash University

Monash University ranks second nationally and equal 27th globally for Medicine in 2026.

It is one of the best medical universities in Australia for eligible school leavers because students can enter its five-year Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine directly after secondary education.

The programme combines medical science, clinical skills and practical healthcare experience. Students undertake learning and placements through Monash's metropolitan and regional clinical partnerships.

International direct-entry selection includes academic results, the International Student Admissions Test (ISAT) and a Multiple Mini Interview (MMI). Monash weights these three components equally.

For 2027 admission, Monash published an ISAT interview-selection threshold of 178.

The university also offers a four-year graduate-entry pathway, but eligibility is restricted by previous-study requirements. It is not an open alternative for every bachelor's degree holder.

Monash's main international direct-entry application round for 2027 closed on 30 June 2026, with separate deadlines for selected qualification categories.

Best for: International school leavers seeking a five-year integrated medical degree and early clinical experience.

Monash provides its 2027 international selection criteria and application timetable.

3. University of Sydney

The University of Sydney ranks third in Australia and 30th globally in THE Medicine 2026.

Its four-year Doctor of Medicine is primarily a graduate-entry qualification. Applicants can come from different academic disciplines, provided they meet the university's eligibility and selection requirements.

A biomedical sciences degree is not always necessary.

Sydney combines medical science, clinical reasoning, research and professional placements. Its teaching network includes major metropolitan hospitals and clinical education settings serving diverse communities.

Selection considers previous academic performance and the relevant admissions test. Eligible international graduates may present accepted GAMSAT or MCAT results.

Sydney also offers a highly selective combined-degree pathway for a limited number of exceptional school leavers. Most applicants, however, complete an undergraduate degree before entering medicine.

The university is particularly attractive to graduates who value a broad clinical environment and the opportunity to study alongside students from varied academic backgrounds.

Best for: Graduate medicine, clinical diversity and research-based learning.

Prospective applicants can examine the MD programme and admission requirements.

4. University of Queensland

The University of Queensland (UQ) ranks fourth nationally and 62nd globally for Medicine in 2026.

UQ offers a four-year Doctor of Medicine through graduate and provisional-entry pathways.

Under provisional entry, eligible school leavers first complete an approved undergraduate programme before progressing to the MD, subject to meeting the required conditions. Graduate applicants must hold an eligible degree and satisfy academic, admissions-test and interview requirements.

The medical curriculum includes structured clinical learning, hospital placements and training across Queensland. Regional opportunities may appeal to students interested in healthcare outside metropolitan Brisbane.

UQ also operates a separate UQ-Ochsner pathway for eligible United States citizens and permanent residents.

For 2027, the university publishes an indicative international annual MD tuition fee of A$109,328. Provisional-entry students must also account for the cost of their initial undergraduate qualification.

Best for: Applicants seeking flexible entry routes and access to Queensland clinical training networks.

The 2027 MD course information details programme structure and indicative fees.

5. UNSW Sydney

UNSW Sydney ranks fifth in Australia and 64th globally in THE Medicine 2026.

Its Bachelor of Medical Studies and Doctor of Medicine is a six-year integrated programme, designed primarily for direct-entry applicants.

Students develop medical knowledge, clinical skills and research capabilities through a structured curriculum. Clinical learning begins early, while dedicated research training provides an opportunity to investigate medical problems in depth.

International selection involves academic results, an accepted admissions test and an interview.

UNSW accepts UCAT ANZ or ISAT under its relevant international entry arrangements. For direct applicants, published minimums include an ISAT score of 165 or a UCAT ANZ result at or above the 50th percentile, alongside the required academic standard. Meeting the minimums does not guarantee an interview.

UNSW lists a 2026 indicative international first-year tuition fee of A$95,500 and an estimated tuition cost of A$647,000 for the complete degree. The total estimate reflects projected fee increases and excludes other living and study expenses.

For specified 2027 international applicant categories, the published application deadline is 30 November 2026.

Best for: Direct-entry medicine, structured clinical education and integrated medical research.

UNSW explains its international admission criteria and 2027 application dates.

6. Adelaide University

Adelaide University shares sixth position with Australian National University in THE Medicine 2026.

Its medical programme combines a three-year Bachelor of Medical Studies and a three-year Doctor of Medicine, creating a six-year integrated pathway.

Students gain a foundation in biomedical science, clinical reasoning and patient-centred healthcare. The programme benefits from connections with South Australia's hospitals and Adelaide BioMed City.

International selection considers academic results, UCAT ANZ and an interview. Applicants must also meet the published subject and English-language requirements.

For those demonstrating English proficiency through IELTS Academic, Adelaide lists an overall score of 7.0 with at least 7.0 in every component.

Its Bachelor of Medical Studies course page publishes an indicative international annual tuition fee of A$99,000. Students should separately confirm the tuition applicable to subsequent MD years.

The international application deadline for the 2027 medical studies intake was 30 June 2026.

Best for: School leavers seeking an integrated medical programme and early patient-focused learning.

Adelaide publishes its medical studies programme details and fee information.

7. Australian National University

Australian National University (ANU) shares sixth place in Australia's 2026 Medicine subject ranking.

Based in Canberra, ANU offers a four-year Doctor of Medicine and Surgery (MChD) for graduates.

The programme integrates medical sciences, clinical skills, population health and professionalism. Students also undertake research and gain experience in hospital and community healthcare environments.

Standard entry considers previous academic performance, GAMSAT or an accepted MCAT result for eligible international applicants, and interview performance.

ANU publishes a minimum weighted GPA of 5.0 for interview consideration, alongside relevant admissions-test thresholds. Selection remains competitive even when applicants meet the minimum requirements.

The university's 2027 indicative international annual tuition fee is A$102,340.

Canberra offers a different study environment from Australia's largest cities. That may appeal to graduates who prefer a smaller academic setting while retaining access to a research-intensive university.

Best for: Graduate-entry medicine, research-focused education and Canberra-based clinical training.

The 2027 MChD programme listing provides course requirements and indicative tuition.

8. Macquarie University

Macquarie University shares eighth position among eligible accredited medical schools in the 2026 comparison.

Its four-year Doctor of Medicine is a graduate-entry qualification delivered in Sydney.

The programme combines biomedical science, medical research and clinical education. Students gain experience through Macquarie University Hospital and other clinical partnerships.

Exposure to different healthcare settings, including public and private systems, is a distinctive feature.

Applicants require an eligible bachelor's degree and must satisfy academic, admissions-test and interview criteria. The university's selection rules vary by applicant category, so international candidates should check which test and qualification requirements apply.

Macquarie suits graduates who want to understand both clinical medicine and the ways healthcare services operate.

Best for: Graduate medical education, clinical research and exposure to different healthcare delivery environments.

The university's medical programme overview explains its course structure.

9. University of Western Australia

The University of Western Australia (UWA) shares eighth position in this accredited-school comparison.

UWA offers a four-year Doctor of Medicine through graduate entry, alongside an assured pathway for selected school leavers.

Graduate applicants require an eligible bachelor's degree, competitive academic performance, an accepted test and an interview.

For international graduate entry, UWA publishes a minimum MCAT score of 500 overall, with no section below 124. Applicants using GAMSAT must meet its separate published thresholds.

The assured pathway allows eligible school leavers to complete approved undergraduate study before progressing towards medicine, subject to continuing eligibility and progression conditions.

UWA's location in Perth is another consideration. Students who want to develop clinical and academic connections in Western Australia may find the university particularly suitable.

Best for: Graduate and assured pathways, Perth-based education and Western Australian clinical experience.

Details of the graduate and assured medical entry routes are available from UWA.

10. Deakin University

Deakin University completes the top ten after applying the accredited-medical-programme filter to THE Medicine 2026.

Its four-year Doctor of Medicine is a graduate-entry programme with a strong emphasis on regional and rural healthcare.

Students begin medical training through Deakin's Geelong-based facilities and designated rural arrangements. Later clinical years involve placements in hospitals, general practices and community healthcare settings across Victoria.

The curriculum emphasises rural medicine, Indigenous health, communication skills and patient-centred practice.

Applicants need an eligible previous qualification, suitable academic performance, an accepted GAMSAT or MCAT result and an interview.

Deakin publishes an estimated international annual MD tuition fee of A$94,600 for a standard full-time study load.

Here is a detail students sometimes overlook. A university that ranks lower overall may provide a training environment more closely aligned with a student's interests. Deakin's regional focus is a good example.

Best for: Rural and regional medicine, community healthcare and graduate clinical training.

Deakin explains its international MD curriculum and estimated fees.

How Many Medical Schools Are There in Australia?

The Australian Medical Council currently lists 22 Australia-based accredited medical education provider entries, counting each Australian provider once.

That figure is different from the number of individual teaching campuses or medical programmes.

For example, the University of Newcastle and University of New England operate a joint medical programme. The University of Notre Dame Australia's National School of Medicine includes different teaching locations within one provider entry.

Meanwhile, THE includes 37 Australian universities in its 2026 Medicine subject ranking because the table covers broader health teaching and research disciplines.

Other recognised medical education providers include Bond University, Curtin University, Flinders University, Griffith University, James Cook University, the University of Tasmania and Western Sydney University.

Students interested in the wider higher-education system can compare publicly funded Australian universities. However, public university status and medical programme accreditation are separate considerations.

Best Medical Universities in Australia by Entry Route

Different medical universities in Australia serve different applicant groups.

The distinction can change the total study period substantially.

Consider a student who enters Monash directly after school and completes its five-year integrated programme. Another student might complete a three-year bachelor's degree before Melbourne's four-year MD.

Both routes can lead towards an accredited primary medical qualification. Yet the university study timelines differ by approximately two years, assuming normal progression.

Degree names can add another layer of confusion. An MD is not automatically better than an MBBS. Both can be accredited primary medical qualifications, depending on the programme.

Understanding how MD and MBBS qualifications differ makes it easier to compare programmes on substance rather than terminology.

Best Medical Schools in Australia for International Students

The best university for medicine in Australia depends partly on whether an international applicant is leaving school or already holds a bachelor's degree.

For school leavers, Monash, UNSW and Adelaide offer integrated medical pathways. UWA provides an assured route for eligible applicants.

Graduates can consider Melbourne, Sydney, UQ, ANU, Macquarie, UWA and Deakin.

The first priority should be academic eligibility.

A student holding only secondary-school qualifications cannot normally enter Melbourne's standard graduate MD directly. Likewise, not every bachelor's degree qualifies an applicant for Monash's restricted graduate-entry route.

For this reason, the best universities in Australia for medicine should be shortlisted according to previous qualifications, accepted admission tests and programme-specific requirements.

Detailed entry and application considerations are covered separately in Australian medical degree pathways for international applicants.

Medical school admission tests

Students may also need to satisfy academic subject prerequisites, English-language standards and interview requirements.

A published minimum test score establishes eligibility for consideration. It does not guarantee a medical-school offer.

Medical school application deadlines for 2027

Australian medical universities operate different admissions timetables.

The following dates illustrate why applicants should check their intended programme rather than relying on a national deadline.

UNSW also conducts international interview rounds through the admissions cycle. Its exact application arrangements depend on qualification and applicant category.

As of 25 October 2026, some major rounds have already closed, while UNSW's specified 2027 application routes retain a later published deadline.

Students should confirm current availability directly through the university's official admissions information.

Medical School Tuition Fees in Australia

Medicine is one of the more expensive fields of university education for international students.

At several leading medical universities, published tuition approaches or exceeds A$95,000 annually.

These amounts come from the universities' published course information and are not all quoted for the same fee year or programme stage.

For example, UQ provides its 2027 tuition information, while UNSW publishes separate first-year and full-degree estimates.

The complete cost of a medical qualification can be much higher than a single year's tuition.

A four-year programme costing A$100,000 annually would amount to approximately A$400,000 in tuition if fees remained unchanged. In practice, annual increases may apply.

Accommodation, food, clinical equipment, immunisations and travel to placements add further expenses.

Location also affects the overall budget. Comparing living conditions and costs between Australian cities can be useful when choosing between otherwise similar programmes.

Are scholarships available for medical students?

Some Australian institutions offer scholarships to eligible international students, but medical programmes frequently have additional conditions or exclusions.

A university-wide award does not necessarily cover an MD, MBBS or integrated professional medical degree.

Students should check the applicable scholarship terms, eligibility criteria, course exclusions and award value.

Current scholarship opportunities at Australian institutions can provide a starting point, but eligibility for a particular medical qualification should always be confirmed with the awarding university.

How to Choose the Best University in Australia for Medicine

Rankings help identify leading institutions. They do not replace individual programme research.

Start by checking whether you qualify for direct, provisional or graduate entry.

Next, look at clinical education. Melbourne and Sydney provide access to major metropolitan hospital networks. Deakin focuses strongly on rural and regional settings, while UWA offers a pathway centred on Western Australia.

Research opportunities may also influence your decision, especially if you are interested in academic medicine. However, research ranking and suitability for clinical training are not identical.

Then examine the full study commitment. Compare programme duration, progression requirements and tuition over the entire medical pathway.

There is little value in choosing the highest-ranked graduate medical school if you are seeking direct entry after secondary education.

Students still comparing international destinations may also find it useful to explore different countries offering medical education.

The strongest shortlist combines academic eligibility, suitable clinical training, relevant research opportunities and a realistic budget.

What Happens After Graduating from Medical School in Australia?

An accredited medical qualification provides an important foundation for professional practice, but graduation does not automatically grant general medical registration.

Graduates generally need provisional registration and satisfactory completion of accredited postgraduate year-one clinical training, commonly called an internship.

The Medical Board of Australia's registration requirements explain how eligible graduates progress towards general registration.

International students should also consider the availability and allocation of internship places. Completing an Australian medical degree does not guarantee an internship in a preferred state, hospital or location.

Medical education, supervised training and professional registration are related stages, each with separate requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best medical school in Australia?

The University of Melbourne ranks first in Australia for Medicine in THE 2026. However, Monash may be more suitable for an eligible school leaver because it offers a five-year direct-entry programme.

What are the top five medical schools in Australia?

The top five are the University of Melbourne, Monash University, the University of Sydney, the University of Queensland and UNSW Sydney, according to THE Medicine 2026.

What are the top 10 medical schools in Australia?

The top ten in this accredited-school comparison are Melbourne, Monash, Sydney, UQ, UNSW, Adelaide, ANU, Macquarie, UWA and Deakin. Equal positions are preserved.

Which are the best medical universities in Australia?

Melbourne, Monash, Sydney, UQ and UNSW are among the highest-ranked Australian universities for Medicine. The most suitable choice depends on entry route, academic eligibility and preferred clinical setting.

How many medical schools are in Australia?

The Australian Medical Council currently lists 22 Australia-based medical education provider entries when each accredited Australian provider is counted once. Campus and programme counts may differ.

Which Australian medical schools accept international students?

Eligible international applicants can consider Melbourne, Monash, Sydney, UQ, UNSW, Adelaide, ANU, Macquarie, UWA and Deakin. Entry rules, places and admission tests vary.

Which universities offer direct-entry medicine in Australia?

Examples include Monash, UNSW, Adelaide, Bond, Curtin, James Cook and Western Sydney. International admission availability differs between institutions.

How long does it take to study medicine in Australia?

Direct-entry programmes commonly take five or six years. Graduate-entry MD programmes generally take four years after a bachelor's degree. Provisional and assured pathways include preceding undergraduate study.

Is an MD better than an MBBS in Australia?

Not necessarily. Both can be accredited primary medical qualifications. Programme accreditation, clinical education and entry requirements matter more than the degree title alone.

How much does medical school cost in Australia for international students?

Fees vary by university and year. Published examples include A$109,328 annually for UQ's 2027 MD and A$102,340 for ANU's 2027 MChD. Living expenses and additional costs are separate.

Can international students apply for medical school in Australia for 2027?

Yes, eligible international applicants can pursue 2027 medical programmes, although some application rounds have closed. Students must check the relevant university's current admission requirements and deadlines.

Conclusion

The top medical schools in Australia provide accredited medical qualifications, clinical training and research opportunities, but their entry pathways and study environments differ significantly.

The University of Melbourne leads the 2026 Medicine subject rankings and is particularly suitable for graduate applicants. Monash offers a strong five-year direct-entry route, while Sydney accepts graduates from varied academic backgrounds. UQ provides provisional and graduate pathways, UNSW integrates medical research into its six-year programme, and Deakin offers a distinctive regional healthcare focus.

For students considering 2027 entry, the best choice begins with academic eligibility. Programme duration, admission tests, tuition fees and clinical placements should shape the final shortlist.

A higher ranking may help you identify a respected institution. It cannot guarantee that its programme is the right fit for your qualifications or career interests.

Compare accredited courses carefully, examine their entry requirements and check university-published admission dates before making your decision.

For guidance comparing medical courses and university admission requirements, you can speak with the BHE UNI education team about suitable study options.