Top Medical Schools in Australia 2026: Rankings and Fees

The top medical schools in Australia combine accredited medical programmes, strong clinical training and internationally recognised research. In the 2026 Times Higher Education Medicine ranking, the University of Melbourne leads Australia, followed by Monash University, the University of Sydney, the University of Queensland and UNSW Sydney.

That is the quick answer. It is not the whole decision.

Students who want to study medicine in Australia must first match the university to the right entry route. Melbourne is the best medical university in Australia on the current national ranking, but its standard Doctor of Medicine is a graduate-entry programme. A school leaver may find Monash or UNSW more suitable, while a graduate seeking regional training may prefer Deakin. The right choice depends on your entry route, admission test, tuition budget and preferred clinical setting.

Top choices at a glance

Applicant priority	Strong option
Best overall ranking	University of Melbourne
Best direct-entry route	Monash University
Best graduate-entry choices	University of Melbourne and University of Sydney
Most flexible pathways	University of Queensland
Best six-year integrated programme	UNSW Sydney
Best smaller research-led cohort	Australian National University
Best regional and rural focus	Deakin University
Best Western Australia pathway	University of Western Australia

Students planning a wider overseas application can first compare what studying in Australia involves for an international student, including visas, living arrangements and the academic system.

How many medical schools are there in Australia?

The Australian Medical Council currently lists 23 Australian medical education provider entries. This count follows the AMC list as published, so it treats the two University of Notre Dame Australia medical schools as separate entries and counts the Newcastle and New England partnership as one joint programme.

You may see much larger figures on ranking websites. Times Higher Education includes 37 Australian universities in its 2026 Medicine subject table because the subject covers medicine, dentistry, nursing, public health and related health disciplines. A university can rank for medical research without offering an accredited primary medical degree.

Here is the important distinction:

• An AMC-accredited medical school offers a primary qualification that can lead towards medical registration.
• A university ranked under Medicine may be strong in health teaching or research but may not train students through a primary medical programme.

This article ranks accredited medical schools rather than copying every institution in a broad health-subject table.

How the medical school rankings in Australia were prepared

The ranking uses a two-stage method.

First, a university must appear on the Australian Medical Council list of accredited medical schools. Second, eligible institutions are ordered by their position in the Times Higher Education Medicine Rankings 2026. Where THE places institutions in the same band, the tie is kept rather than creating an artificial difference.

We also review the factors applicants need for an actual decision:

• Medical degree and entry route
• Course length
• Admission test
• Clinical and regional training options
• Research strength
• Access for international applicants
• Published tuition information

This is an applicant-focused comparison. It does not assume that the university with the highest research score is automatically the best fit for every future doctor.

Top 10 medical schools in Australia

Australia rank	Medical school	Main medical degree	Main entry route	Typical length	Best for
1	University of Melbourne	Doctor of Medicine	Graduate entry	4 years	Overall ranking, research and clinical network
2	Monash University	Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine	Direct entry, plus restricted graduate entry	5 years direct or 4 years graduate	School leavers and early clinical training
3	University of Sydney	Doctor of Medicine	Graduate entry, plus limited double-degree pathway	4-year MD	Graduates from varied academic backgrounds
4	University of Queensland	Doctor of Medicine	Provisional or graduate entry	4-year MD	Flexible and regional pathways
5	UNSW Sydney	Bachelor of Medical Studies and Doctor of Medicine	Primarily direct entry	6 years	Integrated medicine and research
=6	Adelaide University	Bachelor of Medical Studies and Doctor of Medicine	Direct entry	6 years	Early patient contact and Adelaide BioMed City
=6	Australian National University	Doctor of Medicine and Surgery	Graduate entry	4 years	Smaller cohorts and research-led study
=8	Macquarie University	Doctor of Medicine	Graduate entry	4 years	Private and public health-system exposure
=8	University of Western Australia	Doctor of Medicine	Assured school-leaver or graduate entry	4-year MD or 6-year assured pathway	Training in Western Australia
10	Deakin University	Doctor of Medicine	Graduate entry	4 years	Rural, regional and community medicine

University of Technology Sydney shares the same THE ranking band as Macquarie and UWA, but it does not appear on the AMC list as a provider of an accredited primary medical programme. Deakin is therefore the next eligible medical school in this filtered ranking.

10 Best medical schools in Australia

1. University of Melbourne

The University of Melbourne is the strongest overall choice for applicants who want a highly ranked, research-intensive graduate medical school. It ranks first in Australia and equal 20th globally in THE Medicine 2026.

Its four-year Doctor of Medicine is based within the Parkville biomedical precinct, close to major hospitals and research institutes. The programme suits applicants who already hold a bachelor’s degree. Domestic applicants normally use GAMSAT, while eligible international applicants may use an accepted MCAT result.

Melbourne offers scale, research depth and a broad clinical network. The trade-off is time. A school leaver usually needs to complete an undergraduate degree before beginning the MD, so the full university pathway may take about seven years.

Best for: graduate applicants, medical research and access to a major biomedical precinct.

2. Monash University

Monash is one of the best medical schools in Australia for school leavers because it offers a clear five-year direct-entry programme.

The Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine combines medical science, clinical skills and placements across metropolitan and regional Victoria. Domestic direct-entry applicants are assessed through academic performance, UCAT ANZ and an interview. International school leavers generally follow the university’s international selection process, which includes ISAT and an interview.

Monash also has a four-year graduate-entry route, but eligibility is more restricted than at Melbourne, Sydney or ANU. Applicants should check whether their previous degree and biomedical content meet the current rules before treating Monash as a graduate option.

Best for: direct entry, early clinical exposure and a choice of metropolitan or regional training.

3. University of Sydney

The University of Sydney offers a four-year Doctor of Medicine for graduates from any academic discipline. A biomedical degree is not compulsory.

Selection considers an eligible bachelor’s degree, academic performance, GAMSAT for domestic applicants or GAMSAT or MCAT for international applicants, and the university’s selection process. The programme includes at least 2,310 hours of professional placements and a research project.

Sydney also offers a very small double-degree route for exceptional school leavers, but most applicants enter after completing a bachelor’s degree. Its large network of clinical schools provides varied patient exposure across metropolitan, western Sydney and selected regional settings.

Best for: graduate applicants who want broad clinical exposure without a biomedical degree prerequisite.

4. University of Queensland

The University of Queensland provides one of the most flexible routes among the best universities in Australia for medicine.

School leavers can apply through provisional entry. They complete an approved first degree before progressing to the four-year Doctor of Medicine. Graduate applicants need an eligible bachelor’s degree, a competitive GPA, GAMSAT or an accepted MCAT score for international applicants, and an interview.

UQ also runs regional pathways in Queensland and the UQ-Ochsner programme for eligible US citizens and permanent residents. The university lists an international fee of A$109,328 for the 2027 MD year, subject to review.

Best for: pathway flexibility, Queensland clinical networks and regional medicine.

5. UNSW Sydney

UNSW offers a six-year Bachelor of Medical Studies and Doctor of Medicine designed mainly for direct entry.

The course integrates medical science, clinical learning and a substantial research component. Clinical exposure begins early, and the fourth year focuses on medical research. Selection for domestic applicants combines academic results, UCAT ANZ and an interview. International selection requirements differ and should be checked on the official course page.

For 2026, UNSW publishes an indicative international first-year fee of A$95,500 and an estimated A$647,000 to complete the degree. The completion estimate includes projected fee increases and some study-related costs, so it should not be compared directly with a single annual fee.

Best for: school leavers seeking an integrated programme with built-in research.

6. Adelaide University

Adelaide University’s medical pathway begins with the three-year Bachelor of Medical Studies and continues into the Doctor of Medicine, creating a six-year integrated programme.

Applicants need strong academic results, a relevant subject prerequisite, UCAT ANZ and an interview. Although the published minimum selection rank is 90, successful entry is competitive and usually requires a stronger overall application.

The programme benefits from links to Adelaide BioMed City and introduces clinical and patient-focused learning early. Adelaide publishes an indicative 2026 international tuition fee of A$99,000 per year for the Bachelor of Medical Studies. Students should also budget for equipment, clearances, immunisations and travel to placements.

Best for: direct entry, early patient contact and study within Adelaide’s health precinct.

7. Australian National University

The ANU Doctor of Medicine and Surgery is a four-year graduate-entry degree delivered in Canberra.

Standard selection uses weighted GPA, GAMSAT or MCAT for international applicants, and an interview. ANU publishes a minimum weighted GPA of 5.0, a GAMSAT minimum of 50 overall with at least 50 in each section, or an MCAT minimum of 125 in each section. Meeting those minimums does not guarantee an interview.

ANU’s smaller setting appeals to students who want close academic contact and a research-intensive environment. Its 2026 indicative annual fee for international students is A$99,650.

Best for: research-minded graduates, smaller cohorts and Canberra-based clinical training.

8. Macquarie University

Macquarie University offers a four-year Doctor of Medicine with a distinctive focus on how healthcare operates across different systems.

The programme uses Macquarie University Hospital and external clinical partners, exposing students to both private and public healthcare settings. Applicants need a recognised bachelor’s degree, an eligible admissions test and an interview. International applicants should confirm the current application route and fee in the university’s course offer or fee calculator.

Macquarie performs especially well on THE’s research-quality measure, scoring above several institutions that sit higher in the overall table. That is a useful reminder that overall rank and one research metric answer different questions.

Best for: graduate medicine, health-system comparison and private-hospital exposure.

9. University of Western Australia

The University of Western Australia offers both graduate entry and an assured route for eligible school leavers.

Graduate applicants to the Doctor of Medicine are assessed through GPA, GAMSAT or MCAT for international applicants, and an interview. UWA lists a minimum GAMSAT overall score of 55 with no section below 50, or an MCAT overall score of 500 with no section below 124 for international graduate entry.

International school leavers can apply for the assured pathway through the Bachelor of Biomedicine (Specialised). UWA requires at least an ATAR equivalent of 98, an ISAT result and an interview. Students then need to meet progression requirements before entering the MD.

Best for: applicants who want to study and develop clinical connections in Western Australia.

10. Deakin University

Deakin’s four-year Doctor of Medicine is graduate entry and has a clear rural and regional mission.

The first two years are based at Waurn Ponds or an eligible rural training site. The final two years involve intensive clinical placements through Deakin’s medical-school network in Victoria. Applicants need an eligible previous qualification, a competitive GPA, GAMSAT or MCAT and an interview.

The estimated international tuition fee is A$94,600 for one full-time year. Deakin is particularly relevant for students interested in regional health, Indigenous health and community-based clinical training rather than a programme centred only on a capital-city hospital network.

Best for: rural medicine, regional clinical placements and community health.

Complete list of accredited medical schools in Australia

The following directory covers the medical universities in Australia and other accredited providers currently listed by the Australian Medical Council. Entry-route labels are simplified, so applicants should verify the exact pathway and applicant category with each university.

Medical education provider	Primary medical programme	Common route
Adelaide University	Bachelor of Medical Studies and Doctor of Medicine	Direct entry
Australian National University	Doctor of Medicine and Surgery	Graduate entry
Bond University	Bachelor of Medical Studies and Doctor of Medicine	Direct entry
Charles Darwin University	Bachelor of Clinical Sciences and Doctor of Medicine	Direct integrated pathway
Charles Sturt University	Bachelor of Clinical Science (Medicine) and Doctor of Medicine	Direct entry
Curtin University	Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery	Direct entry
Deakin University	Doctor of Medicine	Graduate entry
Flinders University	Doctor of Medicine	Graduate entry and linked pathways
Griffith University	Doctor of Medicine	Graduate entry and provisional pathways
James Cook University	Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery	Direct entry
Macquarie University	Doctor of Medicine	Graduate entry
Monash University	Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine	Direct and restricted graduate entry
University of Melbourne	Doctor of Medicine	Graduate entry and selected guaranteed pathways
University of Newcastle and University of New England	Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine	Direct joint programme
UNSW Sydney	Bachelor of Medical Studies and Doctor of Medicine	Primarily direct entry
University of Notre Dame Australia, Fremantle	Doctor of Medicine	Graduate entry
University of Notre Dame Australia, Sydney	Doctor of Medicine	Graduate entry
University of Queensland	Doctor of Medicine	Graduate and provisional entry
University of Sydney	Doctor of Medicine	Graduate entry and limited double-degree pathway
University of Western Australia	Doctor of Medicine	Graduate and assured entry
University of Tasmania	Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine	Direct integrated programme
University of Wollongong	Doctor of Medicine	Graduate entry
Western Sydney University	Bachelor of Clinical Sciences and Doctor of Medicine	Direct entry

For a broader comparison of institution types, locations and publicly funded study options, see the guide to Australia’s public university system.

Undergraduate, provisional and graduate-entry medicine

The degree title does not tell you the entry route.

Some medical universities in Australia admit students directly after secondary school. Others require a completed bachelor’s degree, while provisional or assured pathways give school leavers a conditional place in a future MD.

Route	How it works	Common selection tools	Examples
Direct entry	Start an integrated medical programme after school	Academic results, UCAT ANZ or ISAT, interview	Monash, UNSW, Adelaide, Curtin, JCU
Provisional or assured entry	Complete a first degree before progressing to the MD	School results, UCAT ANZ or ISAT, interview, progression GPA	UQ, UWA
Graduate entry	Apply after completing a bachelor’s degree	GPA, GAMSAT or MCAT, interview	Melbourne, Sydney, ANU, Macquarie, Deakin
Restricted graduate entry	Graduate route limited by prior study rules	University-specific academic and interview criteria	Monash

Consider a practical example. A student entering Monash directly may finish the medical degree in five years. A student completing a three-year bachelor’s degree before Melbourne’s four-year MD may spend about seven years at university. Melbourne ranks higher, but Monash may be the faster and more suitable pathway for that applicant.

Students confused by degree names can compare how an MD differs from an MBBS. Both can serve as accredited primary medical qualifications when the programme meets the relevant professional standards.

Admission tests for Australian medical schools

Four tests appear most often:

• UCAT ANZ is used by many direct and provisional pathways for domestic school leavers.
• GAMSAT is used by many graduate-entry medical schools.
• MCAT is accepted by several universities from eligible international graduate applicants.
• ISAT is used in a number of international school-leaver pathways.

A published minimum score only establishes eligibility. It is not a guaranteed offer score. Medical places are limited, and universities rank eligible candidates using several factors such as academic performance, test results and interview scores.

Best medical schools in Australia for international students

The best medical schools in Australia for international students depend mainly on whether the applicant is leaving school or already holds a degree.

For direct entry, Monash, UNSW and Adelaide provide clear integrated routes. UWA offers an assured pathway, while Sydney has a small double-degree route for exceptional school leavers.

Among medical universities in Australia, graduate applicants can consider Melbourne, Sydney, UQ, ANU, Macquarie, UWA and Deakin, subject to each university’s international quota and test rules. Students wanting a dedicated explanation of overseas entry options can review the Australian medicine pathway for international applicants.

Before applying, compare:

• Accepted admission test
• Previous-study requirements
• English-language standard
• Total programme duration
• Annual and whole-course tuition
• Location of clinical placements
• Internship priority after graduation

International applicants should pay particular attention to the final point. Completing an Australian medical degree does not guarantee an internship in a preferred state.

International tuition fees

Medicine is one of the most expensive fields of study in Australia. Based on fees currently published by the universities, international tuition at several leading programmes sits close to or above A$95,000 per year.

Medical school	Published international tuition	Fee basis
University of Queensland	A$109,328	2027 annual MD fee
Australian National University	A$99,650	2026 indicative annual MChD fee
Adelaide University	A$99,000	2026 indicative annual Bachelor of Medical Studies fee
UNSW Sydney	A$95,500	2026 indicative first-year fee
Deakin University	A$94,600	Estimated one-year full-time fee

UNSW also publishes an estimated A$647,000 to complete its six-year programme. That estimate includes projected increases and some study-related costs, so it is not directly comparable with a flat annual figure.

Fees change through annual review. Applicants should verify the amount on the official course page and in the written offer before paying a deposit.

Tuition is only part of the budget. International students may also need to cover:

• Overseas Student Health Cover
• Visa and application charges
• Accommodation and food
• Clinical equipment and clothing
• Immunisations and background checks
• Travel to hospital and regional placements
• Annual tuition increases

A realistic budget should include health-cover costs for overseas students and the substantial difference in rent between cities. Comparing Australian locations from a student perspective can change which medical school is genuinely affordable.

Scholarships and funding

Scholarships for medicine exist, but the details matter.

Some university-wide awards exclude clinical degrees, while others apply only to certain nationalities, start dates or applicant groups. A scholarship page may look generous until the course exclusions are checked.

The safer approach is to:

1. Check the medical course page for exclusions.
2. Search the university scholarship database.
3. Confirm whether the award applies to international full-fee medicine.
4. Treat competitive funding as a bonus, not as guaranteed income.

Students can explore current Australian scholarship routes, but should calculate affordability using the full fee unless an award has already been confirmed in writing.

Best Australian universities for medical research

The overall ranking and the research-quality score do not produce exactly the same order.

University	THE 2026 research-quality score
Monash University	83.3
Macquarie University	83.0
Deakin University	80.7
UNSW Sydney	80.6
University of Melbourne	79.6
University of Western Australia	79.6
University of Sydney	79.4
Adelaide University	78.7
University of Queensland	76.6
Australian National University	72.9

The mildly surprising result is Macquarie and Deakin placing above several higher-ranked universities on this single metric. That does not make them better overall medical schools. THE’s overall result also considers teaching, research environment, industry links and international outlook.

For a student interested in academic medicine, the best question is not simply, “Which university has the highest score?” Ask whether the programme provides accessible research projects, relevant supervisors and clinical research links in the field you may want to pursue.

How to choose the right medical school

Start with eligibility. There is little value in building a shortlist around a graduate-only MD if you want to enter directly from school.

Then compare the full pathway. Count the bachelor’s degree, the medical programme and any progression requirements. Next, examine where clinical training occurs. A student who wants major metropolitan hospitals may lean towards Melbourne, Sydney or UNSW. Someone interested in regional practice may prefer Deakin, JCU, Wollongong or the Newcastle and New England joint programme.

Cost comes next. Compare total duration, annual tuition and living expenses rather than one headline fee.

Finally, look at the outcome you can control. You can choose a suitable programme, prepare for the correct test and build a realistic budget. You cannot assume that a famous university name will guarantee a particular internship, specialty or location.

Students still deciding between countries may find it useful to compare the wider factors involved in choosing where to study medicine.

What happens after medical school in Australia?

Graduating from an AMC-accredited primary medical programme is the beginning of the registration pathway, not the end.

Graduates generally apply for provisional registration, complete an accredited internship and then seek general registration. Specialist training happens later through the relevant professional college.

International students must check state internship priorities and visa conditions. Domestic graduates usually receive higher priority for publicly funded internship places. Immigration status, medical registration and internship allocation are connected issues, but they are not the same process.

Anyone considering long-term settlement should therefore separate medical career planning from post-study permanent-residence options.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best medical school in Australia?

The University of Melbourne is the best medical school in Australia under the Times Higher Education Medicine Rankings 2026. It is a graduate-entry school, so Monash or UNSW may be a more suitable choice for a school leaver.

What are the top five medical schools in Australia?

The current top five accredited medical schools in the THE order are the University of Melbourne, Monash University, the University of Sydney, the University of Queensland and UNSW Sydney.

What are the top 10 medical schools in Australia?

The top 10 in this accredited-school comparison are Melbourne, Monash, Sydney, Queensland, UNSW, Adelaide, ANU, Macquarie, UWA and Deakin. Adelaide and ANU share sixth place, while Macquarie and UWA share eighth place.

How many medical schools are in Australia?

The Australian Medical Council currently lists 23 Australian medical education provider entries. Broader university subject rankings may include more institutions because they measure health teaching and research as well as primary medical education.

Which universities offer direct-entry medicine in Australia?

Direct or integrated options include Monash, UNSW, Adelaide, Bond, Curtin, James Cook, Tasmania, Charles Darwin, Charles Sturt, Western Sydney and the Newcastle and New England joint programme. Applicant categories and international availability differ.

Which Australian medical schools accept international students?

Several leading schools accept international applicants, including Melbourne, Monash, Sydney, UQ, UNSW, Adelaide, ANU, Macquarie, UWA and Deakin. Each has its own quotas, tests and previous-study rules.

Is medicine undergraduate or postgraduate in Australia?

Both. Some programmes admit school leavers directly, some use a provisional or assured route, and others require a completed bachelor’s degree before entry to an MD.

Is an MD better than an MBBS?

No. The title alone does not determine professional quality. An accredited MD, MBBS or combined medical degree can all provide a primary medical qualification. Accreditation, entry route, clinical training and personal fit matter more.

Which admission test is required?

UCAT ANZ is common for domestic direct-entry applicants. GAMSAT is common for graduate entry. Several universities accept MCAT from eligible international graduates, while ISAT appears in selected international school-leaver pathways.

Final verdict

The top medical schools in Australia are not interchangeable. The leading medical universities in Australia serve different applicant groups.

Melbourne leads the current accredited-school ranking and offers the strongest overall combination of research reputation and clinical networks. Monash is the clearest high-ranking direct-entry choice. Sydney works well for graduates from varied academic backgrounds, UQ offers unusual pathway flexibility, and UNSW provides a structured six-year degree with integrated research.

Choose the university that matches your current qualifications, accepted admission test, budget and preferred clinical setting. That fit will matter more than a small difference in league-table position, and it will still matter when the rankings change.