University of Sydney in focus

University Name: University of Sydney - Sydney Medical School

Location: Redfern, Sydney

Founded: 1856

Degree: Doctor of Medicine (MD)

Entry Pathways: Undergraduate entry requires a 99.95 ATAR (no UCAT Exam is required). Graduate entry via GAMSAT® Exam

Enrolment Size: 30 places reserved in the undergraduate entry scheme (commonwealth supported), 198 graduate places (133 commonwealth supported places, 65 bonded medical places).

Website: http://sydney.edu.au/medicine/study/md/index.php

 

The University of Sydney Medical program is generally regarded as graduate entry, as very few exceptional students will obtain the required 99.95 ATAR to enter the undergraduate program. Anyone planning how to become a doctor in Australia should note that undergraduate entry is actually a double degree pathway, with commerce, economics, music studies and science available as the other degree. Three years are spent on this first degree before progressing into Medicine, so students whose first degree is in commerce, economics or music can still prepare for the GAMSAT from a non-science background. For students comparing USYD with other ways to study medicine, it can help to understand the broader pathways to medicine in Australia before choosing an entry route. 

The average GAMSAT® Exam score required for consideration is around 69. While the minimum is stated to be 50 in each section, USYD determines the cut-off mark after receiving GAMSAT® Exam scores of all students. If you are trying to interpret how competitive a score around this level may be, GradReady's guide to GAMSAT® scores explains score interpretation and percentiles. Because that cut-off shifts with the applicant pool, structured GAMSAT preparation is usually needed to stay competitive.

The University of Sydney is ranked 37th worldwide and is one of the top 3 universities in Australia. Sydney Medical School also conducts world-leading research in obesity, cancer, public health and more. This of course makes entry into the medical program at USYD highly competitive. Students shortlisting USYD may also want to compare it with other Australian medical schools. Because USYD offers both an ATAR pathway without UCAT and a graduate GAMSAT pathway, it is worth reading a clear UCAT vs GAMSAT comparison before you apply. 

Graduate entry to this program requires a minimum credit average GPA and a minimum of 50 in each section of the GAMSAT® Exam. Applicants considered for an interview are determined by GAMSAT® Exam performance and are then ranked on combined GAMSAT® Exam and interview performance. Applicants preparing for this stage can use our medical school interview guide to understand common Australian interview formats. A realistic GAMSAT study schedule can help lift section scores before interview offers are made.

Learn more about other medical schools and their admission requirements by reading our guide on Australian Graduate Medical Schools - Admission Requirements.