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Special Entry Schemes for Undergraduate Medicine

Entry Pathways into Undergraduate Medicine - Special Entry Schemes

by , 04 September, 2018
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Medicine is arguably the most competitive degree to gain entry into, straight after high school. Unlike other degrees such as business and law that select their students solely based on your academic mark, you have to meet 3 different benchmarks to even be considered for entry and you are STILL not guaranteed a place!

Being so difficult to obtain entry, however means that there are multiple entry schemes for people who may have been disadvantaged in their learning. In these entry schemes, they often lower the academic benchmark for admission or have an entirely different entry program altogether to better test skills that are still important in medicine.

At each undergraduate university there is a rural and remote entry scheme and there is also an indigenous entry scheme. However, If you do not meet the criteria for rural or indigenous entry, there are other entry schemes at some universities that you may be eligible for. Therefore, it is well worth your time to find out if you qualify for special entry into medicine!
 

Are you a rural student?

If you have lived in a defined rural Australian area for at least 5 consecutive years or ten cumulative years since the age of 5, you can be considered a rural student.

Each university uses a different rural definition (RRMA or RSGA-RA) so be sure to check the table below to see what system they use.  

If you are unsure if your hometown is considered rural, you can check your rurality on Doctors Connect by clicking here.

You may also be required to submit evidence of your rural status in the form of a letter from a recognized community member. However this is not for all uni’s so again, check the table below to see which ones require evidence!
 

Are you an Indigenous Student?


Must generally be able to provide proof of Aboriginality in the form of a written statement with the common seal.

At each university there is an Indigenous program that is generally a completely different entry pathway to the general admissions and rural students. Since Indigenous Australians have a more cultural understanding of health, the pathway does not often involve UMAT but will require the student to demonstrate Indigenous commitment during a pre-medicine program running over several weeks.

Each university is different though, so read on to find out what you have to do to enter Medicine through the indigenous entry pathway.

 
 

Alternative Medicine Entry Pathways Available

 
 

Rural entry

 

Indigenous Entry

 

Other

 

UNSW

Must be RRMA 3-7

Must be able to demonstrate Indigenous commitment and undertake 3 week residential Pre-Medicine Program  (PMP). Student should contact Nura Gili prior to submitting applications

Lateral entry scheme

If you enrol in the Bachelor of Medical Science at UNSW and work extremely hard, you can gain a place in the UNSW medicine cohort at the end of 2nd year. They accept up to 10 students from each cohort who have achieved the most competitive WAM (GPA equivalent at UNSW), UMAT and interview score. These students will enter 4th year medicine at UNSW after the completion of their medical science degree and honours year.

UWS

RSGA-RA 2-5

Must be confirmed by recognized community member with evidence on submission

Must provide proof of Aboriginality in written letter form with common seal of an Aboriginal Heritage Assoc., Aboriginal corporation or Land Council in community that you live(d)

Greater Western Sydney Applicants

If you lived in Greater Western Sydney (GWS) area in 5 consecutive years immediately prior to commencing degree, you can qualify for GWS applicant. Check if your postcode makes you eligible for this entry scheme here

UON/UNE

ASGC-RA 2-5

Schooling, work experience and history and a statement from a community leader (School teacher, principal or previous employer for example) will also be taken into account.

Miroma Bunbilla Program -

  • Must attend a confirmation of Aboriginality Interview

  • Undertake The Multiple Skills Assessment and Personal Qualities Assessment

  • Attend pre-admission activities

 

Monash

ASGS-RA 2-5
Will request statutory declaration to confirm details
 

Deans indigenous List (DIL) – Submit your application as anyone else would and you will be contacted by the Gukwonderuk Indigenous Engagement Unit about an interview. Note that they advise those who have a primary email with @hotmail.com to create another email account for application and liaising with administration. Sign yourself up for a Gmail account before you apply!

1. Special Entry Access Scheme (SEAS)

Provides special consideration for those who have experienced educational disadvantage by adjusting your ATAR


2. The Monash Guarantee  Similar to SEAS however lowers the threshold score for entry rather than adjusting your unique score. Can also be utilized by students who have attended underrepresented high schools or lived in low socio-economic areas. Find out if your high school is considered under represented here. In 2017 the guarantee ATAR was 94 and UMAT 175.