Medicine and dentistry applications can involve academic results, admissions tests, application portals, written submissions and interviews. For Australian and New Zealand citizens, the correct process depends on the country, university, course, applicant category and intended year of entry.
Medical School Application Strategy and Guidance Class
Sunday, 13 September 2026 | 12:00 pm–4:30 pm AEST | Live online
NIE’s interactive class helps students and families understand university selection, application systems, preferences, timelines, common mistakes and alternative pathways across Australia, New Zealand and the UK.
The key point: there is no single application process for medicine or dentistry. Build a separate checklist for every course and verify its requirements directly with the university for your intended intake.
What do medical and dental schools assess?
University entry requirements vary, but selection may include:
- Academic performance: ATAR, NCEA, IB, GPA or an equivalent qualification.
- Admissions testing: UCAT ANZ, UCAT, GAMSAT, Casper, psychometric testing or another assessment.
- Interview performance: MMI, panel or another structured format.
- Additional evidence: supplementary forms, questionnaires, statements, references, prerequisites or pathway documents.
A minimum score usually establishes eligibility; it does not guarantee an interview or offer. Competitive applicants may be ranked several times during the selection process.
Applying for medicine and dentistry in Australia
Application portals and course preferences
Australian applications may be submitted through UAC, VTAC, QTAC, SATAC or TISC, depending on the state and course. Some universities also require a direct or supplementary application with a separate deadline, so submitting an admissions-centre application may not complete the process.
UCAT ANZ and other requirements
Many—but not all—Australian medical and dental pathways require UCAT ANZ. Results apply only to the next university-entry cycle and cannot be carried forward. Check the current list of participating courses on the UCAT and universities page.
Do not assume that ATAR, UCAT ANZ and an interview are the only components. A course may also assess written responses, personal qualities, community commitment, rural background or prerequisite subjects.
Applying in New Zealand
Medicine is offered by the University of Auckland and the University of Otago, while dentistry is offered by Otago. Unlike many Australian school-leaver courses, New Zealand selection commonly occurs after an approved university first year or through an eligible graduate pathway.
Australian citizens and permanent residents living and studying in New Zealand are generally treated as domestic students, subject to university rules. Applicants should separately confirm admissions eligibility, domestic-fee status and access to student finance.
Applying to UK medical and dental schools
Australian and New Zealand citizens can apply to UK universities, but they are normally assessed as international applicants unless they meet a UK home-fee category. Applicants should compare accepted qualifications, international places, tuition fees, visa requirements and interview arrangements before choosing courses.
- Most undergraduate applications are submitted through UCAS.
- Applicants can normally select up to four medicine, dentistry or veterinary courses, with an optional fifth non-clinical choice.
- For 2027 entry, most medicine and dentistry applications must reach UCAS by 15 October 2026 at 6:00 pm UK time.
- The UCAS personal statement now uses three structured questions within the overall character limit.
Check the current timetable on the official UCAS application deadlines page.
Additional assessments to include in your plan
Curtin Medicine: Casper
Curtin Medicine currently requires Casper as well as UCAT ANZ. Learn about the assessment and NIE’s Casper preparation for Curtin medical entry.
Bond Medicine: psychometric testing
Bond University does not use UCAT ANZ for its Medical Program. Academically eligible applicants may progress to psychometric testing; NIE offers dedicated Bond Medicine psychometric test preparation.
Interview knowledge and preparation
Applicants may need to discuss motivation, ethics, teamwork, healthcare systems and health inequities. NIE’s Public, Rural and Indigenous Health MMI Readiness training supports preparation for these important topics.
A practical medical school application plan
- Confirm your category: school leaver, non-school leaver, graduate, domestic, international or special-entry pathway.
- Shortlist eligible courses: compare prerequisites, selection criteria, location, costs and course structure.
- Record every deadline: include tests, application portals, direct forms, supporting documents and interviews.
- Manage preferences carefully: follow the rules of each admissions system rather than relying on assumptions.
- Prepare early: begin written applications and interview practice before invitations or final results arrive.
International applicants living in Australia or New Zealand
Living or attending school in Australia or New Zealand does not automatically provide domestic applicant status. Classification normally depends on citizenship, permanent residency or visa status.
International applicants should confirm:
- whether the course accepts international applicants and has a separate quota;
- the correct application route and admissions test;
- English-language and academic-equivalency requirements;
- international fees, deposits, scholarships, visas and health insurance; and
- clinical-placement, internship, professional-registration and post-study work implications.
Frequently asked questions
Do all medical and dental schools require UCAT?
No. Many courses use UCAT ANZ or UCAT, but others use different assessments or no aptitude test. Always check the exact course and applicant category.
Can I apply across Australia, New Zealand and the UK in the same year?
Yes, but the application systems and deadlines differ. Candidates cannot sit UCAT ANZ and UCAT UK in the same test cycle; those applying in both regions should follow UCAT ANZ’s current result-sharing instructions.
Is a high ATAR enough for medicine or dentistry?
Usually not. Many universities combine academic performance with an admissions test, interview or written application, and eligible students may still be competitively ranked.
When should I start planning?
Ideally, begin researching at least one year before entry. Admissions-test registration, supplementary applications and the UK’s early deadline can occur well before final school results.
Plan your applications with greater clarity
Join NIE’s live online Application Strategy and Guidance Class for practical support with course choices, application requirements, preferences and next steps.
Important: Admissions criteria and deadlines can change. Always confirm current information for your intended course, applicant category and entry year directly with the university, admissions body or testing organisation.
