---
title: "Quick Guide: Getting Into Undergraduate Medicine or Dentistry (AUS & NZ) - NIE: Medical Admissions Preparation"
description: "NIE provides UCAT, medical interviews, psychometrics, Casper, and medical admissions preparation for students pursuing medicine and dentistry in Australia or New Zealand."
url: "https://www.nie.edu.au/ucat-news/item/quick-guide-to-getting-into-undergarduate-medicine-or-dentistry"
date: "2026-07-29T15:04:15+00:00"
language: "en-GB"
---

#  Quick Guide: Getting Into Undergraduate Medicine or Dentistry (AUS & NZ)

[icon-calendar] Posted: October 28, 2025

Choosing Medicine or Dentistry is a big call, intellectually demanding, emotionally stretching, and ultimately incredibly rewarding. If you are aiming for an undergraduate place in Australia or New Zealand, here’s the straight-talk guide to how selection works, what to prepare, and why the path is worth it.

Most pathways assess three areas: Academic (ATAR/IB & subjects), UCAT ANZ, and an Interview (usually MMI). Use this one-pager to plan your approach.

## **Core Selection Criteria**

- Academic: Competitive ATAR/IB; sometimes subject prerequisites (often Chemistry/English).
- UCAT ANZ: Highly time-pressured—aim for strong percentile across all 5 subtests; SJT may screen.
- Interview: MMI or panel assessing ethics, empathy, teamwork, motivation, and insight.

## **Additional / Other Selection Criteria**

- Casper: Curtin University also requires Casper score in addition to UCAT score.
- Psychometrics: Bond University uses Psychoemtrics test instead of UCAT.

## **Pathways**

- Direct Entry (Year 12): Apply with ATAR/IB + UCAT + interview.
- Provisional Entry: Secure a med/dent place via another degree (e.g., Science/Biomed).
- Graduate Entry: After a bachelor’s (usually via GAMSAT).Interview Tips

## **Interview Tips**

- Practise scenarios (ethics, teamwork, communication).
- Use reflective stories that show growth and suitability.
- Avoid clichés; be specific and honest.

## **Indigenous & Rural Pathways**

Many universities offer targeted streams and support for eligible applicants. These may adjust thresholds or provide alternate processes. Always check each faculty’s official page for the latest details.

## **Common Pitfalls**

- Starting late on UCAT or interviews.
- Ignoring SJT/ethics; weak motivation stories.

## **How Selection Typically Works**

Most universities assess you on a blend of four pillars:

1. UCAT ANZ score
    For the majority of programs, your UCAT ANZ result is a gatekeeper and/or a ranking tool.
2. Competitive academic achievement (ATAR/IB or equivalent)
    Aim high—top bands matter.
3. Prerequisite or recommended subjects
    English and Chemistry are common.
4. A selection interview
    Panel or Multiple Mini Interviews (MMI).

Notes and nuances

- A few pathways don’t use UCAT or add extra requirements.
- International applicants may be assessed differently.

## **What a Strong Application Looks Like**

- Academic readiness: Consistent top performance.
- UCAT as a skill: Train timing and strategy.
- Interview mindset: Think out loud; show empathy.
- Portfolio of behaviours: Grow from activities.

## **Common Pitfalls (and how to avoid them)**

- Treating UCAT like a memory test: It’s about rapid reasoning.
- Ignoring prerequisites: One missing subject can derail eligibility.
- Late logistics: Deadlines are unforgiving.
- One-track thinking: Apply to a sensible range of programs.

## **A Realistic Timeline (School-Leaver)**

- Year 11–early Year 12: Lock subjects; build behaviours.
- Term 2–3 (Year 12): UCAT preparation and sitting window.
- Mid–late Year 12: Applications + interview prep.
- Nov–Feb: Interviews and offers.

## **Why Medicine or Dentistry?**

### Medicine

- Variety of paths: Many specialties and hybrid careers.
- Impact and meaning: Direct patient care and leadership.
- Career mobility: Work across many environments.

### Dentistry

- Blended science and hands-on craft: Precise and outcomes-focused.
- Specialisation opportunities: Orthodontics, oral surgery, etc.
- Practice flexibility: Private, hospital, outreach, academia.

Both careers demand resilience, teamwork, ethical judgement, and lifelong learning.

## **Final Advice**

- Start early, plan strategically: Map prerequisites and key dates.
- Train both “brains”: Academic + UCAT/Casper/Interview.
- Reflect, don’t rehearse: Authenticity beats memorised lines.
- Keep perspective: Many pathways lead to the goal.

 [![Quick Guide: Getting Into Undergraduate Medicine or Dentistry (AUS & NZ)](https://www.nie.edu.au/media/yootheme/cache/7c/how_to_become_doctor_dentist_australia_nz-7c0463da.jpg)](#js-2) ![](https://www.nie.edu.au/zoo/blogs/how_to_become_doctor_dentist_australia_nz.jpg)

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