UNSW Medicine entry requirements are based on three measures: your ATAR, your UCAT ANZ result and your interview. A strong application needs preparation in all three.
UNSW Medicine is one of the most sought-after undergraduate medical programs in New South Wales. This guide explains the UNSW Medicine entry requirements, how selection works and how to prepare.
How UNSW selects medical students
UNSW considers three main measures:
Academic merit: your ATAR or equivalent selection rank.
UCAT ANZ: your result from the test sat in the year before entry.
Interview: your performance at the UNSW Medicine interview.
Interview invitations are based on a combination of your ATAR and your overall UCAT ANZ score. Final offers then take your interview performance into account.
UNSW Medicine entry requirements: ATAR
UNSW Medicine sets a high minimum ATAR, and successful applicants usually score well above it. Special entry schemes may have different requirements. The current figures are published on the UNSW Sydney website.
UNSW Medicine UCAT requirements
You must sit the UCAT ANZ in the year before you plan to start. Because your UCAT score is combined with your ATAR to decide interview invitations, a strong UCAT result can make a real difference. You can estimate your score with our UCAT Score Calculator.
The UNSW Medicine application
As well as applying through UAC, local applicants complete a UNSW Medicine application, which includes questions about why you want to study medicine at UNSW. Take this seriously: it is your chance to show genuine motivation and understanding of the program.
The UNSW Medicine interview
Invited applicants are interviewed on qualities such as communication, motivation, ethical thinking and empathy. Many students only start preparing once they receive an invitation, which leaves little time. Starting early gives you a clear advantage.
UNSW Medicine entry schemes
UNSW offers several special entry schemes, including Rural Entry, Gateway Entry, Indigenous Entry and Lateral Entry. These may have different ATAR or UCAT requirements, so check whether you are eligible for any of them.
Key dates
Early in the year: register for the UCAT ANZ.
July to early August: sit the UCAT ANZ.
Application period: apply through UAC and complete the UNSW Medicine application.
December to January: interviews.
January: offers released.
Exact dates change each year, so check UAC and UNSW for the current timeline.
UNSW Medicine entry requirements FAQs
Do I need the UCAT for UNSW Medicine?
Yes, the UCAT ANZ is part of UNSW's selection process.
What matters more, ATAR or UCAT?
Both are combined to decide interview invitations, so it is important to prepare well for both.
Are there subject prerequisites for UNSW Medicine?
UNSW does not set formal subject prerequisites for medicine, although studying English to a good level is recommended.
Can interstate students apply?
Yes. Interstate applicants apply through UAC and should check UNSW's timing for interstate interviews.
What is the UNSW Medicine application?
It is a separate application, completed alongside your UAC application, where you explain your interest in medicine and in UNSW.
When should I start preparing for the UNSW Medicine interview?
Start before invitations are released, as interviews follow soon after.
Meet the UNSW Medicine entry requirements: preparing in Sydney
MedEssentials runs a UCAT MasterClass at our Chatswood campus (Level 7, 9 Help Street, Chatswood), taught by doctors and high-scoring medical students. It is a practical way to prepare for UCAT in Sydney. We also offer medical interview training to help you prepare for the next stage.
Read our students' reviews on Google.
Written by:
Dr Brad Guo MBBS MMed
MedEssentials Principal
Senior Ophthalmology Surgical Registrar
Sydney Eye Hospital Network
Associate Clinical Lecturer
Dr John Yek BMMed, MD, FRANZCO
MedEssentials Sydney Educational Lead
Ophthalmologist and Glaucoma Subspecialist
Westmead Hospital
Senior Clinical Lecturer