UNSW Medicine
Bachelor of Medical Studies / Doctor of Medicine
University of New South Wales, Sydney • Kensington Campus
Competition Reality Check
Applications per year
Domestic interview invites
(~13% interview rate)
Interview success rate
(~150-165 offers from interviews)
Program Overview
About the Program
The UNSW Medicine program is a 6-year integrated Bachelor of Medical Studies / Doctor of Medicine degree. You'll graduate with two degrees - the BMed and MD. The program is split into three phases with two years in each phase, progressing from scenario-based learning to clinical placements.
Located within the Randwick Health and Education Precinct, you'll have access to world-class facilities. Year 4 is dedicated to research through either an Independent Learning Project (ILP) or Honours program.
UNSW Medicine was the most popular first preference in NSW for six years running(UAC 2018-2025).
Unique Features
- Integrated BMedSci/MD program - graduate with two degrees
- Early clinical exposure from Year 1 with scenario-based learning
- Dedicated research year (Year 4) with ILP or Honours options
- Problem-based learning curriculum across three phases
- Strong emphasis on professional development
- Located within the Randwick Health and Education Precinct
Entry Requirements
Official Requirements
Competitive Reality
Important: Selection Weightings
Interview selection: Based on a combination of ATAR and UCAT, but exact formula is not publicly disclosed.
Final offer selection: The weighting of ATAR, UCAT, and interview performance for final offers is NOT publicly disclosed by UNSW. Any claims of specific percentages (e.g., "50/50") are speculation.
Intake Breakdown
Total Places
Domestic Places
Reserved for Rural (REAP)
Lateral Entry Spots
Entry Schemes & Pathways
Gateway Entry Scheme
Provides early conditional offers to high-achieving Year 12 students from partner schools or equity backgrounds before UCAT and interview.
Rural Entry Pathway (REAP)
25-30% of domestic places reserved for students from rural and remote backgrounds. Separate application stream with lower thresholds.
Lateral Entry Scheme
Up to 10 spots for students transferring from the UNSW Medical Science degree.
Indigenous Entry Scheme
Dedicated pathway for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students with tailored support throughout the application and study process.
Educational Access Scheme (EAS)
Provides 1-10 bonus ATAR points for students who faced educational disadvantage (illness, financial hardship, school factors) during Year 11-12.
Interview Guide
Interview Format
What to Expect
The UNSW panel interview focuses on your experiences, motivation, and suitability for medicine. It assesses your communication skills and personal qualities.
- Motivation for medicine and understanding of the profession
- Communication and interpersonal skills
- Work experience and extracurricular activities
- Awareness of healthcare challenges and current issues
Key Insight:
UNSW's panel interview is conversational in comparison to interviews from other universities, focusing on your personal journey and motivation rather than hypothetical ethical dilemmas.
Clinical Placements
Prince of Wales Hospital
St George Hospital
Liverpool Hospital
Rural clinical placements across NSW
Our Tutors from UNSW Medicine
7 of our 9 tutors are current UNSW Medical students who have successfully navigated the UNSW admissions process. Get insider tips and personalized coaching from people who know exactly what it takes.
Daniel Soh
Founder, QR & Interview Specialist
Timothy Arsecularatne
UCAT & VR Specialist
Daniel Toole
UCAT, DM & QR Specialist
Angelina Liu
UCAT, VR & QR Specialist
Andrew Wei
UCAT & QR Specialist
Anilson Sahin
Interview & QR Specialist
Chirag Mandhani
Interview & DM Specialist
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Resources
UNSW Interview Format Guide
Detailed breakdown of the UNSW panel interview format with example questions and preparation tips.
Read GuideInterview Preparation
1-on-1 coaching with 7 tutors who have successfully passed UNSW Medicine interviews, and helped countless more into the programme.
Learn MoreUCAT Course
Comprehensive UCAT preparation to maximize your score for UNSW selection (aim for 94th%+).
View CourseKey Dates & Timeline
Register early at ucat.edu.au
Sit the UCAT at approved test centres
Apply through UAC and list UNSW Medicine
Final deadline for UNSW Medicine preference
~450-500 domestic applicants shortlisted
In-person panel interview at UNSW
Offers released through UAC
Dates are indicative and may vary. Always check the official university website for confirmed dates.
Selection Funnel
How applicants are narrowed down at UNSW Medicine
Am I Competitive?
Enter your scores to get a quick assessment for UNSW Medicine
Quick Competitiveness Check
This is an indicative guide only based on publicly available data. Actual cutoffs vary each year.
The UNSW Medicine Interview
One continuous conversation with two or more interviewers, working from a common core of questions with freedom to follow up on what you say.
When it happens
Invitations: Mid-December for the main round, with a further round of invitations in early January for applicants whose results arrive late.
Interviews: Rural entry interviews in late November, the main round in the week before Christmas, further rounds in mid-January, and a final round for New Zealand applicants.
Where it happens
What is specific to UNSW
- Two interviewers, who may be academic staff, medical practitioners or community representatives.
- The main round runs in the week before Christmas, so be careful what you book over the holidays.
- International applicants are interviewed online and on a completely different schedule — see below.
How to prepare for a Panel interview
- Panels reward depth. Every claim you make can be followed up, so a rehearsed line that cannot survive two follow-up questions is worse than no line at all.
- Prepare material, not scripts. Know four or five genuine experiences well enough to tell any of them in ninety seconds.
- Expect to be challenged. Being disagreed with is a standard technique, and reacting defensively costs marks.
- Consistency across the hour is assessed, whether or not it is on the rubric.
Related Articles
The Strategic Guide to NSW Medicine (2026 Intake)
Don't waste your preferences. This guide breaks down the actual selection mechanics for UNSW, USyd, WSU/CSU, and Newcastle.
Read Article2026 UCAT Timeline: Key Dates You Need to Know
Complete timeline for the 2026 UCAT ANZ including registration, booking, test dates, and medical school application deadlines.
Read ArticleThe Ultimate Guide to the UNSW Medicine Interview Format (2026)
Complete guide to the 2026 UNSW Medicine interview format. Current students explain the semi-structured panel and common questions.
Read ArticleAlso Consider
Other universities you might be interested in
WSU
Bachelor of Clinical Science (Medicine) / Doctor of Medicine
Newcastle/JMP
Bachelor of Medical Science / Doctor of Medicine
Ready to Apply to UNSW Medicine?
Get personalized guidance from 7 tutors who are currently studying at UNSW Medicine.