Undergraduate | 2026

Bachelor of Medical Studies

Start date

February

Campus

Adelaide City

Duration

3 year(s) full-time only (no part time option)

Mode

Hybrid

Program code

BMSTU

Study as

Full-time

Indicative annual fees

$94,300

Prerequisite

Any one of SACE Stage 2 Biology or Chemistry or Mathematical Methods (or equivalent).

Assumed knowledge

High proficiency in written and spoken English.

English language requirements

IELTS Overall 7.0 IELTS Reading 7.0 IELTS Listening 7.0 IELTS Speaking 7.0 IELTS Writing 7.0 Equivalent English qualifications

CRICOS code

115733G

Entry requirements

Admission criteria

Entry is competitive. Applicants will be selected for interview on the basis of UCAT ANZ results. Eligible applicants will be ranked on a combination of UCAT ANZ results (20%), interview results (40%) and academic score results (40%)

To be eligible for admission, an applicant must have achieved at least one of the following minimum entry requirements and demonstrate that they fulfill any prerequisite and essential criteria for admission:

Recent secondary education (Year 12)

Completion of a secondary education qualification equivalent to the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE) with an adjusted ATAR equivalent selection rank of 95.00 or higher.

Higher education study

Successful completion of at least one year and no more than two years of full-time study (or equivalent part-time) of a bachelor (AQF level 7) or bachelor honours (AQF level 8) program or equivalent from Adelaide University or one of its antecedent institutions (The University of Adelaide or the University of South Australia) with an overall Grade Point Average of 5.0 or above.
Students who have completed more than two years of undergraduate study are not eligible for entry into the Bachelor of Medical Studies and should consider graduate medicine pathways.

English language entry requirements

In addition, international students who speak English as an additional language must have obtained one of the following standards within the last two years prior to admission. Possession of one or more of these qualifications, in addition to the academic entry requirements, does not, in itself, guarantee a place at Adelaide University. Applications are considered on an individual basis and selection is competitive. Where previous study/work experience was conducted in English, the application must be accompanied by certified documentation from the educational institution/employer certifying that the language of instruction/employment was English.

IELTS Overall 7.0
IELTS Reading 7.0
IELTS Listening 7.0
IELTS Speaking 7.0
IELTS Writing 7.0

Please access the following link for a comprehensive list of English language tests accepted by Adelaide University and other important information in relation to meeting the University’s language requirements:

Equivalent English qualifications

International admissions by country

Country	Score
Australia – ATAR	95
Bangladesh – Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC)	4.99
China – Gaokao	85%
Hong Kong – Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE)	23
India – CBSE and CISCE	95
India – State Board Examinations	99
Kenya – Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE)	A
Malaysia – Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM)	3.55
Malaysia – United Entrance Certificate (UEC)	8
Malaysia – Matrikulasi	3.55
Singapore - Singapore GCE Advanced Levels	13
Sri Lanka – GCE A Levels	14
Vietnam – Year 12 - Bằng Tốt Nghiệp Trung Học Phổ Thông	9.00

Why Bachelor of Medical Studies?

Put your passion for health into action. Medicine is intellectually rewarding, challenging and inspiring. It requires critical problem-solving, teamwork and integrity.

Medical practitioners are passionately interested in wellbeing, working to protect and promote the health of individuals and communities. They are dedicated to optimising health and caring for vulnerable people.

Join a profession where you’ll play a critical role in helping people live full and active lives and be part of a remarkable health culture.

Overview

The Bachelor of Medical Studies provides foundational knowledge and skills needed to excel in health care. You’ll learn from outstanding clinicians in state-of-the-art facilities and develop a deep understanding of how our health care system works. You’ll also gain a valuable ‘consumer’ perspective, helping you understand how patients interact with health services and providers.

During your studies you’ll explore scenario-based problems, focussing on individual, community, Indigenous and global health issues. You’ll also gain valuable exposure to real-world clinical practice and develop safe and effective clinical skills in cutting-edge simulation facilities.

This degree is the first part of the broader medicine program at Adelaide University, and upon successful completion you’ll gain direct entry into the Doctor of Medicine. Together, these degrees will qualify you to practise as an intern anywhere in Australia and throughout most of the world.

Key features

Study in high-tech facilities with advanced health simulation technology.
Learn using real-world scenarios and global perspectives.
Develop your professional practice and benefit from patient contact from the first year of your degree.
Complete a clinical placement in a hospital and community setting in your third year of study.
Benefit from a rich history of world-class health education and research that spans over 135 years.
Graduate eligible to enter the Doctor of Medicine and continue the journey to becoming a medical practitioner.

What you'll learn

The Bachelor of Medical Studies and Doctor of Medicine is an integrated program which is aligned with the Australian Medical Council accreditation standards.

The Bachelor of Medical Studies provides the foundations of medical science and practice with an emphasis on integrated learning, building clinical skills and understanding the role of a medical practitioner. A major emphasis is placed on professionalism, communication skills and clinical reasoning, as well as the practice of evidence-based and preventative medicine. Small-group Scenario-Based Learning (SBL) is a key part of learning in the early years. Lectures in medical disciplines such as pathology, anatomy, physiology and pharmacology support learning for clinical cases that are the more commonly encountered.

In your first year, you’ll learn the fundamental knowledge of biomedical science and how the health care system works. You’ll also begin to have patient contact with the opportunity to experience the health care system from the ‘consumer’ perspective. Scenario-based learning will introduce you to underlying mechanisms and concepts from real-world perspectives.

In your second year, you’ll continue to learn about clinical problems through clinically based scenarios that explore the science of medicine. You’ll develop clinical skills in diagnosis and management and learn more about public health and professional aspects of becoming a medical practitioner.

In your third year, you’ll undertake your first clinical placements and learn research skills and methodology by completing a research proposal and critical appraisal. Develop the skills to make evidence-based decisions to guide clinical practice towards treatment modalities and therapies that improve patient outcomes. Alongside this, you’ll have increased clinical exposure with experiences in primary and hospital care settings.

What courses you'll study

Complete 144 units comprising:

144 units from Core courses

Complete exactly 144 units from the following:

	Course code	Units
Course name Foundations of Medicine	Course code MEDI1001	Units 24
Course name Medical Studies 1	Course code MEDI1002	Units 24
Course name Medical Studies 2A	Course code MEDI2001	Units 24
Course name Medical Studies 2B	Course code MEDI2002	Units 24
Course name Medical Studies 3	Course code MEDI3001	Units 24
Course name Transition to Clinical Studies	Course code MEDI3002	Units 18
Course name Development of Health Research Skills	Course code MEDI3003	Units 6

Career outcomes

This degree forms the first part of the broader medicine program; upon successful completion, you’ll gain direct entry into the Doctor of Medicine. Together, these degrees will qualify you to practise as an intern anywhere in Australia and throughout most of the world.

As a medical graduate, you’ll be in demand for positions in a variety of settings including:

Public hospitals
Private practice
Public health
Teaching
Clinical research
Aid organisations
The defence forces.

Graduates from this degree can also consider roles such as health educator, health officer, laboratory manager, medical scientist and medical technician.

Industry trends

In the 2023 Global Monitoring Report (World Health Organization), the global health workforce shortage is projected to be 10 million in 2030. Adelaide University is well positioned to be at the forefront of education and research in health thanks to a rich history of world-class teaching in health and a flagship facility in the heart of the Adelaide BioMed City precinct.

Accreditation

Adelaide University is working through relevant approvals for program accreditation ahead of students commencing in 2026.

How to apply

Check your eligibility

Before you begin, find the degree you wish to study and check you meet the academic entry requirements and English language requirements.

Entry requirements

Gather your relevant documents

Ensure you have all supporting documentation needed at the time of application to avoid delays.

How to apply

Complete and send your application

Apply through one of the University’s official agency partners, or via our online application system.

Apply now

How to apply

Applications for international students are open now, to begin your studies in 2026.

Apply through one of the University’s official Education Agents, or via our International Application System.

Find an Education Agent

Depending on your country of citizenship, you may be required to apply through one of our Education Agents.

Find an education agent in your country

FAQs

Explore answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.

From August 2025 you can apply as a domestic student for entry to Adelaide University in 2026.
Applications for 2026 will be via SATAC for most undergraduate and postgraduate coursework programs. A direct application process will be available for 100% online degrees at a later date. In the meantime, you could start your degree at UniSA or the University of Adelaide and continue at Adelaide University.

Adelaide University is South Australia’s largest university with seven campuses across the state. Adelaide City Campus is in the heart of the central business district (including eastern and western precincts), while our Magill, Mawson Lakes and Waite campuses are located within the inner suburbs of Adelaide. Our Mount Gambier, Roseworthy and Whyalla campuses are set in the regions of South Australia. Building on our digital and online learning successes, we aim to also deliver online education to more students than any other Australian university.

Each of our campuses is equipped with cutting-edge, discipline specific facilities, contemporary study spaces and well-resourced libraries. Our city and suburban campuses also feature on-site gyms and eateries, and health services on, or nearby, campus.

You will be well supported academically, socially, emotionally and spiritually with access to on-campus facilities and services such as counselling, learning support, childcare, prayer rooms and more.

You will be well supported through a range of services at Adelaide University to ensure you get the most out of your student experience. Support services include:

Academic learning support, including after-hours support provided via Studiosity through live online chat assistance with writing, referencing, mathematics and more.
Advice and advocacy regarding access, adjustments and inclusivity if you have a disability, impairment, chronic health condition or significant caring responsibilities.
Libraries providing flexible study spaces, access to books, computer suites and online resources – as well as referencing support, search tips and more.
Career development hub, including extensive self-help resources, online learning programs, on-campus events, workshops and networking, one-on-one advice, and job search support.
Qualified counsellors who can provide confidential support to manage your mental health and wellbeing.
On-campus medical clinics on-site where you can make an appointment with a General Practitioner (GP) to discuss acute and preventative health care matters.
Information and advice for international students regarding accommodation, student life, visa and work rights and academic policies and procedures.
An active and visible LGBTIQA+ Ally Network that ensures the University provides a supportive environment where all staff and students can safely work and study free of harassment or discrimination.
Prayer rooms on campus, including gender specific spaces for worship purposes.
Campus security available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to ensure all students feel safe on campus.
A range of scholarships offered to commencing and continuing students each year to make university life a little easier.
A number of social outlets including student lounges, gyms, student-led clubs, sports teams and free events throughout the year.

Your tuition fees will depend on your program of study and enrolment load. You can find the annual fees relevant to your program on the specific degree page under the ‘fees’ section. The annual fee payable for your chosen program will also be outlined in your Offer of Admission.

Adelaide University will open in January 2026. Your studies will start at different times depending on what study period you’ve applied for. Adelaide University is currently using a semester model, which means most degrees start in Semester 1. Some degrees are also available to start in mid-year, sometimes with a different degree structure. 

Studies at Adelaide University typically commence in:  

February for Semester 1  
July for Semester 2.

Some degrees, such as the Bachelor of Medical Studies and Master of Business Administration, will have different starting dates. View the relevant degree page for more detail. 

For other key dates, including census dates and exam periods, you can view our Academic calendar. 

View all FAQs

Your study experience and support

Adelaide University sets you up for success in your studies – and your social life. You’ll have access to work placement and internship opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events with guest speakers and more. Our campuses are equipped with purpose-built facilities including lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform with personalised study information and resources.

You’ll have everything you need to live well and thrive during your studies, with health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and modern student lounges. Get involved in campus sport or join our student clubs that will connect you to your passions – and the people who share them.

Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit your individual requirements and budget, with options ranging from dedicated student accommodation to private rentals. One of the world’s most liveable cities, Adelaide has lots of leafy parks, gardens and social hubs – and some of the highest living standards globally. No matter where you are in Adelaide, you’re only a short distance from beaches, vineyards, museums, art galleries, restaurants, bars and parklands. Visit the accommodation web page to find out more.

Student services

We’re here to support you on your student journey. Adelaide University offers a range of support services and facilities, including:

Career advice and mentoring services
Personal counselling
LGBTQIA+ support
Academic support
Fees and finance help
Security services
Accommodation services
Common rooms
Prayer rooms.

You’ll also have unlimited access to our dedicated student support hub. Visit in-person or online, or contact our friendly team by phone. We can assist you with anything study-related including enrolment, identification cards, timetables, fees and more.

Your campus

You'll be studying at one of our renowned campuses, accessing cutting-edge facilities and contemporary study spaces.

This degree is offered at the following campus(es)

Study hours

Your courses will require a combination of different learning formats, including lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Aside from your classes, you’ll also need to allocate additional time for independent study. This may include assignments, readings, projects and contributing to online discussion forums. As a rough guide, full-time studies may require 12-26 hours of class time and 14-18 hours of independent study per week.

Assessment

During your studies at Adelaide University, you’ll complete a mixture of practical, professional and research-based learning. Your assessment types will vary depending on the degree you’re studying, but may include: