Doctor of Medicine

Postgraduate | 2026

Mode

On Campus

Start date

February

Campus

Adelaide City

Duration

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

Program code

MAMED

Study as

Full-time

Indicative annual fees

$94,300

Non-tuition fees

Prerequisite

None

Assumed knowledge

None

CRICOS code

115787D

Entry requirements

Admission criteria

To be eligible, an applicant must have achieved the following minimum entry requirement and demonstrate they fulfil any prerequisite and essential criteria for admission. In cases where there are more eligible applicants than available places, admission will be competitive with ranks based on the entry criteria.

Higher education study

A completed Bachelor of Medical Studies from the University of Adelaide or Adelaide University.

Please note: the Doctor of Medicine does not accept direct applications.

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.

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

Why Doctor of Medicine?

Complete your medical journey and join one of the world’s most trusted and rewarding professions as a medical practitioner.

Building on the foundation established in our Bachelor of Medical Studies, the Doctor of Medicine prepares you for a fascinating, lifelong career dedicated to improving health and wellbeing.

In these final three years of our medical program, you’ll enhance your clinical skills through diverse placements in primary care, hospitals and outreach clinics. Experience rotations in general medicine, rural medicine, surgery, mental health, paediatrics, obstetrics, geriatrics and more. Learn culturally sensitive care by working with First Nations communities.

Develop your research and scholarship skills with major projects guided by world-class Adelaide University researchers.

Graduate with the confidence and capability to have a lasting impact on your patients’ lives.

Overview

Adelaide University’s medical program is an integrated six-year full-time program that prepares you to become a knowledgeable, empathetic and highly skilled medical practitioner. The program begins with the three-year Bachelor of Medical Studies, followed by the three-year Doctor of Medicine. To enter the masters-level Doctor of Medicine, you must first successfully complete the Bachelor of Medical Studies at Adelaide University.

The Doctor of Medicine focuses on developing advanced clinical and research skills. You’ll experience diverse placements in primary care, hospitals and outreach clinics. You’ll have opportunities to broaden your horizons through rural, interstate and overseas placements. Gain hands-on experience through rotations in medicine, emergency medicine, surgery and psychiatry. In your final year, you can specialise in an area of interest with a professional placement.

World-class research and scholarship are integral to the program. In sixth year, you’ll complete a major project in an area of choice.

Study in the heart of Adelaide’s biomedical precinct, benefiting from state-of-the-art facilities and advanced health simulation technology. With a medical degree from Adelaide University, you’ll be a well-prepared and highly regarded graduate medical practitioner with a world of potential ahead of you.

Key features

Build high-level clinical skills with diverse placements, including a full-year rural placement option.
Study in advanced facilities with leading health simulation technology. 
Learn in the heart of Adelaide’s biomedical precinct.
Engage with real-world scenarios and global perspectives. 
Develop extensive research and scholarship skills with expert-guided projects.
Benefit from over 135 years of world-class health education and research.

What you'll learn

The Bachelor of Medical Studies and Doctor of Medicine is a comprehensive, integrated program designed to provide you with the knowledge, skills and attributes required to practise safely and effectively as a medical practitioner. Across the six years of the program, there’s a focus on scenario-based learning, evidence-based decision-making, and professional practice.

You’ll study in Adelaide BioMed City, the heart of South Australia’s education, research and clinical care precinct. Located next to the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI) and the Royal Adelaide Hospital, this hub connects you to an ecosystem of health professionals dedicated to creating better outcomes for individuals and communities.

Refine your skills in our world-leading simulation facilities, the only facilities in Australasia accredited by the Society for Simulation in Healthcare for excellence in learning and teaching. Learn from practising clinicians who are leaders in their field – ensuring you receive the highest quality education.

While clinical experiences are also embedded in the early years of the program, it’s these final three years where you’ll really dive into clinical placements and rotations. Supervised placements occur across a variety of settings, including primary care, rural and community-based clinics, outreach, allied health, research institutes, and both regional and tertiary hospitals.

These clinical placements are designed to prepare you for wherever your future career takes you. You’ll become an integral member of the healthcare team while building skills in history-taking, physical examination, advanced communication, clinical diagnostic reasoning, patient consultation and management.

In fourth year, you’ll begin full-time clinical placements, focusing on general medicine and surgery, mental health, musculoskeletal issues, cancer and palliative care.

In fifth year, you can either choose to continue with full-time clinical placements in Adelaide or undertake an extended rural placement at one of our six rural clinical sites. In either setting, you’ll explore child health, obstetrics and gynaecology, general practice, geriatrics and anaesthesia. You’ll also have opportunities to work with First Nations or disadvantaged communities.

In your final year, you’ll undertake pre-internship, selective professional, and research and scholarship placements. You can select a preferred medical discipline to explore in greater depth and you’ll have the opportunity to study locally, interstate, or overseas.

What courses you'll study

Complete 144 units comprising:

144 units for Core Courses

Complete 144 units comprising:

96 units from Course courses, and
Either:
48 units from Selective courses - metro, or
48 units from Selective courses - rural

	Course code	Units
Course name Medicine, Cancer and Palliative Care and Psychiatry	Course code MEDI4001	Units 24
Course name Surgery and Musculoskeletal Medicine	Course code MEDI4002	Units 24
Course name Preparation for Practice	Course code MEDI6001	Units 18
Course name Transition to Medical Practice	Course code MEDI6002	Units 6
Course name Professional Placement	Course code MEDI6003	Units 12
Course name Research Enquiry Project	Course code MEDI6004	Units 12

Course name		Course code	Units
	Course name Women’s and Children’s Health	Course code MEDI5001	Units 24
	Course name The Healthcare Continuum	Course code MEDI5002	Units 24

	Course code	Units
Course name Women’s and Children’s Health (Rural) Part 1	Course code MEDI5003	Units 0
Course name Women’s and Children’s Health (Rural) Part 2	Course code MEDI5004	Units 24
Course name The Healthcare Continuum (Rural) Part 1	Course code MEDI5005	Units 0
Course name The Healthcare Continuum (Rural) Part 2	Course code MEDI5006	Units 24

Career outcomes

As an Adelaide University medical graduate, you’ll have the knowledge, skills and insight to:

Formulate and implement patients’ health management plans in collaboration with other health professionals, patients, carers and communities.
Promote and optimise individuals’ and populations’ health and welfare.
Deliver safe, effective, collaborative and evidence-based healthcare.

With the Bachelor of Medical Studies and Doctor of Medicine degrees you will be eligible to apply for registration with the Medical Board of Australia to work as an intern.

You’ll have the confidence and expertise to enhance health and wellbeing anywhere in the world. You might join a thriving metropolitan general practitioner (GP) clinic and become a trusted family medical practitioner. You might support a busy regional hospital, working as part of a consulting team. Perhaps you’ll work in Indigenous communities, helping to address health disparities and help close the health gap.

Beyond clinical practice, you’ll gain expertise in practice management, entrepreneurship and working with industry. Our well-rounded education ensures you’ll be ready to make a meaningful impact – wherever you choose to practise.

Industry trends

Medicine is an in-demand profession with excellent job prospects. Globally, there is a strong demand for skilled medical practitioners. In their 2023 Global Monitoring Report, the World Health Organization predicted the global health workforce shortage will reach 10 million by 2030. In Australia, there is a national skills shortage of general practitioners in every state (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2024).

There are also significant opportunities in health and medical research. New discoveries, advances in artificial intelligence, gene therapy and personalised medicine are revolutionising health and care. Adelaide University is well positioned to be at the forefront of this education and research courtesy of our rich history of world-class teaching in health and our 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.

Applications for Australian students to study at Adelaide University will open in August 2025. Applications will be via SATAC for most undergraduate and postgraduate coursework programs.

Applications to study a 100% online degree will open in July 2025 via a direct application process.

In the meantime, you could start your studies at UniSA or the University of Adelaide in 2025 and continue on to Adelaide University in 2026.

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, spanning 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 to discuss acute and preventative health care matters.
Information and advice for international students regarding accommodation, student life, 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 the 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: