Doctor of Medicine and Surgery(MChD)

Study Medicine and Surgery at ANU

The Doctor of Medicine and Surgery or Medicinae ac Chirurgiae Doctoranda is a comprehensive and varied program for graduate students looking to enter the rewarding field of medicine as professional medical practitioners.

The MChD is underpinned by four themes:

  • medical sciences, covering a vast scope of ever-changing and expanding knowledge that forms the basis of modern medicine
  • clinical skills, which ensures the acquisition of knowledge is accompanied by communication skills, the ability to examine patients and critically appraise information
  • population health, addressing the relationship between humans, their society and environment
  • professionalism and leadership, developing these vital skills of a good doctor.

The curriculum is built on important frameworks that explore the social foundations of medicine, develop understanding of Indigenous health context in Australia, and provide insights and experience in health care in rural and/or remote Australian settings.

Consistent with the research focus of ANU, the program also develops our students' research skills.

What you will learn

Years one and two

During the first two years of the course, the curriculum is built around problem based learning (PBL) sessions. PBL sessions are designed to promote creative and analytical thinking through both cooperative and self directed learning.

Each week, students are presented with a PBL case study, working through hypotheses and diagnoses in a scientific manner. The PBL sessions are supported by lectures, practical tutorials and a weekly clinical day in one of Canberra’s hospitals. All learning resources are easily accessed through the student-staff web interface, Wattle.

During each of the first two years, students also spend one week in a rural location around Canberra and the south-east region of NSW. In second year, rural week focuses on Indigenous health.

Students also conduct a research project during this time, expanding their knowledge and research skills through collaboration with the world class research teams here at ANU.

Years three and four

From the end of the second year, students spend almost all of their contact hours in the health sector. During this time, they are immersed in all the major medical disciplines through rotations of four or more weeks.

The ANU Medical School Canberra Hospital campus is the principal teaching location. Its facilities are complemented by those of Calvary Public Hospital, Calvary John James Hospital, Calvary Private Hospital and National Capital Private Hospital.

During third year, students again venture into the rural clinical realm, this time for six weeks. Students enrolled in the rural stream will spend their entire third year as an active member of a rural community.

At the beginning of fourth year, students undertake an elective term of four or more weeks at a worldwide location of their choice. The main objective of this term is to broaden students' clinical horizons beyond the established curriculum and to gain personal life experience.

Research topics

We have a wide range of potential research topics. They range from short-term PhB projects to year-long honours and graduate projects to three-year PhD projects.

What it's like to study Medicine and Surgery

Professor Imogen Mitchell

Inspiring doctors

These doctors from the ANU Medical School save lives between lectures and are inspiring the next generation of medical professions.

A life-changing learning experience

Amanda says one of the hardest years of her life was also one of the best years of her life, helping her develop essential skills required of a new doctor.

Medicine and Surgery careers

After completing your MChD, you can enter the medical workforce as an intern or postgraduate year 1 (PGY1) doctor. The MChD qualification is also recognised in countries outside Australia through its accreditation by the Australian Medical Council and listing on the International Medical Education Directory and the World Health Organisation Medical School Directory. However, specific countries may require additional steps to be completed before the degree is recognised by that country.

As an alternative to practising medicine, the MChD also equips you for a career in medical research, public health or health journalism.

The Australian National University has been ranked as the top university for graduate employability in Australia in the Global University Employability Ranking 2020. As a student at ANU, you gain access to the ANU CareerHub – an online career development and employability tool that includes a jobs board and careers resources. You also have access to drop-in chats with a career consultant and to attend our career fairs to meet potential employers.

Fees & scholarships

Tuition fees: Tuition fees

Visit the handbook to see indicative fees and Commonwealth supported places for this degree.

Scholarships: Scholarships

ANU offers many scholarships both to overcome disadvantage and to recognise academic merit.

Watch the webinar

Learn about what it is like to study at the ANU Medical School, and hear from current students Jevin Karunia and Mayur Azam about their experiences.

How to apply

Understand the entry requirements

Check admissions requirements on the Programs and Courses website and read the admissions guidelines

You must also meet the University's English language admission requirements.

Meet qualification requirements

Applicants must have completed or be studying the final year of a Bachelor degree at the time of application. Applicants who have completed a postgraduate qualification are welcome to apply, but must have completed a Bachelor degree previously.

If your Bachelor degree was completed more than 10 years ago, you will need to meet additional study requirements to be eligible to apply.

Higher-level qualifications such as Honours, Graduate Diplomas and Masters by coursework may be taken into consideration if the program is complete or you are in your final year of the program at the time of application. Applicants who have completed a higher-level qualification but do not hold a recognised Bachelor degree are not eligible for consideration.

For more detailed information please read the admissions guidelines and the GEMSAS Medicine Admissions Guide.

Achieve the minimum GPA

The Grade Point Average (GPA) calculation is based on the last three years of full-time equivalent study (3.0 EFTSL) in your most recent eligible degree (or combination of degrees, if applicable). Only Bachelor, Honours, Graduate Diploma and Masters by coursework programs are used to calculate the GPA.

Results from eligible degrees will be included in the GPA calculation if the degree is completed or due to be completed by 31 December in the year you apply.

A weighted GPA is used for the calculation.

Final GPA Year = Weighted x3

Final-1 GPA Year = Weighted x2

Final-2 GPA Year = Weighted x1

You must have a minimum weighted GPA of 5.0 to be considered for an interview.

Meeting the minimum GPA does not guarantee an interview.

For more detailed information about the GPA calculation please read the GEMSAS Admissions Guide and the admissions guidelines.

Take the GAMSAT

Domestic applicants must sit the Graduate Australian Medical School Admissions Test. The GAMSAT is held in March and September each year. Results are released in May and November respectively. For the purpose of admissions, GAMSAT results are valid for four years.

You must achieve a minimum overall score of 50, with a minimum score of 50 in each section.

Meeting the minimum GAMSAT score does not guarantee an interview.

Submit an application

Applications close 31 May 2024.

 

Apply through GEMSAS

Read the GEMSAS Medicine Admissions Guide for more information

Attend an interview

Selection for interview is based on a 50:50 composite score derived from your GPA (weighted 50%) and Overall GAMSAT score (weighted 50%).

Applicants must meet the minimum GPA and GAMSAT scores to be considered for an interview.

Applicants’ composite scores will be used to produce a ranked list of candidates. Interviews are offered to applicants with a range of GPA/GAMSAT score combinations.

Interviews are held in September of each year and cover a range of topics and scenarios.

Receive an offer

Offers of a place in the program will be based on a final weighted score derived from the interview score (weighted 50%) and the composite GPA/GAMSAT score used for the interview ranking (weighted 50%).

Accept your offer

Once you receive an offer it is very important that you follow the instructions in the letter to accept your place at ANU.

Get screened and vaccinated

All commencing MChD students are required to meet the mandatory screening and vaccination requirements for the ANU, ACT Health and NSW Health.

If you're offered a place in the MChD program, you will receive the Screening and Vaccination Information Booklet with your offer letter. You must complete and provide evidence for all requirements in the booklet by the time you enrol. Some of the primary requirements include:

Understand the entry requirements

Check admissions requirements on the Programs and Courses website and read the admissions guidelines

Applicant should be aware that the ANU’s English Language Admission Requirements differ from the Medical Board of Australia’s English Language requirements. This becomes more significant upon graduation and prior to registering for an internship.

Meet qualification requirements

Applicants must have completed or be studying the final year of a Bachelor degree at the time of application. Applicants who have completed a postgraduate qualification are welcome to apply, but must have completed a Bachelor degree previously.

If your Bachelor degree was completed more than 10 years ago, you will need to meet additional study requirements to be eligible to apply.

Higher-level qualifications such as Honours, Graduate Diplomas and Masters by coursework may be taken into consideration if the program is complete or you are in your final year of the program at the time of application. Applicants who have completed a higher-level qualification but do not hold a recognised Bachelor degree are not eligible for consideration.

For more detailed information please read the admissions guidelines.

Achieve the minimum GPA

The Grade Point Average (GPA) calculation is based on the last three years of full-time equivalent study (3.0 EFTSL) in your most recent eligible degree (or combination of degrees, if applicable). Only Bachelor, Honours, Graduate Diploma and Masters by coursework programs are used to calculate the GPA.

Results from eligible degrees will be included in the GPA calculation if the degree is completed or due to be completed by 31 December in the year you apply.

A weighted GPA is used for the calculation.

Final GPA Year = Weighted x3

Final-1 GPA Year = Weighted x2

Final-2 GPA Year = Weighted x1

You must have a minimum weighted GPA of 5.0 to be considered for an interview.

Meeting the minimum GPA does not guarantee an interview.

For more detailed information about the GPA calculation please read the admissions guidelines.

Take the GAMSAT or MCAT

International applicants must sit the Graduate Australian Medical School Admissions Test (GAMSAT) or the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT).

GAMSAT

The GAMSAT is held in March and September each year. Results are released in May and November respectively. For the purpose of admissions, GAMSAT results are valid for four years.

You must achieve a minimum overall score of 50, with a minimum score of 50 in each section

MCAT

The MCAT is held at various times during each year. For the purpose of admissions, MCAT results are valid for four years.

You must achieve a minimum score of 125 in each section

Meeting the minimum GAMSAT or MCAT score does not guarantee an interview.

Submit an application

Applications close on 30 June 2024.

Apply directly to ANU

You must include the following documentation in your application:

*All tertiary level study must be declared in the application. For the purpose of University admissions, the withholding of information and the submission of incorrect or misleading information are deemed fraudulent. Action taken in such cases may include cancellation of an application for admissions, withdrawal of an offer of admissions, or cancellation of an enrolment.

Attend an interview

Selection for interview is based on a 50:50 composite score derived from your GPA (weighted 50%) and Overall GAMSAT score (weighted 50%).

Applicants must meet the minimum GPA and GAMSAT or MCAT scores to be considered for an interview.

Applicants’ composite scores will be used to produce a ranked list of candidates. Interviews are offered to applicants with a range of GPA/GAMSAT score combinations.

Interviews are conducted online via zoom. The interview will cover a range of topics and scenarios.

Interview Guarantee

Applicants who have achieved a minimum weighted GPA of 6.0 and an Overall GAMSAT Score of at least 60, with an individual score of at least 50 in each section OR an overall MCAT of at least 515, with an individual score of at least 125 in each section will be guaranteed an interview offer, pending they have met all other eligibility requirements.

Receive an offer

Offers of a place in the program will be based on a final weighted score derived from the interview score (weighted 50%) and the composite GPA/GAMSAT or MCAT score used for the interview ranking (weighted 50%).

Accept your offer

Once you receive an offer it is very important that you follow the instructions in the letter to accept your place at ANU.

Get screened and vaccinated

All commencing MChD students are required to meet the mandatory screening and vaccination requirements for the ANU, ACT Health and NSW Health.

If you're offered a place in the MChD program, you will receive the Screening and Vaccination Information Booklet with your offer letter. You must complete and provide evidence for all requirements in the booklet by the time you enrol. Some of the primary requirements include:

Understand the entry requirements

The Doctor of Medicine and Surgery program has a direct Indigenous entry pathway and encourages applications from people of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander background.

Check admissions requirements on the Programs and Courses website and read the admissions guidelines

Submit an application

Applications close on 30 June 2024.

Applicants who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander are welcome to apply through GEMSAS or directly to the ANU.

If applying directly, please complete the application form (280KB PDF) and provide all relevant supporting documentation.

Provide supporting documentation

When submitting your completed application form (280KB PDF) you must also include:

*All tertiary level study must be declared in the application. For the purpose of University admissions, the withholding of information and the submission of incorrect or misleading information are deemed fraudulent. Action taken in such cases may include cancellation of an application for admissions, withdrawal of an offer of admissions, or cancellation of an enrolment.

Rural background

If you are from a rural background, indicate this in your application form and provide supporting documentation. Check the Rural background criteria (319KB PDF) for more information.

Meet qualification requirements

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants follow the same eligibility requirements as detailed on the Domestic how to apply section. 

Attend an interview

Selection for interview is based on a 50:50 composite score derived from your GPA (weighted 50%) and Overall GAMSAT score (weighted 50%).

Interviews for the Indigenous pathway are held in July/August each year and cover a range of topics and scenarios.

Receive an offer

Offers of a place will be based on a final weighted score derived from the interview score (weighted 50%) and the composite GPA/GAMSAT score used for the interview ranking (weighted 50%).

Accept your offer

Once you receive an offer it is very important that you follow the instructions in the letter to accept your place at ANU.

Get screened and vaccinated

All commencing MChD students are required to meet the mandatory screening and vaccination requirements for the ANU, ACT Health and NSW Health.

If you're offered a place in the MChD program, you will receive the Screening and Vaccination Information Booklet with your offer letter. You must complete and provide evidence for all requirements in the booklet by the time you enrol. Some of the primary requirements include:

Admission dates & deadlines

Date Activity
Early May GEMSAS online applications open
31 May GEMSAS online applications close
30 June Indigenous pathway applications close
30 June International applications close
July/August International interviews
July/August Indigenous pathway interviews
August International offers released
August Indigenous pathway offers released
September Domestic Interviews
November Domestic offers released

These dates are subject to change. Email admissions.smp@anu.edu.au for confirmation.

 

The Doctor of Medicine and Surgery is also known as Medicinae ac Chirurgiae Doctoranda (MChD), in LatinIt is a comprehensive and varied four year Masters by Coursework level program for students looking to enter the rewarding field of medicine. Please read the Admissions Guidelines for detailed information about the eligibility requirements.

How to apply

Domestic

Understand the entry requirements

Check admissions requirements on the Programs and Courses website and read the admissions guidelines

You must also meet the University's English language admission requirements.

Meet qualification requirements

Applicants must have completed or be studying the final year of a Bachelor degree at the time of application. Applicants who have completed a postgraduate qualification are welcome to apply, but must have completed a Bachelor degree previously.

If your Bachelor degree was completed more than 10 years ago, you will need to meet additional study requirements to be eligible to apply.

Higher-level qualifications such as Honours, Graduate Diplomas and Masters by coursework may be taken into consideration if the program is complete or you are in your final year of the program at the time of application. Applicants who have completed a higher-level qualification but do not hold a recognised Bachelor degree are not eligible for consideration.

For more detailed information please read the admissions guidelines and the GEMSAS Medicine Admissions Guide.

Achieve the minimum GPA

The Grade Point Average (GPA) calculation is based on the last three years of full-time equivalent study (3.0 EFTSL) in your most recent eligible degree (or combination of degrees, if applicable). Only Bachelor, Honours, Graduate Diploma and Masters by coursework programs are used to calculate the GPA.

Results from eligible degrees will be included in the GPA calculation if the degree is completed or due to be completed by 31 December in the year you apply.

A weighted GPA is used for the calculation.

Final GPA Year = Weighted x3

Final-1 GPA Year = Weighted x2

Final-2 GPA Year = Weighted x1

You must have a minimum weighted GPA of 5.0 to be considered for an interview.

Meeting the minimum GPA does not guarantee an interview.

For more detailed information about the GPA calculation please read the GEMSAS Admissions Guide and the admissions guidelines.

Take the GAMSAT

Domestic applicants must sit the Graduate Australian Medical School Admissions Test. The GAMSAT is held in March and September each year. Results are released in May and November respectively. For the purpose of admissions, GAMSAT results are valid for four years.

You must achieve a minimum overall score of 50, with a minimum score of 50 in each section.

Meeting the minimum GAMSAT score does not guarantee an interview.

Submit an application

Applications close 31 May 2024.

 

Apply through GEMSAS

Read the GEMSAS Medicine Admissions Guide for more information

Attend an interview

Selection for interview is based on a 50:50 composite score derived from your GPA (weighted 50%) and Overall GAMSAT score (weighted 50%).

Applicants must meet the minimum GPA and GAMSAT scores to be considered for an interview.

Applicants’ composite scores will be used to produce a ranked list of candidates. Interviews are offered to applicants with a range of GPA/GAMSAT score combinations.

Interviews are held in September of each year and cover a range of topics and scenarios.

Receive an offer

Offers of a place in the program will be based on a final weighted score derived from the interview score (weighted 50%) and the composite GPA/GAMSAT score used for the interview ranking (weighted 50%).

Accept your offer

Once you receive an offer it is very important that you follow the instructions in the letter to accept your place at ANU.

Get screened and vaccinated

All commencing MChD students are required to meet the mandatory screening and vaccination requirements for the ANU, ACT Health and NSW Health.

If you're offered a place in the MChD program, you will receive the Screening and Vaccination Information Booklet with your offer letter. You must complete and provide evidence for all requirements in the booklet by the time you enrol. Some of the primary requirements include:

International

Understand the entry requirements

Check admissions requirements on the Programs and Courses website and read the admissions guidelines

Applicant should be aware that the ANU’s English Language Admission Requirements differ from the Medical Board of Australia’s English Language requirements. This becomes more significant upon graduation and prior to registering for an internship.

Meet qualification requirements

Applicants must have completed or be studying the final year of a Bachelor degree at the time of application. Applicants who have completed a postgraduate qualification are welcome to apply, but must have completed a Bachelor degree previously.

If your Bachelor degree was completed more than 10 years ago, you will need to meet additional study requirements to be eligible to apply.

Higher-level qualifications such as Honours, Graduate Diplomas and Masters by coursework may be taken into consideration if the program is complete or you are in your final year of the program at the time of application. Applicants who have completed a higher-level qualification but do not hold a recognised Bachelor degree are not eligible for consideration.

For more detailed information please read the admissions guidelines.

Achieve the minimum GPA

The Grade Point Average (GPA) calculation is based on the last three years of full-time equivalent study (3.0 EFTSL) in your most recent eligible degree (or combination of degrees, if applicable). Only Bachelor, Honours, Graduate Diploma and Masters by coursework programs are used to calculate the GPA.

Results from eligible degrees will be included in the GPA calculation if the degree is completed or due to be completed by 31 December in the year you apply.

A weighted GPA is used for the calculation.

Final GPA Year = Weighted x3

Final-1 GPA Year = Weighted x2

Final-2 GPA Year = Weighted x1

You must have a minimum weighted GPA of 5.0 to be considered for an interview.

Meeting the minimum GPA does not guarantee an interview.

For more detailed information about the GPA calculation please read the admissions guidelines.

Take the GAMSAT or MCAT

International applicants must sit the Graduate Australian Medical School Admissions Test (GAMSAT) or the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT).

GAMSAT

The GAMSAT is held in March and September each year. Results are released in May and November respectively. For the purpose of admissions, GAMSAT results are valid for four years.

You must achieve a minimum overall score of 50, with a minimum score of 50 in each section

MCAT

The MCAT is held at various times during each year. For the purpose of admissions, MCAT results are valid for four years.

You must achieve a minimum score of 125 in each section

Meeting the minimum GAMSAT or MCAT score does not guarantee an interview.

Submit an application

Applications close on 30 June 2024.

Apply directly to ANU

You must include the following documentation in your application:

*All tertiary level study must be declared in the application. For the purpose of University admissions, the withholding of information and the submission of incorrect or misleading information are deemed fraudulent. Action taken in such cases may include cancellation of an application for admissions, withdrawal of an offer of admissions, or cancellation of an enrolment.

Attend an interview

Selection for interview is based on a 50:50 composite score derived from your GPA (weighted 50%) and Overall GAMSAT score (weighted 50%).

Applicants must meet the minimum GPA and GAMSAT or MCAT scores to be considered for an interview.

Applicants’ composite scores will be used to produce a ranked list of candidates. Interviews are offered to applicants with a range of GPA/GAMSAT score combinations.

Interviews are conducted online via zoom. The interview will cover a range of topics and scenarios.

Interview Guarantee

Applicants who have achieved a minimum weighted GPA of 6.0 and an Overall GAMSAT Score of at least 60, with an individual score of at least 50 in each section OR an overall MCAT of at least 515, with an individual score of at least 125 in each section will be guaranteed an interview offer, pending they have met all other eligibility requirements.

Receive an offer

Offers of a place in the program will be based on a final weighted score derived from the interview score (weighted 50%) and the composite GPA/GAMSAT or MCAT score used for the interview ranking (weighted 50%).

Accept your offer

Once you receive an offer it is very important that you follow the instructions in the letter to accept your place at ANU.

Get screened and vaccinated

All commencing MChD students are required to meet the mandatory screening and vaccination requirements for the ANU, ACT Health and NSW Health.

If you're offered a place in the MChD program, you will receive the Screening and Vaccination Information Booklet with your offer letter. You must complete and provide evidence for all requirements in the booklet by the time you enrol. Some of the primary requirements include:

Indigenous

Understand the entry requirements

The Doctor of Medicine and Surgery program has a direct Indigenous entry pathway and encourages applications from people of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander background.

Check admissions requirements on the Programs and Courses website and read the admissions guidelines

Submit an application

Applications close on 30 June 2024.

Applicants who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander are welcome to apply through GEMSAS or directly to the ANU.

If applying directly, please complete the application form (280KB PDF) and provide all relevant supporting documentation.

Provide supporting documentation

When submitting your completed application form (280KB PDF) you must also include:

*All tertiary level study must be declared in the application. For the purpose of University admissions, the withholding of information and the submission of incorrect or misleading information are deemed fraudulent. Action taken in such cases may include cancellation of an application for admissions, withdrawal of an offer of admissions, or cancellation of an enrolment.

Rural background

If you are from a rural background, indicate this in your application form and provide supporting documentation. Check the Rural background criteria (319KB PDF) for more information.

Meet qualification requirements

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants follow the same eligibility requirements as detailed on the Domestic how to apply section. 

Attend an interview

Selection for interview is based on a 50:50 composite score derived from your GPA (weighted 50%) and Overall GAMSAT score (weighted 50%).

Interviews for the Indigenous pathway are held in July/August each year and cover a range of topics and scenarios.

Receive an offer

Offers of a place will be based on a final weighted score derived from the interview score (weighted 50%) and the composite GPA/GAMSAT score used for the interview ranking (weighted 50%).

Accept your offer

Once you receive an offer it is very important that you follow the instructions in the letter to accept your place at ANU.

Get screened and vaccinated

All commencing MChD students are required to meet the mandatory screening and vaccination requirements for the ANU, ACT Health and NSW Health.

If you're offered a place in the MChD program, you will receive the Screening and Vaccination Information Booklet with your offer letter. You must complete and provide evidence for all requirements in the booklet by the time you enrol. Some of the primary requirements include:

Key dates

Admission dates & deadlines

Date Activity
Early May GEMSAS online applications open
31 May GEMSAS online applications close
30 June Indigenous pathway applications close
30 June International applications close
July/August International interviews
July/August Indigenous pathway interviews
August International offers released
August Indigenous pathway offers released
September Domestic Interviews
November Domestic offers released

These dates are subject to change. Email admissions.smp@anu.edu.au for confirmation.

Close

Need more information?

Send us an enquiry and we'll get back to you within 48 hours