Studying medicine in Australia involves a major financial commitment. International tuition can exceed AUD 100,000 a year, and your entry pathway determines how long you study and how much you spend.
This guide compares ten medical study options and their published international fees. It is an editorial shortlist, not an official university ranking.
Updated: 02 November 2026. All amounts are in Australian dollars.
What Is a Doctor of Medicine in Australia?
The MD programs discussed here lead to an initial medical qualification. Specialist training comes later. A graduate-entry MD generally takes four years after an eligible bachelor’s degree, while combined pathways begin after secondary school.
When comparing costs, include any undergraduate degree required before graduate medicine. A four-year MD fee does not cover those earlier studies.
Top 10 Universities: International Tuition Fees
These are indicative annual or first-year tuition figures for the fee year shown. Universities can increase fees annually, so treat 2026 amounts as budget references when planning a later intake.
| University | Medical pathway | Duration | Annual tuition | Fee year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Melbourne | Graduate MD | 4 years | $122,976 | 2026 |
| University of Sydney | Graduate MD | 4 years | $100,500 | 2027 |
| Monash University | Bachelor of Medical Science/MD | 5 years | $101,600 | 2026 |
| UNSW Sydney | Bachelor of Medical Studies/MD | 6 years | $95,500 | 2026 |
| University of Queensland | Graduate MD | 4 years | $104,120 | 2026 |
| Australian National University | Graduate MChD | 4 years | $99,650 | 2026 |
| University of Western Australia | Graduate MD | 4 years | $92,900 | 2026 |
| Adelaide University | Bachelor of Medical Studies, then MD | 6 years | $103,000* | 2027 |
| Deakin University | Graduate MD | 4 years | $94,600 | 2027 |
| Flinders University | Graduate MD | 4 years | $91,200 | 2026 |
Adelaide’s figure is the commencing annual Bachelor of Medical Studies fee. Future MD fees must be budgeted separately. Monash’s 2027 international guide quotes 2026 tuition figures.
What Makes Each Medical Program Different?
1. University of Melbourne
Melbourne offers a four-year graduate MD at Parkville. Its course combines medical training with research and opportunities to tailor aspects of study to your interests.
2. University of Sydney
Sydney accepts graduates from different academic disciplines. Its four-year MD includes clinical placements and a research project, making it an option even without a biomedical science degree.
3. Monash University
The five-year Clayton pathway starts after secondary school and introduces clinical contact early. Monash also offers graduate-entry medicine, with separate eligibility and fee information.
4. UNSW Sydney
UNSW combines medical studies and the MD over six years. Its published indicative total tuition for 2026 international entrants is $647,000, substantially above a simple six-times-first-year calculation.
5. University of Queensland
UQ’s four-year MD requires graduate applicants to meet degree, admissions-test, interview and prerequisite-subject requirements. Students entering through a provisional pathway must also budget for undergraduate study.
6. Australian National University
ANU awards the Doctor of Medicine and Surgery, abbreviated MChD. This four-year graduate program considers academic performance, GAMSAT or eligible international MCAT results, and an interview.
7. University of Western Australia
UWA’s four-year MD prepares graduates for entry to medical practice. Its curriculum includes clinical learning and scholarly activity, with study based in Western Australia.
8. Adelaide University
Adelaide’s pathway comprises three years of Bachelor of Medical Studies followed by three years of MD. The MD does not accept direct applications from unrelated degree graduates.
9. Deakin University
Deakin’s graduate MD begins at Geelong’s Waurn Ponds campus. Later clinical training takes place through its medical school sites, including regional settings.
10. Flinders University
Flinders offers a four-year graduate MD integrating biomedical science, clinical practice, public health and research. Its medical teaching is connected with hospital settings.
Costs Beyond Medical Tuition
Your budget should include accommodation, food, transport, Overseas Student Health Cover, flights, admissions-test fees, equipment, vaccinations and clinical-placement travel.
Illustrative budget: $100,000 annual tuition plus $35,000 annual living expenses equals $135,000 a year, or $540,000 over four years. This planning example excludes fee increases and additional expenses.
Request a course-specific estimate covering each study year. Check whether scholarship conditions include medicine before counting a discount in your budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can international students study medicine immediately after Year 12?
Yes. Combined pathways such as Monash, UNSW and Adelaide offer routes from secondary school. Graduate MD programs require prior university study and have separate admission rules.
Do all Australian medical schools require GAMSAT?
No. Requirements depend on the pathway and university. Some graduate programs accept MCAT results from eligible international applicants, while school-leaver pathways use different selection processes.
Does an Australian MD guarantee an internship?
No. Sydney explicitly states that it cannot guarantee internships for international graduates. Check internship eligibility and allocation arrangements before committing to a medical degree.
Choosing the Right University
Start with the pathway you qualify for, then compare the full study period, tuition increases, placement locations and living costs. Shortlist three universities and request written fee estimates for your intended intake before submitting applications.