3 Reasons to Study Medicine in Australia

Studying a medicine degree is a long and sometimes arduous process. That’s why choosing the right course, the right university, and the right location, is so important. There are, of course, many places where you can begin your studies, but we think it’s a great idea to study medicine in Australia. Here are some reasons why…

1. Globally Ranked Universities

Probably the best incentive to study medicine in Australia is that the country boasts some of the best universities and medical programmes in the world. In the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2020, five Australian universities made it into the top 50. 

Those five universities were:

• the University of Melbourne (ranking 16th), 
• the University of Sydney (18th), 
• Monash University (31st), 
• the University of New South Wales (46th)  
• the University of Queensland (48th)

But that’s not all - there are several other institutions in the country where you can get a solid medical degree, such as the University of Adelaide.

Not only is the quality of the course top-notch, but it’s actually cheaper to get a degree at an Australian university, and you can normally obtain that hard-earned medical qualification in four years rather than six.

If you’re an international student, Australia is also a great option because there are no residency application fees and work visas are very easy to obtain. So you’re saving money all round!

2. Modern Facilities

Another great thing to keep in mind when you study medicine in Australia is that you’re studying in a hub of medical innovation. Australia leads the way when it comes to research facilities and that’s why some of the world’s most pivotal and valued medical discoveries, including in vitro fertilisation (IVF) and the Gardasil vaccine for cervical cancer, are taking place here.

Australia takes medical advances very seriously, and as a nation is constantly looking at ways to improve.  

That’s why the country’s universities have received investments in cutting-edge facilities and learning resources for students. The PBL (problem-based learning approach),  online modules and work placements in well-funded clinical settings mean that when you study medicine in Australia, you’ll graduate well-prepared for a life and career in healthcare.

One unique reason to study medicine in Australia is that the curriculum is very much based on research and practical learning.

In a unique way, there are no real differences between undergraduate and postgraduate level courses in terms of the way the curriculum is planned out.

In fact, the main difference is that postgraduate courses are usually shorter.

3. Future Prospects 

Last but not least in our list of reasons to study medicine in Australia: fantastic career opportunities.

Australia is never short of doctors, nor of employment openings, so wherever you decide to study in the country, you are almost guaranteed a successful career upon graduation.

With an Australian medicine degree you can also practise your profession anywhere in the world, and there are even scholarships available for students who are interested in pursuing an international career path.

So if you’re interested in working in New Zealand, for example, you’d be free to move around - your medical degree is compatible with New Zealand’s job requirements.

If you’re more interested in the administrative side of medicine, Australia has plenty of opportunities in many sought-after roles such as clinical administrators, hospital administration staff and medical records administrators.

Doctors and physicians’ assistants are also highly needed in Australia and indeed throughout the world, so there’s room for career development via that path too.

You’re probably wondering about Australian salaries. We haven’t forgotten.

The starting salaries for medical graduates typically fall between AU$70,000 and $85,000 a year., while top-tier salaries for doctors  is around AU$394,866. As you can see, the size of your salary depends on what stage you’re at in your career, but even starting out as a newly -qualified graduate, you’ll be living comfortably.

And of course, your salary depends on what exact field you work in, and where you live. 

Western Australia typically pays the highest annual base salaries for medical graduates, at around AU$85,000, while junior doctors in Tasmania earn around AU$72,000. In South Australia, in places like Adelaide, there are also plenty of job opportunities in the medical field.

The Australian Government also offers financial incentives to students who choose to stay on in Australia to practise as doctors in regional, rural and remote areas.

So as you can see, it’s not just the university course itself that’s attractive about studying medicine in Australia - the career opportunities mean that you can have a long, gratifying and prosperous career in medicine in this country.

If you were looking for reasons to study medicine in Australia, hopefully we’ve given you food for thought! Living in our modern student accommodation, studying in an amazing university, and with a great career ahead of you - the world’s your oyster!