Key facts
Duration
4 years full-time.
The course is only available to students on a full-time basis.
This is a four-year graduate entry program for students who have already completed an undergraduate degree.
Locations
Course overview
Study medicine in a program designed to improve the health and wellbeing of the communities we serve, by focussing on excellence, innovation and developing work readiness in our graduates. Deakin’s Doctor of Medicine has a distinctive focus on rural and regional medicine, Indigenous health, patient-centred care and service to marginalised communities, preparing you to make a meaningful difference through your future medical career.
From your first year, you will engage with a full-time study load to develop foundational knowledge in medical sciences, clinical practice, public health, ethics and Indigenous health while building the communication, clinical reasoning and professional skills essential for contemporary medical practice. In Years 1 and 2, through problem-based learning, interactive sessions and immersive hands-on laboratory and clinical experiences, you will learn to apply your knowledge on campus and in real healthcare settings and develop confidence working with patients, families and multidisciplinary healthcare teams.
In Years 3 and 4, students experience full-time clinical placements across hospitals, general practices and community health settings that provide opportunities to experience medicine across diverse populations and environments. In your final years, you will undertake full-time clinical training through one of Deakin’s medical school sites across Victoria, gaining hands-on experience that prepares you for professional practice, lifelong learning and a wide range of medical career pathways.
Current Deakin students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
- Award granted
- Doctor of Medicine
- Year
2027 course information
- Deakin code
- H911
- CRICOS code?Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students
- 096842G Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
- Level
- Higher Degree Coursework (Masters and Doctorates)
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 9
ACHIEVE WORK-LIFE BALANCE AT THE #1 VICTORIAN UNI FOR COURSE SATISFACTION
Course structure
To complete the Doctor of Medicine, you must pass 32 credit points. This includes:
- DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in your first study period
- 32 credit points of core units
Most units are equal to one credit point. As a full-time student you will study four credit points per semester and usually undertake two semesters per year.
Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
Are you an IMU University student? If so, please see the IMU pathway structure outlined below.
The course is only available on a full-time basis.
Year 1 - Semester 1
Year 1 - Semester 2
Year 2 - Semester 1
Year 2 - Semester 2
Year 3 - Semester 1
Year 3 - Semester 2
Year 4 - Semester 1
Year 4 - Semester 2
To complete the Doctor of Medicine IMU University students must pass 32 credit points. This includes
- DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in your first study period
- 32 credit points of core units
All students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
Students, who have successfully completed the first part of the IMU MBBS medical program and met the entry requirements for admission to Deakin’s Doctor of Medicine, will be awarded 12 credit points of recognition of prior learning (RPL) and are required to complete a further 20 credit points of study. This includes 20 credit points of core units, comprising the IMU medical student-specific transition unit (HME922X IMU Medical Student Transition) and 16 credit points of medicine units as outlined below.
Note: IMU Pathway students are not eligible to exit with H720 Master of Health and Medical Sciences.
Year 1 - Semester 2
Year 2 - Semester 1
Year 2 - Semester 2
Year 3 - Semester 1
Year 3 - Semester 2
Optional elective unit
^Corequisite unit: HME911
^Corequisite unit: HME911
Intakes by location
The first two years will be undertaken at the Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus for General Entry Stream students, or either Ararat or Warrnambool for Rural Training Stream students. Years 3 & 4 for all students will be undertaken at one of our Deakin Medical School sites. For students in the Rural Training Stream, years 3 & 4 must be undertaken at a rural site.
- Start date: January
- Available at:
- Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
Postgraduates earn more with a Deakin degree
Deakin postgraduates earn the highest median salary amongst graduates from all other Victorian universities.
Mandatory student checks
All students are required to undertake a valid Police Check and Working with Children Check at the commencement of their course. Students who fail to do so prior to the commencement of clinical placement will not be able to undertake clinical placement and this will impede progress in the course.
Students are also required to declare their immunisation status to satisfy the requirements of health organisations where they will be undertaking their placement/ clinical learning experience. A health organisation may refuse to accept a student for placement if the student’s immunisation status is not satisfactory to the health organisation.
The School will provide commencing students with specific information on their compliance requirements.
Workload
As a student in the Doctor of Medicine program, you can expect to participate in a range of teaching activities each week. This could include lectures, small group learning activities, interactive sessions and clinical placements. You can refer to the individual unit details in the course structure for more information. You will also need to study and complete assessment tasks in your own time.
All four years of the Doctor of Medicine require a full-time study commitment, including located learning activities and personal study time. The School endeavours to provide timetables in advance of each semester to enable students to coordinate any work, caring, health or other requirements around course commitments.
Participation requirements
The first two years of the Doctor of Medicine include face-to-face learning activities at Waurn Ponds (Geelong). In years one and two, students learn in simulated clinical environments and dedicated medical sciences teaching spaces, along with small group learning sessions. Teaching activities will be conducted both online and face-to-face. Students will also be exposed to clinical experiences from early in the course, through placements with healthcare providers.
During years three and four students will undergo intensive clinical training within health services attached to one of the following Deakin Medical School sites: Eastern Health, Geelong – Barwon, the Rural Communities, Warrnambool – South West, or Ballarat – Grampians. Students will conduct their learning in the clinical environment, guided by experienced staff associated with the clinical schools. See individual unit descriptions for full details.
Students who accept a position in the Doctor of Medicine through the Rural Training Stream make a commitment to undertake the first two years of their course at either our Warrnambool Campus or the East Grampians Health Service in Ararat. Years three and four of their course will then be conducted through one of our 3 rural Deakin Medical School Sites.
The School of Medicine encourages potential applicants who have a disability or ongoing health condition to reach out for a confidential and constructive discussion regarding the requirements of the course and the potential for any reasonable accommodations. Please contact the School of Medicine
Students in the Doctor of Medicine may also enrol in an optional Extracurricular Research Program.
Inclusive learning support
At Deakin, we're committed to ensuring an inclusive environment that supports all students to belong, thrive and succeed. We work closely with students, where needed, to identify potential barriers to participation and where possible, provide tailored support so students can engage with learning and assessment activities.
If you are neurodivergent, have a disability, health condition or mental health condition that may impact your study or participation in university life, and want to know how Deakin could support you, contact our Domestic students (opens in a new window) or International students (opens in a new window) or Disability Resource Centre (opens email client) teams for a collaborative and confidential discussion. This discussion is to support you to make plans for your studies and future career and will not have any bearing on your application to the course.
Entry requirements
Selection is based on a holistic consideration of your academic merit, work experience, likelihood of success, availability of places, participation requirements, regulatory requirements, and individual circumstances. You will need to meet the minimum academic and English language proficiency requirements or higher to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.
To be considered for admission to this degree you will need to meet all the following criteria:
- academic performance in an approved bachelor, honours, graduate certificate, graduate diploma or masters by coursework*. A final GPA (weighted) of 5.0 or greater. The GPA is calculated on the most recent three full-time- equivalent years (FTE) of study
- performance in the GAMSAT or MCAT^
GAMSAT: a minimum score of 50 in each of the three sections of the Graduate Australian Medical Schools Admission Test (GAMSAT), and an overall score of 50 or greater. The GAMSAT score must be obtained within four years of your application. For GAMSAT information including test dates, visit the GAMSAT website.
MCAT: a score of 125 or greater in each of the four sections of the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). The MCAT score must be obtained within four years of your application. For MCAT information including test dates, visit the MCAT website. - performance in an interview~
Please note: As a minimum requirement, applicants must hold a completed bachelor degree (with a minimum weighted GPA of 5.0) or be in the final year of a bachelor degree (scheduled for completion by 31 December in the year of application) to be considered for selection.
Applicants are allocated an aggregate score comprising: their GPA; their GAMSAT or MCAT score^.
Applicants are then:
- ranked on the basis of their aggregate score
- selected for interview based on their ranked order. Following the interview, a final aggregate score is calculated as follows:
Final aggregate = (GPA (25%) + GAMSAT/MCAT (25%) + adjustments if applicable) + interview score~ (50%)
Offers will be made to applicants based on rank order and the number of places available.
Notes:
*Degree must have been awarded within 10 years of the projected commencement date of the Doctor of Medicine.
Applicants whose degree was completed outside this 10 year period may be considered if they have completed the equivalent of one half year of approved tertiary study (0.5 FTE) at Australian Qualifications Framework level 8 or higher at an institution recognised by the Australian Qualifications Framework (or equivalent overseas institution determined by Deakin) and completed by 31 July in the year of application.
It must also be completed within the 10 years of commencement date of the course.
^ GAMSAT or MCAT score must be obtained within four years preceding the year of application.
~Score based on performance at the interview in which applicants must achieve a minimum overall score of 50%
Interview Process
Invitations to interview will be made to applicants based on a combination of their GAMSAT/MCAT and GPA scores (50:50). If your application has been assessed as meeting the entry requirements it will be placed into a pool of eligible candidates. Your application will be considered in the next available offer round and if successful you will be notified then. Offer rounds will continue until all places in the course are filled.
Applications received after the Interview Round cut-off will be considered in the next available round.
Interview and offer rounds will be as follows:
- Round 1 - Monday 4 May 2026 - Friday 15 May 2026 (Applications close on 6 April 2026)
- Round 2 - Monday 17 August 2026 - Friday 21 August 2026 (Applications close on 17 July 2026)
- Round 3 - Monday 12 October 2026 - Friday 16 October 2026 (Applications close on 18 September 2026)
Interviews are conducted by a panel, using a structured format.
Please note that feedback will not be provided to applicants after interview.
IMU University applicants
Applicants from the IMU University BMBS program will apply directly to the School of Medicine, via IMU, and are selected on the basis of the following:
- academic performance in the IMU Bachelor of Medicine Science (Honours) exit degree, with a final GPA (weighted) of 5.0 or greater. The GPA is calculated on the most recent three full-time-equivalent years (FTE) of study
- performance in a scored interview
To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this course, you will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:
- bachelor degree from a recognised English-speaking country
- IELTS overall score of 7.0 (with no band score less than 7.0) in each component of test
- other evidence of English language proficiency (learn more about other ways to satisfy the requirements)
Entries for IMU, including confirming recognition of their qualification in Australia for the practice of medicine, can be found at the following websites of the Australian Medical Council and the World Directory of Medical Schools.
Please note that deferrals are not permitted. Applicants accepting a medical place at Deakin University must carefully consider their personal circumstances to ensure they are able to successfully commence and undertake the course.
Guidelines for applicants and students with a disability:
Deakin University and the School of Medicine seeks to provide an inclusive and supportive environment for all students, including those with a disability. The School encourages potential applicants who have a disability or ongoing health condition to reach out via email for a confidential and constructive discussion regarding the requirements of the course and the potential for any reasonable accommodations. The Medical Deans of Australia and New Zealand have provided guidelines for medical students and applicants with a disability. which includes Annese 1: Reflective questions about studying medicine to guide discussion.
Wondering how to apply as an international student? We've put together a guide for you – from application closing dates to information on admissions tests, find out everything you need to know.
Learn more about Deakin courses and how we compare to other universities when it comes to the quality of our teaching and learning.
Recognition of prior learning
Recognition of prior learning (RPL) is only available for students who have successfully completed the first part of the IMU MBBS medical program and met the entry requirements for admission to Deakin’s Doctor of Medicine.
Fees and scholarships
Fee information
Estimated tuition fee - full-fee paying place
$94,600 for 1 yr full-time AUD
The estimated tuition fee above is based on a typical first-year full-time enrolment of 8 credit points and is provided as a guide only. Your tuition fees are determined by your course and unit enrolment. Your tuition fees will vary depending on your study load, the course duration, and any approved recognition of prior learning.
Important notice: The Australian Government caps Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) for the Doctor of Medicine. If you are enrolled in this course past your first study period, and transfer from an international student visa or other temporary visa to a permanent visa, you are unlikely to receive a CSP place. You would still be eligible for a domestic full fee-paying place; however, any scholarship or bursary held as an international student will not be transferred if you change from an international to a domestic student.
Scholarship options
Deakin scholarships recognise your hard work and achievements. Our support can ease the financial pressure of studying in Australia so you stay focused on your success. Numbers are limited, so apply early for the best chance.
Apply now
Apply direct to Deakin
For information on how to apply, please see International student applications.
Changes due to COVID-19
COVID-19 has disrupted the studies of many students. As a result, the School of Medicine has made changes to the selection process for the Doctor of Medicine to avoid any advantages or disadvantages to applicants.
Need more information on how to apply?
Wondering how to apply as an international student? We've put together a guide for you – from application closing dates to information on admissions tests, find out everything you need to know.
Pathways
Alternate exits
- Master of Health and Medical Sciences (H720)
Doctor of Medicine at Deakin
Deakin doctors graduate with a focus on rural and regional health.
Career outcomes
Deakin’s medicine graduates perform extremely well in terms of employment outcomes
In order to qualify as registered medical practitioners with the Australian Medical Council (AMC), these graduates are currently undertaking accredited internships at a number of Victorian and interstate hospitals.
Following successful completion of their intern year, our graduates will be able to apply for entry to speciality training programs for a diverse range of medical careers.
Employment after graduation
International students who graduate from Australian Medical Schools are subject to an Australian Government-imposed 10-year moratorium. The 10 Year Moratorium applies to any international graduate (i.e. those trained domestically) for a period of ten years from the date of their first medical registration in Australia. Any person under the 10 Year Moratorium cannot apply for a Medicare provider number unless they work in an area that is deemed to be located in a rural or remote area where the population has less access to Medicare subsidised services when compared to the national average.
Professional recognition
The Doctor of Medicine is accredited with the Australian Medical Council. Graduates are granted provisional registration as a Medical Practitioner in Australia and New Zealand, and are eligible to undertake paid work as an Intern to become eligible for full registration. International graduates of an Australian course are not guaranteed an Internship position, but in most years the majority of those seeking an Internship are offered a position within Australia.
Following successful completion of their intern year, our graduates will be able to apply for entry to speciality training programs for a diverse range of medical careers including the specialty of General Practice or the emerging Rural Generalist program.
Your course learning outcomes describe the knowledge, skills and capabilities you’ll develop and be able to demonstrate by the time you graduate. Built into your course through your units and assessments, they provide a clear picture of what you’ll be equipped to know, understand and do – preparing you to apply your learning with confidence beyond university.
| Course Learning Outcomes |
|---|
| Diagnose and manage clinical conditions, and carry out practical procedures to provide safe patient care. |
| Select appropriate communication modes to share complex knowledge and concepts with patients, carers, colleagues and communities. |
| Use digital technology responsibly to enhance medical practice. |
| Critically appraise and apply knowledge to problem solve and make sound professional and patient care decisions. |
| Formulate healthcare solutions using research skills to evaluate, interpret and implement evidence-based practice. |
| Demonstrate professional obligation and responsibility to patients, the profession and self as work ready doctors; and show a life-long commitment to reflective learning through practice, research and teaching. |
| Demonstrate collaborative practice within a health care team to provide safe, high quality medical care. |
| Prioritise prevention and implement holistic approaches to enhance the health and well-being of individuals, communities and populations; advocate for public health and demonstrate a commitment to advancing the health and well-being of rural, remote, Indigenous and marginalised individuals and communities. |
*Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. Learn more about our achievements on our University rankings page, or explore our sources page for supporting references.
