Meet a current student
Aspascia Manos
"I’ve wanted to pursue medicine for a long time, but the well-developed program, esteemed faculty, and beauty of Sydney made the decision to pursue medicine here much easier.
When I was tossing up where I’d want to study, I told myself that I’d only move to study in a city that I could see myself embracing and feeling comfortable living in. Sydney was a very simple choice – it is quite similar to Toronto in Canada, but with more sun, sand, and sea.
The University of Sydney has a terrific reputation, particularly in medicine, so I knew I would also be getting a great education. Having the opportunity to see this side of the world is also something I’m very much looking forward to."
Future study options
Higher Degree by Research
Outstanding graduates may be eligible to pursue a postgraduate coursework masters or a higher degree by research in the courses of Doctor of Philosophy and Master of Philosophy offered by Sydney Medical School. Further details can be found here.
Combined medicine and master by coursework
Develop specialist knowledge and broaden your medical education with a combined MD and masters by coursework program while completing the MD. For example, you might like to combine with a Master of Public Health or Master of Bioethics.
Contact Associate Professor Annette Burgess to discuss your aspirations prior to submitting your application. MD students must have successfully completed Stage 1 (first year) and be achieving good academic results to take on the additional academic load of a concurrent degree.
Concurrent degree local provisions
The concurrent degree local provisions can be found on the University of Sydney's Policy Register.
Short professional development courses
Sydney Medical School offers a wide range of short professional development courses for health professionals through its clinical schools, disciplines and associated research institutes.
Many of the courses offered are pre-accredited for Continuing Medical Education (CME) points, and other courses may be awarded CME points on request to your relevant association or professional body. For further information and a list of courses available please click here.
Internships
One year of internship is required prior to registration. In Australia, State Health Departments are responsible for the funding of, and placement of students for, internships. Internships are therefore determined by the relevant State Health Departments, not universities. The NSW Health Department has made it clear that no Australian trained international medical student is guaranteed an internship upon graduation. Please visit the Health Education and Training Institute (HETI) website for any updates.
Australian-trained international medical graduates may stay on and work as interns in public hospitals and access vocational medical training. This policy however is subject to change. Australian-trained international students should check the current situation at the Department of Immigration and Border Protection website or contact the department for details.
Career pathways
Most junior doctors make their career choice during their second postgraduate year, most commonly opting for general practice or one of the specialties. Clinical training under the supervision of one of the specialist colleges (RACGP, RACP, RACS, etc) takes between three and six years in most instances. Australia is in special need of doctors for rural and remote practice, including Indigenous health care.
Other careers for Sydney medical graduates include:
- medical research,
- teaching,
- medical administration,
- medical communication or journalism,
- consulting and overseas aid work.