Students studying together

Facts & figures

Doctor of Medicine (MD) cohort demographics

  • Non-science students 20% of Sydney's MD students come from non-biomedical science educational backgrounds
  • Top non-science courses Commerce, arts, law, engineering
  • Average age 24 years at time of enrolment
  • International students 22% of students are from countries outside Australia
  • Gender split 60% male, 40% female students
  • Top 20 university globally QS World University Rankings 2024
Study area_

Doctor of Medicine

Become a doctor at Sydney Medical School
Our Doctor of Medicine (MD) program is an excellent training platform on which to build a career in medicine. Our graduates provide professional, diligent and ethical care to the community.

Our Doctor of Medicine (MD) curriculum and course structure enhances learning opportunities through earlier clinical exposure, added personalisation options, new research opportunities, and immersive clinical placements in the last year of the program, preparing students for practice as a doctor.

Key benefits of our program include:

  • Earlier clinical exposure: The program increases clinical exposure and immersion throughout the degree. You will gain hands-on experience from as early as your second week.
  • Personalised pathways: You will have the opportunity to develop skills in specific areas through elective and selective studies.
  • Research opportunities: The program integrates a substantial research project in year three over a 14-week period with access to some of the world's leading researchers, institutes and networks.
  • Pre-internship year: The entire fourth year of the program acts as a pre-internship, giving students full clinical immersion. 

Admission pathways

There are two ways to enter the Doctor of Medicine (MD) program.

After completing any bachelor's degree students can apply for entry into our four-year postgraduate course.

Undergraduate admission is available for high school leavers who have achieved exceptional results. Only 30 domestic and 10 international places are available in these degrees. The seven-year double degree medicine pathway combines the Doctor of Medicine (MD) with an undergraduate degree in arts or science.

Admission process

The admission process for the Doctor of Medicine (MD) is very detailed, please follow our step-by-step timeline and download the latest version of the Admissions Guide available on the relevant course page.

New Dubbo Stream

Our Sydney Doctor of Medicine (MD) program is offered in two streams:

  • the Metropolitan Stream based in Sydney, and 
  • the Dubbo Stream based in central-western NSW.

The Dubbo Stream has been developed under the Australian Government Murray-Darling Medical Schools Network (MDMSN) initiative and is one of five satellite medical programs in rural NSW and Victoria.

Learn more about completing your medical degree in Dubbo.

Why study the MD at Sydney?

  • Diverse student cohort: A biomedical science degree is not a prerequisite.
  • Preparation for entry: A foundational knowledge course is available to all students on enrolment to ensure assumed knowledge in anatomy, physiology, molecular and cell biology is met.
  • Innovative curriculum: We focus on small group, team-based learning and integrating theory with practice.
  • Early clinical contact: You will gain hands-on experience from as early as your second week through our extensive network of clinical schools.
  • Placements: You will have access to placement opportunities in both rural and international settings to develop your experience in a wide range of medical environments.
  • Research excellence and training: You will have access to some of the world's leading researchers, institutes and networks. 
  • Accreditation: The Doctor of Medicine is fully accredited by the Medical Board of Australia.
  • Study abroad opportunities: Sydney Medical School has extensive international connections. You can undertake a four to eight week clinical or research placement overseas during your elective term.
  • International student opportunities: If you are an international student, there are a number of opportunities for you to undertake rotations in your home country.