Medicine

The Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) at The University of Sydney is a comprehensive and rigorous program designed to prepare students for a rewarding career in medicine and healthcare. This undergraduate degree combines theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and clinical experience to develop competent, compassionate, and professional medical practitioners. The program spans six years of full-time study, during which students engage with a broad curriculum that covers foundational sciences such as anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pharmacology, and pathology, as well as in-depth studies of clinical medicine across various specialties.

Throughout the course, students participate in early clinical exposure, allowing them to apply their growing knowledge in real-world healthcare settings. The curriculum emphasizes problem-based learning, teamwork, communication skills, and ethical practice, ensuring graduates are well-equipped to meet the diverse needs of patients and communities. The program also incorporates advanced simulation training and integrated clinical placements in hospitals, community clinics, and general practices across New South Wales and beyond, providing students with invaluable hands-on experience.

The University of Sydney's MBBS program is accredited by the Medical Board of Australia and is recognized internationally, facilitating pathways to medical practice in Australia and various countries around the world. Students benefit from learning in state-of-the-art facilities and engaging with leading researchers and clinicians. The program fosters a global perspective on health issues, preparing graduates to work in diverse healthcare environments and to contribute to medical research and innovation.

Graduates of the program are equipped with the essential knowledge, clinical skills, professionalism, and ethical standards required for entry into the Medical Register and to undertake postgraduate training and specialization. The University of Sydney’s Medicine program nurtures not only competent clinicians but also lifelong learners committed to advancing medical practice and improving health outcomes worldwide.

Major research areas include:

• anaesthesia
• anatomy and histology
• cardiology
• dermatology
• endocrinology
• gastroenterology and hepatology
• general practice
• geriatric medicine
• haematology
• infection and immunity
• medical education
• medical genetics
• neurology
• nuclear medicine
• obstetrics and gynaecology
• oncology
• clinical ophthalmology and eye health
• paediatrics and child health
• pathology
• pharmacology
• physiology
• psychological medicine
• public health
• rehabilitation medicine
• renal medicine
• respiratory medicine
• rheumatology
• surgery.

Eligible candidates are encouraged to apply in plenty of time, and even before completion of their current qualifying degree. In these circumstances, referee reports are essential as part of the application for admission.
To apply for a PhD, you need to demonstrate sufficient prior research experience and capability. In most cases, to be eligible to apply for a PhD you will have:

• a Bachelors degree with first or upper second class Honours or
• a Masters degree performed at a high academic standard, and which includes substantial component of original research, or
• an equivalent qualification that demonstrates research experience, excellence and capability.

Applying for admission

1. Find a supervisor within the Faculty whose academic background aligns with your research. To start you can:
   • search current research opportunities through Research Supervisor Connect, OR
   • submit a Research Student Enquiry Form
   You will need to provide the following in contacting a supervisor:
   • your academic/educational background and research experience with examples such as an academic transcript
   • your CV/resume
   • the area of interest for your PhD
   • why you believe your research topics align with this supervisor
2. In conjunction with your supervisor, develop a preliminary research proposal (see below 'Preparing your research proposal').
3. If you intend to study part-time towards a PhD, you will also need to supply:
   • evidence that shows you will have sufficient time available to plan and carry out the research under the supervision of the University, and complete the course within the maximum period allowed for a part-time PhD enrolmenta declaration from your employer (if relevant) confirming that you will be permitted to take the time required to effectively pursue your studies.Your research proposal should be submitted along with your CV, academic transcripts and other supporting documents.
   • Applications are made via the University’s online application portal. When you are ready to apply, select the ‘Apply Now’ button on the right hand side of this page

Additional application requirements

In order for your application to be assessed, you will be required to upload all of the following documents:

• certified academic transcripts for all your previous tertiary study, if they were not completed at The University of Sydney
• CV, providing a summary of your work experience
• two academic references (international and domestic applicants)
• research proposal (see below 'Preparing your research proposal')
• statement of capacity to undertake part-time candidature (if applicable –domestic applicants)
• evidence that your supervisor supports your application. This can be PDF copies of emails between you and your supervisor
• proof of your Australian residency status (a certified copy of the main page your Australian passport, or a certified copy of the main page(s) of your own passport with evidence of your visa)
• IELTS: A minimum result of 6.5 overall and a minimum result of 6.0 in each band
• TOEFL paper-based: A minimum result of 565 overall including a minimum result of 4.5 in Writing TOEFL IBT: A minimum result of 85 overall including a minimum result of 17 in Reading, Listening and Speaking and 19 in Writing

Preparing your research proposal

A research proposal is a required document as part of application for admission to a postgraduate research degree at the University of Sydney. It is necessary to prepare a proposal that clearly summaries your proposed research project. You should prepare this document and it should be reviewed your supervisor(s) before submission with your application for admission. If you are admitted this initial research proposal will be used as a basis for preparation of your final research program in your first year of candidature.
Below are guidelines to help you prepare your initial research proposal for admission. Requirements of Faculties may vary so please contact your supervisor(s) or the relevant Postgraduate Research Coordinator for more information.

• Min-Max length: up to 2000 words
• Project Title: Working title for the project
• Supervisor name(s): Names of supervisor(s)
• Proposed mode of research: Describe your mode of research? (e.g. creative work, laboratory/field research, clinical investigations, archive/library study)
• Aims and objectives What are the overall aims of the work? What objectives are necessary to meet the aims?
• Synopsis: Briefly describe the key aspects of what you will be investigating
• Background: Brief review of literature in the area of interest. Describe what research lays the groundwork for your topic.
• Expected research contribution: Why is the topic/creative work important? Describe how the research may be novel and its impact on the discipline.
• The proposed methodology: Approach or methodology to be used in the research, the materials/equipment you intend to use, your space/laboratory/studio requirements.
• Work plan: An initial plan for completion with annual milestones.
• Resources: Provide details of major resources required for you to carry out your research project. What significant resources are required for the success of your proposed project (e.g. travel, equipment)?
• References: A short bibliography of the cited literature.
• Work plan: An initial plan for completion with annual milestones.

Scholarships

• Australia Awards Scholarships (AAS)
• Research Training Program Fee Offset and Stipend Scholarship (International - formerly IPRS)
• University of Sydney International Scholarship (USydIS)
• Vice-Chancellor International Scholarships Scheme

The Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MB BS) at The University of Sydney is a comprehensive program designed to prepare students for a career in medicine. The program blends academic coursework with practical clinical experience to ensure graduates are well-equipped to meet the healthcare needs of diverse populations. It covers a wide range of medical disciplines, including anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, pathology, and clinical skills. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based medicine, professionalism, communication skills, and ethical practice, aligning with the university's commitment to producing competent and compassionate healthcare professionals.

Students undertake foundational sciences in the initial years, building a solid understanding of human biology and disease processes. As they progress, they participate in clinical placements across various medical specialties at hospitals and healthcare facilities associated with the university. These placements provide hands-on experience in patient care, diagnostics, and treatment planning under the supervision of experienced clinicians. The program also integrates Interprofessional Education (IPE), encouraging collaboration among future healthcare team members.

Research is a core component of the degree, with students engaging in projects that foster critical thinking and innovation. The university promotes lifelong learning and continuous professional development, preparing graduates for the fast-evolving medical field. The MB BS degree typically spans five to six years, depending on the structure and pathway chosen by students. Entry into the program is highly competitive and requires a strong academic record, relevant extracurricular activities, and a commitment to a career in medicine. Graduates are eligible to apply for registration as medical practitioners in Australia, enabling them to undertake internships and postgraduate training.

The University of Sydney's medical program is recognized for its academic excellence and pioneering research, particularly in areas such as biomedical science, public health, and medical education. Its location in Sydney offers access to a diverse patient population and world-class healthcare institutions, providing students with unique learning opportunities. Overall, the program aims to develop skilled, ethical, and socially responsible medical practitioners capable of contributing meaningfully to healthcare systems worldwide.