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Prospective Student FAQs

We have done our best to answer some FAQs we get from prospective students. Please note that these are only our impressions as students from when we went through our applications, and the process can change from year to year. For up-to-date information or more detailed questions, you should read the current MD admissions booklet on the Flinders University website, or contact the medical admissions team directly.

Disclaimer: This information is written and updated by students. It may be outdated or inaccurate. All University information about the MD course and entry can be found at Flinders Postgraduate Medicine.

Entry Pathways

What are the entry pathways to medicine at Flinders?

• Undergraduate entry into the Bachelor of Clinical Sciences, Doctor of Medicine
• Postgraduate entry into the Doctor of Medicine (including South Australian Rural Medical Program, Northern Territory Medical Program, and Indigenous Entry Stream)

How do I apply for each pathway?

Undergraduate: Available only to school leavers through SATAC. Applicants are ranked on ATAR (90%) and UCAT (10%) – there is no interview. Minimum ATAR is 95, though realistically 98+ is required. A credit average in the first two years (Bachelor of Clinical Sciences) is required to progress into the MD. This programme is also available in the NT, with the first two years taught by Charles Darwin University.

Postgraduate: Applications are made directly to Flinders University. You need an undergraduate degree with a GPA over ~5.5, sit the GAMSAT, and attend an interview (offered on the basis of GPA and GAMSAT).

SARM Program: The first end-to-end rural medical programme in South Australia, allowing students to study their entire degree outside metropolitan Adelaide across rural SA and five regions of the Northern Territory.

Northern Territory Medical Program: Available to Australian citizens and permanent residents, with preference to NT residents and Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander applicants. Course fees are paid by the NT government in exchange for working in the NT for 4 years post-graduation.

Indigenous Entry Stream: Designed for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent who do not have a GAMSAT score or do not meet the cut-off. It is a short programme preparing you for the Flinders MD.

What are the sub-quotas Flinders uses?

• Flinders Graduates: Up to 75% of places for graduates of any degree at Flinders University (up to 25 reserved for Medical Science, Paramedicine, and Public Health).
• Non-Flinders Graduates: At least 25% of places for graduates from other universities.
• Rural: At least 28% of places for candidates living in a rural area for 5 years consecutively or 10 years total.
• Indigenous: Up to 5 places for people of Indigenous descent.
• Humanitarian: Reserved for eligible Australian citizens or permanent residents holding a humanitarian/refugee visa.

What are the Bonded (BMP) places?

Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) in return for a commitment to work in eligible regional, rural, and remote areas after completion (Return of Service Obligation).

GAMSAT

Preparation: Science questions align with Year 12 to 1st-year university standard. ACER practice materials are highly recommended.

Scores: Score at least 50 in each section required. Cut-offs vary annually.

Weighting: The Science section is given twice the weight of the Humanities and Essay sections.

Interview

Format: Panel interview assessing quality of motivation, learning style/team skills, communication, pro-social attitude, personal management, and decision-making scenarios.

Attire: Professional formal attire.

Study & Course Details

The MD is a 4-year programme divided into 2 pre-clinical and 2 clinical years. Diverse undergraduate backgrounds (law, engineering, journalism) are welcome!