The Deakin University School of Medicine, based at the Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus, is highly regarded for its focus on rural and regional medicine.
Established: 2008.
Location: 75 Pigdons Rd, Waurn Ponds, Geelong, VIC 3216.
Degree Awarded: Doctor of Medicine (MD).
Duration: 4 Years (Postgraduate entry).
Language of Instruction: English.
Accreditation: Fully accredited by the Australian Medical Council (AMC).
Waurn Ponds Campus: The first two years are based at this $53 million purpose-built facility.
Problem-Based Learning (PBL): Deakin utilizes a PBL model where students work in small groups to solve clinical cases, integrating basic sciences with clinical reasoning from week one.
Integrated Themes: The curriculum is structured around four themes: Medical Sciences, Clinical Practice, Health and Society, and Professionalism.
Leading tertiary care hospital attached to the institution
Students spend Years 3 and 4 in full-time clinical placements across one of five clinical schools:
Geelong – Barwon Health: Based primarily at University Hospital Geelong, a major teaching and referral hospital.
Ballarat – Grampians Health: Providing exposure to a large regional health service.
Warrnambool – South West Healthcare:
Eastern Health (Melbourne): Placements at Box Hill, Maroondah, and Angliss Hospitals.
Rural Community Clinical School: A longitudinal integrated clerkship where students spend a full year in a rural town (e.g., Colac, Hamilton, or Ararat).
State University Affordability
Tuition fees for international students are quoted per year and are subject to annual review.
International Tuition Fee (2026): Approximately AUD $81,000 – $83,000 per year.
Domestic (CSP): Commonwealth Supported Places cost approx. AUD $12,700 – $13,500 per year in student contributions.
Application Fee: AUD $55 (non-refundable) for direct international applications.
Incidental Costs: Budget approx. AUD $1,500 for uniforms, clinical equipment, and mandatory immunizations.
Vibe: Victoria's second-largest city, known as the gateway to the Great Ocean Road. It offers a relaxed lifestyle with beautiful waterfronts and vibrant cafes.
Transport: Well-connected to Melbourne (approx. 1 hour by V/Line train). Local buses connect the Waurn Ponds campus to the city center.
Climate: Temperate. Mild summers and cool, occasionally rainy winters.
Safety: Geelong is a very safe, family-friendly regional city.
On-Campus Living (Deakin Res): Located directly in the medical precinct at Waurn Ponds.
2-Bedroom Terraces: Exclusive to MD students, featuring king-size beds and ensuites.
Cost: Approx. AUD $329 per week.
3-Bedroom Apartments: Shared with other medical/imaging students.
Cost: Approx. AUD $246 per week.
Mess/Dining: All residences are self-catered. The campus features various food outlets and a grocery store.
Food Budget: Self-catering students typically spend AUD $150 – $200 per week.
Off-Campus: Suburbs like Waurn Ponds, Grovedale, and Belmont are popular. Shared rentals average AUD $200 – $300 per week.
Academic: A completed Bachelor’s degree (any discipline) within the last 10 years with a minimum GPA of 5.0/7.0.
Standardized Tests:
GAMSAT (Domestic): Minimum 50 in each section.
MCAT (International): Minimum 125 in each of the four sections.
Selection: International offers are based on academic performance (GPA), test scores (MCAT/GAMSAT), and a successful Multiple Mini Interview (MMI).
English: IELTS 7.0 (with no band < 7.0) or equivalent.
NEET (For Indians): Mandatory if you intend to return to India to practice.
Well-equipped Library
Experienced Faculty
Computer Lab
Sports Activities
Heritage Campus