Australia | Est. 2005Australia | Australian Medical Council (AMC), NMC (India) recognised, WHO listed / WDOMS, AHPRA registration on completion | English; IELTS minimum 7.0 overall (no band below 7.0); TOEFL iBT minimum 94; PTE Academic minimum 65 medium
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The University of Notre Dame Australia occupies a genuinely distinctive position in the Australian medical school landscape, one that not every student will respond to, but those who do tend to respond very strongly. Founded in 1989 as Australia’s only Catholic university, UNDA has built its School of Medicine around a set of values: ethical medicine, human dignity, community service, pastoral care, and an explicitly faith-informed approach to bioethics that are not merely decorative mission statements but are woven into every aspect of how the programme is structured and delivered.
The Fremantle campus sits in one of Perth’s most historic and characterful suburbs. Fremantle is a Victorian-era port city that has retained its independent cultural identity as a centre of music, markets, maritime history, and craft beer, in ways that larger Australian cities rarely do. The Fremantle Markets, the iconic Roundhouse, and the cosmopolitan café culture of the cappuccino strip create a student environment that is small enough to feel personal but rich enough to feel culturally complete. Perth, itself a 30-minute train ride from Fremantle, is Australia’s most isolated capital city by geography and, according to many who live there, one of its most pleasant by any other measure.
The four-year Doctor of Medicine (MD) at UNDA Fremantle is part of the GEMSAS consortium for domestic applicants. Offers are determined by a composite of weighted GPA, unweighted GAMSAT average, Casper score (a situational judgment test measuring professionalism), and bonus points (50%), with the interview score (50%) also factored in. The average for recent intakes has been approximately a GPA of 6.6 and a GAMSAT score of 65–66. Notably, UNDA specifically weights ethical orientation, professional values, and community commitment in its interview assessment, which means students who can articulate a genuine sense of vocation and values tend to perform better here than at purely academically driven schools.
A critical note for international students: as of now, the Fremantle campus does not offer international places for the MD programme; only domestic applicants are considered. International applicants wishing to study at Notre Dame should consult the university directly regarding the Sydney campus, which does accept international applications. Students should verify the current international admissions policy directly with UNDA before applying.
Annual tuition for those in full-fee places (which all international students would occupy) is approximately AUD 65,000–75,000 per year (approximately ₹37–43 lakh), with total four-year MD costs of approximately AUD 260,000–300,000 (approximately ₹1.49–1.71 crore). Perth’s cost of living is modestly lower than Sydney or Melbourne at approximately AUD 20,000–28,000 per year.
No hidden charges, no donation. The full picture of costs at University of Notre Dame Australia, School of Medicine (UNDA), Fremantle, Western Australia.
Tuition Fee
Approx. AUD 65,000–75,000 per year (approx. ₹37–43 lakh per year); total 4-year MD approx. AUD 260,000–300,000 / ₹1.49–1.71 crore
AUD 65,000–75,000 per year (approx. ₹37–43 lakh/year) for full-fee places
Hostel Fee
Approx. AUD 20,000–28,000 per year; total annual budget approx. AUD 85,000–103,000 / ₹49–59 lakh per year
AUD 600–1,000/month (₹34,000–57,000/month) in Fremantle/Perth
Food & Meals
AUD 500–800/month (₹28,500–46,000/month)
per month
Insurance
OSHC approx. AUD 700–900/year (₹40,000–51,000/year); mandatory for student visa
per year
Donation
No Donation
No Hidden Fees
Total Estimated Cost
AUD 340,000–380,000 approx. over 4 years (all-in) | ₹1.94–2.17 crore | Among the more affordable 4-year Australian MD options
4-year
25–35%
Average FMGE first-attempt pass rates for students from many overseas medical universities. Students from structured programs consistently score higher.
Students returning to India need to clear the FMGE/NExT exam. University of Notre Dame Australia, School of Medicine (UNDA), Fremantle, Western Australia integrates exam-oriented coaching into the regular curriculum so students are prepared from day one.
A structured program that takes you from foundational sciences to clinical mastery.
UNDA’s first two years use Problem-Based Learning (PBL) as the core pedagogical method, with small-group tutorial sessions built around clinical cases, rather than large lectures. Medical ethics receives more dedicated curriculum time than at any other school on this list. UNDA’s Catholic foundation is reflected in genuine bioethical content, not just a module. Clinical Communication incorporates UNDA’s specific philosophy of therapeutic presence and compassionate care.
Human Biology & Pathophysiology (systems-based, PBL), Medical Ethics I (bioethics, human dignity, Catholic social teaching), Clinical Communication, Evidence-Based Medicine, Epidemiology & Population Health
Description: Advanced PBL application. Casper-assessed professional qualities continue to be developed. Research Project I commences. Students begin introductory supervised clinical placements at Fremantle-affiliated hospitals. UNDA’s emphasis on pastoral care and professional vocation is embedded in curriculum design.
Pharmacology & Therapeutics (PBL), Pathology (systems-integrated), Medical Ethics II (end-of-life, reproductive medicine, conscience), Research Project I, Mental Health Foundations, Introduction to Clinical Rotations
Full-year clinical rotations at UNDA-affiliated Perth/Fremantle hospitals. 8–9 week discipline rotations across core specialities. UNDA’s clinical culture emphasises empathetic patient relationships and ethical practice in addition to technical competence. Research Project completed.
Internal Medicine, Surgery, Paediatrics, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Psychiatry (8–9 week block rotations), Research Project II
Advanced rotations, including a rural/remote health placement consistent with UNDA’s community service mission. A translational research project and a clinical elective provide professional development. On completion: AMC-accredited MD; NMC recognised; AHPRA pathway; values-based clinical practice certification.
Emergency Medicine, Neurology, Rural/Remote Health, Clinical Elective, Translational Research Project, Transition to Internship Programme
Students handle patient cases with increasing responsibility.
Psychiatry, Dermatology, Radiology, Emergency Medicine
Final year practical training and structured exam preparation.
Full-time clinical rotations, FMGE/NExT coaching
Furnished hostel rooms with Wi-Fi, laundry, 24/7 security, and Indian mess on or near campus.
Indian restaurants and mess facilities serving vegetarian and non-vegetarian home-style food daily.
Strong Indian community with cultural events, festival celebrations, and peer support groups.
Students get hands-on clinical training in government and private hospitals affiliated with the university.
Practical information for students planning to study at University of Notre Dame Australia, School of Medicine (UNDA), Fremantle, Western Australia.
Prepare for all seasons. Thermal wear for winters, light clothing for summers. University provides heating in hostels.
Student visa processed with university invitation letter. Direct and connecting flights from major Indian cities.
Health insurance included in fees. Medical facility on campus plus city hospitals easily accessible.
Local SIM cards available. WhatsApp and video calls keep you connected with family back home.
Average monthly expenses of $150–$250 covering food, transport, and personal needs.
University library, online databases, and study groups. Seniors mentor juniors through academic challenges.
Our team guides you through every step — from application to arriving on campus.
AMW assesses your academic profile, IELTS status, financial position, and career goals. Australia is a significant commitment for students.
AMW registers you for IELTS and provides coaching where needed. Bond requires 7.0 overall preparation time, which varies depending on the starting proficiency.
Full document checklist prepared, academic transcripts, PCC, financial statements, and OSHC arrangement initiated
AMW submits your application to Bond University with a full transcript and personal statement support.
Bond issues an offer letter, followed by Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) after initial fee deposit. Both are required for a visa application.
AMW manages the full visa application, GTE statement, financial documentation, OSHC, and online lodgement to the Australian Department of Home Affairs.
AMW conducts a full Gold Coast orientation on accommodation, transport, banking, the Australian healthcare system, and campus navigation.
AMW advises on routing: Gold Coast Airport or Brisbane Airport. Confirms arrival date with local coordination
AMW coordinates Gold Coast arrival, accommodation check-in, and Bond University orientation day.
AMW maps your 5-year academic and post-graduation plan from Day 1 AMC, USMLE, or India FMGE pathway, so preparation begins strategically, not reactively.
Admission Helpline — Contact our counsellors for step-by-step assistance.
“The faculty here is incredibly supportive. The clinical training during hospital rotations has given me real confidence in patient care.”
“Affordable fees without compromising on quality. The campus facilities and hostel life made my transition abroad very smooth.”
“English medium instruction and WHO-recognized curriculum were the deciding factors for me. No regrets so far — excellent experience overall.”
“The university helped with everything from visa to accommodation. Hospital exposure from year three has been invaluable for my FMGE prep.”
“Just cleared my licensing exam on the first attempt. The structured coaching and mock exams during final year were a game-changer.”
“Safe campus, good food options, and a strong Indian student community. The teaching methodology is very practical and hands-on.”
A: Based on currently available information, the Fremantle campus does not accept international students for the MD programme; only domestic applicants are considered at Fremantle. The UNDA Sydney campus does accept international applicants. Students must verify the current international admissions policy directly with UNDA’s international office before making any plans, as this policy may change for new intake years.
A: At UNDA, it means: a dedicated bioethics curriculum covering end-of-life care, conscientious objection, reproductive medicine, and human dignity philosophy, not just an ethics module, but a persistent strand throughout 4 years. The Casper test at admissions specifically assesses situational judgement, empathy, and professional ethics. Medical Ethics receives more curriculum time than at secular Australian medical schools. Students who come from backgrounds, including many Indian students, where medicine is understood as a vocation and a service, are likely to find UNDA’s culture aligns with their own values.
A: Casper (Computer-Based Assessment for Sampling Personal Characteristics) is a situational judgement test used by some medical schools specifically to assess empathy, communication, ethics, and professional behaviour qualities that GPA and GAMSAT scores do not measure. UNDA uses Casper because its admissions philosophy prioritises these qualities alongside academic achievement. The test presents video-based scenarios followed by open-ended questions. Preparation involves practising ethical scenario responses and situational judgement reasoning, not medical knowledge.
A: PBL is a pedagogical method where students learn through analysing real clinical cases in small groups, rather than through large lectures. Groups of 8–10 students work through a patient scenario, identify learning objectives, research the problem independently, and reconvene to discuss findings with a faculty facilitator. PBL develops clinical reasoning, self-directed learning, and communication skills, all critical for medical practice, more effectively than passive lecture-based instruction for many learners. UNDA’s Years 1 and 2 are built entirely around PBL, which suits students who are self-directed, analytical, and comfortable with ambiguity.
A: Yes. UNDA is NMC-approved. Indian graduates who complete the full 4-year MD, achieve AHPRA registration, and meet NMC FMGL 2021 conditions are eligible for NExT. The cost-to-return consideration applies as with all Australian degrees: UNDA is among the more affordable Australian MD options at ₹1.94–2.17 crore all-in, but this is still a substantial investment that makes most financial sense for students building towards Australian or international careers.
A: UNDA Fremantle’s clinical training network includes Fremantle Hospital (a major WA teaching hospital), St John of God Murdoch Hospital, Joondalup Health Campus, and various community health and general practice settings across the Perth metropolitan area. A rural/remote placement in Year 4 exposes students to WA’s regional healthcare systems, including facilities serving Aboriginal communities in rural Western Australia, consistent with UNDA’s community service mission.
A: Perth is Australia’s most isolated major capital city by geography but one of its most consistently liveable by every other measure. The climate is warm and sunny year-round with mild winters, making it the most comfortable major Australian city climate for students from most Indian regions. Fremantle is historically remarkable, culturally vibrant (music, markets, food), and walkable. Perth’s Indian community is well-established with Indian restaurants, cultural organisations, and community networks. Regular direct flights connect Perth to major Indian airports. Living costs are meaningfully lower than in Sydney or Melbourne.
A: Year 4 includes a rural/remote health placement consistent with UNDA’s community service mission. WA’s vast rural healthcare landscape, including remote Aboriginal community health centres, regional hospitals, and Royal Flying Doctor Service operations, provides clinical experiences unavailable in any metropolitan hospital. Students who complete UNDA’s rural placement develop skills in resource-constrained, high-autonomy clinical practice that are directly applicable across the developing world, including India.
A: UNDA is among the more affordable full-fee 4-year MDs in Australia. Annual tuition of AUD 65,000–75,000 compares to UniMelb’s AUD 94,976/year and Adelaide’s AUD 94,300/year. Over 4 years, UNDA tuition is AUD 260,000–300,000 vs Melbourne’s AUD 379,904. Combined with Perth’s lower living costs (vs Sydney or Melbourne), UNDA represents genuine value among the top-tier Australian MD options. The trade-off is a lower global ranking than Melbourne, Sydney, or Adelaide, which matters for academic medicine careers more than for clinical practice.
A: Via GEMSAS: completed bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA (check GEMSAS requirements); GAMSAT sitting; Casper test; interview. Offers are based on: composite GPA/GAMSAT + Casper (50%) + interview (50%). IELTS minimum 7.0 overall, no band below 7.0; TOEFL 94+; PTE 65+. The average intake profile is approximately GPA 6.6 and GAMSAT 65–66, lower than Melbourne (avg GPA 6.8+, GAMSAT 65+), but competitive.
A: UNDA does not hold a major QS World University ranking comparable to the Group of 8 universities. It is highly rated by the Good Universities Guide 2026 for teaching quality, student satisfaction, and skills development, rather than research output. For clinical practice careers in Australia, AMC accreditation and the AHPRA pathway are the functional requirements, not the university’s global ranking. For academic medicine or internationally competitive research careers, a Group of 8 degree (Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide) carries more weight.
A: UNDA is AMC-accredited and WDOMS-listed. AMC accreditation enables GMC registration in the UK (subject to current GMC requirements). WDOMS listing enables the MCCQE pathway in Canada and ECFMG eligibility for USMLE in the US. The functional international licensing credentials are present. In practice, UNDA graduates pursuing international careers will follow the same AMC/WDOMS-based pathways.
Our expert counsellors will guide you through the complete admission process — from documents to airport pickup.
