The Graduate School of Medicine (GSM) at the University of Wollongong (UOW) is highly regarded for its focus on rural, regional, and remote medicine.
Established: 2007.
Location: Primary campus at Wollongong (Northfields Ave), with an additional campus at Shoalhaven (Nowra).
Degree Awarded: Doctor of Medicine (MD).
Duration: 4 Years (Graduate entry).
Language of Instruction: English.
Accreditation: Fully accredited by the Australian Medical Council (AMC).
Learning Model: UOW uses a Case-Based Learning (CBL) approach, where students work in small groups to solve clinical problems.
Anatomy & Simulation: The Wollongong campus features a high-tech Anatomy Laboratory and a Clinical Skills Centre equipped with high-fidelity mannequins and simulated consultation rooms.
Research: The school is integrated with the Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute (IHMRI), providing students with opportunities to engage in cutting-edge biomedical and clinical research.
Leading tertiary care hospital attached to the institution
UOW is unique for its extensive Longitudinal Integrated Clerkship (LIC), where students spend a significant portion of their clinical years in a single community.
Primary Teaching Hospital: Wollongong Hospital, a major 500+ bed referral center.
Shoalhaven District Memorial Hospital: A key training site for students based at the Shoalhaven campus.
Phase 3 (Integrated Clinical Clerkship): 70% of students spend their entire 3rd year (Phase 3) in a rural or regional community across NSW (from Mudgee to Murwillumbah).
Final Year (Phase 4): Focuses on "Personal and Professional Development" and "Electives," often including a 4-week "Pre-Internship" block to prepare for hospital work.
State University Affordability
International Tuition Fee: Approx. AUD 74,500 – 78,000 per year (Indicative total course fee: ~AUD 310,000).
Domestic (CSP): Most places are Commonwealth Supported; student contribution is approx. AUD 12,700 per year.
OSHC (International): Mandatory Overseas Student Health Cover costs approx. AUD 600 – 800 per year.
Bursaries: UOW offers an International Academic Merit Scholarship (20% tuition fee reduction), though these are highly competitive for medical students.
Vibe: Known as "The Gong," it is Australia's 10th largest city. It offers a relaxed coastal lifestyle with 17 beaches and the stunning Illawarra Escarpment.
Transport: The "Free Gong Shuttle" (Route 55A/55C) connects the University to the city center and beaches every 10–20 minutes.
Safety: A very student-friendly and safe city, significantly more affordable than Sydney (which is only 80 km away).
Connectivity: Regular trains connect Wollongong to Sydney Central in approx. 90 minutes.
Kooloobong Village: The primary on-campus residence at the Wollongong campus, known as a "wellness-focused" community.
Cost: AUD 315 – 385 per week (Single room in shared unit vs. studio).
Shoalhaven Accommodation: For students based in Nowra, dedicated student housing is available near the Shoalhaven campus at similar or slightly lower rates.
Mess/Dining: UOW residences are self-catered.
Grocery Budget: Approx. AUD 100 – 150 per week.
Off-Campus: Suburbs like Keiraville and Gwynneville are popular. Private rentals average AUD 250 – 400 per week for a shared house.
Selection Criteria: Weighted GPA (3.0+ on 4.0 scale), GAMSAT (Domestic) or MCAT (International), and a Medical School Portfolio highlighting service, leadership, and rural ties.
Casper Test: All applicants must sit the Casper situational judgment test.
Interviews: Selection for the Multi-Mini Interview (MMI) is based on a combined score of GPA, GAMSAT/MCAT, and Casper.
Health & Police Checks: Mandatory "Working with Children" check and comprehensive immunization records are required before clinical placements.
Well-equipped Library
Experienced Faculty
Computer Lab
Sports Activities
Heritage Campus