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Other important information for applicants

Commitment to rural medical education

Applicants may already be aware of the Medical School's commitment to rural medical education through the establishment of the School of Rural Health. As part of that commitment, 25% of the local students in Years 3 and 4 of the Medical Program must undertake 50% of their clinical training at the School of Rural Health. There is usually strong demand to attend the rural clinical school but in the event that there is a shortfall of applicants, some students may be required to attend the School of Rural Health during Year 3 or 4.

The School of Rural Health’s Dubbo and Orange Campuses and their associated teaching facilities provide the setting for this requirement. For more information visit the School of Rural Health website.

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10 year moratorium

This information applies particularly to medical students who are not Australian citizens or residents

Section 19AB of the Health Insurance Act 1973 (commonly known as the 10-Year Moratorium) applies to temporary residents, including New Zealand residents and those who are NOT citizens or permanent residents of Australia at the time of their medical program enrolment. Under this legislation, affected medical program graduates may not be automatically entitled to internship registration. The legislation also restricts the affected medical graduates’ access to Medicare provider numbers and requires them to work in a district of workforce shortage (DWS) for a minimum period of ten years in order to access the Medicare benefits arrangements.

As this is beyond Sydney Medical School’s jurisdiction, we strongly advise affected medical graduates who wish to pursue their medical career in Australia, to seek further information from the Australian Department of Health and Ageing. You can find more information on the Section 19AB of the Health Insurance Act 1973 here.

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Personal health

Applicants need to be aware of their personal health status, including that in relation to immunisation and infectious diseases, and the NSW Department of Health guidelines concerning the undertaking of "exposure-prone procedures". Please refer to this document on the Sydney Medical School Infectious Diseases Policy (PDF).

Please note it is the applicant's responsibility to be familiar and adhere to these requirements. The Medical Program is both physically and mentally demanding, thus applicants' personal health is a factor to be considered when deciding to accept a place in the program.

Participation in screening and vaccination according to the NSW Health Department Circular Occupational Screening and Vaccination Against Specified Infectious Diseases (PDF) is a prerequisite for students for clinical placement in the facilities of NSW Health. The "Adult Vaccination Record Card" provided to applicants with their offer of a place is required to be completed and made available to the Health Service prior to the commencement of your clinical placement.

See the University Health Service: Vaccination for more detailed information including links to the NSW Health Department circulars on health care worker vaccination and TB screening.

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Special consideration

In the interest of equity and fairness to all applicants, those applicants who do not meet the Medical School’s admission criteria, including the required Grade Point Average (GPA) and GAMSAT results, will not be considered for admission to the Medical Program. The GPA and GAMSAT results requirements shall apply, regardless of circumstances such as illness, misadventure or disadvantage during the bachelor’s degree or test.

Students who are seeking special consideration should note that the other graduate-entry medical schools do not have identical admission requirements to those of the University of Sydney.

More information on the admission requirements of other graduate-entry medical schools can be found in the Graduate Australian Medical School Admissions Guide, available from the GAMSAT website.

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First Aid Certificate

Successful applicants must provide evidence that they hold a current approved Senior First Aid certificate at enrolment. The following organisations conduct First Aid Training courses that are accepted by Sydney Medical School:

  • Australian Red Cross Society
  • Medilife
  • New South Wales State Emergency Service
  • Royal Life Saving Society Australia
  • Royal Prince Alfred Hospital
  • St. John Ambulance Australia
  • University of Western Sydney.

International students may provide First Aid certificates which are recognized by their own governments.

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Police checks

Please note the new policy on Criminal Record Checks for University Students undertaking Clinical Placements will be posted here once it becomes available.

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Forged documents

Applicants should be aware that the presentation of forged documents in connection with admission to the Medical Program is a criminal offence and the University may take appropriate action against such cases, or other admissions irregularities, including the withholding of relevant information. Action may include cancellation of an application for admission, an offer of admission, or enrolment.

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