Foundation Studies in Medicine – Your Pathway to Becoming a Doctor at the University of Newcastle

Due to strict entry requirements and competitive selection processes, many international students may find it challenging to pursue their dream of studying medicine in Australia. The Foundation Studies in Medicine (FSM) at the University of Newcastle College of International Education is designed to change that.

If students complete this specialised pathway program, they can progress into the Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine (Joint Medical Program – JMP) at the University of Newcastle, one of the respected medical training providers in Australia.

Foundation Studies in Medicine is a structured academic preparation program designed for international students who wish to study medicine at University of Newcastle but do not yet meet its direct entry requirements.

Below is key information for this course:

• Duration: 2 semesters (approximately 12 months)
• Location: International students are expected to study full-time at NUspace Campus, New South Wales, Australia
• Program Fee: AUD $37,400 for 2026 intakes

The Foundation Studies in Medicine program will be packaged with the Bachelor of Medical Science and the Doctor of Medicine (JMP) at the University of Newcastle. International students will receive a combined Letter of Offer that includes all three programs. The Foundation Studies in Medicine is a one-year program, followed by a five-year JMP. This package provides a clear and streamlined pathway for international students from Foundation studies through to a Medical Degree.

The University of Newcastle College of International Education is the only provider in Australia that offers a dedicated pathway to a Medical Degree. This presents an excellent opportunity for international students who do not meet the direct entry requirements for the Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine but still wish to enrol in these programs.

• A specific Foundation Program focusing on Medical studies with high progression rate

Unlike general foundation programs, FSM is structured just for medicine. This means its subjects and assessments are focused on Medical related knowledge and skills, which prepares you for the academic rigours of a medical degree.

• Exemption from UCAT

A great benefit of taking FSM course is that FSM students are exempt from sitting the UCAT (University Clinical Aptitude Test), which is a very competitive test, normally required for many undergraduate medicine programs in Australia. Instead, if international students demonstrate good academic performance and meet specific medical selection assessments, then they can progress to joint medical program.

FSM includes eight core subjects, especially selected to build the knowledge and skills needed for the medicine field:

• English for Academic Purposes
• Introduction to Academic Communication
• IT for Academic Studies
• Australian Studies
• Biology
• Chemistry
• Human Biology
• Introductory Mathematics

These subjects strengthen your scientific knowledge, academic English, and study skills so that you can confidently handle first-year medical science content.

To transition from FSM into Year 1 of the Joint Medical Program at the University of Newcastle (Callaghan campus), students must meet specific progression requirements:

• Overall Academic Performance: International students are required to achieve an overall average score of 90 or higher across all eight FSM courses.
• English Requirements: International students are required to achieve an average score of 75 or higher in the below 2 subjects. If they can pass these requirements, then they don’t need to provide an IELTS (or equivalent) English tests.
• • English for Academic Purposes, and
  • Introduction to Academic Communication
• Admissions Assessments: They are expected to pass the Multiple Skills Assessment and, if held, the Personal Qualities Assessment, which are part of the JMP admissions process.
• No UCAT Required: As noted, FSM students do not need to sit the UCAT as part of their application to the JMP.

Many international students may wonder what they can study if they do not receive an offer for the Joint Medical Program. The answer is that they may still be considered for an alternative degree at the University of Newcastle, subject to available places and meeting the required average score for that program.

However, please keep in mind that the progression rate to the Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine is very high. This means you will have a high chance of transitioning into the Medicine Degree after successfully completing the FSM program.

FSM and the JMP are offered to international, fee-paying students, not offered for domestic students. It is important to note that:

• You should remain enrolled in the Joint Medical Program as an international student, your visa status at each semester census date must remain that of an international student.
• If your visa status changes to permanent residency, you will lose your status as a fee-paying international medical student, and this may affect your place in the program.

Students should seek advice early if their visa circumstances change.

Academic entry requirements vary depending on your country of origin and previous studies. However, you can find the general requirements for Foundation in Medicine courses below:

• Academic requirements: Completion of high schooling (or equivalent) at an appropriate level. The score threshold varies, depending on each country of origin.
• English language proficiency: You are required to get IELTS 6.0 overall, no band score under 5.5

Wish to know if you can meet the entry requirements for the Foundation Studies in Medicine at University of Newcastle? Contact our experienced Counselling Team at 07 3003 1899 or [email protected] today.

You can apply to The Foundation Studies in Medicine through SOL Edu as we are a registered representative for University of Newcastle and University of Newcastle College of International Education.

To apply, all you need to have are your academic transcripts and English test results (if applicable). Then, we will take care all the admission process for you, free of charge. Contact us on 07 3003 1899 or [email protected] for more information.

This program is ideal if you:

• Are an international student aiming to study medicine in Australia
• Need a clear academic pathway to a medical degree
• Want smaller class sizes and strong academic and language support before starting university
• Prefer a structured pathway where expectations and progression requirements are transparent
• Haven’t met the direct entry to Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine (JMP), but you wish to pursue our dream to be a doctor.

If you wish to learn more about this course and need help with the application process, contact SOL Edu today for free advice and support.

Please note that the Foundation Studies in Medicine Program quota for 2026 has been fully filled. This is a highly competitive program and places within the quota are limited to 30 students per year (starting from 2026, now 2027 Feb intake is open to apply). Students can request to be put on the waitlist to see if a place becomes available in the 2026 intake but please note that this is not guaranteed.