The University of Sydney vs UNSW Medicine: A Comparison

Choosing the right university to pursue a degree in medicine is a crucial decision that can impact your future career prospects. The University of Sydney and UNSW are two of the most prestigious universities in Australia that offer top-notch medical programs. 

university of sydney vs unsw medicine
The University of Sydney. Credit: canva

Whether you’re a prospective student or simply curious about the medical programs offered by these universities, read on to learn all about the University of Sydney vs UNSW medicine.

The University of Sydney

The University of Sydney is a public research university in Sydney, Australia. It was founded in 1850 and is among the world’s best institutions. One of Australia’s six sandstone institutions, it is also one of its most renowned institutions.

The University of Sydney is located in Camperdown and Darlington, inner-city areas of Sydney. The British Daily Telegraph and the American Huffington Post praised it as the world’s most beautiful university. The university provides bachelor, master, and doctoral degrees through eight academic faculties and schools.

The University of Sydney is a member of the Group of Eight, CEMS, Pacific Rim Universities Association, and Commonwealth Universities.

Rankings

  • #3 in Australia (QS World University Ranking / QS WUR 2024)
  • #19 in the world (QS World University Ranking / QS WUR 2024)
  • #3 in Australia (Times Higher Education / THE 2024)
  • #60 in the world (Times Higher Education / THE 2024)
  • #2 in Medicine, in Australia (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023)
  • #25 in Medicine, in the world (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023)

Campus

The main campus has been named one of the world’s top 10 most beautiful universities by The British Daily Telegraph and other sources, such as Oxford.

The institution is located in Camperdown and Darlington, two inner-city suburbs.

UNSW Sydney

About

The University of New South Wales, now known as UNSW Sydney, is a public research university located in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. It is one of the eight original members of Group of Eight, an association of Australian research-intensive universities.

The University of NSW is a world-renowned institution recognized for research, teaching, and innovation. The active community, which comprises 64,000 students from over 130 countries and has a worldwide alumni network of over 300,000 individuals, was founded in 1949.

Rankings

  • #3 in Australia (QS World University Ranking / QS WUR 2024)
  • #19 in the world (QS World University Ranking / QS WUR 2024)
  • #6 in Australia (Times Higher Education / THE 2024)
  • #84 in the world (Times Higher Education / THE 2024)
  • #4 in Medicine, in Australia (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023)
  • #52 in Medicine, in the world (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023)
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Campus

The university has seven faculties and offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. The main campus is located in Kensington, Sydney, 7 kilometers (4.3 mi) from the city center.

The University of New South Wales (UNSW) Art & Design, the university’s creative art institution, is located in Paddington and has sub-campuses in the Sydney CBD as well as several other localities around Sydney, including Randwick and Coogee. Researchers work on a variety of projects all over NSW at research stations.

Credit: canva

The University of Sydney vs UNSW Medicine

About the Schools

The University of Sydney School of Medicine

Since 1856, the University of Sydney School of Medicine has educated medical professionals.

The faculty is located on the university’s main Camperdown campus and collaborates with health facilities in Sydney and rural communities for student placements.

The school offers instruction in various medical specialties, including anesthesiology, surgery, general practice, and emergency care.

As of 2019, the Sydney University School of Medicine had 1139 student enrolments.

The University of New South Wales (UNSW) School of Medicine

The University of New South Wales School of Medicine was founded in 1960 and works with healthcare providers in both Sydney and rural Australia.

The school includes an undergraduate medical degree that is completed at the main Kensington Campus in Sydney’s East.

As of 2019, UNSW Medicine has 1649 students enrolled at the university.

Rankings

The University of Sydney School of Medicine

  • #2 in Australia (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023) in Medicine
  • #25 in the world (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023) in Medicine
  • #1 in Australia (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023) in Anatomy and Physiology
  • #13 in the world (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023) in Anatomy and Physiology
  • #3 in Australia (Times Higher Education / THE 2024) in Medicine and Dentistry
  • #60 in the world (Times Higher Education / THE 2024) in Medicine and Dentistry

The University of New South Wales (UNSW) School of Medicine

  • #4 in Australia (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023) in Medicine
  • #52 in the world (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023) in Medicine
  • #6 in Australia (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023) in Anatomy and Physiology
  • #49 in the world (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023) in Anatomy and Physiology
  • #6 in Australia (Times Higher Education / THE 2024) in Medicine and Dentistry
  • #84 in the world (Times Higher Education / THE 2024) in Medicine and Dentistry

Degree in Medicine

The University of Sydney School of Medicine

Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Medicine (Undergraduate)
Summary

The Bachelor of Science/Doctor of Medicine is a combined undergraduate and graduate program that features a bachelor’s degree and a Doctor of Medicine. That is a seven-year full-time program. Every year, there is a restricted number of 30 domestic students and 10 international students accepted.

Award

Doctor of Medicine (MD), Bachelor of Science (BSc)

Duration

7-year degree (full-time)

Campus

Camperdown/Darlington campus

Total credit points

336 credit points

Program structure
  • Year 1 – 3: Finishing Bachelor of Science Degree
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In your first three years, you’ll learn a few core subjects, known as the Medicine Foundational Knowledge units.

  • Year 4 – 7: Finishing Doctor of Medicine Degree

In your last four years, you will be covering core units designed to encompass 8 key concepts in all four years of the course. That includes basics of body systems, key themes of clinical medicine, conducting the research project, and undergoing a number of options for their projects, ranging from an advanced clinical assignment to a small research project.

Entry Requirements
  1. A secondary education qualification such as the NSW Higher School Certificate (including national and international equivalents). An ATAR of 99.95 or equivalent is required.
  2. An online assessment process including a written assessment followed by a panel discussion.
  3. English language requirements where these are not demonstrated by sufficient qualifications taught in English.
  4. Mathematics Advanced (Band 4) or Mathematics Extension 1 or 2 (Band E3)
Fee (Cost)

Domestic student:

  • Student Contribution Amount (SCA) for year 1: $9,000 (indicative only)

International student:

  • 2021 Indicative First Year Fee: $86,000
How to Apply

Domestic:

If you are currently enrolled in a bachelor’s degree at the University of Sydney and intend to transfer to another bachelor’s degree, visit the transferring courses webpage.

All other domestic applicants apply through UAC.

International:

If you are currently completing:

  • an Australian Year 12 qualification in or outside Australia
  • an International Baccalaureate in Australia

You must apply through UAC.

All other international applicants must apply directly to the University – Select your preferred entry year below to begin your online application.

If you are currently enrolled in a bachelor’s degree at the University of Sydney and intend to transfer to another bachelor’s degree, visit the transferring courses webpage.

Doctor of Medicine (Postgraduate)
Summary

The MD program is made up of eight vertical themes that run through all four years of the curriculum. These include basic and clinical science, clinical skills, diagnostics and therapy, research, evidence and informatics, population health, indigenous health, ethics, law and professionalism, and interprofessional teamwork.

Award

Doctor of Medicine (MD)

Duration

4 years full-time

Campus

Camperdown/Darlington/Dubbo and various clinical schools

Total credit points

192 credit points

Program structure
  • The first year will see students spending three to four days per week on the main University campus, with one day in each of our clinical schools.
  • In year two, students cover major aspects of clinical medicine and spend up to fifty percent of their time in the clinical school. One of the strengths of the Sydney Medical School and the MD program is the diversity and variety of our clinical schools which are so important in developing the skills and knowledge to effectively practice medicine. 
  • During year two, students will also be allocated to a research project they will conduct in year three. The allocation will be based on personal experience and interest and supported by training in research methods in year two. The objective of the ‘MD Project’ is to add depth to aspects of medical studies and give students the experience of developing, managing, and reporting on a circumscribed project under supervision.
Entry Requirements
  1. Satisfactory performance* in an eligible bachelor’s degree at the time of application, as indicated by Grade Point Average (GPA); and
  2. Satisfactory performance* in an admissions test – Domestic applicants must submit valid Graduate Australian Medical School Admissions Test (GAMSAT) results with their application. International applicants must submit valid GAMSAT or Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) results with their application. 
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*Domestic:

  • Minimum GPA: 5 (local) / 4.5 (rural)
  • Minimum GAMSAT score: 50 on each section

*International:

  • Minimum GPA: 5 out of 7 (or equivalent for overseas qualification)
  • Minimum GAMSAT score: 50 on each section
  • Minimum MCAT score: 50 0
Fee (Cost)

Domestic student:

  • Student Contribution Amount (SCA) for year 1: $11,401 (indicative only)

International student:

  • Tuition Fee for International Students (Year 1): $86,000 (indicative only)
How to Apply

Domestic:

If you are currently enrolled in a bachelor’s degree at the University of Sydney and intend to transfer to another bachelor’s degree, visit the transferring courses webpage.

All other domestic applicants apply through UAC.

International:

If you are currently completing:

  • an Australian Year 12 qualification in or outside Australia
  • an International Baccalaureate in Australia

You must apply through UAC.

All other international applicants must apply directly to the University – Select your preferred entry year below to begin your online application.

If you are currently enrolled in a bachelor’s degree at the University of Sydney and intend to transfer to another bachelor’s degree, visit the transferring courses webpage.

The University of New South Wales (UNSW) School of Medicine

Bachelor of Medical Studies/Doctor of Medicine (Undergraduate)
Summary

As a UNSW Bachelor of Medical Studies/Doctor of Medicine, you’ll study as an undergraduate and graduate student, with a bachelor’s degree and a As a Bachelor of Medical Studies/Doctor of Medicine at UNSW, you’ll study as an undergraduate and graduate student, with a bachelor’s degree and the Doctor of Medicine. After completing the six-year program, you’ll be entitled to provisional registration with the Medical Board of Australia, and you’ll be prepared to begin your career next.

Award

Doctor of Medicine, Bachelor of Medical Studies

Duration

6-year degree (full-time)

Campus

Main Kensington Campus in Sydney’s East

Total credit points

288 credit points

Program structure
  • Phase One: Scenario-based learning

In your first two years, you’ll learn the basic medical sciences in relation to the human life cycle and social/ethical/legal issues related to healthcare. In your first two years, you’ll study the fundamental medical sciences connected with the human life cycle and social/ethical/legal concerns surrounding healthcare. In this period, as well, clinical and communication abilities training begins.

  • Phase Two: Practice-based learning

In your third year, you’ll have more hospital experiences with continuing education in biomedical and social sciences. Your fourth year is dedicated to research study.

  • Phase Three: Independent reflective learning

Years five and six consist of clinical placements and include content from the basic medical. The fifth and sixth years are spent in clinical placements, which include material from the fundamental medical and social sciences.

Entry Requirements
  1. Complete an external test University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) ANZ 
  2. Must have a minimum ATAR of:
  3. Domestic: 97.2 (local), 96.25 (rural)
  4. International: 96.0 (international ATAR)
  5. Upon the release of the ATARs, selected candidates are invited to attend the Medicine Interview 
Fee (Cost)

Domestic student:

  • 2021 Indicative First Year Fee: $11,300

International student:

  • 2021 Indicative First Year Fee: $76,080
  • 2021 Indicative Fee to Complete Degree: $478,820
How to Apply
  1. Step One: Register for the UCAT ANZ
  2. Step Two: Sit the UCAT ANZ
  3. Step Three: Apply via the Medicine Application Portal (MAP)
  4. Step Four: Submit a UAC Application (or Apply Online portal for international students)
  5. Step Five: Attend an interview
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