Best Medical Science Courses in Australia

Australia needs more health professionals.

If you’re already studying here, you’re in the perfect position to start a career in medical science.

This field offers more than just a rewarding job. It can also open pathways to permanent residency.

This guide will help you navigate everything you need to know—from the best medical science courses to PR pathways and why staying in Australia to pursue this career is a game-changer.

Whether you’re starting your journey in medical science or looking to advance your career, Australia has a range of programs that can meet your needs:

Bachelor of Medical Science (3 years)

This undergraduate program gives you a solid foundation in medical science, covering topics like human biology, biochemistry, and anatomy. 

You'll gain hands-on experience in labs and field placements, setting you up for careers in research, healthcare, or pharmaceuticals.

Master of Medical Science (2 years)

If you already have a bachelor's degree in a related field, a Master of Medical Science lets you dive deeper into specialised areas.

After finishing a Master’s, you can work in medical research, diagnostics, or laboratory management. 

Master of Public Health (1.5 – 2 years)

If you want to focus on health policy, epidemiology, or community health, the Master of Public Health offers the chance to become a leader in public health initiatives and research. 

This program opens up roles in health organisations, government agencies, and non-profits.

Picture this. 

You’re in your first hospital internship, ready to explain a patient’s treatment plan. You start speaking, but halfway through, they’re staring at you confused. 

You try again, but the words tumble out wrong. Now they’re panicking—and so are you.

Moments like this show why English skills are non-negotiable in medical science. 

Whether it’s guiding patients, working with a team, or even acing your studies, clear communication is everything. 

That’s why improving your English skills and your IELTS score is so important. 

It’s not just about passing a test; it’s about proving you’re competent in your career and ready for the challenges ahead.

Speaking of—what IELTS score do you need anyway? 

For undergraduate medical science courses in Australia, you need an overall IELTS score of 6.5, with no band lower than 6.0 in Listening, Reading, Writing, or Speaking. 

These requirements vary between institutions, so it’s always worth confirming with your chosen provider.

Not sure what IELTS score you need?

Don’t stress. We got you! At IDP, we’re not just here to confirm the IELTS requirements for your course. We also offer everything you need to succeed—from booking your IELTS test to accessing expert prep materials and practice tests. 

With IELTS by IDP, you’ll have the tools and guidance to achieve the score your dream course demands.

Book your IELTS test now

Australia's healthcare industry is booming, with over 2.2 million people working in health care and social assistance, according to Jobs and Skills Australia 2025.

This means a world of job opportunities is waiting for you.

Australia's total employment is expected to grow by nearly 950,000 people in the next 5 years. 

A big chunk of this growth will be in industries like healthcare, education, and professional services.

Studying medical science here doesn’t just lead to a rewarding career—it puts you in a fast-growing field that’s always in demand.

What does this mean for you?

Pursuing a career in medical science can give you job security, and a potential PR Pathway since healthcare professionals are also on the Skilled Occupation List of Australia. 

Graduating with a medical science degree opens doors to various rewarding careers in healthcare and research. Here are some options you can pursue:

• Medical Laboratory Scientist

• Biomedical Scientist

• Clinical Research Coordinator

• Pharmaceutical Scientist

• Medical Imaging Technologist

• Forensic Scientist

• Healthcare Consultant

• Pathologist Assistant

• Toxicologist

• Health Data Analyst

If you’re looking to study medical science in Australia, these top universities offer exceptional programs to kickstart your journey. Plus, we’ve included the IELTS requirements to help you plan.

The University of Sydney

The University of Sydney offers a four-year degree program that provides a pathway to higher education in fields like medicine, nursing, and dentistry. This program equips students with the foundational knowledge to pursue professional qualifications.

Programs offered:

• Bachelor of Medical Science

• Bachelor of Science (Medical Science major)

• Bachelor of Advanced Studies (Medical Science)

IELTS score required: Overall 7.0, with a minimum of 7.0 in each band.

The University of Melbourne

The University of Melbourne’s Bachelor of Biomedicine is a highly versatile program that offers 15 majors, preparing students for further studies in medicine, dentistry, and other health sciences.

Programs offered:

• Bachelor of Biomedicine

• Bachelor of Science (Biomedicine major)

IELTS score required: Overall 6.5, with no band lower than 6.0.

Monash University

Monash University offers an innovative double degree program that combines science and medical science, leading to advanced medical qualifications.

Programs offered:

• Bachelor of Biomedical Science

• Bachelor of Biomedical Science Advanced (Honours)

• Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine (MD) – double degree

IELTS score required: Overall 6.5, with a minimum of 6.0 in each band.

The University of Queensland

The University of Queensland’s Bachelor of Biomedical Science focuses on molecular and cellular biology, offering a pathway into allied health programs and advanced degrees in medicine.

Programs offered:

• Bachelor of Biomedical Science

• Bachelor of Advanced Science (Biomedical Science major)

IELTS score required: Overall 6.5, with no band lower than 6.0.

The University of Western Australia

The University of Western Australia’s Bachelor of Biomedicine covers a wide range of disciplines, enabling students to specialize in genetics, pharmacology, microbiology, and more.

Programs offered:

• Bachelor of Biomedicine

• Bachelor of Science (Biomedical Science major)

IELTS score required: Overall 6.5, with a minimum of 6.0 in all components.

Not sure about IELTS requirements or application steps? 

At IDP, we specialise in helping international students like you. With our IELTS prep materials, booking services, and expert advice, we’ll make sure you’re on track for your dream university and career in medical science.

Once you’ve completed your medical science degree, many options open up for you. Pursuing a postgraduate degree can qualify you for high-demand roles like a dentist, doctor, or medical researcher, all of which are on Australia’s skills shortage list.

While you study, you’ll be on a Student Visa (subclass 500). Once you graduate, you can apply for the Post-Study Work Visa (subclass 485), which allows you to live and work in Australia for up to two years while you secure relevant employment.

From there, you can explore several visa options:

Temporary Visas

• Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (subclass 482)

  • Validity: Up to 4 years.

  • Requirements: You’ll need a job offer from an approved employer.

  • What it provides: Allows you to live and work in Australia temporarily.

• Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa (subclass 494)

  • Validity: Up to 5 years.

  • Requirements: You must be nominated by an approved regional employer.

  • What it provides: Allows you to live and work in a designated regional area of Australia.

• Skilled Work Regional Visa (subclass 491)

  • Validity: Up to 5 years.

  • Requirements: You must be nominated by a state or territory government.

  • What it provides: Allows you to live and work in regional Australia.

Permanent Visas

• Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (subclass 186)

  • A permanent visa that requires a job offer and a nomination from your employer.

• Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189)

  • A permanent visa. Points-tested and requires you to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect. Higher points increase your chances.

• Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190)

  • A permanent visa that requires a nomination from a state or territory and an EOI submission through SkillSelect.

• Regional Sponsor Migration Scheme Visa (subclass 187)

  • A permanent visa for those employed in regional Australia for at least two years under the 482 or 457 visa. Your employer must nominate you.

With so many pathways, choosing the right visa can feel overwhelming. But don’t worry—IDP is here to guide you. From confirming visa requirements to helping you meet your IELTS score for eligibility, IDP’s experts will support you every step of the way.

Meeting the IELTS requirements for a medical science course can feel challenging, but with the right strategies, you can set yourself up for success.

Study Strategies to Improve Your IELTS Scores

• Focus on your weakest areas: Identify whether it’s listening, reading, writing, or speaking and tailor your study plan to improve these.

• Practice with real IELTS tests: Use practice tests to simulate the actual exam conditions. This helps you manage time and reduce test-day anxiety.

• Expand your vocabulary: Concentrate on healthcare and science-related terms, as they may appear in the test.

• Sharpen your speaking skills:

  • Practice with a friend or record yourself to improve fluency.

  • Use common IELTS speaking topics to prepare answers in advance.

• Master writing structure: Stick to the word limit, and organize your answers clearly with an introduction, body, and conclusion.

• Enroll in preparation courses: IDP offers tailored IELTS preparation courses, workshops, and expert guidance.

• Access online resources: Explore practice tests, tips, and tutorials to help you prepare effectively.

• Join study groups: Collaborate with peers for feedback and motivation while practising speaking and writing tasks.

• Don’t panic: It’s common to retake the IELTS test to meet your target score.

• Focus on improvement:

  • Analyse your previous test results and address your weak areas.

  • Consider additional preparation courses to strengthen your skills.

• Prepare smarter: Use every attempt to get closer to your goal of starting a rewarding medical science career in Australia.

Struggling With Just One Section of the IELTS Test?

It’s frustrating when one skill holds you back from achieving your dream score. 

The good news is you don’t need to retake the entire test. 

With the IELTS One Skill Retake, you can focus on improving that one area—be it Listening, Reading, Writing, or Speaking—and boost your overall score. 

IELTS by IDP makes this process simple, guiding you through your retake and offering tailored resources to help you succeed.

Preparing for IELTS can feel overwhelming, especially when you're trying to balance studies and life. 

But with the right support, it doesn’t have to be. 

IDP offers expert-led IELTS preparation courses, official IELTS practice materials, and personalised feedback to help you focus on the areas that need improvement. Whether it’s speaking confidently or mastering tricky writing tasks, we’ve got you covered every step of the way.

Thinking about studying medical science in Australia but still unsure where to start? 

They say the first step is always the hardest. 

It can feel overwhelming to figure out courses, universities, and IETLS requirements.

But once you have these figured out, everything that comes next will be easier.

Let’s start by getting you the IELTS score you need to secure a medical science course in Australia.

Once you have this important requirement secured, you’ll find it easier to submit your university applications. 

Many universities require an IELTS score of 7 for medical science courses. This is more competitive than other courses requiring only 6. 

So if you want to get that medical science dream, start preparing for your IELTS now. 

IELTS by IDP offers preparation materials, free practice tests, and test booking services. In short, everything you need to ace your IELTS and kickstart your university life in Australia. 

Start preparing and book your IELTS test with IDP today.