The Graduate Entry Medical School Admissions System (GEMSAS) provides a centralized application system for graduates seeking entry into Australian medical and dental schools' graduate-entry programs, making it easier to apply to multiple universities at once.
GEMSAS facilitates applications to graduate-entry medical and dentistry programs, requiring applicants to have completed or be in their final year of a bachelor's degree. Applications typically open in early May and close by the end of May each year, though specific dates may vary. Through the GEMSAS online portal, students can apply directly to participating universities, simplifying the process of pursuing postgraduate studies in medicine or dentistry.
Notably, GEMSAS utilises a six-preference list system, enabling applicants to prioritise their preferred medical schools from the GEMSAS Consortium. It's important to note that USyd, Flinders, and Monash require separate applications as they are not part of GEMSAS.
1. Portfolios Phased Out from Med School Application
Portfolios are no longer part of the application process, with the University of Wollongong (UoW) being the last medical school to remove them from its application, marking a significant change in postgraduate medical admissions in Australia.
2. GAMSAT and GPA as Hurdles in University of Wollongong
University of Wollongong (UoW) will now primarily use GAMSAT and GPA as hurdles, with interview offers based on CASPer scores and bonuses alone.
3. University of Wollongong Introduction of Bonuses
UoW will award bonuses for various criteria, including rurality, working in healthcare, working full-time, volunteering, having lived in Wollongong, having attended University of Wollongong , those receiving high Uni marks, ranking UoW first in their applications and more.
4. Expanding Opportunities for Rural Applicants
Deakin aims to enroll 50% of its new MD students from rural backgrounds, while new rural training schemes have emerged at UND, UQ, and Deakin. With the new changes its an unprecedented opportunity for rural applicants.
Strategies for UoW Applicants
The removal of portfolios from the University of Wollongong (UoW) application process means that applicants who previously relied on strong portfolios to compensate for low GPA/GAMSAT scores will need to adjust their strategies. Now, applicants with lower scores may find CASPER preparation to be a critical aspect of their application. Additionally, understanding and capitalising on the newly introduced bonuses is essential for maximising competitiveness for UoW.
For those preparing for CASPer, we recommend checking out our CASPer prep course, and if you're interested in attending a free CASPer test, sign up at Free Learning Academy.
Broadening Horizons for Rural Applicants
Furthermore, Deakin's aim to have 50% of its new MD students from rural backgrounds and the emergence of new rural training schemes at UND, UQ, and Deakin highlight the increasing importance of rural experiences in medical admissions.
Applications for domestic students opened on the 1st of May and will conclude on the 31st of May 2024 at 5pm AEST / 3pm AWST.
When choosing where to apply, remember that while most schools look at the Overall GAMSAT Score (with section scores typically needing to be around 50), some institutions, including the University of Melbourne, the University of Queensland, and the University of Notre Dame (Sydney and Fremantle), average the scores across the three sections.
- Overall Score = [ (Section 1 mark) + (Section 2 mark) + 2x(Section 3 mark) ] / 4
- Average Score = [ (Section 1 mark) + (Section 2 mark) + (Section 3 mark) ] / 3
This scoring difference is key to aligning your application with institutions where your strengths are most valued. For instance, a strong performance in Section 3 but weaker scores in Sections 1 and 2 could influence your choice of university, depending on their scoring approach.
Extended GAMSAT Validity: Quick Facts
In addition, it's important to note the recent extension in GAMSAT score validity, from two to four years, providing a broader window for your application efforts:
- March 2024 GAMSAT scores remain valid for application cycles spanning 2024 to 2027.
- September 2024 GAMSAT scores are applicable from the 2025 to 2028 application periods.
Please note that not all universities accept the 4 year currency of GAMSAT results. Check the GEMSAS guide accordingly to see which universities do and don’t.
Understanding your GPA is as crucial as your GAMSAT score for effectively planning your application preferences. GPA is typically based on the most recent three years of study, making it essential to focus on your academic performance during this period. Each university has its unique way of evaluating GPAs, and GEMSAS plays a crucial role by calculating and ranking each applicant's GPA from their most to least preferred medical school.
To determine your GPA, you should start by collecting your most recent undergraduate degree transcripts. GEMSAS offers clear guidance on how to carry out this calculation. Additionally, our GEMSAS & Medicine GPA Calculator is available as a free tool to simplify the process, helping you to effortlessly compute your GPA.
Also, check out our Interview Guide 2024 to know GPA cut-offs for each Australian Med School for more insights.
For applicants to Medicine, Dentistry, and Optometry programs, many Australian universities participate in the Automated Results Transfer System (ARTS), which automatically provides your results to GEMSAS for GPA calculation. If all your tertiary education was completed at an ARTS-participating university, there's no need for you to submit a transcript.
However, if you've studied at any institutions not covered by ARTS, including for exchange programs, you'll need to obtain original academic transcripts from each of these universities. Remember to submit these transcripts to GEMSAS to ensure your entire academic history is considered in your application.
When applying through GEMSAS, aside from your academic transcripts, you may need to provide various supporting documents. These documents play a crucial role in complementing your application and can include:
- Proof of Residency: Documents that verify your residency status in Australia, which could be necessary for determining your eligibility for certain quotas or places.
- Identification: Official identification documents, such as a passport or a driver's license, to confirm your identity.
- Special Categories Documentation: If you're applying under a special category (e.g., rural background, Indigenous status), specific documentation will be required to verify your eligibility. This might include:
- Rural Background: Proof of residence in a rural or remote area, which could be utility bills, school records, or statutory declarations covering the required period.
- Indigenous Applicants: Documentation that supports your Indigenous status, potentially including letters from community organizations or other formal acknowledgments.
For in-depth understanding carefully review each university's application requirements on the GEMSAS website or their direct admissions pages.
When navigating through the GEMSAS application process, one of the most strategic decisions you'll make is choosing which universities to apply to. This choice should not be made lightly, as it involves considering a multitude of factors, including your personal preferences, the course structure and content, location, and specific entry requirements of each university.
When strategizing your university preferences through GEMSAS, considering your academic strengths and how they align with specific university requirements is crucial.
Here’s how you can approach this with practical examples:
- Lower Score in a Particular GAMSAT Section: For example a particular Section is pulling your overall score down targeting universities that might weight sections differently could be beneficial. For instance, the University of Melbourne could be a more favorable option if your scores in Sections 1 and 2 compensate for a lower score in Section 3, given their unique approach to evaluating GAMSAT scores.
- For Lower GPA: If your GPA isn't as strong, You can compensate this by getting a very high GAMSAT, and this may be enough to gain a place in the University of Sydney (USyd).
Griffith, Deakin University and the Australian National University (ANU) consider additional factors that may enhance your application beyond the basic GPA and GAMSAT scores.
Deakin University values a diverse range of experiences and backgrounds, offering bonuses for:
- Healthcare Background: A bonus of 4%, with an additional 2% for applicants who have practiced for a year.
- Financial Disadvantage: An additional 2% in their application.
- General Employment: A 2% bonus for equivalent full-time work for 2 years in any field, with a 4 – 8% bonus depending on your residence location.
- Deakin Alumni: Receive a 4% application bonus.
ANU encourages further academic achievements by awarding bonuses for:
- Honors or Masters Completion: A 2% bonus.
- Ph.D. Completion: A 4% bonus.
Griffith University offers significant recognition for postgraduate achievements:
- Ph.D. Holders: Awarded an automatic 7.0 GPA.
- Full-time Master's by Research: Receives a maximum GPA for each year of study.
These bonuses can provide a competitive edge in your application, underscoring the importance of considering all aspects of your background when applying. If you're eligible for any of these bonuses, it places you at an advantageous position within the application pool. Conversely, understanding the competitive landscape is crucial, especially if you're not eligible for these additional considerations.
Understanding the quotas for each university's medical program is essential when selecting where to apply through GEMSAS. These quotas determine the number of available places for domestic students, including Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP), Commonwealth Supported Bonded Places (BMP), and full-fee places for certain universities.
Most schools allocate at least 25% of CSPs to students from rural backgrounds. Here’s an overview of expected quotas for 2025 entry.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many offers can I receive from GEMSAS?
GEMSAS will extend only one offer per applicant, covering one type of placement. This includes Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP), Bonded Medical Program places (BMP), and various local sub-quotas like rural or community-based placements.
How many preferences can I choose in my GEMSAS application?
You can list up to six preferences in your application, specifying the types of offers you're open to receiving. GEMSAS calculates a GPA for each preference, then ranks courses based on GPA, GAMSAT scores, and other criteria, including potential bonuses.
Which medical schools should I apply to?
You may choose up to six universities in your GEMSAS application, but note that the University of Sydney (USyd), Flinders University, and Monash University require separate applications and are not included in these six preferences. For guidance on choosing your preferences, check out our Postgraduate Medical School Preferencing Guide.
How many interviews can I get through GEMSAS?
You can only get one interview offer via GEMSAS. This interview is standardized across the GEMSAS consortium, meaning your score may be considered by other schools if you do not receive your first-choice offer.
Following the interview, you must accept their offer by a specified deadline, or it will lapse. Declining an offer disqualifies you from further consideration in that cycle.
What happens if I want to decline my GEMSAS offer?
Should you decide to decline your offer, be aware that you will not be eligible for consideration for another place nor receive an alternative offer. Offers must be accepted by the deadline provided by the institution, or they will automatically lapse.
What are conditional offers in GEMSAS?
Conditional offers typically mean that final academic results are pending, and the offer hinges on the completion of your current degree. Often, maintaining a specified GPA is also a condition. Applicants not meeting these criteria will be notified directly by GEMSAS of their unsuccessful status.
How are GEMSAS offers released?
Offers are made on a uniform date, with unsuccessful applicants informed via email. While GEMSAS and certain medical schools notify successful candidates by email, some schools may take additional time to send out notifications due to the complexity of offer generation. Also ensure that emails from info@gemsas.edu.au, noreply@gemsas.edu.au, and GEMSAS-noreply@vtac.edu.au are marked as 'trusted senders' in your email system to receive all communications.
