Do you want to study medicine in Australia as a Nigerian student? This guide covers everything from eligibility requirements to tuition and living costs. Plus, it suggests universities or colleges to study MBBS in Australia.
By default, Australia is one of the best places to study medicine. This is due to the high quality of education, patient safety, and the Australian healthcare system. However, not all Nigerian students are guaranteed admission into an Australian medical school. This article will help you prepare for your application and ensure you can secure a place.
Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
- 1 Why Study Medicine in Australia as a Nigerian?
Why Study Medicine in Australia as a Nigerian?
Aside from being a great country in terms of its economy and industrial advancement, Australia has a lot to offer in terms of foreign education. Some of the reasons why studying MBBS in Australia is a good choice for Nigerian students are as follows:
- As we mentioned before, Australia has one of the best medical schools ranking high in the QS ranking. These medical colleges and universities have tremendously contributed to reshaping the world in the area of grayscale ultrasound imaging, Bionic ear, spray-on skin, and the cervical cancer vaccine.
- The country’s medical infrastructure facilitates adaptive learning, practical training, and pertinent research.
- It may be expensive to study MBBS in Australia, but the benefits of practicing medicine in countries such as Canada, the USA, and the United Kingdom are numerous. Particularly, you get good job opportunities with competitive salary packages.
- Furthermore, there are lots of useful scholarship options in Australia (both government-aided and university-funded) available for outstanding Nigerian students to help with the financial burden of studying MBBS.
- Besides, as a certified medical doctor in Australia and a patriotic Nigerian, you could return to Nigeria to start your career. Currently, Nigeria needs at least 12,000 doctors annually to meet medical conditions.
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What are the entry requirements to study Medicine or MBBS in Australia?
If you want to study medicine in Australia as a Nigerian student, you should know that it is not for the faint of heart.
You have to meet all of the requirements. To enroll in MBBS programs at top medical schools in Australia, you must have the following:
Entry requirements for undergraduate medicine courses in Australia:
- Senior Secondary School Certificate (SSCE).
- Excellent grades in biology, chemistry, and physics.
- Letters of recommendation.
- Letter of motivation.
- Voluntary or work experience related to healthcare.
- You must pass the Undergraduate Medicine and Health Sciences Admission Test (UMAT).
- Have IELTS (Academic) total band score of 7.0.
Entry requirements for postgraduate and doctoral medicine courses in Australia:
- Academic University Transcript.
- A bachelor of degree in medicine and a grade point average (GPA) of 4.0 on a 5-point scale in your key degree.
- Recommendation Letter.
- A motivation letter.
- Work experience related to healthcare.
- You must have a minimum score of 504 on the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT).
- Successful completion of the required MD subject prerequisite courses.
- IELTS overall 7; reading 7; writing 7; speaking 7; listening 7.
- Australian student visa (subclass 500)
- GTE requirement
How much money is required to study medicine in Australia?
If you have decided to study medicine in Australia as a Nigerian student, you ought to have found out about the cost of studying at your preferred medical school.
Well! If you haven’t already done so, here’s a rough estimate of the average cost of studying undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral degrees in Medicine in Australia.
See also: Cost of Studying In Australia for Nigerian Students
| Courses | Average Cost (in AUD & Naira) |
| Bachelor of Medicine | 255,000 – 630,000 (₦129,540,000 minimum) |
| Master of Medicine | 250,000 – 300,000 (₦127,000,000 minimum) |
| Doctoral Degree | 18,000 – 42,000 (₦9,144,000 – ₦21,336,000) |
Furthermore, living costs vary depending on the city you live in and can range between AUD$ 1300 (approximately ₦ 660,400), and you will need to submit proof of sufficient funds for the Australia visa application, which requires AU$20,290 (about ₦10,307,320).
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How to Apply to Study MBBS in Australia as a Nigerian Student?
How to apply to study medicine or MBBS in Australia is a major question that arises in the minds of any Nigerian students. The goodness is that the process is not complicated, and we will show you the steps here.
But one thing you should also have in mind is that all medical schools in Australia have a common application process to enroll Nigerian students planning to study MBBS in Australia.
The undergraduate program typically begins in January, so you must apply at least three months in advance. The following are the steps to apply for admission at medical school in Australia:
Step 1: Research universities.
First, you must research the schools that offer MBBS programs and determine which ones you are interested in applying to. We also recommend that you look into their program requirements, tuition fees, and application deadlines.
Step 2: Meet eligibility requirements.
Next, ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements for the program. We have listed them above on this page. But, typically, these requirements include academic qualifications such as having completed secondary school or university (as the case may be) and meeting the minimum required grades.
Step 3: Take the necessary exams.
Take any necessary exams required for admission, such as the IELTS or TOEFL exams, to show your English proficiency. You may also need to take the GAMSAT or UCAT exams, depending on the university.
Step 4: Apply to the university.
After gathering documents, you should submit your application to the medical schools of your choice. Be sure to include all required documentation, such as transcripts, test scores, and personal statements.
Step 5: Apply for a student visa.
Finally, once you have received an offer from a university, you will need to apply for an Australian student visa (subclass 500). This process can take some time, so be sure to start the application process early and follow all instructions carefully.
What are the Popular medical courses to study in Australia?
There is a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate medical courses available to Nigerian students who wish to study in Australia. Consider the following list of the best medical courses in Australia and universities:
Undergraduate Medical Courses in Australia for Nigerian Students:
| Courses | Universities |
| Doctor of Medicine | University of Sydney |
| Doctor of Medicine and Surgery | Australian National University |
| Bachelor of Medical Science – Medical Immunology | University of New South Wales |
| Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science | Queensland University of Technology |
| Bachelor of Medical Science – Medical Physiology | University of New South Wales |
| Bachelor of Health and Medical Sciences | University of Adelaide |
| Bachelor of Biomedical Science | La Trobe University |
| Bachelor of Vision Science | University of New South Wales |
| Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery | Curtin University |
| Bachelor of Medical Science – Medical and Health-related Sciences | University of Technology Sydney |
Undergraduate Medical Courses in Australia for Nigerian Students:
| Courses | Universities |
| Master of Molecular Medicine | Curtin University |
| Master of Science (Medical Radiation Physics) | University of Wollongong |
| Master of Medical Physics | RMIT University |
| Master of Medicine in Infection and Immunity | University of Sydney |
| Master of Science (Research) in Anatomy | University of New South Wales |
| Master of Philosophy (Magnetic Resonance in Medicine) | University of Newcastle |
| Masters by Research in Medical Science | University of South Australia |
| Master of Medical Sonography (Vascular) | University of South Australia |
| Master of Rural and Remote Medicine | The University of Western Australia |
| Master of Culture Health and Medicine (Advanced study) | Australian National University |
What are the Student Visa Requirements to Study MBBS in Australia?
To study MBBS in Australia as a Nigerian student, you must apply for Australia Student Visa (Subclass 500), which allows you to stay and study for up to 5 years. The most important thing to remember is to keep your visa valid and to follow the conditions specified in it.
The following documents are necessary for an Australian student visa to study medicine or MBBS in Australia:
- A valid passport.
- Passport-size photographs.
- Proof of Acceptance letter.
- Visa application fee.
- Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) statement.
- Academic Transcripts from a Nigerian university.
- Proof of English-language proficiency.
- Statement of Purpose.
- Proof of financial ability.
- Health insurance certificate like an Overseas Students Health Cover (OSHC).
Conclusion
As promised, we went over everything you need to know to prepare your application and secure a spot at an Australian medical school. We always advise our readers to conduct thorough research on the schools to which they choose to apply before applying for admission.
Another thing to consider regarding Australian medical schools is that their tuition fees are extremely high. As a result, we strongly advise you to take advantage of the numerous Australian university scholarships available to international students.
FAQs
What is MBBS called in Australia?
MBBS is the same as Medicine. It is called Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS).
Can you work part-time while studying medicine in Australia?
Yes, you can. You can get a part-time job while enrolled in a medical program in Australia. However, as a Nigerian student, you are allowed to work in Australia for only 20 hours each week.
What is the salary of a doctor after an MBBS in Australia?
On average, doctor jobs in Australia pay between $110,000 and $130,000 a year.
How much will it cost a Nigerian to study in Australia?
Please refer to this article about the cost of studying in Australia as a Nigerian Student for more details.