Indigenous Entry into Medicine

There are an estimated 120 doctors in Australia who are Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, with a similar number in training. To provide the Indigenous population with access to an Indigenous medical practitioner, at a similar level of availability as non-Indigenous doctors to the non-Indigenous population, would require around 1,000 doctors. The Indigenous Entry into Medicine Scheme at UNSW aims to play a significant part in redressing the existing imbalance. We offer suitable students an alternate entry scheme. The scheme is competitive: the students who best meet the selection criteria, outlined below, will be the ones considered for Indigenous Entry. The scheme is designed for high school students, current undergraduate and postgraduate students or mature age students.

Invitations to an interview will be made on the basis of the application criteria listed below. Some of those interviewed will be asked to participate in the Pre Medicine Program (PMP), a bridging program which also helps us to assess a person’s readiness for the study of Medicine. At the conclusion of the PMP, the final selection for Indigenous Entry will be made.

Eligibility Criteria for Application

• Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander
• Evidence of Academic Capability - A number of measures may be used to assess this criterion, for example Secondary education records, Tertiary education records, examples of educational attainment, other evidence of the applicant’s ability to succeed in studying Medicine at UNSW.
• Sound communication and interpersonal skills
• Commitment to and knowledge of community concerns relating to Indigenous Health issues

Selection of Applicants

Applicants will be selected for interview using the following three criteria:

• Demonstrable motivation to practice medicine
• Academic capability, including, the capacity to achieve within the UNSW Medical Program
• Demonstrable ability to relate to Indigenous Health issues

Pre-Medicine Program (PMP)

Applicants who are successful at interview must complete the four-week Pre-Medicine Program (PMP) to be considered for acceptance into Medicine at UNSW. The PMP is held in Sydney at UNSW during November / December. Participants must perform at a level deemed satisfactory by the Faculty of Medicine. Final selection for Indigenous Entry is made after the completion of the PMP.

Application and Selection Process

All applicants are encouraged to contact Nura Gili prior to submitting their application.

Key Dates

Application Form

Indigenous Entry Application Form for 2009.pdf

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