A low GAMSAT score can feel disheartening, but it doesn’t have to end your dream of becoming a doctor. There are still many viable pathways into medicine-some within Australia, others overseas. Below is a comprehensive list of strategies, alternative entry pathways, and options that might help you on your journey.
Some medical schools either do not require the GAMSAT or place less emphasis on it in their admissions process.
University of Wollongong (UOW)
Requires CASPer test (non-academic selection tool)
Focuses on your personal attributes and rural commitment
Website: https://www.uow.edu.au/the-arts-social-sciences-humanities/schools-entities/school-of-medicine/study-options/doctor-of-medicine/
University of Notre Dame (Sydney & Fremantle)
Also uses the CASPer test
Emphasizes community service, rural/Indigenous engagement
Website: https://www.notredame.edu.au/study/programs/doctor-of-medicine
Flinders University
Offers a Graduate Certificate in Research Methods or Health Studies. Completing this (6 months) may make you eligible for priority MD consideration.
Their internal cohort (GAMSAT average ~59-63) often has a lower threshold.
Website: https://www.flinders.edu.au/study/courses/doctor-medicine-md
https://www.flinders.edu.au/study/courses/graduate-certificate-health
James Cook University (JCU)
No GAMSAT or UCAT required
Apply directly with:
Three letters of recommendation
A written personal statement addressing: Why Medicine, Why Rural, Why JCU
Panel interview focused on rural health and Indigenous health
Cons:
6-year undergraduate MBBS
Located in Far North QLD (e.g., Townsville) — may require relocation
Website: https://www.jcu.edu.au/college-of-medicine-and-dentistry/medicine
If you haven’t completed a degree or are open to starting again, applying to undergraduate medicine is an option. These programs use the UCAT instead of GAMSAT.
Western Sydney University
University of Newcastle / University of New England Joint Medical Program
UNSW Medicine
Charles Sturt University / Western Sydney University (rural programs)
Full list: https://www.ucat.edu.au/ucat-anz/universities/
Some universities accept applicants with lower GAMSAT scores for full-fee places, though the cost is significant.
| University | Approx. Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| University of Melbourne (UoM) | ~$350,000 | GAMSAT still required; must rank on GEMSAS |
| Macquarie University | ~$280,000 | Minimum GAMSAT ~60–65; includes international exposure |
| Bond University | ~$500,000 | 5-year undergraduate MD program; no GAMSAT, uses psychometric testing |
The ADF Graduate Medical Scheme can sponsor your entire medical degree, even full-fee.
Benefits:
Pays full tuition (including private universities)
Annual stipend: ~$70–80K while studying
Starting salary: ~$130K post-graduation as a Captain
Long-term career, promotion to Major after 9 years
Conditions:
Return of Service Obligation (ROSO): Number of sponsored years + 1 year (e.g., 4 years sponsored = 5 years ROSO)
Limitations:
Mostly GP roles; limited pathways into specialist training
Possible deployment (Middle East, Africa, humanitarian)
Learn more: https://www.defencejobs.gov.au/students-and-education/university-sponsorship/medicine
If you’re committed, another year of preparation can make a big difference. Here’s how to make it count:
Reflect and troubleshoot what went wrong
Consider professional tutoring or structured courses
Use targeted materials like Sameer’s GAMSAT Tutorials
Online Graduate Certificate (e.g. in Public Health or Research) from Flinders or UQ can strengthen your application
Honours year- aim for a publication to demonstrate academic rigor
Enrol in a Master’s (e.g., MPH, MClinRes) that is relevant to medicine or improves your GPA
Clinical experience (e.g. as a scribe, AIN, medical receptionist, phlebotomist)
Ask for references from supervisors for portfolio-based universities (e.g., Notre Dame, Wollongong)
PhD in medical science
Business degrees (MBA, MPH) with healthcare relevance
These can strengthen future portfolio or research-based entry schemes
If you’re open to studying overseas, there are reputable schools where Australian students commonly study medicine and return.
Ireland/UK/Scotland: Some graduates return via AMC or internship programs
Look into RCSI, University of Edinburgh, University of Glasgow
Singapore: Competitive but highly reputable (e.g. Duke-NUS)
Malaysia: Monash Malaysia offers an Australian-accredited MD
UAE/Qatar: Growing in quality, often partner with US/Aus institutions
Eastern Europe, China, South Asia, Caribbean: Often seen as “degree mills”
Many are not accredited or are poorly rated
Substandard clinical training
Harder to pass AMC exams
Check here first: https://www.wdoms.org/
⚠️ If you become an International Medical Graduate (IMG), returning to practice in Australia may require:
Passing AMC exams
10-year rural moratorium if entering through GP pathways
Visa challenges and delays in internship placements
If after several attempts medicine is still out of reach, consider other rewarding healthcare careers:
Radiography / Medical Imaging
Physiotherapy
Occupational Therapy
Biomedical Science / Research
Nursing → Nurse Practitioner
Paramedicine
Speech Pathology
Health Administration or Public Health (MPH)
Pharmacy
Each of these pathways still allows you to serve in clinical settings, contribute meaningfully to patient care, and in some cases, still pivot into medicine in the future.
Don’t let one GAMSAT score define your future. Many successful doctors didn’t make it on the first try-but they strategised, worked hard, and found their own way in. Whether it’s reapplying next year, pivoting temporarily, or exploring international routes, you have options.
If you’re unsure about the best plan for you, consider speaking to:
A career advisor at your university
A doctor or student mentor who’s been through the process
A professional GAMSAT coach or admissions consultant
