Key Dates and Information for 2026 Admission into Medicine: Everything you need to know

Applying to medicine can feel like navigating a maze. In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know for 2026 admission into undergraduate medicine in Australia — from application portals and test dates to interview processes and key deadlines.

2 days ago • 4 min read

By Manoj Arachige

Photo by National Cancer Institute / Unsplash

Understanding the Pathways: UCAT vs GAMSAT

Undergraduate Entry (via UCAT)

Most students apply for undergraduate medicine straight out of high school. These programs typically require:

UCAT ANZ: The University Clinical Aptitude Test for Australia and New Zealand
ATAR or equivalent
Interviews (MMI or structured panel)

Graduate Entry (via GAMSAT)

For those applying after completing a university degree, graduate-entry medicine requires:

GAMSAT: The Graduate Medical School Admissions Test
Bachelor's degree
Interviews

📅 Key Dates for 2026 Undergraduate Medicine Entry

🧠 Here are the key dates and deadlines for the 2025 UCAT test cycle.

Date	Event
13 May (09:30 BST)	UCAT account creation opens Bursary and Access Arrangement applications open
17 June (06:00 BST)	UCAT booking opens
7 July	UCAT testing begins
16 September (12:00 BST)	Access Arrangement application deadline
19 September (12:00 BST)	UCAT booking deadline UCAT account creation closes
26 September	Last day to sit the UCAT
26 September (16:00 BST)	Bursary Scheme application deadline
15 October	UCAS application deadline (for UK medicine applicants)
Early November	UCAT results delivered to universities

💡 Tip: Register and book your test early to secure your preferred date and location. Don't leave it to the last minute!

Download a free UCAT essentials guide

🎓 Tertiary Admissions Centre (TAC) Deadlines

Applications for undergraduate medicine are submitted via different TACs depending on the university and state. Here are some common ones:

UAC (NSW/ACT)

Applications Open: April 2025
On-time Deadline: Late September 2025
Final Deadline: December 2025 (late fees apply)

VTAC (VIC)

Applications Open: August 2025
On-time Deadline: Late September 2025

SATAC (SA/NT) & QTAC (QLD)

Similar deadlines to UAC/VTAC — typically August to September.

💡 Tip: Ensure you list medicine courses in the correct order of preference, and check if the course is CSP (Commonwealth Supported Place) or BMP (Bonded Medical Place).

🎤 Interview Dates

Most universities conduct interviews between October 2025 and January 2026, after UCAT results are released.

MMIs (Multiple Mini Interviews) are common
Some may require online interviews via Zoom or other platforms

Some universities only invite applicants with high UCAT + ATAR combinations, so keep an eye on individual uni websites.

📚 ATAR Release and Final Offers

ATAR Released (NSW): Mid-December 2025
Change of Preferences Closes: A few days after ATAR release
January Round Offers: Early January 2026

🏫 Top Universities Offering Undergraduate Medicine

Some of the universities that use UCAT and offer undergraduate medicine in Australia:

University of New South Wales (UNSW)
University of Adelaide
University of Newcastle / University of New England (Joint Program in Medicine)
Western Sydney University / Charles Sturt University (Joint Program)
Monash University (VIC)
Curtin University (WA)
University of Tasmania

💡 Each uni has unique combinations of UCAT cutoffs, interview formats, and selection weighting. Read each one carefully!

✨ Tips for a Successful Application

Start early – From UCAT prep to researching universities, give yourself time.
Ace the UCAT – It’s a major part of the selection process.
Balance academics and UCAT – Maintain strong school performance while preparing for the test.
Prepare for interviews – Practice MMIs, ethical dilemmas, and communication skills.
Seek support – Tutors, teachers, and KIS mentors can make a big difference.

Check out our UCAT High Performance Program. Learn the secrets Med Students use to Ace the UCAT exam.

Where To Next?

Check out some of our Free Tools and UCAT Articles for written guides, video tutorials, and model answers.
If you need guidance on preparing for your UCAT in 2025, enrol into one of our ultimate UCAT online courses - get a chance to learn from expert tutors!

💬 Final Thoughts

Applying for medicine in 2026 may seem daunting, but with early preparation and the right guidance, it’s absolutely achievable. Whether you're eyeing Monash, UNSW, or any other university, knowing the timelines and staying organised gives you a strong head start.

At KIS Academics, we’ve helped thousands of students maximise their UCAT scores, craft compelling applications, and ace interviews. Check out our UCAT tutoring or book a free consultation today to get started.