What ATAR Do I Need for Medicine in NSW?
Medicine is the most competitive degree in Australia. Direct-entry medicine programs in NSW typically require an ATAR of 99.00 or above, plus a strong UCAT score and interview performance. Here is what you need to know for 2024 entry.
NSW university ATAR requirements for Medicine
| University | Course | ATAR Cut-off (2024) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| UNSW | Bachelor of Medical Studies / Doctor of Medicine | 99.00 | Also requires UCAT and interview |
| University of Notre Dame (Sydney) | Doctor of Medicine | ~98.00 | Graduate-entry stream available |
| Western Sydney University | Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery | 99.00 | UCAT required; rural preference pathway |
| University of Wollongong | Bachelor of Medical and Radiation Physics | 90.00 | Physics pathway, not direct medicine |
| Macquarie University | Medicine (graduate entry) | N/A | Graduate entry only; no direct ATAR path |
UCAT and interview matter as much as your ATAR
For direct-entry programs like UNSW and WSU, a high ATAR is the entry ticket but the UCAT (University Clinical Aptitude Test) and structured interview are equally weighted. You can have a 99.95 and still miss out if your UCAT score is below the cohort median.
Subjects that help: Maths Extension 2 or Extension 1 and Chemistry both scale well and demonstrate the analytical thinking medicine selectors look for.
Not sure what ATAR you need?
Use our free ATAR calculator to estimate your score based on your current marks.
Try the ATAR Calculator →How to hit your ATAR target
Your ATAR is calculated from your best 10 units of HSC subjects, scaled by subject difficulty. Choosing the right subjects and performing consistently is more important than cramming in Year 12.
LearnCore students in Year 11 and 12 work with tutors who topped their own HSC subjects. If you are aiming for a competitive ATAR, starting specialist tutoring early in Year 11 gives you the most time to build the skills the HSC actually rewards.
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