Please click on each section below for information and answers to frequently asked questions.
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A. Definitions
- Undergraduate – An applicant who has completed High School Senior Certificate (equivalent to Queensland Year 12) with, or without, incomplete tertiary studies.
- Graduate Applicant – An applicant who has completed a bachelor’s degree.
- Domestic - Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents, Australian Humanitarian Visa holders and New Zealand citizens.
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B. General application queries
B1. Does Bond University's Medical Program welcome graduate students from a non-science/health background?
Yes, we do. The Medical Program entry requirements and prerequisites will still need to be met. Click here for detail of the prerequisites.
B2. Can you complete the Bachelor of Medical Studies and not the Doctor of Medicine?
The Bond Medical Program is two sequential degrees, Bachelor of Medical Studies and Doctor of Medicine. You must complete both components to complete the Medical Program and to qualify as a medical practitioner.
B3. Does work experience in healthcare increase your chances of getting considered for a Psychometric Test / Interview?
No, work experience is not considered as part of the admission criteria.
B4. How many postgraduate students applied to the Bond Medical program?
Approximately 20% of the applicants to the program are postgraduate students.
B5. Are you able to discuss my application with anyone else, including my family?
No. We are bound by privacy legislation to only provide information about an application directly to the applicant.
B6. Will you provide me with updates on my application progress?
The Faculty of Health Sciences & Medicine will not enter into any discussions regarding individual applications. The QTAC system will be updated regularly with the progress of your application. Please see the important dates & deadlines section.
B7. If I do not receive an interview or offer, am I able to find out why?
The Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine will not enter into any discussions regarding individual applications.
B8. How will I be advised if I receive an offer for Bond University?
Successful applicants will be notified with an offer from QTAC as well as with a formal Letter of Offer from Bond University.
B9. Can I defer my place in the Bachelor of Medical Studies?
Please be aware that deferrals for this program are not permitted. If you believe you have exceptional circumstances beyond your control that prevent you from starting please provide evidence of these circumstances directly to the Faculty via [email protected]. All successful applicants are expected to commence their studies on the scheduled start date. If you are unable to accept your offered place, you are welcome to re-apply at any future time.
B10. I have started a medicine program at another university. Can I transfer and complete my degree at Bond?Bond University’s Bachelor of Medical Studies (BMedSt) and Doctor of Medicine (MD) are integrated programs and, as such, no credits or exemptions are given for previous studies, even if they are in another medical program.
B11. I am currently enrolled in a degree elsewhere. Can I continue both?The Bachelor of Medical Studies (BMedSt) and Doctor of Medicine (MD) are intensive courses and as such do not allow for time to continue your studies or examinations elsewhere. Bond will not permit time off in order to study/sit examinations at another facility.
B12. Will my Personal Competencies Assessment be taken into consideration?
No.
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C. Academic assessment
Applications for the Bachelor of Medical Studies are evaluated on the following criteria:
Applicant type Academic results*
and subject prerequisitesPsychometric testing Interview Undergraduate Yes Yes Yes Graduate Yes Yes Yes *Unless otherwise stated, the qualification/s used for assessment must have been undertaken within nine years immediately preceding the close of applications for the relevant application period.
We recommend you regularly refer to the entry requirements page for a full list of entry requirements for the up-coming Medical Program^.
C1. I did not complete Year 12 but I want to apply for Medicine. What do I need to do?
You will need to complete sufficient preparatory study to enable you to enrol in a recognised undergraduate program. Once you have completed 1.5 years (or more) of full-time equivalent study in your chosen undergraduate program, your academic rank will be assessed on the GPA from that program. You would then be able to apply to the Bachelor of Medical Studies as an undergraduate applicant, following the process set out in the entry requirements.
C2. Can I apply after starting a bachelor’s degree? If so, is my ATAR still considered or is only my GPA considered?
If you will have received any results from your bachelor study and provide them to QTAC by the time applications close, the results may be included in your rank calculation.
C3. My ATAR is not high enough for the Bachelor of Medical Studies. What can I do to improve my competitiveness?
If your Year 12 results are not high enough to meet the standard entry requirements, you may want to consider enrolling in a relevant undergraduate program, such as Bond’s Bachelor of Biomedical Science. Once you have completed 1.5 years (or more) of full-time equivalent study in your chosen undergraduate program, your academic rank will be assessed on the GPA from that program. Your high school results will not be taken into consideration. You would then be able to apply to the Bachelor of Medical Studies as an undergraduate applicant, following the process set out in the entry requirements for Undergraduate Applicants. Please refer to the entry assessment table for more information.
C4. My undergraduate degree GPA is not high enough for the Bachelor of Medical Studies. What can I do to improve my competitiveness?
You could enrol in a Graduate Diploma or Master's and complete at least one year full-time equivalent study in a recognised course-work program. The GPA for this program will then form the basis of calculating your academic rank. Please refer to the entry assessment table for more information.
C5. How can I work out how much tertiary study I will have completed by the time I lodge my application?
Your home (or current) institution will be able to advise you of the amount of full time equivalent (FTE) study you have completed (or will have likely completed), and for which documented evidence can be provided, by the time applications close.
C6. How do I find/work out my GPA?
The GPA (Grade Point Average) is a calculated average of the grades obtained by a student in all subjects attempted weighted by the credit value of each subject. For more information, please go to the entry assessment table.
C7. What GPA cut-off is being used this year?
The final cut-off will depend on the quality of the applicant pool in the year of your application. As a minimum you will need a GPA of at least six, on a seven-point scale over one-year full time equivalent study in a recognised program to be considered for an interview for the Bachelor of Medical Studies. Demand for places is extremely high so applicants only achieving the minimum result are unlikely to be invited for psychometric testing.
In 2023, the cut off for undergraduate was 96.75 and 98.50 for graduate. The cut off will depend on the cohort group.
C8. Can Bond University assess my GPA so I can work out if I will meet the cut-off criteria?
As the Bachelor of Medical Studies is administered through QTAC, we are unable to assist you in assessing your academic rank. A full assessment of your qualifications will be undertaken by QTAC once a complete application is submitted during the relevant application period.
C9. I have a qualification that includes some ungraded results. How will my GPA be calculated?
Generally, only graded results are included in a GPA calculation. However, ungraded results are included in GPA calculations where the number of ungraded subjects exceeds three-quarters of the program. In such instances, a GPA of four (on a seven-point scale) would be applied for an ungraded “Pass” result. As above, a full assessment of your qualifications will be undertaken by QTAC once a complete application is submitted during the relevant application period.
C10. I have completed an honours program where less than two-thirds was research / thesis based. How will my GPA be calculated?
Where the research component of your qualification is less than two-thirds of the program, we will use the GPA from this program as the basis of academic assessment. Please refer to the entry assessment table for more information.
C11. I have completed an honours program where two-thirds or more was research / thesis based. How will my GPA be calculated?
Research-based qualifications are not used as the basis of academic assessment. In such instances, academic assessment will be based on the GPA from the completed coursework program. Please refer to the entry assessment table for more information.
C12. I have completed my qualifications at an overseas institution. How will my GPA be calculated?
QTAC will convert your overseas qualifications to an Australian equivalent using the guidelines set by NOOSR (the National Office of Overseas Skills Recognition). Where you have an overseas qualification that is likely to be used as the basis of your academic assessment, please contact QTAC's Assessment of Qualifications Service for more information.
C13 What was the minimum ATAR to get an invitation for the Psychometric Testing?
The min ATAR for a psychometric test invite in 2024 was ATAR 96.
C14. If you have already completed a bachelor’s degree and you are studying your second bachelor's degree, are both GPA’s taken into account?
If your first Bachelor was completed within the last nine years from the next application year, your rank will be based on a combined GPA from your completed Bachelor and subsequent undergraduate study (weighted GPA taking into account the full-time equivalent)
C15. Can I use any education adjustment factors or bonus points towards to increase my ATAR score?
Adjustment factors cannot be used for the Bond Medical Program.
C16. How is the academic rank calculated?
Please refer to the entry requirements to determine how your rank will be calculated.
QTAC calculate your academic rank - please contact QTAC directly - QTAC contact number 1300 467 822 or +61 7 3858 1222
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D. Prerequisite requirements
The prerequisite is 4 semesters with Sound Achievement (or better) in the English subject for Queensland Year 12 (or equivalent).
D1. What are the equivalent subjects in other Australian states and territories to Queensland’s English?
Please refer to the prerequisites page to determine the interstate equivalencies.
D2. I need to complete a bridging program prior to applying for the Bachelor of Medical Studies. Which programs have been approved by the Bachelor of Medical Studies?
Please refer to the prerequisites section for a list of bridging and preparatory courses that have been approved by the Faculty of Health Sciences & Medicine to satisfy the subject prerequisites for the Bachelor of Medical Studies. Please note: the results of any bridging course must be submitted by the application deadline for the Bachelor of Medical Studies intake.
D3. Does it matter if my prerequisite is greater than nine years old?
No. There is no time limit on when the prerequisite was undertaken.
D4. Why have the prerequisites changed for entry to the program in 2022 from previous years?
The prerequisite requirements for direct entry to the Bond Medical Program have changed to better reflect the diversity of doctors that Australian society requires. Read more here.
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E. QTAC-related
QTAC Applications
E1. How do I attach documentation of my academic records when applying?
QTAC will contact applicants if any documentation is required. Any queries regarding documentation should be directed to QTAC.E2. If I have not yet completed my bachelor’s degree (e.g. I have completed 2 years with 1 year to go) do I apply as an undergraduate?
Yes. You will need to apply through the undergraduate pathway via QTAC.
E3. Who will tell me if my application is unsuccessful?
Applications are made through QTAC and QTAC will update the status of your application./ This status will indicate whether you have been accepted, or not, into the programs you applied for. You should check your QTAC application status for outcomes.
QTAC statusesQTAC will update the status of your application. You should check your QTAC application status for outcomes. Please contact QTAC for questions regarding the status of your application: https://www.qtac.edu.au/
QTAC preferencingE4. When applying to Bond Medicine through QTAC, should I change my preferences and put it as my first preference above a course I have already received an offer for?
Please contact QTAC to discuss your preference order if you have applied to other institutions. It is important to note, however, that Bond will need to be placed as your first preference by the time our applications close for you to be considered.
If you have received a QTAC offer from another institution, you must conditionally respond to your offer. Allowing your QTAC offer from another institution to lapse, or hard accepting or hard declining the offer will not allow Bond to consider your application. Please contact QTAC if you have any questions regarding this.
E5. When do I state whether I want to be considered for Bond’s May or September intake?
You will be able to choose your preferred intake when completing your QTAC application.
E6. I do not have a preference for the May or September intake. What should I do?We recommend listing both intakes on your application, in any order.
E7. If I do not preference both the May and September intakes, will I be disadvantaged in the offer round?
Bond University will endeavour to allocate you to your preferred intake when you qualify for an offer. However, if you do not have both intakes listed, and there are no further places for your preferred intake, Bond will be unable to make you an offer.
E8. I only put the May intake on my application form, and I now want to add the September intake. How do I do this?
Please contact QTAC before the application closing date for advice on how to action this. If the closing date has passed, you may not be able to add another intake to your application.
E9. What happens if I do not put Bond as my first preference on QTAC?
You may not be eligible for consideration for the Bond Medical Program if you do not preference Bond on your QTAC application.
QTAC other
E10. I’m in NSW, can I apply through UAC?
The Bond Medical Program is not available for application through UAC. You will need to apply through QTAC.
E11. Are there undergraduate degrees that are preferred for postgraduate entry?
There are no preferences regarding degrees completed. Applications are made via QTAC for the academic assessment. See the Assessment section here.
- F. Undergraduate Medicine Admission Test (UMAT)
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G. Psychometric testing
Selected applicants (based on their academic achievement) will be invited to participate in psychometric testing as part of the selection process for the Bond Medical Program. The results of the psychometric tests will determine the applicant’s eligibility for an interview.
G1. Does my ATAR (used to assess whether I receive an invite for psychometric testing), include any bonus points?
Bonus points are not considered for the Bond Medical Program due to the competitive nature of the program.
G2. What happens if I am invited to complete psychometric testing?
If you are successful in gaining an invitation for psychometric testing, you will receive an email from the testing provider requesting that you to book a time to complete your testing under supervision. After booking your appointment for testing, we encourage applicants to complete the recommended technical checks, prior to the day of testing. This will help to reduce technical difficulties on your testing day.
G3. How much will the testing cost?
Each candidate will be required to pay, by credit card, for testing. This includes proctoring services, which means a real person will supervise your testing, in real time, via your webcam. As an indication of what to expect, the cost of testing in 2024 was approximately $325.00.
G4. What does the psychometric testing look like and what can I expect?
No preparation is required for the psychometric testing. It is best to just be yourself and respond honestly. We recommend that you are well-rested and free from distractions. You will complete your assessments under examination conditions. This means you will be supervised via your webcam while you complete the psychometric testing.
Before your appointment time, you should prepare your space for examination conditions (i.e. make sure there are no papers or notes on your desk, that your other electronic devices are out of reach, and other people in your house know not to disturb you while you complete the testing).
G5. How many questions will I have to answer?
The testing will require candidates to complete two (2) assessments.
G6. How long will the test take?
Most applicants will complete the two (2) tests in around 90 minutes, but you will have a maximum time of two (2) hours to complete the assessments. The 2-hour timer will start when you are given access to the first assessment. The time you spend prior to accessing your first test (i.e. joining with your proctor, verifying identity, checking your environment etc.) is not included in the 2-hour time limit.
G7. Can I get a copy of the results for myself?
Interpreting the results of the selected tests requires specific expertise and training. Bond University does not provide individual reports.
G8. Are my test results made available to Bond during the selection process?
No. Bond will only receive a list of applicants to be interviewed from the testing body.
G9. Is the testing fully online?
Yes, both assessments are available online. Please note that the tests are not compatible with mobile or tablet devices.
Please note: Psychometric testing is online and the MMI interviews are in-person, on campus.G10. What do I need to complete the testing (other than a computer, a credit card and an Internet connection)?
In order for your supervisor to observe you, you will also need a webcam, microphone and speaker as well as access to a strong internet connection. You will need access to a laptop or desktop computer (the tests cannot be completed on a mobile device) with an up-to-date Windows or MacOS operating system. You will need to use an up-to-date version of Google Chrome or Firefox web browser to complete your testing. We suggest you complete a systems check prior to the day of your testing.
You will complete the assessments under examination conditions. This means you will need to clear your space to remove any distractions such as notes, paper, books and other devices (like your mobile phone). Please inform others in your household that you cannot be disturbed to ensure that you are free from interruptions.
G11. How long is the testing valid?
The psychometric tests have a 24-month validity window. If you have completed the Psychometric testing prior to February 2023, you are eligible to re-sit the testing.
G12. Can I choose to re-sit the testing even if it is current or valid?
No, you will not be able to choose to re-sit the assessment unless you completed psychometric testing prior to February 2023.
G13. If I completed psychometric testing for another tertiary institution or for employment, will I need to complete another psychometric testing for my application into Bond University?
Yes.
G14. If I completed psychometric testing for my application into Bond University in either 2022 or 2023, would I need to sit the testing again?
If you completed the testing prior to February 2023, you will be required to sit the testing again.
G15. If I completed the psychometric testing since February 2023, will I still get an email to notify I have made it the psychometric testing stage for my application into the Bond Medical Program the following year?
If you completed psychometric testing after February 2023, you will not receive the invitation from the testing body. You will, however, receive a direct notification from Bond University advising that you have been selected for psychometric testing and will not need to complete the test.
G16. If I successfully completed the psychometric testing but was unsuccessful gaining an offer after the interviews, am I still eligible for an interview the following year, if I still have valid results from the psychometric testing?
Your application will be treated as a new submission the next year against that year’s applicant pool. We are unable to guarantee an invitation for interview.
G17. If I did not get an interview with a previous psychometric score, is it safe to assume that my score will not be sufficient the following year, and therefore cannot re-sit the testing?
As your application will be treated as a new application the following year, even though you may not have been selected for an interview based on the results last year, your results will be considered against the applicant pool for that year, so it is not certain that the outcome will be the same.
G18. If I cannot sit the psychometric testing again, what other opportunity do I have to show Bond that I have improved as candidates from the previous year and have worked on making myself more suited to the medical program?
The psychometric testing assesses stable traits that should not be assessed frequently to maintain the integrity of the tests.
G19. After the Psychometric testing invitation, is my ATAR still assessed for further progression?
Invitations to interview are based on results from the psychometric testing.
G20. How do I prepare for psychometric testing?
The tests you will be asked to complete do not require any specific preparation. Our test provider has some general tips and advice on what to expect when completing psychometric testing which can be found here.
G21. Which tests will I be required to complete?
The tests include an emotional intelligence test and a personality test. The test provider will provide more information in their invitation email.
G22. How long should I spend on each test?
You will complete both tests in sequence in one sitting. Together, they will take about 1.5 hours to complete (30-45 mins for the emotional intelligence test and 45-60 mins for the personality test). You will be provided with a maximum time limit of 2 hours to complete both tests. The timer will start once you are given access to the first assessment. The test provider will provide further instructions if you are invited to complete psychometric testing.
G23. Will the test be conducted one after the other? Will I be told to move on to the next test?
Yes, the test will be conducted in sequence, that is, you finish one test before you start the next test and you must complete both tests in one sitting. The test provider will give you more information when you book in.
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H. Interviews
The results of the psychometric testing will determine eligibility for being offered an interview as the next step of the assessment process. Interviews will be held in person at Bond University on the Gold Coast, where general suitability to medicine and preparedness to undertake a highly-demanding course will be examined in a structured Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) session.
H1. How do I prepare for the interviews?
Like the psychometric testing, you cannot prepare for the interviews, and although there are services that claim to help applicants prepare for interviews and psychometric testing, we do not endorse their use.
H2. Will the interviewers have access to my ATAR / GPA and psychometric results?
No, the interviewers will not have your results.
H3. In an MMI interview, will there only be 1 interviewer who examines me?
No, you will be interviewed by a group of interviewers.
H4. If I’m away when interviews are being scheduled, can someone else arrange the interview for me?
No. As we are bound by privacy legislation to only provide information about an application directly to the applicant, we are unable to speak to someone other than the applicant regarding the interview appointment. Applicants need to ensure that they have included a contactable email address and mobile number on their QTAC application to ensure they are easily contacted during the interview scheduling process.
H5. When will I know if I have been shortlisted for the interviews?
Once all applications have been received and assessed, the Faculty of Health Sciences & Medicine will determine which applicants will be invited to interview. Your interview invitation email will include a link for you to book an interview slot that suits you. Applicants must provide a contactable email address and mobile number on their QTAC application for Bond University to use. Applicants who have not been contacted by March should check their QTAC application status.
H6. Can I change my interview time if the time allocated does not suit me?
We recommend you book in as soon as you receive an interview invitation. You will be able to choose an available interview slot that suits you, however once all interview slots are filled we cannot guarantee that we will be able to accommodate your needs.
H7. Can I do my interviews via Skype?
You will be invited and expected to attend the interviews in person. Remote interviews are only considered in large-scale exceptional circumstances such as border closures and are likely to be available to affected applicants only. If exceptional circumstances do apply, Bond University will provide more information to interviewees at the time the interviews are being scheduled.
H8. What do I need to bring to the interviews?
You will need to bring the following documents:
- Interview confirmation letter
- Two forms of valid photo ID such as:
- Passport
- Student ID card
- Driver’s licence
- Blue Card (if you have already been issued with a Blue Card)
- Completed Blue Card application (if you do not already have a Blue Card)
- Evidence of citizenship (if you were born outside Australia)
H9. How are the interviews conducted?
The interviews have been carefully designed to assess candidates’ suitability for success in the program and subsequent clinical practice. The interview session is a Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) format, with a total of four (4) interview stations. The interview is not science-based and applicants cannot prepare for it. Full instructions will be given on the day of the interview.
H10. Can I have someone attend the interviews with me?
No. However, family and other support people are welcome to visit the campus with you.
H11. How long will the interviews take?
The duration of the MMI session is approximately 2-3 hours, including registration and debriefing.
H12. What is the dress code?
You should attend the interview in neat, professional attire. As the weather is likely to be warm, a coat/jacket is not required.
H13. Are interstate applicants given enough notice to book flights if offered an interview slot?
We aim to provide interstate and overseas applicants with as much notice as possible. We make an effort to schedule our interstate applicants on the later days at a time that may be more suitable given travel times.
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I. Transition from MBBS to MD program
In 2016 Bond University transitioned the Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) program to a Medical Program^ comprised of the Bachelor of Medical Studies (BMedSt) and the Doctor of Medicine (MD).
I1. What does this change mean?
The previous double degree MBBS at Bond was a Bachelor level program (AQF Level 7). The current program has been designed as a sequential Bachelor's / Master's program (AQF Level 7/9E). The current curriculum has been developed to ensure that students meet the requirements of a Bachelor's qualification after eight (8) semesters of study: the Bachelor of Medical Studies (BMedSt). The final six (6) semesters will be delivered at a Master’s Level (AQF 9E). This makes graduating students eligible for a Doctor of Medicine (MD). Both degrees are awarded at the completion of Year 5.
I2. Why did Bond change from an MBBS to an MD?
Many graduate medical programs in Australia offer students the MD qualification. To graduate with an MD qualification at many of the public universities, a student may need to complete up to seven or eight years of study. Bond’s three-semester-year and innovative curriculum will allow students to achieve the same outcome in 4 years and 8 months (14 semesters).
The evidence from our clinical partners is that the performance of Bond MBBS graduates in the workplace is the equal of those students coming from graduate medical programs (MD). By changing to an MD, we are rewarding the Bond students with a level of qualification they deserve after the completion of an intense 14 semester Medical Program^.I3. What are the most significant changes?
Through the current curriculum, the problem-based learning component is completed after five (5) semesters. Year 3 is a virtual clinical year where students are immersed in the Bond Virtual Hospital (BVH) that is supplemented by real patient contact every week. The Doctor of Medicine (MD) component in Years 4 and 5 will be at a Master's level. Students will be immersed in the workplace through clinical rotations in hospital and community healthcare settings. During this time they will also undertake a research or professional project, or undertake a capstone clinical experience that can include exciting international clinical placements.
I4. Does the current Medical Program^ take longer to complete than the previous MBBS?
No. The previous Bond MBBS program comprised of 14 semesters (4 years, 8 months). The current curriculum that has been developed for the Medical Program^ remains at 14 semesters. Bond's Medical Program remains the quickest pathway that a student can take to achieve graduation as an Intern, eligible to practice in any state in Australia or New Zealand.
I5. Does the current program cost more?
No. The fee structure remains the same.
I6. When I complete the Bachelor of Medical Studies (BMedSt) can I start work as a Doctor?
No, completion of the BMedSt prepares students to enter the MD component of the program. All students will have to complete both the BMedSt and MD to graduate as an Intern. Students will be eligible to start their career as an Intern only after achieving the MD qualification.
I7. Can I apply for the Bachelor of Medical Studies only?
No. You must complete the two (2) sequential degrees – the Bachelor of Medical Studies (BMedSt) and the Doctor of Medicine (MD).
I8. Can I still apply as an undergraduate student?
The Bachelor of Medical Studies (BMedSt) will remain predominantly a school-leaver entry program. Bond University usually allocates approximately 80% of places in the program for school-leavers and 20% of places for graduates. The Bachelor of Medical Studies has two intakes of students in May and September each year.
I9. If I am a graduate and have a competitive GPA, do I still need to complete the full program?
Yes, you will be required to complete the full 14 semesters. Some special circumstances may apply, such as for Bond University’s recognised pathways to the Medical Program. For more details on these pathways, refer to the ‘Entry requirements’ section.
I10. How do I apply and does it cost to apply?
The application process to the Bachelor of Medical Studies (BMedSt) is administered by QTAC and there is an application fee. There are no application fees payable to the University.
I11. When I apply, what do I apply into?
Applications to the Medical Program^ are made by application to the Bachelor of Medical Studies (BMedSt) via QTAC.
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J. Fees and scholarships
J1. Apart from tuition, what additional costs will I incur whilst undertaking the Bachelor of Medical Studies and Doctor of Medicine programs?
Please refer to the Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine's additional compulsory costs page.
J2. Can I apply for a scholarship to study Medicine at Bond University?
Bond University is committed to providing opportunities in tertiary education for First Nations Australians, including a First Nations pathway into its Medical Program. People who identify as being Aboriginal and / or Torres Strait Islander and are expected to meet the academic entry requirements for the program are encouraged to apply. For more information on the Margaret Douglas Medical Scholarship currently and the pathways and support to entry, click here.
J3. Does Bond have any affiliated banks that will assist with student loans over the allocated $174,998 available from government loans?
No, we don't have any affiliated banks to assist with loans over the FEE-HELP limit.
J4. Does Bond use HECS, or just FEE-HELP?
Only FEE-HELP.
J5. Can we use VET FEE-HELP to pay for each semester until the amount finishes or there is maximum amount we can spend?
You can't use VET FEE-HELP specifically. There is, however, a combined FEE-HELP limit.
J6. Is there any financial help other than FEE-HELP, that can be provided for us to pay the total fee of the Medical Program?
Unfortunately, no.
J7. Can FEE-HELP be used first up?
Yes, you can use the FEE-HELP entirely before you self-fund.
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K. Pathways into Medicine
Click here to watch the Lateral Entry Information video.
K1. Which Bond programs provide a potential pathway into the Medical Program?Domestic and international students who graduate from the following Bond University programs, meeting the minimum required GPA of 3.00 out of 4.00 (Bond grading), will be eligible to apply for selection to enter Year 2 of the Bachelor of Medical Studies (BMedSt):
- Bachelor of Biomedical Science (in the Pre-Health Professional major)
- Master of Occupational Therapy
- Doctor of Physiotherapy
- Master of Nutrition and Dietetic Practice
Domestic and international students who graduate from the Master of Healthcare Innovations, who completed a Bachelor of Biomedical Science prior to their Healthcare Innovations award and meet the minimum required GPA of 3.00 out of 4.00 (Bond grading), may also be eligible to apply for selection to enter Year 2 of the Bachelor of Medical Studies (BMedSt). Such eligibility is dependent on a check of transcripts from the Bachelor of Biomedical Science degree to determine eligibility on a case-by-case basis.
K2. What is the selection process for ‘lateral entry’ from an approved Bond pathway program into Year 2 of the Medical Program?
The selection process for lateral entry into the Medical Program will be based on GPA, psychometric testing and interviews (MMIs). Places in Year 2 of the Bachelor of Medical Studies (BMedSt) for graduates of Bond’s approved pathway programs are limited and dependent on availability.
K3. I am an international student. How can I enter the Bond Medical Program?
The approved Bond pathway programs listed above (K1) are the pathways available for international students into the Bachelor of Medical Studies (BmedSt). Successful students will commence in Year 2 of the Bachelor of Medical Studies and will be allowed to progress to the Doctor of Medicine (MD).
K4. How many spots are available in the medical program after completing one of the Bond lateral entry pathway programs? And are places guaranteed?
We admitted approximately 20 students from Bond pathways in 2024. Entry is not guaranteed via the pathways as you must meet the minimum GPA to apply. If selected based on GPA, you will be invited to undertake the psychometric test and based on the test results, we will determine eligibility for interview.
K5. Are spots available from Bonds pathway programs included in the 20% graduate spots?
No, the Lateral Entry/Bond pathway positions offered are in addition to the 20% graduate spots.
K6. In the final selection process, is selection based on all 3 assessments (academic, psychometric and interview), or just the interviews (MMIs)?
The selection is a step-wise, staged process. Final selection for an offer is based on the MMI results only.
K7. When are the interviews for lateral entry into the Medical Program from Bond’s pathway programs held?
Applications for Year 2 Lateral Entry usually open to current students and graduates of Bond’s approved pathway programs in June and close late September, with psychometric testing and MMIs conducted in October. For more detail including confirmed timings for this year, refer to the ‘Pathways into medicine’ section here.
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L. Post-program internships
L1. How are internship locations determined after graduating?
It varies by state. In Queensland there is a matching system with lottery when oversubscribed. In Victoria there is a merit-based selection.
L2. Do internships take place in public hospitals?
Yes, all internships are offered in public hospitals.
L3. Are internships available at Gold Coast hospitals?
Yes.
L4. After graduating, does Bond Medicine help us with the placements? Or are we required to secure our own places for internship?
The Bond Medical Program will direct students to the relevant Queensland Health website for information on internship options. All graduating medical students secure their own places for internship in conjunction with the Queensland Health intern recruitment campaign application guide.
L5. Are there opportunities for placement in rural and/or Indigenous communities?
Yes.
L6. Does Bond have any overseas fellowship opportunities in medicine?
No.
L7. Is the intern year paid?
Yes, interns are employees of state health services.
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M. Communication
Stage 1: Academic Assessment Communication
The academic assessment of your application (Stage 1) will be made by QTAC.
QTAC may contact you about documents required to complete your application. It is important that you provide all documentation to QTAC to complete your application before the application deadline. Incomplete applications after the closing date will not be considered.
If you have any questions regarding your academic assessment, please contact QTAC: https://www.qtac.edu.au/.
Once QTAC has completed the academic assessment of your application, they will update the status of your application to inform you whether or not you have been successful in progressing to the next stage. Be sure to check your QTAC application status for outcomes.
Please ensure your email address is correct in your QTAC application.
Stage 2: Psychometric Test invitations
If you are successful in gaining an invitation to psychometric testing (Stage 2), you will receive an email from the testing provider requesting that you book a time to complete your testing under supervision.
Psychometric testing invitations will be emailed by the testing provider to successful applicants throughout the day on Tuesday, 4 February 2025 up until 4.00pm (AEST).
After booking your appointment for testing, we encourage applicants to complete the recommended technical checks, prior to the day of testing. This will help to reduce technical difficulties on your testing day.
If you don’t receive an invite for the psychometric test from the test provider, this means your application has not progressed. Please consider our alternate entry options: https://bond.edu.au/medical-program-entry-requirements.
Be sure to check your QTAC application status for outcomes: https://www.qtac.edu.au/.
Please ensure your email address is correct in your QTAC application.
Stage 3: Interview
Following your psychometric testing, if you are then successful in gaining an interview (Stage 3), you will be emailed an interview invitation from Bond University by 5pm on Friday, 21 February 2025.
Bond will only email applicants who are successful in gaining an invitation to interview.
If you don’t receive an invite to interview from Bond, this means your application has not progressed. Please consider our alternate entry options: https://bond.edu.au/medical-program-entry-requirements.
If your application has not progressed to interview, QTAC will update your application status to inform you of this. It is your responsibility to check your QTAC application.
Please ensure your email address is correct in your QTAC application.
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N. Additional information
N1. If I am successful in attaining a place in the Bachelor of Medical Studies, do I have to attend Orientation?
Yes. There are mandatory sessions during Orientation Week (“O Week”) – including the compulsory compliance appointment.
N2. What does a typical timetable look like for a first-year student?
The program is small group/problem-based learning with an integrated curriculum. Cases are presented at the start of each week. As a result, the timetable is dynamic and is released on the weekend for students to prepare. As a guide, a typical week for a first-year Medical student in First Semester will include the following: 4–6 hours of small group learning/problem-based tutorials; 3-4 hours of clinical sessions; 5–6 hours of lectures; 3 hours of lab work; 2 hours of interactive sessions.
N3. What time does a typical day start and finish?
Due to the dynamic nature of the program, each day will differ depending on the classes / tutorials / lab / interactive / placement activities that have been scheduled. Generally however, the day will commence at around 8.00am or 9.00am and will conclude at around 4.00pm or 5.00pm.
N4. Do you have information sessions about the program?
Yes, in addition to our Open Days each year, we host Medical Program Webinars (online information sessions), usually in November and January. Please check the Important dates and deadlines page for upcoming dates. Registration is essential.
N5. If I have a medical, mental health and/or learning condition, will I be given special consideration?
Applications from academically-qualified students with medical, mental health and/or learning conditions are welcome. All successful applicants must meet the highly-competitive academic criteria, as the Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine must be confident that all entrants are capable of coping with the high academic rigour of the program. Once selected, judgements will be made about reasonable adjustments that may be possible to allow full participation in the program and achievement of the Graduate Outcomes required by the Australian Medical Council. Applicants with medical, mental health and/or learning conditions are advised to inform us of their situation early in the process.
N9. Is there BMP available?
The Bachelor of Medical Studies and Doctor of Medicine at Bond University do not participate in the Bonded Medical Places (BMP) Scheme.
N10. How much is the accommodation at Bond?
Accommodation costs can be found here.
N11. Are students allowed to take a year off during the program, to work and save money so that they can fund themselves to stay in the program?
This is referred to as a 'Leave of Absence', and while a ‘Leave of Absence’ is possible, it is usually approved on extenuating circumstances that are beyond your control. This involves a discussion with the Dean of Medicine.