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Key details
Duration
Locations
Entry requirements
View full entry requirementsCredit points required
400Course code
Overview
The CDU Menzies Medical Program was developed in response to community needs in the Northern Territory and provides the exciting opportunity to study medicine in this unique environment. The course aims to graduate doctors with the desire, attributes, and competencies to be excellent doctors in the NT health setting - one of the most challenging in Australia. The medical program has a strong focus on First Nations health and wellbeing, remote and rural medicine, rural generalism and provision of high-quality interdisciplinary team based regional and remote health services. Clinical placements will take students to rural and remote towns across the NT providing a rich experience in clinical medicine in rural and remote settings. The course offers students the opportunity to conduct meaningful research in partnership with the community with exceptional mentors through the Menzies School of Health Research.
Career opportunities
Graduates of this course will have the opportunity to pursue training in a broad range of medical specialties.
Practical experience
You will complete around 95 weeks of clinical placements in community, primary care and hospital settings over the course of the 5 years.
Professional recognition
On completion of the Bachelor of Clinical Science Medicine and Doctor of Medicine (MD) you are eligible for provisional registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency and the Medical Board of Australia. After serving a compulsory internship year of residence in approved health facilities, you become eligible for general medical registration in Australia.
Fees
Commonwealth supported places
Commonwealth Supported places are available in this course to students who meet one of the following residency requirements:
(a) be an Australian citizen, who will complete some of your course of study while resident in Australia; or
(b) a New Zealand citizen; or an Australian permanent visa holder; or an eligible former permanent humanitarian visa holder; who studies the entire course while living in Australia.
Further information about fees and charges can be found at Fees and Payments.
Why study medicine at CDU?
Embark on a transformative journey in medicine at CDU, where innovation meets opportunity.
Enjoy a unique educational experience that is deeply connected to Central and Northern Australia’s distinctive health challenges and opportunities, all while benefiting from personalised support and mentorship.
- Pioneering new perspectives: Join the next generation of NT medical professionals to make a real difference in Indigenous health, tropical medicine, and rural and remote healthcare.
- Immersive learning experience: Enjoy a highly personalised, face-to-face, supportive and immersive educational experience at CDU’s campus and partnered health services.
- Real-world experience: Gain hands-on experience with clinical placements throughout the NT.
- Community impact: Join a program committed to improving health outcomes in some of the most challenging environments.
Why study an undergraduate course at CDU?
Study an undergraduate course at Charles Darwin University to turn your passion into a profession. Choose from hundreds of certificates, diplomas and degrees and enjoy a flexible, supportive learning environment. Whatever you're interested in, there's a place for you at CDU.
- Top 100 university globally for quality education
- Five-star Australian university for graduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
- Choose to study online, on campus, part-time or full-time as it suits you
Why study an undergraduate course at CDU?
Study an undergraduate course at Charles Darwin University to turn your passion into a profession. Choose from hundreds of certificates, diplomas and degrees and enjoy a flexible, supportive learning environment. Whatever you're interested in, there's a place for you at CDU.
- Top 100 university globally for quality education (THE Impact Rankings 2021)
- Five-star Australian university for graduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
What will I study?
The medical program is a 5-year course split into 2 phases. The first two years are delivered on campus and the final 3 years delivered in a variety of clinical placements.
Course structure
A candidate must successfully complete units totalling 400 credit points (cp) as detailed below. All units are valued at 10 credit points unless otherwise indicated.
| Unit type | Credit Points | Specific requirements |
| Core (8 units) | 400cp | Compulsory Core units totalling 400 credit points as detailed below: MED101 Clinical Sciences 1 (40cp) MED112 Clinical Sciences 2 (40cp) MED201 Clinical Sciences 3 (40cp) (available from 2027) MED212 Clinical Sciences 4 (40cp) (available from 2027) MED301 Applied Clinical Sciences 1 (80cp) (available from 2028) MED501 Applied Clinical Sciences 2 (80cp) (available from 2029) MED512 Applied Clinical Sciences 3 (60cp) (available from 2030) MED601 Medicine in Practice (20cp) (available from 2030) |
| Course Total | 400cp |
Course Rules (unless otherwise indicated in the above course structure)
- See the Higher Education Course Rules (Award Requirements) in the Units and Courses Policy.
Study plan
STUDENTS COMMENCING IN SEMESTER 1
The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student enrolling in a full-time study load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.
When designing an individual study plan:
- maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
- check the assumed knowledge, pre-requisite and co-requisite requirements for each unit.
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit |
Full-Time Study Plan
| MED Semester 1 | MED Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| MED101 Clinical Sciences 1 (40cp) | CO | MED112 Clinical Sciences 2 (40cp) | CO |
| Year 2 | |||
| MED201 Clinical Sciences 3 (40cp) | CO | MED212 Clinical Sciences 4 (40cp) | CO |
| MED Semester Clinical Year 3 | |||
| MED301 Applied Clinical Sciences 1 (80cp - full year unit) | CO | ||
| Year 4 | |||
| MED501 Applied Clinical Sciences 2 (80cp - full year unit) | CO | ||
| Year 5 | |||
| MED512 Applied Clinical Sciences 3 (60cp) | CO | MED601 Medicine in Practice (20cp) | CO |
Entry requirements
Quota
The Bachelor of Clinical Science Medicine/Doctor of Medicine (MD) is a highly competitive course, with forty (40) Commonwealth Supported Places available in 2026. This means that although you may meet the minimum entry requirements for the course, you may not be ranked high enough to receive an offer.
Subquotas
There are four (4) subquotas for this course. Further details on eligibility and evidence requirements are provided below.
- NT First Nations Subquota - 40%
- NT Residency Subquota - 40%
- First Nations Subquota (non-NT Residents) - 15%
- Rural and Remote Subquota - 5%
NT First Nations Subquota
This subquota is available to applicants who meet both the First Nations and the NT Residency requirements.
Eligibility Criteria:
To be considered in the NT First Nations Subquota, you must meet all the following criteria:
- Being of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent
- Identifying as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person
- Being accepted as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person by the community in which you live or formerly lived
- Being a Northern Territory resident who, when the course commences, is an Australian or New Zealand citizen (residing in Australia), permanent resident, or Humanitarian Visa holder who has had a permanent address in the Northern Territory[1], for:
- At least two (2) years out of the past six (6) years; or
- A total of five (5) years since starting primary school
Evidence Requirements:
- Confirmation of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander heritage evidenced by a letter of confirmation from a recognised Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Organisation
- Evidence of residency in the NT for the duration stated above
- Accepted evidence includes utility bills, rates, rental agreements, bank statements, and official school letters/reports
- Applicants must supply at least one (1) document of evidence for each year they are proving
[1] Including NT communities that cross geographical borders.
NT Resident Subquota
This subquota is available to applicants who meet the NT Residency requirement.
Eligibility Criteria:
A Northern Territory resident is defined as a person who, when the course commences, is an Australian or New Zealand citizen (residing in Australia), permanent resident, or Humanitarian Visa holder who has had a permanent address in the Northern Territory[1], for:
- At least two (2) years out of the past six (6) years; or
- A total of five (5) years since starting primary school
Evidence Requirements:
- Evidence of residency in the NT for the duration stated above
- Accepted evidence includes utility bills, rates, rental agreements, bank statements, and official school letters/reports
- Applicants must supply at least one (1) document of evidence for each year they are proving
[1] Including NT communities that cross geographical borders.
First Nations (non-NT Resident) Subquota
This subquota is available to First Nations applicants residing outside the NT.
Eligibility Criteria:
To be considered in the First Nations Subquota you must meet all the following criteria:
- Being of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent
- Identifying as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person
- Being accepted as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person by the community in which you live or formerly lived
Evidence Requirements:
Confirmation of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander heritage evidenced by a letter of confirmation from a recognised Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Organisation.
Rural and Remote Subquota
This subquota is available to applicants residing outside the NT in Rural and Remote areas.
Eligibility Criteria:
You must have resided in an area classified as Modified Monash Model (MMM) MM4 to MM7[2] for:
- Five (5) or more consecutive years within the last ten (10) years; or
- Ten (10) cumulative years since commencing preschool
Evidence Requirements:
- Evidence of residency in the designated areas for the duration stated above
- Accepted evidence includes utility bills, rates, rental agreements, bank statements, and official school letters/reports
- Applicants must supply at least one (1) document of evidence for each year they are proving
[2] The Modified Monash Model measures remoteness and population size on a Modified Monash (MM) category MM 1 to MM 7 scale. MM 1 is a major city, and areas classified as MM 2 to MM 7 are rural or remote. MMM: Health Workforce Locator.
Admission criteria
To be eligible, you must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or a permanent visa holder and meet one of the following criteria:
Recent School Leaver:
- Be a recent school leaver (within two (2) years of course commencement) with an ATAR of 85 or above (after the addition of any relevant adjustment factors).
Current Higher Education Student:
- Be currently enrolled in a higher education course (Bachelor level or higher).
- Have completed at least one (1) year of full-time study* at the time of course commencement with a GPA of at least 5.0**.
Completed Higher Education Students:
- Have completed a higher education course (bachelor level or higher) or equivalent international qualification, with a GPA of at least 5.0**.
- The qualification must have been completed within the past ten (10) years at the time of course commencement.
*Note: One (1) year of full-time study is equivalent to 80 credit points at CDU.
**GPA is calculated based on a 7-point scale.
Application Pack Requirement Important: In addition to applying through SATAC and supplying all required evidence, it is mandatory to complete and submit the CDU Menzies Medical Program Application Pack. This application pack includes specific questions that must be answered in full. Failure to submit the completed application pack will result in the applicant being deemed ineligible for shortlisting and, consequently, for interview consideration. |
Academic Evidence
Notification to Current Year 12 Students
To be considered for shortlisting to interview, Current Year 12 students must upload the following documents to their SATAC application:
- Year 11 school reports
- Year 12 First Semester report
These reports must include specific grades, such as A-E or 100%-0%. Reports that only show "Pass/Fail" or "S/U" grades cannot be considered. Providing the correct reports is essential for the shortlisting process.
Key Dates
| 4 August 2025 | SATAC Applications open |
| 1 October 2025 | SATAC Application late fees apply |
| 10 October 2025 | SATAC Applications close |
| 10 October 2025 | All evidence must be attached to your application, and the application pack must be completed |
| 3 November 2025 | Interview eligibility outcome emails sent |
| 19 - 28 November 2025 | Interviews held |
| 15 January 2026 | First round of SATAC offers sent |
| Please visit Undergraduate key dates - SATAC | Further course offers released - only where earlier round offers declined/lapsed. |
| 02 February 2026 | Course commences |
Additional admission requirements
Selection for Interview
As part of the selection process, shortlisted applicants will be invited to participate in an interview. This interview is designed to assess candidates' ability to empathise with patients and to work effectively within an interprofessional clinical team environment.
For the 2026 intake, 160 candidates will be interviewed for 40 available positions.
Shortlisting for Interviews
Shortlisting for interviews is based on the following criteria:
- Academic merit
- Studies in relevant fields of education, including health-related fields and other STEM disciplines
- Subquotas
- Responses to questions within the application pack
Interview Invitation
The interview is a critical part of the selection process and provides us with a deeper understanding of your skills, experiences, and motivations for pursuing a career in medicine.
a. Interview Invitation:
- Shortlisted applicants will receive an invitation via email (using the address provided in the SATAC application). This email will include instructions on how to select an interview date and time using our online booking system.
b. Interview Details:
- When: Interviews will be held from 19 to 28 November 2025.
- Location: All interviews will take place at CDU's Casuarina campus.
- Online Interviews: Online interviews via Teams will be available for applicants outside of Greater Darwin or in cases of exceptional circumstances.
- Duration: Each interview will last 30 minutes.
- Online Interview Access: Once you book your interview time online, login details will be emailed to you.
c. The Interview Panel:
Each interview will be conducted by a panel that includes:
- A CDU Menzies Medical Program representative
- A First Nations academic, health professional, or community member
- A Faculty of Health academic or NT clinician
The questions will be standardised, and a marking rubric will be applied to standardise the grading of responses.
d. Preparing for the Interview:
If you are shortlisted, you will receive an interview guide outlining details of the interview process and preparation tips.
e. Interview Feedback:
- Feedback on your interview performance or ranking will not be provided.
- All information regarding applicants and their applications is confidential and will not be shared with any third party, including family members or friends.
- Appeals on behalf of applicants will not be considered.
Selection for Course Offers
The final ranking for course offers is based on a combination of scores from these two components:
- Interview results (50%)
- Academic score results (50%)
The first round of offers will be made by SATAC, issued on 15 January 2026. Offers will continue to be issued until all available places are filled, which may extend until after the course commences.
All applicants who receive an offer must:
- Formally accept the offer, and
- Enrol in all first-year units by the deadline specified in the letter of offer.
Failure to do so will cause the offer to be forfeited, and the position offered to another eligible candidate.
Preparation for Study
Applicants who are offered a place in this course and have not completed health or science subjects in the previous two years will be encouraged to undertake an online, self-paced short course titled Introduction to Chemistry and Cell Biology for Medical Students during the first semester of their first year. Enrolled students will be granted access to this short course as soon as their enrolment is confirmed, allowing them to begin the course before the semester starts.
Essential requirements
Pre-clinical Requirements
Students must provide proof that they have met all university and State/Territory pre-clinical requirements before they can undertake those units that include clinical attachments. These requirements include, but are not limited to, immunisation requirements, criminal record checks, working with children clearance and/or fitness-to-practice requirements.
English language requirements
DOMESTIC STUDENTS
To gain entry into Charles Darwin University, all Higher Education applicants must satisfy the University's English Language Proficiency Requirements for their chosen course of study. All applicants will be required to supply evidence of this at the time of application.
The minimum English language requirement for this course can be met by evidencing of one of the following:
| Year 12 | Successful completion of Year 12 within Australia, or an equivalent qualification from an approved country where English is the official language (refer to our approved standard and extended lists included below). |
| 0.5 FTE Higher Education Study | Successful completion of at least 0.5FTE of higher education study from Australia or an approved country where English is the official language (refer to our approved standard and extended lists included below). If studies were completed from a country on the extended list, they must have been completed within the past five (5) years. |
| CDU Enabling Course | Successful completion of a Charles Darwin University enabling program of at least 0.5FTE (40 credit points). |
| TAFE Qualification | Successful completion of a recognised TAFE qualification at a Certificate III level or higher from Australia. |
| AHPRA Registration | Current AHPRA registration as a Division 1 or Division 2 nurse. Registration must be current at the time of course commencement. |
| English Test^ | Completion of an approved English test within two years of commencement, meeting the minimum scores outlined in the table below. |
^ Minimum Requirements for English Tests:
| Postgraduate requirements | Undergraduate requirements | |
| CDU ELICOS - English for Academic Purposes | Successful completion of EAP004 | Successful completion of EAP003 |
| International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic test | Overall minimum: 6.5 No band below: 6.0 | Overall minimum: 6.0 No band below 6.0 |
| Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) | Overall minimum: 176 No skill below: 169 | Overall minimum: 169 No skill below 169 |
| Pearson Tests of English (PTE) Academic | Overall minimum: 58 No score below 50 | Overall minimum: 50 No score below: 50 |
| Test of English as a Foreign language | Overall minimum: 79 Minimum writing score: 21 | Overall minimum: 60 Minimum writing score: 21 |
IELTS One Skill Retake is accepted, allowing candidates to retake a single skill within 60 days of sitting their initial test. One Skill Retake results are valid for two years from the date of the first test (not from the date of the Retake test) to the date of commencement at CDU.
CDU accepts combined results from two test sittings of IELTS Academic, PTE Academic, or TOEFL, taken within a six-month period, if:
- Both tests were under the same testing system; and
- The overall score in both tests meets the overall minimum; and
- The applicant achieved the section minimum for each section in at least one test.
Recognised English-speaking countries:
| Standard List | Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, United Kingdom, United States of America. |
| Extended List | Bermuda, Botswana, Cayman Islands, Ethiopia, Fiji, Kenya, Malawi, Malta, Mauritius, Seychelles, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Tanzania, Trinidad and Tobago, Vanuatu, Zimbabwe. |
For further details on the English requirements for CDU courses, please refer to the CDU English Language Proficiency Policy.
ATAR profile
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CDU has been doing online study for so long they're really good at it. At CDU, everyone, online and on campus, is just a student.
Michelle
CDU student
CDU graduates have the best career and employment prospects. International students have ranked CDU 1st in Australia for learning and living experience
Hema
CDU student
CDU has been doing online study for so long they're really good at it. At CDU, everyone, online and on campus, is just a student.
Michelle
CDU student
CDU graduates have the best career and employment prospects. International students have ranked CDU 1st in Australia for learning and living experience
Hema
CDU student
Course details
Accreditation
This course is accredited by the University in accordance with the Higher Education Standards.
Inherent Requirements
There are inherent requirements for this course. Students must read and understand the requirements for this course.
Australian qualification framework
This course is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 9.
Student profile
There are no statistics available for this course. It may be that the course is new or the profile data is unavailable.
Additional information
Contact details
For further information about the course, enrolment procedures, closing dates and other administrative issues please contact Student Central on:
You make CDU
Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
You make CDU
Our students choose to study with us because we share the same vision – to make a positive change. Whatever your motivation is, we can guide you in the right direction.
You make CDU
Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
You make CDU
Our students choose to study with us because we share the same vision – to make a positive change. Whatever your motivation is, we can guide you in the right direction.
How to apply
There are many ways to apply to CDU. The method you use depends on your course type, where you live and whether you are a new or returning student to CDU.
Remember to apply early for your best chance at securing an offer to study with us.
SATAC
SATAC is the application channel for residents of NT, ACT, SA, WA, QLD, VIC, NSW or TAS.
Application Process
Step 1: SATAC Application
Submit your SATAC Application, including all required supporting evidence.
Step 2: CDU Menzies Medical Program Application Pack
Complete and submit the CDU Menzies Medical Program Application Pack. online.
-
If your residency evidence is in someone else's name, follow these steps:
- Complete all questions online and print the entire Application Pack.
- Complete the Statutory Declaration section (included in the pack).
- Upload the completed Application Pack to your SATAC application.
-
If all your residency evidence is in your name:
- No further action is required.
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