JCU JCU Medicine: Non-Standard Entry

[jamdrop53]

Hi everyone,

So a bit about me is that I graduated from UQ with a GPA of 6.30 and first-class honours for a bachelors of physiotherapy. I have what I believe is an extensive schooling history of being rural except when I first started of Prep-Year One in Sherwood (QLD) then Year 2 and 3 in Sydney Distance Education whilst we travelled around Australia in a Caravan full-time (so I think should count as a rural school) and then Years 4-6 in Bee's Creek NT outside of Darwin and Finally Years 7-12 in Cairns. Additionally I did 2 rural placements whilst completing my degree in Cairns and Thursday Island (through JCU murtupuni centre). Furthermore, I have been working now as a physio at Cairns Hospital since December. Finally I have been a school captain, school + student council member, have done volunteering for ~2 years for a sporting team whilst completing my degree and been a UQ Physio Student Mentor for ~2 years again whilst completing my degree.

I was wondering if anybody would have any experience or advice for the following in regards to applying to JCU medicine:

1. I know that JCU have removed the written application where I could really hone into my rural background and work experience so would my GPA be enough for an interview? Additionally, would my GPA change or they take more points into my application seeing I got a 1st Class Honors?

2. I know they have very limited spots for non-school leavers in both townsville and cairns but would I have a good chance of getting one of those spots based on my schooling experience, current work experience and placement locations? Any suggestions to further make myself more competitive if I do secure an interview?

3. Would my chances of getting into a medicine degree be better if I completed the GAMSAT for UQ or Griffith rather than trying to get into JCU? I prefer JCU as I have a strong passion for rural and indigenous health.

 

[AnubisHorus&Ra]

Placeholder answer: 1. Yes, as long as you fill in all documentation to denote yourself as rural, you've actually got a solid chance. at JCU GPAs under 6 have been known to make it into JCU and other unis as long as they're rural. There is a rumour that JCU is bias towards Queenslanders with higher rurality scores which i think you meet. If you've got the option, when filling out the form + providing documentation, I would pick the route that gives you the highest RA or MMA score (I'm not familiar with these, something about living there for 5 years consecutively or on-off for 10? that you prove with documentation)

2. Practice for the interview (w/ others, in front of a mirror, recorded etc). It's a different style to job interviews, but has many parallels. Ethical questions are generally a pretty difficult portion to practice for. Research what each uni has a gearing towards e.g. JCU indigenous health while UQ might be research and past questions.

3. Being rural, you have a shot anywhere. Apply everywhere that you can. Your chances are always going to increase if you apply to more schools. If you're going through QTAC, you've got 6 options anyway.You could do Carins + Townvilles + Bonded and unbonded of each + Griffith + UQ. I would say, yes, study for the GAMSAT if you want to maximise your chances.

 

[anonymous182391]

If by ‘cat’ you mean UCAT, JCU doesn’t use the UCAT. Your score would be irrelevant.

And what do you mean about speeding up your “pathway to med” by applying to JCU Dent?

yea mb, autocorrect
pretty much im in a pathway to med, and should be done med school by the time im 24, but my family is closer to JCU and JCU would get med done quicker, so im thinking of applying, but I dont know if its worth it?

I assume 95% means HDs, but which course would only have 4 papers a semester? And...is there such a thing as 'speeding things up' when you haven't read the admission criteria??

in terms of speeding things up I mean just starting med school early, as with my pathway im going to be starting med school in about 1-2 years
my papers are anatomy, physiology and histology (split into 2); molecular biology and genetics and biological chemistry

 

[qwertyui]

Hi everyone,

So a bit about me is that I graduated from UQ with a GPA of 6.30 and first-class honours for a bachelors of physiotherapy. I have what I believe is an extensive schooling history of being rural except when I first started of Prep-Year One in Sherwood (QLD) then Year 2 and 3 in Sydney Distance Education whilst we travelled around Australia in a Caravan full-time (so I think should count as a rural school) and then Years 4-6 in Bee's Creek NT outside of Darwin and Finally Years 7-12 in Cairns. Additionally I did 2 rural placements whilst completing my degree in Cairns and Thursday Island (through JCU murtupuni centre). Furthermore, I have been working now as a physio at Cairns Hospital since December. Finally I have been a school captain, school + student council member, have done volunteering for ~2 years for a sporting team whilst completing my degree and been a UQ Physio Student Mentor for ~2 years again whilst completing my degree.

I was wondering if anybody would have any experience or advice for the following in regards to applying to JCU medicine:

1. I know that JCU have removed the written application where I could really hone into my rural background and work experience so would my GPA be enough for an interview? Additionally, would my GPA change or they take more points into my application seeing I got a 1st Class Honors?

2. I know they have very limited spots for non-school leavers in both townsville and cairns but would I have a good chance of getting one of those spots based on my schooling experience, current work experience and placement locations? Any suggestions to further make myself more competitive if I do secure an interview?

3. Would my chances of getting into a medicine degree be better if I completed the GAMSAT for UQ or Griffith rather than trying to get into JCU? I prefer JCU as I have a strong passion for rural and indigenous health.

Hi!
I was in a similar situation applying as a non-standard student to JCU.

1. I got an offer to JCU Townsville (declined it) with a GPA of 6.25-6.3 with an extensive rural background in QLD. So a 6.3 should be enough. HOWEVER saying that getting a JCU interview is very hit or miss. I applied the year before with similar stats and got no interview and I've heard of people with 7's not getting an interview. I swear they just pull names out of a hat ahahah. (remember you can apply to both Townsville and cairns campus)

2. All those things are worthless unless you can successfully intertwine them into your interview. JCU offers a lot of opportunities to talk about that type of stuff in their interview because it is a panel interview. I've sat a JCU interview twice (in 2022 and 2024) and they are pretty similar each year. My best advice is to be honest and not try and say what they want (my biggest downfall in 2022). They really really love rural experience in healthcare, especially if you've been on placement in rural areas because it shows that you can actually survive the JCU rural placements lol.

3. I don't know much about the GAMSAT because I never looked into sitting it. However if your not applying to other undergrad universities and therefore don't need to sit the UCAT you could look into sitting the GAMSAT and applying to both. Usually it does take a couple attempts to get into JCU and other medical programs. I remember seeing someone who finally got into JCU after 4 years so they are tough with their admissions. However if you don't want to sit GAMSAT you could sit ucat and apply to WSU/CSU, UNE and UNSW which are undergrad universities that accept non-standard students. In regards to UQ and Griffith as far as I'm aware they are VERY competitive to get into but I don't know much more about them.

However you seem like you are very passionate and have a lot of relevant experience that JCU will love!!! There is no harm in applying and seeing what happens. If you get an interview have a look at the JCU interview guide here because it is very helpful.

 

[Vivi08]

Hi team, been a lurker for a few years now and finally posting. I suppose I'm just after a bit of reassurance... I have applied to JCU with a completed Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours) with a first-class grading. My GPA across my degree is 6.48. I'm non-rural but have clinical rural experience in tropical Northern Queensland and have spent significant time in other rural communities over the last few years. I am genuinely interested in pursuing a career in rural medicine and have really loved the time I've spent there so far.

Trying to get into med has been quite confidence smacking thus far. Pharmacy was my 6th QTAC preference on completing high school. Despite receiving an ATAR of 99.6, my UCAT score of 2770 was too low to be given an interview offer where people could start to consider my ATAR. My ATAR was sufficient to be offered a place at University of Sunshine Coast in the year I graduated but I was too late with my preferences. Since then, I've just trudged through my degree and got diagnosed with ADHD 1st year uni. I am currently sitting GAMSAT to try and increase my options however I'll admit I am still carrying a bit of baggage from UCAT which makes the stress very unbearable and I have been pretty avoidant in study thus far.

I really hope I have a decent shot at JCU as this would be my first preference regardless. I would appreciate any advice/support from people who have been in similar situations.

 

[MD_nevergiveup]

Hi team, been a lurker for a few years now and finally posting. I suppose I'm just after a bit of reassurance... I have applied to JCU with a completed Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours) with a first-class grading. My GPA across my degree is 6.48. I'm non-rural but have clinical rural experience in tropical Northern Queensland and have spent significant time in other rural communities over the last few years. I am genuinely interested in pursuing a career in rural medicine and have really loved the time I've spent there so far.

Trying to get into med has been quite confidence smacking thus far. Pharmacy was my 6th QTAC preference on completing high school. Despite receiving an ATAR of 99.6, my UCAT score of 2770 was too low to be given an interview offer where people could start to consider my ATAR. My ATAR was sufficient to be offered a place at University of Sunshine Coast in the year I graduated but I was too late with my preferences. Since then, I've just trudged through my degree and got diagnosed with ADHD 1st year uni. I am currently sitting GAMSAT to try and increase my options however I'll admit I am still carrying a bit of baggage from UCAT which makes the stress very unbearable and I have been pretty avoidant in study thus far.

I really hope I have a decent shot at JCU as this would be my first preference regardless. I would appreciate any advice/support from people who have been in similar situations.

How many years have you stayed in rural? GPA 6.48 + metro not highly chance… but depends on how many years you have stayed in rural and could classifiy your as a rural student.

 

[Vivi08]

I've been 3 years semi-rural, but my permanent residence is metro so even if 3 years was enough (5 years is needed) I would have no way to prove it.

 

[MD_nevergiveup]

I've been 3 years semi-rural, but my permanent residence is metro so even if 3 years was enough (5 years is needed) I would have no way to prove it.

Based on JCU, you must have lived in designated rural or remote areas of Australia for at least five consecutive years (60 months) or ten years cumulatively (120 months). And btw GPA 6.5+ is not guaranteed to have a place as past recent years, even 7 GPA didn't have offer.

 

[Vivi08]

Based on JCU, you must have lived in designated rural or remote areas of Australia for at least five consecutive years (60 months) or ten years cumulatively (120 months). And btw GPA 6.5+ is not guaranteed to have a place as past recent years, even 7 GPA didn't have offer.

Just realized that in the JCU admissions criteria they look at your most recent COURSE GPA not cumulative GPA. So that would mean I have a 7

 

[DrDrLMG!]

Just realized that in the JCU admissions criteria they look at your most recent COURSE GPA not cumulative GPA. So that would mean I have a 7

JCU are a mystery wrapped in an enigma and even a 7GPA is often not enough. We’ve heard it reported that your entire academic record is actually considered but their admissions process is incredibly opaque so as to honestly render any advice we give here largely meaningless, especially now they’ve removed the written application component.

Honestly, all you can do is apply and hope for the best.

 

[stoobious]

Is there/what score is needed for a JCU invite, because I got a pretty low (below 5.75) GPA in the first semester, however I am slated to get a pretty high (6.3+) GPA. Is there a cutoff for the interview even if I am rural?

 

[AnubisHorus&Ra]

JCU picks their candidate like a drunk man looking for his keys. there's basically no guarantee or cut-off. You could get a 7 and miss out, but you could get a 5 and get in. Especially if you're rural, the odds favour you. It almost reads totally random because their requirements are so vague.

 

[Darkhorse]

Hi guys, I'm making this post because as a non-rural, mature-age applicant, a lot of information out there seemed to indicate it was virtually impossible to get into JCU. I applied last year, got an interview and offer (which I deferred to 2026) so I just want to give those lurking out there (just like I did) some hope, because it is possible!

 

[Reya]

Hi everyone! Could anyone please tell me if it’s possible to defer an offer from JCU for a year and still apply for graduate medicine later? I mean, if I get accepted into a graduate program later in a year, can I simply decline the JCU offer? I remember having read that one of the moderators actually did that.

___________
A1 replies: Hi, I don't know of any reasons you can't do that.
It's possible to get JCU defer approved. The graduate schools don't have any rules to exclude you. You're 100% welcome to decline JCU the next year to make room for another hopeful student.
Btw don't tell a complete lie but also don't tell JCU the reason for deferral is to apply for graduate entry

 

[Reya]

Hi everyone! Could anyone please tell me if it’s possible to defer an offer from JCU for a year and still apply for graduate medicine later? I mean, if I get accepted into a graduate program later in a year, can I simply decline the JCU offer? I remember having read that one of the moderators actually did that.

___________
A1 replies: Hi, I don't know of any reasons you can't do that.
It's possible to get JCU defer approved. The graduate schools don't have any rules to exclude you. You're 100% welcome to decline JCU the next year to make room for another hopeful student.
Btw don't tell a complete lie but also don't tell JCU the reason for deferral is to apply for graduate entry

Thank you! So it’s not prohibited to apply for graduate medicine while holding a deferred offer from another medical school?

Hi guys, I'm making this post because as a non-rural, mature-age applicant, a lot of information out there seemed to indicate it was virtually impossible to get into JCU. I applied last year, got an interview and offer (which I deferred to 2026) so I just want to give those lurking out there (just like I did) some hope, because it is possible!

Hi, congratulations on your offer! Could you please tell me whether a deferral requires a compelling reason, or if a general one (such as financial or personal reasons) would be fine?

 

[A1]

Thank you! So it’s not prohibited to apply for graduate medicine while holding a deferred offer from another medical school?

I have read the grad-entry GEMSAS Guide, didn't see any clause requiring to reveal holding a deferred undergrad-med offer.

Could you please tell me whether a deferral requires a compelling reason, or if a general one (such as financial or personal reasons) would be fine?

Most likely to be approved is you need to work/save up for the relocation to the uni.
Least likely is you need the year to do/complete a study elsewhere.

Applying for grad-entry leans towards the latter. So "adapt" your truth to steer away from it.

 

[Reya]

I have read the grad-entry GEMSAS Guide, didn't see any clause requiring to reveal holding a deferred undergrad-med offer.



Most likely to be approved is you need to work/save up for the relocation to the uni.
Least likely is you need the year to do/complete a study elsewhere.

Applying for grad-entry leans towards the latter. So "adapt" your truth to steer away from it.

Thank you so much for your help! I really appreciate it!

 

[Darkhorse]

Thank you so much for your help! I really appreciate it!

Thank you! So it’s not prohibited to apply for graduate medicine while holding a deferred offer from another medical school?



Hi, congratulations on your offer! Could you please tell me whether a deferral requires a compelling reason, or if a general one (such as financial or personal reasons) would be fine?

You don't need to give any reason for deferring

 

[sloth]

Hi guys, I'm making this post because as a non-rural, mature-age applicant, a lot of information out there seemed to indicate it was virtually impossible to get into JCU. I applied last year, got an interview and offer (which I deferred to 2026) so I just want to give those lurking out there (just like I did) some hope, because it is possible!

Hi, do you know what the highest age of student in JCU is? I’m just wondering whether I may be too old and should try for graduate medicine instead.

 

[Stapedius]

Hi, do you know what the highest age of student in JCU is? I’m just wondering whether I may be too old and should try for graduate medicine instead.

Age is no barrier, rest assured. There was someone in his mid 40s in the year below me when I was at med school; his rationale from what I recall was that he got bored of his old career and transitioned into Medicine to "mix things up".