UMelb UMelb Medicine: Provisional Entry Questions and Discussion

[denosawr]

I’ve heard estimates that 67-75% of ppl with the 99+ guarantee get rejected.

I'd also be interested to know where this stat comes from. That's quite a high number. And are these candidates failing due to their interview requirement, or due to an inability to reach the 75+ WAM requirement hurdle (which is not an easy task, especially since some high ATAR students do struggle to adapt to the format of university?)

As for the interview, official documentation posted by the university is here: http://go.unimelb.edu.au/9d4a.This document was last updated in 2015 but seems to be the most up to date copy of policy I can find (though I would welcome a more up-to-date version if that exists publicly!) [See Edit 1] This does state that the Guaranteed Entry programs, both Chancellor's and FFP, have the same interview requirement.

That isn't to say that the interview is unfailable. Especially with UoM's interview format being so esoteric, I can definitely see unprepared candidates, even those with interview experience, managing to screw up enough to miss out. However, anecdotally, I completed the interview in 2024 and out of the ~10 Chancellor's students I personally knew who were going down the med pathway [2], none failed. Not even one whose fire alarm went off during their interview, poor thing. This is in line with what previous cohorts of Chancellor's students have told us about the likelihood of failing that MMI as well.

Edit:
[1] I found an up to date version here: https://matrix-cms.unimelb.edu.au/_...29/195851/MMI_Course_Selection_in_MD_v2.2.pdf (updated 2021). This link is from the official "Doctor of Medicine" admissions page. My earlier point stands and there has been no change to the consideration of the pass mark or requirements for Guaranteed/Chancellor's Entry.
[2] A side note: I feel like being in the med admissions bubble in high school made me almost believe that yeah, of course every Chancellor's kid wants to go into medicine. Then I did a maths degree; turns out that there are quite a few Chancellor's kids who could not care less about med and are perfectly content being very very very good at something else! I've seen people say before that "almost all the Chancellor's kids" try for medicine whereas in reality from what I've heard (could be inaccurate) the Chancellor's med cohort is usually around 20-30.

Another question related to the Chancellor’s.
Thank you in advance for the advice.
Do the Chancellors have a CSP or can they be given a BMP if they get into the MD? Thank you!

You can be allocated rurally as your clinical zone since that process is random (with no special treatment for Chancellor's Scholars), but your scholarship conditions guarantee an unbonded CSP.

 

[A1]

That's quite a high number. And are these candidates failing due to their interview requirement, or due to an inability to reach the 75+ WAM requirement hurdle

The quota factor makes the 99.0+ pathway MMI very different to the Chancellors.

-- UMelb has about 250 MD CSP places available while Australia-wide there are 300 99.90+ a year. Even one-third of them = 100 students choose Chancellors and they all achieve the WAM + pass the MMI, UMelb can fit them into the 250 quota (with the rest going to external GAMSAT applicants)

-- Otoh the FFP quota is only 50 places versus 3,000 99.0+ a year. Just one-tenth = 300 students will far exceed the quota. So, apart from those that fail to reach 75 WAM and/or truly fail the MMI, UMelb may need to use the MMI to cut them off even if they normally would pass. In effect UMelb raises the MMI pass mark to the point that lets 50 students pass.

 

[denosawr]

Sure, that may be possible and quotas need to be considered, but I think the numbers may be a bit overblown.

The above document says

Applicants for the MD must achieve a minimum overall score of at least 50 per cent of the total possible Multi Mini Interview Score,
and if interviewed at the University of Melbourne, be above the cut-score in 5 out of 8 stations (or an equivalent proportion if the
total number of stations differs) in order to be eligible for offer. Applicants who fail to meet these measures will be deemed to
have failed the MMI component of selection.

which I think is possible to interpret as saying that the pass requirement (and cut-score) is not affected by fee type/Chancellor's status. I would expect that if the university were setting a different pass mark for guaranteed FFP compared to Chancellor's and the standard CSP GEMSAS students, that the uni would make this clear. However, this is for sure a little ambiguous.

Truthfully I'm not sure the back of the napkin math you've linked fully checks out, even when considering a one-tenth proportion. For starters, having to move interstate for a potential FFP spot is a big ask for many students from outside Vic, which reduces the pool significantly. The cost of FFP is also a large deterrent and many of the 99.0+ students probably aren't in a position to accept such a financial responsibility lightly and almost all would be trying for postgrad med, hopefully with some luck. I can't speak to the numbers of 99.0+ students who end up going to UniMelb and intend to take that pathway, but I would also not bat an eye if the true number was indeed closer to 50. Furthermore, the fact that regular GEMSAS candidates can also choose to receive an FFP offer (alongside CSP and BMP) suggests that FFP is not as oversubscribed as the math may indicate.

This is purely anecdotal evidence, but I'm sometimes active on a Discord community for UCAT takers and hs med applicants. I don't see that many people asking about UniMelb FFP. In fact, I would say I have more people ask about accepting Chancellor's (10 or so each year, usually) than asking about UniMelb FFP. And as I mentioned above, not that many Chancellor's students take up the MD pathway; many of those students who ask and think about it come to the conclusion that Chancellor's isn't the right choice for them, despite the fancy name and shiny scholarship.

Regardless, I'm sure the uni is looking at enrolment very closely, especially after the mess of offer revocations and deferrals for 2025 DDS entry at UoM. I would expect that if Chancellor's/Guaranteed FFP numbers was starting to increase rapidly, they would roll out other measures to reduce the inflow of students instead of using an MMI pass mark. Or bring back MMIs on pre-enrolment, à la USyd.

 

[Ian Naga]

especially after the mess of offer revocations and deferrals for 2025 DDS entry at UoM.

Were there revocations of offers to the DDS 2025? Any reason why? Was it over subscribed? Please enlighten us.

 

[SLM]

https://www.reddit.com/r/GAMSAT/s/6u8zDIdoEk

This link talks about how heaps of the FFP places were revoked. ( due to oversupscription), none of the CSP were revoked. Those who were offered and revoked had theirs delayed for 12 months ( as of just before Christmas)

 

[denosawr]

Were there revocations of offers to the DDS 2025? Any reason why? Was it over subscribed? Please enlighten us.

To add to what SLM has said and the link above, many domestic FFPs seem to have been involuntarily deferred but I haven't heard of domestic FFPs who had their offer revoked outright. There were int'l students however who I believe had their offer completely revoked with no offer of deferral at all. It was a bad situation and very unfortunate for those students. CSPs were completely unaffected.

As for why, the university have said that acceptance rates were "more than double what was anticipated". I'm not quite sure I believe this since so many extra offers were given out, I do suspect it was an administrative error they're trying to save face on.

If I'm going to be honest, I feel worse for next year's cohort than the deferred students since for sure >50% of the course capacity will have already been filled by deferred students. At least a deferral is a year to work and/or build experience without the stress of having to reapply. Who knows what will happen.

Is the MMI only for the 99.00 FFP students?

Many Universities use the word ‘guarantee’ quite loosely. Note, the UMelb quote states “and a guaranteed place in a professional graduate degree program”, NOT “a guaranteed place in the MD degree program”…

Edited: not to mention it already states this clearly… “In addition, you must achieve an average result of at least 70 per half-year study period.” which also loosens their use of the term “guaranteed”.

Also, for any future Chancellor's students who are on the fence, you should perhaps contact the uni and ask about whether the scholarship guaranteed entry continues if a student does not achieve 70 per semester. And then report back to us about what they say with proof!

The Coursework conditions specify that the per-semester living stipend is dependent on achieving a 70 per semester but can/will be restored if a student receives over 70 the following semester. Furthermore, the actual conditional offer that I received upon passing the MMI only had the condition of "Complete your Bachelor of Science at University of Melbourne. Condition to be met by 3/01/2025." I'd be curious to know if a student who does not meet that requirement of 70 is still eligible. Perhaps something to contact Stop 1 about.

 

[Jangnada]

Hey guys!
I just have a few quick questions regarding the 99.0+ ATAR course into MD.

Firstly, I am a student from New Zealand who received an ATAR of 99.45, does the fact that I’m from New Zealand change anything regarding the 99.0+ ATAR course into MD?

Secondly, I understand that the minimum ‘threshold’ to go through to the MD course, barring the MMI interview is 75+ WAM. How hard truly is this? and is it manageable over a three year span whilst not only studying?
Also, does this arbitrary line of 75 WAM score ever change depending on the performance of other students in my year?

Kind regards!

 

[DrDrLMG!]

Hey guys!
I just have a few quick questions regarding the 99.0+ ATAR course into MD.

Firstly, I am a student from New Zealand who received an ATAR of 99.45, does the fact that I’m from New Zealand change anything regarding the 99.0+ ATAR course into MD?

Secondly, I understand that the minimum ‘threshold’ to go through to the MD course, barring the MMI interview is 75+ WAM. How hard truly is this? and is it manageable over a three year span whilst not only studying?
Also, does this arbitrary line of 75 WAM score ever change depending on the performance of other students in my year?

Kind regards!

1. No
2. Read through this thread, there’s heaps of info
3. No, but the MMI marking may…

 

[ExistedUsername]

Hey guys!
I just have a few quick questions regarding the 99.0+ ATAR course into MD.

Firstly, I am a student from New Zealand who received an ATAR of 99.45, does the fact that I’m from New Zealand change anything regarding the 99.0+ ATAR course into MD?

Secondly, I understand that the minimum ‘threshold’ to go through to the MD course, barring the MMI interview is 75+ WAM. How hard truly is this? and is it manageable over a three year span whilst not only studying?
Also, does this arbitrary line of 75 WAM score ever change depending on the performance of other students in my year?

Kind regards!

Can't answer the first part of your question, sorry, but I'm pretty sure you can find an answer from this UniMelb med sub-thread.
For the second part of your question - WAM really depends on the course you are in and the subjects you choose. I am a current second year UniMelb BSc student in 2025 and holding a WAM of 88.4. Personally, I don't think a 75+ WAM is very hard to achieve, as long as you put in SOME effort (e.g. attend as many lectures as you can or at least watch the recordings, etc).
However, since I've only completed my first year, I cannot really comment on whether maintaining a 75+ WAM throughout 3 years is truly easy/hard, but I'm pretty sure it is manageable, given that you got an ATAR of 99.45.
The 75+ WAM will not change - the only issue here is the MMI, no one really knows the exact percentage of 99.0+ pathway students who fail it...

 

[Jangnada]

Hey! I have just read through the entire thread yet I have another question:
If I was to finish my undergrad course in 2028, could/would the annual price I pay for MD be today’s $85,000 AUD, or would it be more come the time I am ready to start my post graduate course?

 

[dltjwns729]

Hey! I have just read through the entire thread yet I have another question:
If I was to finish my undergrad course in 2028, could/would the annual price I pay for MD be today’s $85,000 AUD, or would it be more come the time I am ready to start my post graduate course?

University fees are subject to annual reviews and indexation. Hence most likely it will increase each year.

 

[Jangnada]

Hey guys, I apologise in advance if this is the wrong forum but I have contacted both VTAC and UMelb about possibly applying late for the bachelor of biomedicine or bachelor of science, further leading to the 99.0+ ATAR MD pathway.

They have just informed me that applications can no longer be accepted and that the “later, mid round applications open in April” (?).
I’m in complete shambles right now and don’t know what to do. Would applying in April mean I have to take a gap year? I really want to avoid taking a gap year if possible yet also don’t want to go to uni in New Zealand as a former highschool student here.

Could anyone please please please help me, I am in complete and utter distress.
Thank you.

 

[SLM]

Hey! I have just read through the entire thread yet I have another question:
If I was to finish my undergrad course in 2028, could/would the annual price I pay for MD be today’s $85,000 AUD, or would it be more come the time I am ready to start my post graduate

Hey guys, I apologise in advance if this is the wrong forum but I have contacted both VTAC and UMelb about possibly applying late for the bachelor of biomedicine or bachelor of science, further leading to the 99.0+ ATAR MD pathway.

They have just informed me that applications can no longer be accepted and that the “later, mid round applications open in April” (?).
I’m in complete shambles right now and don’t know what to do. Would applying in April mean I have to take a gap year? I really want to avoid taking a gap year if possible yet also don’t want to go to uni in New Zealand as a former highschool student here.

Could anyone please please please help me, I am in complete and utter distress.
Thank you.

If you are considering a full fee place- have you considered BOND?

 

[Jangnada]

If you are considering a full fee place- have you considered BOND?

I am trying to avoid BOND as much as possible and want to get into UMelb through the 99.0+ ATAR FFP pathway.

Is there anyway I could apply without taking a gap year?

Also, if I was to (per say) apply during the mid-year (in April) as advised by VTAC, when would be the earliest I can go to melbourne to study?

 

[A1]

I have contacted both VTAC and UMelb about possibly applying late for the bachelor of biomedicine or bachelor of science, further leading to the 99.0+ ATAR MD pathway.
They have just informed me that applications can no longer be accepted and that the “later, mid round applications open in April” (?).

That is sad, I was hoping with semester start still a month away UMelb could allow you to enrol in a not-so-competitive course.

I assume you called UMelb Admissions. Maybe now try call directly the Dean/Head of Science or Biomed or even "unpopular" faculties where their enrolments have not been filled, they might welcome more students.

Applying in April is likely for semester-2 start. Ask UMelb if they have summer courses that you can make up for missing the semester-1's four course units i.e. you do 2025 sem-2 + 2026 summer + sem-1&2 + 2027 summer and be in proper 3rd year by 2027 sem-1.

__________
If you are to take a gap year and start UMelb in 2026 pay particular attention to this rule
"Enrol in a UMelb undergraduate degree immediately following Year 12.
Students who have transferred from another university are not eligible for a guaranteed entry pathway."

I don't know whether the "immediately following Year 12" means you must start in 2025, or you can start in 2026 provided you have not attended another uni. So many unknowns.

 

[Jangnada]

That is sad, I was hoping with semester start still a month away UMelb could allow you to enrol in a not-so-competitive course.

I assume you called UMelb Admissions. Maybe now try call directly the Dean/Head of Science or Biomed or even "unpopular" faculties where their enrolments have not been filled, they might welcome more students.

Applying in April is likely for semester-2 start. Ask UMelb if they have summer courses that you can make up for missing the semester-1's four course units i.e. you do 2025 sem-2 + 2026 summer + sem-1&2 + 2027 summer and be in proper 3rd year by 2027 sem-1.

__________
If you are to take a gap year and start UMelb in 2026 pay particular attention to this rule
"Enrol in a UMelb undergraduate degree immediately following Year 12.
Students who have transferred from another university are not eligible for a guaranteed entry pathway."

I don't know whether the "immediately following Year 12" means you must start in 2025, or you can start in 2026 provided you have not attended another uni. So many unknowns.

I just called UMelb again and asked them regarding missing semester-1. They said that I need to enrol in a UMelb undergraduate degree immediately following year 12- which includes not missing semester-1, thereby meaning that I would now be ineligible to be a part of the FFP 99.0+ “guaranteed” pathway….

Please, can anybody help me with what to do now… I really don’t know what the next step is.
Even if there’s anyone that can get me connected to the Dean/Head of Science or Biomed, or just if there’s anyway that I may have a possibility to show that I genuinely want this place..

 

[ExistedUsername]

I just called UMelb again and asked them regarding missing semester-1. They said that I need to enrol in a UMelb undergraduate degree immediately following year 12- which includes not missing semester-1, thereby meaning that I would now be ineligible to be a part of the FFP 99.0+ “guaranteed” pathway….

Please, can anybody help me with what to do now… I really don’t know what the next step is.
Even if there’s anyone that can get me connected to the Dean/Head of Science or Biomed, or just if there’s anyway that I may have a possibility to show that I genuinely want this place..

It's kind of like a last resort but would you take repeating year 12 and re-apply next year as an option?

 

[A1]

I just called UMelb again and asked them regarding missing semester-1. They said that I need to enrol in a UMelb undergraduate degree immediately following year 12- which includes not missing semester-1, thereby meaning that I would now be ineligible to be a part of the FFP 99.0+ “guaranteed” pathway….

Please, can anybody help me with what to do now… I really don’t know what the next step is.
Even if there’s anyone that can get me connected to the Dean/Head of Science or Biomed, or just if there’s anyway that I may have a possibility to show that I genuinely want this place..

The prospects are looking more grim!

I have searched but could not find the Deans' (or their Executive Assistants) direct phone numbers. You can try UMelb's generic number +61.3.9035.5511 ask to speak to the Science/Biomed Course Co-ordinators. Hopefully you get to talk to someone in charge.

Only the Deans email addresses are on UMelb website, obviously the responses will be slower.

Although not to your liking, try some less popular degrees/faculties as well if you are really desperate. Key point is it can be any degree.

 

[dltjwns729]

It's kind of like a last resort but would you take repeating year 12 and re-apply next year as an option?

I would also like to add that repeating Year 12 does not necessarily fulfil the requirement of 'Enrolling in a UMelb undergraduate degree immediately following Year 12'. You must have an exceptional reason as to why you are repeating Year 12. Attaching the letter I received from UniMelb regarding this issue:

I am trying to avoid BOND as much as possible and want to get into UMelb through the 99.0+ ATAR FFP pathway.

Is there anyway I could apply without taking a gap year?

Also, if I was to (per say) apply during the mid-year (in April) as advised by VTAC, when would be the earliest I can go to melbourne to study?

Applications for Bond close on the 23rd, which is this Thursday. I would still recommend applying there in case UniMelb doesn't work out. Everybody has different preferences, but personally I would take Bond FFP over UniMelb FFP all day, very simply because you are guaranteed to study medicine and is 2.5 years shorter.

 

[denosawr]

personally I would take Bond FFP over UniMelb FFP all day

I agree with the broader sentiment (especially since the 75+ WAM requirement + interview is not trivial), however, one reason you may want to choose UoM is because it provides an opportunity to earn a CSP through the GEMSAS system with a backup FFP as the last resort. It could be worth a shot for many candidates who are just barely unsuccessful for medicine somewhere else, but who are still excellent candidates in their own right. Personally I'd take 2 years shorter (you graduate 2 years earlier at Bond since it starts May anyway) for the chance to save ~$450k.