Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery

Lay the foundation for a diverse medical career within small classes that offer personalised support. Engage in hands-on learning through the guidance of passionate, experienced lecturers as you develop knowledge and skills across key areas of medicine and surgery.

Preparing you for a dynamic medical career

Study a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery full-time at our Townsville or Cairns campuses, where you’ll find opportunities to expand your professional network through JCU’s connections with local hospitals, health services and providers.

In your first year, you will be introduced to integrated medical studies. Examine normal functions of the human body from a molecular and cellular level and consider how systems and society can influence health.

In your second year, you will explore human anatomy, physiology and common pathophysiologies. Develop associated clinical skills while focusing on challenges common to rural, remote and tropical contexts.

In your third year, you will extend your knowledge of clinical healthcare through further study of both physiological and social impacts on health. Consider specifically areas including immunology and preventive medicine.

In your fourth year, you will focus on honing your clinical pathology knowledge, working specifically to examine and collect information from patients. Build expertise in interpreting this data to draw conclusions and plan for patient care.

In your fifth year, you will expand upon your previous studies as you integrate your medical knowledge with the awareness, attitudes and skills required to perform in clinical healthcare environments. Complete six rotations in clinical healthcare settings, each lasting six weeks.

In your sixth year, you will consolidate your learning and form an in-depth understanding of the examination, investigation and patient management skills required for medical practice. Undertake 30 weeks of embedded clinical placement as a trainee intern in a hospital within our training region, to consolidate work-ready clinical skills. You will also complete a 10-week clinical elective, where you will further explore the personal and professional roles of medical practitioners.

Real-world learning opportunities from Year One

Embrace hands-on learning through JCU’s innovative on-campus facilities from the beginning of your course at both the Cairns and Townsville campuses. The Anatomy and Pathology facilities feature humidity-controlled anatomy laboratories and North Queensland’s largest and only anatomical cadaver, prosection, pathology and skeletal teaching collection.

Practice assessment and diagnostic techniques by working through simulated medical scenarios with volunteer patients. Learn how you can help Close the Gap by developing expertise and working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

Across your six-year degree, you’ll complete over 4,000 hours of clinical training. Share our passion for promoting rural health in the Tropics by completing a placement in a remote community. You may also choose to develop a global perspective by seizing the opportunity to gain practical experience overseas.

Upon completing the Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery, you will emerge with key capabilities required for a career in medicine and will be well prepared to work in a range of settings and communities from the outback to the city. JCU’s Northern Queensland Regional Training Hubs (NQRTH) initiative can support you in discovering plenty of career and training opportunities from intern to fellow in northern Queensland.

View the Handbook for a detailed overview of available subjects, as well as pre-placement requirements.

Inherent requirements

Inherent requirements are the identified abilities, attributes, skills, and behaviours that must be demonstrated, during the learning experience, to successfully complete a course. These abilities, attributes, skills, and behaviours preserve the academic integrity of the University’s learning, assessment, and accreditation processes, and where applicable, meet the standards of a profession.  For more information please review the inherent requirements for the Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery.

Work Integrated Learning

This course requires work-integrated learning (WIL) activities, such as placements, fieldwork, internships or industry-partnered projects. During the course, you will be required to complete a minimum of 3423 hours of WIL.

Honours

The Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (Honours) degree is available for high-achieving students. It consists of extra study and the development of a personal research project and thesis.

An Honours degree is usually essential for entry to research higher degrees.

Please refer to the Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (Honours) Handbook for eligibility information. Complete an application through our Online Application Portal.

JCU Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery graduates are exceptionally-skilled doctors who are employed in a range of medical settings.

Graduates pursue careers in private practice, public health, the defence force, academia, and education.

Depending on your specialisation and further study, you could find employment in a range of specialities including, but not limited to General Practitioner, anaesthetist, dermatologist, obstetrician, oncologist, paediatrician, psychiatrist, radiologist, surgeon, academic, or medical educator.

You will be equipped with the skills to work in a range of diverse settings from regional, rural, remote, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and beyond.

Graduates of the Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery are eligible to register to work a one-year internship in Australia or New Zealand. Completion of your internship can lead you to further training in a chosen specialisation.

Graduates of this course are eligible to apply for registration with the Medical Board of Australia.

Courses are charged per year of full-time study. International course fees are reviewed annually and subject to change.

A Student Services and Amenities Fee is payable per subject up to a maximum amount per year.

Student Visa holders must have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of their Student Visa (except Norwegian, Swedish and Belgian citizens). Costs depend on the length of study and the number of dependants accompanying the student. For more information see Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).

Scholarships and financial aid are also available for international students.

Applicants of non-English speaking backgrounds must meet the English language proficiency requirements of Band 3b – Schedule II of the JCU Admissions Policy.

Application deadlines

Applications for the 2027 intake open on 1 March 2026 and close on 30 June 2026. You must apply to study and submit a written application by 30 June.  View our International Applications for Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary Science page for information on the application process, entry requirements and key dates.   

Before applying ensure you have

• Checked the Inherent Requirements
• Checked the placement requirement checklist