A regional medical degree offered jointly by the University of Newcastle and the University of New England has surged in popularity, becoming one of Australia's most sought-after university courses for the 2026 intake.
Medical Program Jumps in Popularity Rankings
According to data released by the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC), the Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine program has made a significant leap. It climbed from ninth place in popularity for the 2025 intake to an impressive fourth place for 2026.
The UAC reported that the five-year combined degree attracted a substantial 915 first preferences from prospective students. This regional pathway is distinctive as it provides undergraduate entry directly into a medical degree, a model not widely available across the country.
A Dream Realised for Aspiring Doctor
The rising demand is reflected in the experiences of students like Tahlia Stone from Warners Bay. The 22-year-old was thrilled to receive an offer to begin the medical program in mid-February 2026.
"It was my dream university and my dream course, so I was excited to be offered a place at Newcastle," Ms Stone said.
Her journey to medicine wasn't straightforward. After leaving high school, her initial University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) score fell short of the medicine entry cutoff. Undeterred, she first completed a Bachelor of Biomedical Science at the University of Newcastle.
"I always wanted to be a doctor," she stated. After graduating, she retook the UCAT, reapplied through UAC, and received her successful offer in January 2026.
Ms Stone highlighted the program's appeal, citing its structure, focus on rural health, and extensive placement opportunities in centres like Armidale, Tamworth, Taree, and metropolitan hospitals.
"It was a lot of study and commitment but overall, it was worth it," she remarked, adding she is keeping an open mind but has a developing interest in paediatrics or orthopaedic surgery.
University Commitment to Local and National Students
University of Newcastle Vice-Chancellor, Professor Alex Zelinsky, expressed his pleasure at the program's growing popularity.
"Becoming a doctor is a demanding profession, and our medical program is designed to ensure students have the skills and are ready to practice in our hospitals and clinics," Professor Zelinsky said.
He emphasised the university's commitment to providing pathways for local students, noting several initiatives designed to support applicants from the Hunter region to gain entry. The university also receives strong interest from across Australia.
"These schemes contribute to the high demand as they give more students from our region the opportunity to study with us, which is important because we know that many of our students who study locally also go on to work locally," he explained.
Upon completion of the five-year degree, graduates must undertake an additional internship as a Junior Medical Officer before entering full medical practice. The next major UAC offer round for 2026 courses is scheduled for release on Thursday, January 22.
