Progression requirements and prerequisites

Please note: information provided on this page is relevant to students undertaking their undergraduate degree at UQ.

Progressing to the Doctor of Medicine program

As a Provisional Entry student, you need to complete your first bachelor's degree at UQ before you start the Doctor of Medicine (MD) program. To progress to the MD program you’ll need to:

achieve a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 5.0 (on a 7-point scale);
complete the degree within the minimum time; and
complete the required MD subject prerequisite courses.

We will conduct a progression check after finalisation of grades in Semester 1 and 2 of your final year, in addition to yearly checks throughout your undergraduate degree. The purpose of these progress checks is to confirm you:

are on track to satisfy the GPA requirement to progress to the MD program;
are on track to complete your undergraduate program in the minimum amount of time; and
have completed or enrolled in the required MD prerequisite courses.

It is important to note that these progress checks do not determine if you have met the program requirements for your undergraduate degree or have sufficient time to complete your subject pre-requisites. It is your responsibility to ensure you seek guidance and advice from the relevant faculty for your undergraduate program, to ensure you meet these requirements.

Important dates

Program change

We understand that once you commence study in your undergraduate degree, you may wish to expand or concentrate your learning in a specific area and therefore, may wish to change programs. Program changes are permitted on the condition that you are still able to meet the minimum entry requirements to progress into the MD program as scheduled.

If the program change results in a reduced or extended program length, please contact the Faculty of Medicine Student Administration team for consideration by the Associate Dean (Academic).

Early exit

Some programs may have provision to allow students to exit early and gain a bachelor level exit award. Early exits are permitted on the condition that you are still able to meet the minimum entry requirements to progress into the MD program.

Please ensure you contact your faculty who can provide further advice on your eligibility to exit from your program early. In most instances, an early exit will result in a reduced program length. Once you have sought advice from your faculty, please contact the Faculty of Medicine Student Administration team as soon possible to seek approval to enter the MD program early.

Deferment

Following completion of the first degree, enrolment into the MD program may be deferred in some circumstances, providing that all other progression requirements (e.g. GPA, timeframe and MD program prerequisites) have been met. Please refer to the criteria for deferment in the Undergraduate, Doctor of Medicine, Non-Award and CSP Admissions procedures.

How do I submit a request to defer my place in the MD program?

You must submit a request in writing to med.enquiries@uq.edu.au prior to the commencement of the MD program. The following supporting documentation must be included in your submission:

a brief cover note outlining the reasons for the request and confirming your new commencement date into the MD program,

and;

application or offer letter for entry into Honours or Research Masters at UQ or;
application of PhD at UQ or letter of support from supervisor or;
evidence of employment or placement to complete non-degree requirements to obtain professional registration related to the first degree.

Retention of place

We understand that it is important to prioritise your health and wellbeing, and that sometimes exceptional and unexpected circumstances arise.

A student who holds a place in the MD program (provisional entry for school leavers) and who fails to (or is not expected to) complete their first degree in the minimum time required for that degree, may apply to retain their provisional entry place providing they can demonstrate exceptional circumstances exist. Please refer to the criteria for retention of place in the Undergraduate, Doctor of Medicine, Non-Award and CSP Admissions procedures.

How do I submit a request to retain my place in the MD program?

You must submit a request in writing to med.enquiries@uq.edu.au prior to the commencement of the MD program. The following supporting documentation must be included in your submission:

request in writing outlining the exceptional and unexpected circumstances that have prompted the request, steps that are being taken to remediate these circumstances and when you intend to commence the program.

and;

supporting documentation to corroborate your rationale.

Please contact the Faculty of Medicine Student Administration team for further information.