University of Newcastle / UNE — BMedSci/MD (JMP)
The University of Newcastle / UNE Joint Medical Program is a five-year direct entry pathway straight from high school, taught across Newcastle and UNE Armidale. You need a minimum ATAR of 94.3 to be eligible, but beyond that gate selection is ranked on your UCAT ANZ aggregate to progress to the Multiple Skills Assessment — so the UCAT decides who gets through, with standard-entry applicants typically around the 98th percentile.
Course details
The Joint Medical Program is run jointly by the University of Newcastle and the University of New England — a single five-year Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine for school leavers, delivered across Newcastle (Callaghan and the Central Coast) and UNE in Armidale, with a strong rural and regional training footprint.
Eligibility Criteria
A minimum ATAR of 94.3 is required to be eligible for the Joint Medical Program. Beyond that gate, selection is ranked on your UCAT ANZ aggregate rather than on a higher ATAR — so once you clear 94.3, the UCAT is what decides who progresses.
The Joint Medical Program runs a rural pathway — eligible rural applicants face a lower UCAT cut-off to progress to the Multiple Skills Assessment, with rural training delivered via UNE Armidale — and an entry pathway for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants that does not require the UCAT. Note the UCAT aggregate used here is VR + DM + QR and excludes Situational Judgement.
Selection Process
Clear the minimum ATAR, then your UCAT aggregate does the heavy lifting: eligible applicants are ranked on the UCAT to win a place at the Multiple Skills Assessment, where a combined assessment (MSA plus an online psychometric test) decides offers.
Plan your application
Domestic applications run through UAC on the national UCAT cycle. UCAT booking windows, test dates and fees sit with the UCAT itself.
UCAT key dates & costBooking windows, the testing window, deadlines and fees for the cycle.→Where can I apply? — the medical-school matcherMatch your ATAR, UCAT and circumstances against every consortium university at once.→Joint Medical Program FAQ
Does the Joint Medical Program require the UCAT?+
Yes — and it is decisive. Once you clear the ATAR gate, your UCAT aggregate (VR + DM + QR) ranks you to progress to the Multiple Skills Assessment.
What ATAR do I need for the Joint Medical Program?+
A minimum ATAR of 94.3 to be eligible. Beyond that gate, selection is ranked on your UCAT aggregate rather than on a higher ATAR — so a strong UCAT matters more than ATAR above the threshold.
What is the Multiple Skills Assessment?+
The MSA is the program's interview-style assessment of personal qualities, sat alongside an online psychometric test. Your UCAT rank decides who is invited to it.
Which UCAT subtests count?+
The Joint Medical Program ranks on the UCAT aggregate of Verbal Reasoning, Decision Making and Quantitative Reasoning. Situational Judgement is not part of the aggregate used here.
Is there a rural pathway?+
Yes. Eligible rural applicants face a lower UCAT cut-off to progress to the MSA, with rural training delivered through UNE in Armidale.
Is there an Indigenous entry pathway?+
Yes. The Joint Medical Program offers an entry pathway for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants — confirm the current requirements on the official admissions page.