How to Apply to Life Sciences and Medicine-Related Degrees at the University of Sydney: Biomedicine and Health at Westmead, plus the Bachelor of Science (Medical Science) and (Health), with Entry and Prerequisite Requirements for Domestic, International (Including Chinese) and Transfer Students

Life sciences and medicine-related undergraduate study at the University of Sydney sits in two faculties: the Bachelor of Biomedicine and Health in the Faculty of Medicine and Health, and the Bachelor of Science and its Medical Science and Health versions in the Faculty of Science. This guide sets out the 2027 entry information for domestic applicants, international applicants, applicants from China and transfer students. Psychology is only mentioned in passing: the website has a separate Bachelor of Psychology.

1. What you can study

• Bachelor of Biomedicine and Health (course page): three years full time (the page notes part-time study is available), 144 credit points, UAC code 513966, CRICOS code 117352D, at the Westmead campus in the Westmead Health Precinct beside two teaching hospitals. International students can start in Semester 1 (February) only. The website says the course covers human anatomy and physiology, diseases and treatments, and public health and the health care system; in years two and three you can go deeper into areas such as gene therapy and cancer immunotherapy, with work placements and projects. The careers it lists include health management, health promotion, clinical trial support and biomedical research, and, after further study, medicine, dentistry, diagnostic radiography, occupational therapy, nursing, pharmacy, physiotherapy, public health and speech pathology.
• Bachelor of Science (Medical Science) (course page): Faculty of Science, three years, 144 credit points, UAC code 513925. The website says it gives a foundation for graduate medicine or dentistry programs or for graduate research in medical science, covering the structure and function of the human body from the molecular level to whole systems. It includes a Medical Science stream, and the sample first year on the page has MEDS1001 Human Biology, CHEM1111 Chemistry 1A, BIOL1007 From Molecules to Ecosystems and MEDS1002 Essentials of Human Anatomy.
• Bachelor of Science (Health) (course page): Faculty of Science, three years, 144 credit points, UAC code 513915. The website says it gives a grounding in health and health systems at local, national and global levels, with units on e-health, indigenous health, health promotion, and ageing and health.
• Life science majors in the Bachelor of Science: the 2027 list of majors for the Bachelor of Science (course page) includes Biology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Genetics and Genomics, Microbiology, Neuroscience, Pharmacology, Physiology, Immunology and Pathology, Infectious Diseases, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Marine Science, Plant Science, and Animal Health, Disease and Welfare, plus Life Sciences programs (with a major in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Genetics and Genomics, or Microbiology). The degree is three years, 144 credit points, UAC code 513910, and has the same international fee as the Bachelor of Science (Medical Science).
• Doctor of Medicine (MD): the website lists the Doctor of Medicine among its postgraduate courses and says it prepares you for registration as a medical practitioner; it is not a direct-entry undergraduate degree. The University's policy for international applicants to the MD is not given on the pages used for this guide; check the course page.
• Clinical and placement arrangements: the medicine and health study-area page says study includes supervised placements in hospitals, clinics and community settings, simulation and laboratory training, and, for eligible students, study or placements overseas. The specific placement hours and places for the Bachelor of Biomedicine and Health are not given on the pages used for this guide.
• Do you choose a major when applying? You apply for the degree itself. When a major or program in the Bachelor of Science is confirmed after enrolment is not given on the pages used for this guide, so check the degree structure on the course page or ask the faculty.

2. Prerequisites

• Mathematics prerequisite: in the University's list of courses with a mathematics prerequisite, medicine and health appears only through combined Pharmacy (Honours) and Master of Pharmacy Practice degrees, and the Faculty of Science through the Bachelor of Mathematical Sciences; the Bachelor of Biomedicine and Health, Bachelor of Science (Medical Science) and Bachelor of Science (Health) are not on it. (Mathematics course prerequisites)
• Assumed and recommended knowledge: the Bachelor of Biomedicine and Health page has a recommended knowledge field showing mathematics (MathsAdv), biology and chemistry (BioChem); the Bachelor of Science (Medical Science) page lists assumed knowledge of mathematics, biology, chemistry and other subjects (code MathsAdvDep-Bio-Chem-Other); the Bachelor of Science (Health) page shows mathematics, biology and other subjects (MathsAdv-Bio-Other). The exact subjects and levels are in the wording on each course page.
• Any pre-entry test or interview in biology or chemistry is not listed on the course pages.

3. Indicative entry scores for 2027

• Bachelor of Biomedicine and Health: for international applicants, ATAR 90 (the page lists 94 for domestic applicants); IB 34; A-Levels 15 from three subjects or 16 from four; Gaokao 80 (shown without a percent sign on the course page); BC Certificate of Graduation average 3.65; Ontario OSSD average 86; SAT 1340 or ACT 28; University of Sydney Foundation Program (USFP) 7.5/C+; other Australian university foundation programs 75.
• Bachelor of Science (Medical Science): for international applicants, ATAR 85 (the page lists 90 for domestic applicants); IB 31; A-Levels 14 from three subjects or 14 from four; Gaokao 75%; BC Certificate of Graduation average 3.55; Ontario OSSD average 83; SAT 1300 or ACT 26; University of Sydney Foundation Program (USFP) 7.3/C; other Australian university foundation programs 73.
• Bachelor of Science (Health): for international applicants, ATAR 80 (the page lists 80 for domestic applicants); IB 29; A-Levels 13 from three subjects or 13 from four; Gaokao 75%; BC Certificate of Graduation average 3.45; Ontario OSSD average 81; SAT 1250 or ACT 24; University of Sydney Foundation Program (USFP) 6.9/C.
• Notes: A-Levels are scored on A2 subjects with A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1; if more than four subjects are offered the best four count, AS subjects are not used, and at most one Applied A-Level may be included. The IB figure is the total for the completed IB Diploma. The SAT is out of 1600 and must be accompanied by evidence of high school graduation; the SAT/ACT requirement can be lower for applicants with AP scores of 3 or better. The OSSD is the average of six university/college preparation courses including English, and the University says it currently accepts only Ontario schools that have passed its verification process. The BC figure is the average of all Grade 12 subjects except Graduation Transition on A=4, B=3, C+=2.5, C=2, C-=1, F=0. These are indicative figures and do not guarantee an offer.
• For the Bachelor of Biomedicine and Health the Gaokao entry is written as 80 without a percent sign, while the other course pages write a percentage; ask the admissions office to confirm.

Domestic applicants (Australian Year 12)

• How to apply: domestic applicants apply through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) rather than directly to the University of Sydney, and UAC's website sets the key dates. (Application dates)
• How selection works: the University uses a "selection rank". If you have an ATAR, your selection rank is your ATAR plus any adjustment factors. Adjustment factors come from the University's entry schemes; the amount can differ by course, and some are awarded automatically while others need an application. Non-ATAR qualifications are converted by UAC to an ATAR-equivalent rank. (Selection rank)
• What the published ranks mean: the University says each course's listed selection rank reflects the previous year's intake and is only a guide that changes from year to year. Some courses have additional criteria such as prerequisite study, a personal statement or an interview, shown on the course page.
• Domestic indicative ATARs listed: Biomedicine and Health 94, Science (Medical Science) 90, Science (Health) 80.

International applicants

• How to apply: applicants with overseas qualifications can apply directly to the University from the course page or through an authorised agent, and an application processing fee is payable (the amount is not given on the pages used for this guide; check the website). International students currently studying an Australian Year 12 qualification, or an IB Diploma in Australia, apply through UAC. (How to apply as an international student)
• Closing dates: for undergraduate international applicants, the website gives 1 December of the year before commencement for Semester 1 (February) and 29 May of the commencing year for Semester 2 (August). It says applications generally open two years before the start date, that applications may close once capacity is reached, and that applicants should apply at least six to eight weeks before the start date to leave time for processing and a visa. The page does not print a year, so check the dates for 2027 entry; under this rule a February 2027 start closes on 1 December 2026. (Application dates)
• Start dates: the standard start dates shown on the page are 23 February 2026 (Semester 1) and 3 August 2026 (Semester 2). The 2027 start dates are not given on the pages used for this guide; check the website.
• Documents: academic certificates and transcripts, proof of English proficiency and proof of identity (passport); some courses may also need a supplementary form, personal statement or portfolio. If your school issues electronic certification of transcripts, submit the secure digital document or use an approved platform. Documents not in English must be translated by a government-accredited translator such as NAATI, or by your school's registrar or equivalent.
• Visa steps: international students must meet the University's entry requirements and the Australian Government's Genuine Student requirement, and may be asked to complete an additional assessment. After an offer, you accept by the deadline and pay first-semester fees to receive the electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCoE) for the student visa; Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is required and can be arranged by the University or by yourself with an approved provider.
• Preparation programs: international applicants without a recognised qualification can take preparation programs, which are delivered by Taylors College. (How to apply as an international student)

English language requirements

• Bachelor of Biomedicine and Health: IELTS Academic 7.0 overall, 7.0 in each band; TOEFL iBT 96 overall, at least 23 in Reading, Listening and Speaking and 25 in Writing; PTE 72 overall, 72 in each band.
• Bachelor of Science (Medical Science): IELTS Academic 6.5 overall, 6.0 in each band; TOEFL iBT 85 overall, at least 17 in Reading, Listening and Speaking and 19 in Writing; PTE 64 overall, 60 in each band.
• Bachelor of Science (Health): IELTS Academic 6.5 overall, 6.0 in each band; TOEFL iBT 85 overall, at least 17 in Reading, Listening and Speaking and 19 in Writing; PTE 64 overall, 60 in each band.
• Waivers: the website says that applicants whose first language is English need citizenship or long-term permanent residency (at least 10 years) and secondary or tertiary study in a recognised English-speaking country; others can show completed secondary, foundation, Australian diploma or at least one year of bachelor's study taught in English in a recognised English-speaking country within five years of starting. The recognised list includes Australia, Canada (excluding Quebec), Ireland, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, the United Kingdom and the United States; mainland China is not on the list.
• Another route is a specified subject (usually English or a humanities subject) in a recognised secondary qualification, such as the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education or an IB Diploma not taught in English, completed within two years of starting; the required subject and grade are in the University's concordance table. Courses at the University's Centre for English Teaching are also an option. (English language requirements)
• The website notes that for nursing pre-registration degrees, foundation program English results do not meet the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC) requirement, and IELTS 7.0 overall with no band below 7.0 is needed. The three degrees here are not marked as such; check each course page.

Applicants from China

• Gaokao: the University recognises the Gaokao. The website expresses the requirement as a percentage for each course, to be converted against the maximum score of your province: the maximum is 750 in most provinces, with exceptions including Shanghai (660) and Hainan (940); its example is that 70% in Beijing equals 525 out of 750. The percentages for the courses in this guide are listed above. The course pages list 80 (written without a percent sign) for Biomedicine and Health and 75% for the two Bachelor of Science degrees. Whether separate biology or chemistry results are required is not given; ask the admissions office. (Recognised qualifications)
• International curricula: applicants in IB, A-Level or American curriculum programs (SAT/ACT with AP) can apply on the matching figures above.
• Foundation programs: the University of Sydney Foundation Program (USFP) and other Australian university foundation programs have reference results on the course pages; the list of recognised foundation programs also includes one located in China (the AIAC Foundation Program offered by Aceleader Education Group).
• Documents: the website says applicants from China should check whether their academic documents need to be verified by China's Center for Student Services and Development (CSSD); non-English documents must be translated.
• Senior-high graduation certificate, huikao results, interviews: whether any of these is separately required is not given on the pages used for this guide; check the website or ask the admissions office or its regional contacts.

Transfer students and credit

• Recognition of prior learning (RPL): if you have completed university-level subjects, or in some cases a recognised qualification leading into a bachelor's degree, you may apply for credit, which the faculty assesses. Credit can take the form of specific credit, non-specific credit, reduced volume of learning or an enrolment exception request, and may shorten your course and reduce your fees. (Recognition of prior learning)
• Visa impact: for international students, a shorter course affects the student visa; the website says the University must notify the Department of Home Affairs if the expected duration is reduced, so check your visa conditions before applying, as you may be required to study full time.
• Articulation pathways: the website has a page on international articulation pathways; the specific arrangements for particular institutions and courses are not given on the pages used for this guide, so check the website.
• The Bachelor of Biomedicine and Health takes international students in Semester 1 only; the two Bachelor of Science degrees take Semester 1 and Semester 2 entry, so transfer students can choose.
• Rules for crediting biology and chemistry sequences taken elsewhere are not given on the pages used for this guide; ask the faculty.

Fees and scholarships

• Bachelor of Biomedicine and Health: international fee A$69,200; indicative Commonwealth-supported (CSP) student contribution A$9,879.
• Bachelor of Science (Medical Science): international fee A$63,600; indicative Commonwealth-supported (CSP) student contribution A$10,642.
• Bachelor of Science (Health): international fee A$63,600; indicative Commonwealth-supported (CSP) student contribution A$10,642.
• These are indicative amounts for 2027 entry, for Year 1 of full-time study (48 credit points). The website says the international tuition fee depends on the calendar year in which you study and your study load and is subject to annual increase; the CSP contribution also rises each year, subject to a maximum set by the Australian Government. Other costs such as OSHC are not given on the pages used for this guide; check the website.
• Scholarships: the University says it awards over A$135 million in scholarships each year. General undergraduate scholarships for international students include the Sydney International Undergraduate Academic Excellence Scholarship (for international students who have applied for but not yet started a single undergraduate coursework degree; it covers 100% of tuition fees and the student services fee for the published full-time duration of that degree), the Sydney International Student Award (20% of the tuition fee for the duration of the course) and the Vice-Chancellor's International Scholarships Scheme (up to A$40,000). Among Faculty of Science scholarships, the Sir Lionel Hooke Scholarship (A$7,500) is for high-achieving recent high school graduates applying for an undergraduate degree in the faculty; the Faculty of Medicine and Health Course Material Scholarship (A$500) is for domestic and international students whose courses need specialised materials or uniforms. Some scholarships are considered automatically when you apply for admission and others need a separate application with their own deadlines, so check each one's conditions. (International scholarships, General undergraduate scholarships)
• Students from the United States, Canada, Sweden, Norway or Denmark may be eligible for education loan schemes from their home country.

Application checklist

Domestic applicants:

• Apply through UAC and compare your rank with the course page (domestic indicative ATAR: Biomedicine and Health 94, Science (Medical Science) 90, Science (Health) 80)

International applicants (including those from China):

• Gaokao converted against your province's maximum and compared with each course page; or IB 34 / 31 / 29, A-Levels, SAT/ACT with AP
• IELTS: 7.0 with 7.0 in each band for Biomedicine and Health; 6.5 with 6.0 in each band for the two Science degrees
• Check whether your documents need CSSD verification and translate non-English documents
• Apply by 1 December of the year before a February start, or by 29 May of the start year for an August start (not available for Biomedicine and Health), and confirm the exact dates for 2027

Transfer students:

• Apply for recognition of prior learning (RPL) and check your student visa conditions on study load

Sources: The University of Sydney, Bachelor of Biomedicine and Health; Bachelor of Science (Medical Science); Bachelor of Science (Health); Bachelor of Science; Medicine and health study area; Mathematics prerequisites; How to apply as an international student; Application dates; English language requirements; Recognised qualifications; Selection rank; Recognition of prior learning; International scholarships; Faculty of Science scholarships; Medicine and Health scholarships. Information is for 2027 entry; entry scores are indicative. Check the University of Sydney for the latest details.