Undergraduate entry to the NT Medical Program (NTMP)

Overview

Overview Pathways How to apply Eligibility FAQs

From Year 12 to a Doctor of Medicine at Flinders.

Through a unique collaboration between Flinders University and Charles Darwin University (CDU), you can begin your studies locally at CDU before progressing into the Flinders Doctor of Medicine (MD) (NTMP). Designed to grow a local medical workforce, this pathway allows you to study, train and build your future right here in the NT, graduating ready to make an impact close to home in your local community.

Two degrees. One streamlined pathway. Six years.

Complete an accelerated double degree, combining the Bachelor of Clinical Sciences at Charles Darwin University with the Doctor of Medicine (MD) at Flinders University through the Northern Territory Medical Program (NTMP). Noting that in Year 3, you'll commence the Flinders MD while completing your bachelors degree, creating a streamlined 6-year pathway to a career in medicine all while studying in the Northern Territory.

Year 1

Commence the Bachelor of Clinical Sciences with Charles Darwin University (CDU) at Casuarina Campus, Darwin.

Year 2

Continue the Bachelor of Clinical Sciences Charles Darwin University (CDU), Casuarina Campus, Darwin.

Year 3

Studying both courses concurrently, you will aim to:

Complete the final year of the Bachelor of Clinical Sciences, Charles Darwin University (CDU).
Begin the Flinders (Doctor of Medicine) (MD) (NTMP) at Flinders University, Casuarina Campus, Darwin.

Year 4

Continue the Flinders Doctor of Medicine (MD) (NTMP) at Flinders University, Casuarina Campus.

Year 5

Continue the Flinders Doctor of Medicine (MD) (NTMP) at Flinders University, Casuarina Campus.

Year 6

Complete the Flinders Doctor of Medicine (MD) (NTMP) at Flinders University, Casuarina Campus.

From Darwin to Doctor.

Your step by step NT medical program pathway.

Start with the Bachelor of Clinical Sciences at Charles Darwin University

This degree is specifically designed as the undergraduate component of the CDU → Flinders Medicine (MD) (NTMP) pathway and prepares students for further medical training.

During the first 2 years, you’ll be enrolled as a CDU student, and undertake CDU topics, to build a strong foundation in the biomedical sciences that underpin modern medicine, studying areas such as human biology, physiology, genetics and disease.

The Bachelor of Clinical Sciences is a highly competitive course with 12 places available each year. Offers to this course are made in the January offer round with sub-quotas available for NT residents and First Nations applicants.

To apply for this course, you can visit the SATAC website and search for Bachelor of Clinical Sciences (104661).

Apply via SATAC

Progress to the Flinders Northern Territory Medical Program (NTMP)

After successfully completing two years of the Bachelor of Clinical Sciences at CDU, having maintained a specific grade point average and completing within the specified time frame, your entry is guaranteed into the Flinders Northern Territory Medical Program (NTMP).

The NTMP is a 4 year postgraduate medical degree delivered by Flinders University across the Northern Territory, with teaching in Darwin and clinical placements in locations such as Darwin, Alice Springs, Katherine and Nhulunbuy. You will be enrolled as a Flinders University student, completing Flinders University topics.

The third year of the Bachelor of Clinical Sciences and the first year of the NTMP are completed simultaneously, in the same year, as they are a joint offering. After you have completed your first year in the NTMP, you will graduate with a Bachelor of Clinical Sciences, with a CDU/Flinders parchment.

Applications into the Doctor of Medicine (MD) (NTMP) will be made in conjunction with the Director of the Northern Territory Medical Program.

Note: Entry into the NTMP is associated with a bond to work for 2 years in the Northern Territory after graduation (including your Intern year).

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Train and graduate as a Doctor

Together, the CDU and Flinders pathway allows students to graduate with two degrees:

Bachelor of Clinical Sciences (Jointly awarded by Charles Darwin University and Flinders University)
Doctor of Medicine (MD) (NTMP) (Awarded by Flinders University)

On completion of both degrees, you are eligible to become a doctor with a strong focus on rural, remote and Indigenous health, having hands-on experience across diverse communities in the Northern Territory.

Flinders University Doctor of Medicine (MD) (NTMP) graduates must seek provisional registration as a Medical Practitioner with the Medical Board of Australia.

Eligibility for NT Medical Program

Applicants must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident school leaver with Year 12 qualifications, or higher education students who have studied for no more than one year are eligible for consideration for entry.

Preference for the program is given to Northern Territory and Indigenous applicants, however any Australian residents may apply.

Applicants for the Bachelor of Clinical Sciences/Doctor of Medicine (Flinders University) must sit the University Clinical Aptitude Test for Australia and New Zealand (UCAT ANZ).

Applications are ranked by combining Year 12 performance scores (90%) and UCAT scores (10%).

Please click here for the definition of an NT Resident.

Application Guide

Frequently asked questions.

Over the years, many questions have been asked by students before. For the quickest answers view our FAQs or browse the full list @ Ask Flinders.

Can I start studying medicine with CDU Menzies and switch to Flinders later?

Not directly. The CDU Menzies Medical Program and the Flinders Northern Territory Medical Program are separate medical programs, so students cannot simply transfer from one medical degree into the other.

However, there is a dedicated CDU to Flinders pathway through the Bachelor of Clinical Sciences at CDU. Students complete the first two years of the Bachelor of Clinical Sciences at CDU and, subject to meeting the required academic progression requirements, move into the Flinders Doctor of Medicine through the NT Medical Program from third year.

If your goal is to study through the Flinders NT Medical Program, it is important to apply for the correct pathway from the beginning.

Other universities don’t require UCAT. Why is it required for Flinders?

Each university sets its own entry requirements for medicine. For the CDU/Flinders undergraduate pathway into the NT Medical Program, UCAT is used as part of the selection process alongside academic results.

Medicine is highly competitive, and UCAT helps assess skills that are important for future doctors, including reasoning, decision-making and problem-solving. It gives applicants another way to demonstrate their suitability for a demanding medical program, beyond school results alone.

For this pathway, students should plan ahead and sit UCAT in Year 12. Students applying through other entry pathways should always check the specific entry requirements that apply to them.

Will I have to go to South Australia at some stage to complete the program?

The Flinders Northern Territory Medical Program is designed to be delivered in the NT, with students learning through Flinders across locations such as Darwin, Alice Springs, Katherine and Nhulunbuy.

Students should expect to be based in the NT for the Flinders MD component, rather than relocating to South Australia to complete the program. As part of their training, NTMP students are also expected to undertake a remote placement during either Year 3 or Year 4. Flinders offers both short- and long-term remote placement opportunities in Alice Springs, Tennant Creek, Katherine and Nhulunbuy.

Students will be asked to preference a remote region during their second year of study, with placements allocated in Year 3 where possible in their preferred location.

I’m in Year 10 and interested in medicine. What subjects or preparation should I undertake to give myself the best chance of getting into the NTMP?

The best preparation is to choose senior subjects that keep you engaged, support a strong ATAR and help build a foundation for health and medical study. The exact subject prerequisites vary between universities, but certain subjects provide an excellent foundation for medical studies.

These subjects include Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics and English.

Students should not feel limited to science subjects as Medicine also benefits from skills developed in: Psychology, Health Studies, Languages, Legal Studies, History and Economics.

It is also helpful to start learning about the healthcare needs of the Northern Territory, including rural and remote health, First Nations health and the role of doctors in community settings. Volunteering, leadership, community involvement and speaking with current students or health professionals can also help you understand whether medicine is the right path for you.

In Year 12, students should make sure they understand the application process, key dates and UCAT requirements early, as UCAT registration and testing occur before final Year 12 results are released.

We’re here to help you every step of the way.

If you would like to talk to one of our friendly advisers about applying to university or to discuss your study options and pathways, please contact us.