Indigenous entry into Medicine

Your pathway to becoming a doctor starts here.

Overview

Overview Indigenous Entry Stream Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Sub-quota Study Locations FAQs

There's more than one entry pathway to Medicine.

Flinders University offers dedicated pathways for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people to enter the Doctor of Medicine (MD). Depending on your qualifications and whether you have a valid GAMSAT result, you can apply through the Indigenous Entry Stream (IES) or the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Sub-quota. Successful applicants can be considered for Medicine at Bedford Park, in regional South Australia through the South Australia Rural Medical (SARM) Program, or in the Northern Territory through the Northern Territory Medical Program (NTMP).

No valid GAMSAT?

You can apply through the Indigenous Entry Stream (IES).

Learn More

Have a valid GAMSAT?

You can choose to apply through the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Sub-quota.

Learn More

Indigenous Entry Stream (IES)

The Indigenous Entry Stream provides a supported pathway into the Doctor of Medicine for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander graduates.

You can apply with or without a valid GAMSAT result, where a minimum Flinders equivalent GPA of 5.0 is normally required.

Successful applicants will be required to attend an interview after completing the Preparation for Medicine Program and Flinders University Extended Learning in Science.

An offer is issued for the MD if the interview is passed.

To be eligible, you will generally need to:

identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander and be accepted as such by the community in which they currently or have formally lived
have completed, or be due to complete, an eligible Bachelor degree before commencing the MD
meet the required academic criteria
complete the IES application and selection requirements.

Applicants should always check the current IES Application Guide for the latest eligibility and selection requirements.

Download IES flyer

What's involved in the Indigenous Entry Stream?

Preparation for Medicine Program

This 5-day intensive program is designed to:

teach you the foundation skills and knowledge you’ll need to study medicine
build a supportive cohort.

Held in person and on campus in the Northern Territory or South Australia.

Flinders University Extended Learning in Science

A 5-hour per week course (12 weeks in duration) that covers:

chemistry,
physics,
biology
numeracy.

Held online, more details TBC.

2027 Indigenous Entry Stream for 2028 MD Application Key Dates

Please note: dates specified are subject to change and are updated every year.

Application Guide and supporting documents published 
Monday 2 November 2026

Applications for IES 2027 open
Monday 30 November 2026

Applications for IES close
Friday 5 March 2027

Deadline for submission of official academic transcripts and supporting documentation
Friday 5 March 2027

Flinders University Extended Learning in Science 
May to August 2027 (online)

Preparation for Medicine Program 
28 June to 2 July 2027 (in-person and on-campus in the NT or SA)

IES to MD Interviews held
September 2027

Offers to the Doctor of Medicine (MD) 
From early November 2027

Classes for MD commence early February 2028

How to apply for the Indigenous Entry Stream

Check your eligibility and read the application guide

Download and read the Indigenous Entry Stream Application Guide to understand the eligibility requirements, supporting documents and key dates. Reading and understanding the guide is an essential part of the application process.

Download the application guide

Complete your online application

If you meet the eligibility requirements, you can apply directly to Flinders during the application period. The Direct Application Guide provides step-by-step instructions to help you complete your application.

Apply online

Need help? View the Direct Application Guide >

Upload your supporting documents and submit

Before submitting your application, upload all required supporting documents as outlined in the IES Application Guide. Make sure your application and supporting documents are submitted by the published deadlines.

Supporting Document Templates

Northern Territory Residency Status Statutory Declaration
Rural Residency Statutory Declaration
Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent Statutory Declaration (only for use when a document under Common Seal is not able to be obtained)
IES Personal Supporting Statement template

Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Sub-quota

Flinders has up to five places reserved each year in the Doctor of Medicine for eligible Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants through the sub-quota.

You will need to:

have completed, or be about to complete, a Bachelor degree
hold a valid GAMSAT result with a minimum score of 50 in each section of the test
have a minimum Flinders equivalent GPA of 5.0*
complete an interview as part of the selection process.

* for 2027 entry, applicants who have achieved a Flinders equivalent GPA of 4.50 or above will be eligible to apply. Applicants will normally be required to have achieved a GPA of 5.00 or above from the 2026 MD intake to be eligible to apply. Applicants can determine their Flinders equivalent GPA using the GPA Calculator.

How to apply for the Sub-quota

Applications are submitted directly to the University and open late May each year, followed by an interview process. For specific details about the application process and key dates refer to the Doctor of Medicine guide.

Download Doctor of Medicine Guide

We are committed to equity and inclusiveness.

Flinders' Doctor of Medicine program recognises and values the contribution that Indigenous knowledge and Indigenous doctors make to the health of our country.

Learn More

Loyola's unconventional path to Medicine

Loyola Wills didn’t take the usual route into Medicine. After finishing an Arts degree, she started working for the government. But the urge to help her community made her rethink her plans.

Read Loyola's Story

Nurturing future rural doctors

Despite nurturing an interest in medicine throughout his life, Jordyn struggled with feelings of inadequacy and disbelief in his capabilities.

Read Jordyn's Story

Study Medicine where healthcare happens.

Flinders has a strong presence across metropolitan, regional and remote communities, giving you the opportunity to study Medicine in South Australia or the Northern Territory.

Bedford Park
Northern Territory
Rural South Australia

Over 50 years, delivering the Flinders Medical Program

Study the Doctor of Medicine (MD) at Bedford Park, in Adelaide, co-located with the Flinders Medical Centre (FMC) since 1974, a major public tertiary hospital, enabling students, practitioners, industry partners and researchers work together more closely.

Find out more

Northern Territory Medical Program

Study the Flinders’ Doctor of Medicine (MD) in the NT, with learning and clinical experiences in metropolitan areas, regional and remote healthcare settings, where you will develop an understanding of the needs of diverse Northern Territory communities.

Find out more

South Australia Rural Medical Program

Study the Flinders’ Doctor of Medicine (MD) in regional SA through the SARM Program, providing opportunities for students to undertake their medical education in rural communities.

Find out more

Hear from our students

Loyola
Jordyn
India

“The IES was the right choice for me - it provided a bit of insight into the path of Medicine and gave me the opportunity to show, that despite not having a background in Science that I was willing to work hard to pursue medicine.”

Loyola Wills
Completed MD in 2023

“The IES offered the additional support throughout the process of working towards being offered a position to study.”

Jordyn Tomba
Completed MD in 2023

“The thing that drew me to the IES was the fact we had the PMP in Darwin and were able to experience a week of what studying medicine was like....”

India Shackleford
Due to complete the MD in 2026

Got questions about the entry streams?

Flinders offers support through the entire application process.

For Indigenous student support, contact Yungkurrinthi Student Engagement.

08 8201 3033

Enquire now

For general enquiries, contact the IES Support Team.

Enquire now

For questions about your application, contact Ask Flinders.

1300 354 633

Ask Flinders

Frequently asked questions.

Find the answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.

How does the shared learning work?

In your first semester, you will study alongside students from other allied health disciplines, building core knowledge, practical skills, and an understanding of how different professions work together.

While you remain enrolled in your chosen discipline, this shared experience helps you build confidence and early insight across allied health.

What is the difference between the Indigenous Entry Stream and the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Sub-quota?

The Indigenous Entry Stream allows eligible Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander graduates to apply for the Doctor of Medicine with or without a valid GAMSAT result. The Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Sub-quota is for eligible applicants who hold a valid GAMSAT result. Up to five places are reserved each year through this pathway.

What degree do I need before I can apply?

You need to have completed, or be due to complete, a Bachelor degree from an Australian university or tertiary institution considered to be of an equivalent standard before commencing the Doctor of Medicine. Your Bachelor degree does not have to be a medical degree. Check the current application guide for the full academic eligibility requirements.

What GPA do I need?

A minimum Flinders equivalent GPA of 5.0 is normally required to apply through the Indigenous Entry Stream. Admission requirements can change between application cycles, so always check the current Indigenous Entry Stream Application Guide before applying. Applicants can determine their Flinders equivalent GPA here.

Does completing the Indigenous Entry Stream guarantee me a place in Medicine?

No. Participation in the Indigenous Entry Stream (IES) does not automatically guarantee entry to the Doctor of Medicine (MD). To be considered for admission, you must successfully complete the IES program. Applicants who successfully complete the IES program will be offered an MD interview. A place in the Doctor of Medicine is only offered to applicants who successfully pass the MD interview and meet all required selection criteria.

Where can I study the Doctor of Medicine?

Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants can be considered for the Doctor of Medicine at:

Bedford Park in Adelaide
regional South Australia through the South Australia Rural Medical (SARM) Program
the Northern Territory through the Northern Territory Medical Program (NTMP).

Your study location will depend on the pathway you apply through, your eligibility and the places available.

Can I enter the Doctor of Medicine straight from Year 12?

The Indigenous Entry Stream is a graduate entry pathway, so you need to complete a Bachelor degree before commencing the Doctor of Medicine. If you’re currently in Year 12, Flinders also offers undergraduate pathways that can lead to Medicine. Explore the current Medicine entry pathways to understand which option may apply to you.

What support is available for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students?

Yungkurrinthi Student Engagement provides dedicated support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students throughout their university journey. Support includes culturally safe spaces, Indigenous Student Success Officers, academic support, tutoring, scholarships and financial support, Elders on Campus and opportunities to connect with other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.

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

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

1300 354 633

Book a chat

Apply

Indigenous entry into Medicine

There's more than one entry pathway to Medicine.

No valid GAMSAT?

Have a valid GAMSAT?

Indigenous Entry Stream (IES)

What's involved in the Indigenous Entry Stream?

2027 Indigenous Entry Stream for 2028 MD Application Key Dates

How to apply for the Indigenous Entry Stream