The Bachelor of Medical Studies (BMedSt) is an undergraduate degree that forms the first half of an integrated six-year double vertical degree program leading to both the BMedSt and the Doctor of Medicine (MD). As a standalone qualification, the Bachelor of Medical Studies functions primarily as an exit pathway for students who have completed three or more years of the combined program but do not go on to finish the full six-year sequence — it does not, on its own, qualify a graduate for registration as a medical practitioner in Australia. The program is structured around four core domains of medical practice: Science and Scholarship, Clinical Practice, Professionalism and Leadership, and Health and Society. Students build a deep foundation in the biological and clinical sciences, including human anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, biochemistry, and pharmacology, while also developing ethical reasoning, communication skills, and an understanding of the social determinants of health. From the very first year, students are introduced to real-world clinical scenarios and begin developing patient interaction skills in hospitals and community health settings.

The course is designed for highly motivated students who are committed to a career in medicine, clinical research, or the broader health sciences. It suits those who performed exceptionally well in secondary school, possess strong analytical and interpersonal skills, and have a genuine passion for science and human wellbeing. The integrated program is typically offered at Australia's leading research-intensive universities and is renowned for blending rigorous academic content with extensive hands-on clinical experience from early in the degree. Employers of graduates who complete the full BMedSt/MD program include public hospitals, private health services, general practice clinics, specialist medical centres, research institutions, public health agencies, and government health departments across Australia and internationally.

Entry into the Bachelor of Medical Studies (or the combined BMedSt/MD program) is among the most competitive of any degree in Australia. For school-leavers applying through the undergraduate pathway, a very high ATAR is required — the minimum eligible score is typically around 90–95, but successful applicants generally achieve scores of 99 or above due to the intense competition for a limited number of places. Most universities require students to have completed specific Year 12 prerequisite subjects, most commonly English (at the required level), Chemistry, and in some cases Mathematics or Biology. All domestic undergraduate applicants are required to sit the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT ANZ), which assesses verbal reasoning, decision-making, quantitative reasoning, abstract reasoning, and situational judgement. A formal interview is also a mandatory component of the selection process at most Australian medical programs, often structured as a Multiple Mini Interview (MMI). Applicants are ranked based on a combination of academic score, UCAT performance, and interview result.

For graduate entry into the combined medical program, applicants must have completed a Bachelor's degree (from any discipline at most institutions) with a competitive Grade Point Average — typically a minimum of 5.0 on the 7-point scale, with competitive applicants often achieving 6.0 or above. Graduate applicants must also sit the Graduate Australian Medical School Admissions Test (GAMSAT), a rigorous five-and-a-half-hour exam testing scientific reasoning and written communication. Interviews are required for graduate entry applicants as well. For international students, English language proficiency must be demonstrated through IELTS (typically 7.0 overall with no band below 7.0), TOEFL iBT, or PTE Academic — though students who have completed Australian Year 12 are generally exempt. All students who receive an offer must meet pre-placement requirements including police checks, immunisation records, and a signed confidentiality deed prior to commencing clinical placements.