Singapore Medical Council Approved Universities: Australia, UK, NZ, & Ireland

31/01/2024•9 minute read

A medical career is highly regarded whether you want to become a doctor or venture into areas like teaching or research. But if you want to practise in Singapore, it is mandatory to hold a primary qualification from a medical school that is approved by the Singapore Medical Council (SMC). Embarking on the journey of choosing the right university can be overwhelming, but fear not – we've compiled a list of Singapore Medical Council approved universities in various countries. Alongside this comprehensive guide, we'll highlight essential requirements to note when applying to different countries. Let's kickstart your research with an exploration of these recognised institutions.

Universities in Australia recognised by the Singapore Medical Council

If you’re interested in studying medicine abroad, then Australia is worth taking a look. It’s not too far from Singapore and it’s home to some of the world’s best universities. Moreover, it boasts admission rates that are higher than those in the UK and Singapore. Depending on the program, the undergraduate pathway takes about three to six years. Application windows typically close end-June in the year prior to intake, so keep that in mind.

Before proceeding with your application, ensure that you clear the entry requirements for the respective universities. In most cases, you’d have to take any one or a combination of Chemistry, Mathematics and English.

International applicants are required to sit for a general aptitude test called the International Students Admission Test (ISAT). This 3-hour online test aims to test more than just your knowledge, it assesses your critical and quantitative reasoning skills as well. There are four test cycles throughout the year so remember to check the official website regularly.

If you’re shortlisted, you can expect a multiple mini interview (MMI) with four to eight stations in total. Each applicant spends eight to ten minutes at every station where they are assessed on characteristics like critical thinking, creativity, and moral reasoning. Here’s your chance to show the interviewers that you have more than just the grades. The key here is to make your answer stand out so keep up the momentum in this final step!

The University of Adelaide, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences
The University of Melbourne, Melbourne Medical School
Monash University, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences
University of New South Wales, Faculty of Medicine and Health
The University of Queensland, School of Medicine
The University of Sydney, Sydney Medical School
The University of Western Australia, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences
Australian National University, ANU Medical School

Universities in UK recognised by the Singapore Medical Council

Studying medicine in the UK is undoubtedly attractive due to its renowned universities and medical institutions, offering a high standard of education and research opportunities. Additionally, the curriculum emphasises clinical exposure and practical training, providing students with a well-rounded and globally recognised medical education. With 16 SMC approved universities, the UK is a world-class destination to study medicine! In fact, four of the top ten medical schools in the world are in the UK: Oxford, Cambridge, University College London (UCL) and Imperial College London. Here, a Bachelor’s will typically take five to six years. Take note of the mid-October application deadline in the year prior to intake.

Applications to UK universities are done through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) which is a shared admissions service. You’d need to create a profile and select up to four medical programs in your application. Remember to check the subject requirements as some combination of Chemistry, Physics, Biology and Mathematics are mandatory.

Medical schools in the UK utilise the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) in their admissions assessment. Essentially, it’s a 2-hour long computer-based test that covers 5 sections: verbal reasoning, decision making, quantitative reasoning, abstract reasoning and situational judgement. If shortlisted after the test, the school will then schedule an interview with you. Be sure to check with the universities for specific formatting details, as it may vary across schools.

Even though it can be competitive for international students, stay optimistic and embrace the challenge! Take it from Rachel herself who was offered a spot at UCL and King’s College London. As an IB student juggling various commitments and responsibilities, keeping track of her applications was challenging. That’s where we come in. Crimson opened new possibilities and provided valuable guidance through the entire application process, from crafting a winning personal statement to preparing for the intense medical interviews.

University of Birmingham, School of Medicine
University of Bristol, Bristol Medical School
University of Cambridge, School of Clinical Medicine
University of Dundee, School of Medicine
The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh Medical School
University of Glasgow, School of Medicine
University of Leicester, School of Medicine
University of Liverpool, School of Medicine
University of London Medical Schools, as follows:

a) King’s College London GKT School of Medical Education

b) Queen Mary University of London, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry

c) University College London, UCL Medical School

d) St. George’s University of London, St. George's Hospital Medical School
The University of Manchester, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health
University of Nottingham, School of Medicine
University of Oxford, Medical Sciences Division
The University of Sheffield, The Medical School
University of Southampton, Faculty of Medicine
Imperial College London, School of Medicine
Cardiff University, School of Medicine

Universities in New Zealand recognised by the Singapore Medical Council

Did you know that there are only two SMC recognised medical schools in New Zealand? The University of Auckland (UoA) and the University of Otago (UO). Known for their exemplary clinical exposure and academic rigour, New Zealand’s medical programs produce world-class medical graduates. What’s more, medical professionals are in high demand in New Zealand providing graduates with plenty of opportunities for employment or residency.

Both schools offer 6-year undergraduate programmes and there are two possible pathways for entry. The first pathway involves a first year entry from either schools’ Bachelor of Health Sciences or Biomedical Science. There are typically no subject prerequisites but it is strongly recommended to take Chemistry, Physics and Calculus for a better understanding. The second pathway requires the successful completion of a relevant degree no more than 3 years prior to the date of application. Regardless of the pathway, applications to both schools close mid-September.

Under the first pathway, you’d need to demonstrate strong academic performance in the first year. For UoA, a minimum GPA of 6.0 is required to be considered for an admissions interview (MMI). An invitation would then depend on how you rank among your peers. For UO, you’d have to pass all the prescribed papers on your first attempt with a minimum score of 70% each. Again, your UCAT score will also be used to assess your application.

Under the second pathway, graduates must have completed a bachelor’s as their first degree within 3 years (UO) or 5 years (UoA) and in the minimum academic time. Additionally, UO requires that all your papers in the qualified programme must at least have a minimum weighted GPA of 5. If you don’t have any relevant papers, you will be required to take a prescribed course. For UoA, shortlisted applicants will then be interviewed online so do find a conducive environment to take it.

The University of Auckland, Faculty of Medical and Health Science
University of Otago, Faculty of Medicine

A university in Ireland recognised by the Singapore Medical Council

This might be a surprise inclusion - Ireland! Ireland is a destination for Singaporean students to consider, offering academic requirements that are generally more flexible compared to those in Singapore and the UK. Importantly, this difference doesn't diminish the quality of medical programs in Ireland. Ireland is strongly reputed for their outstanding medical education with state-of-the-art infrastructure to power meaningful learning. With a small-group learning approach and plenty of study abroad opportunities, graduates are highly sought after worldwide.

In Ireland, Trinity College Dublin (TCD) is the only medical school approved by the SMC. The programme is 5 years long with a one year post-grad internship to complete your registration with the Irish Medical Council.

Fortunately, the application process is much simpler; there are no admissions tests or interviews. However, there are still subject prerequisites and applicants are required to take any two of Physics, Chemistry, or Biology for IB or A Levels. Applications would then have to be made directly via the TCD portal by 1st February. Simply fill out the forms and pay the application fee! If you meet their requirements, you will receive an offer letter in a few weeks.

The University of Dublin, Trinity College Dublin, School of Medicine

Addressing Concerns in Pursuing Medicine Abroad

As you contemplate studying Medicine abroad, it's natural to have a growing list of questions. How can I finance my studies? What steps can I take to enhance my portfolio? How committed am I to a career in Medicine? These concerns are entirely valid, and you're not alone on this journey. Take, for example, Tania, who navigated through various career options before deciding on Medicine at the University of Glasgow. Her advice is to begin preparations early and reflect on your intrinsic motivations. Whether it's the desire to interact with diverse patients or find purpose in your work, starting the journey with clarity is key. Explore how Crimson can support you on this path today!