UNIVERSITY GUIDE
Griffith University’s medical program on the Gold Coast has grown rapidly into a competitive and well-regarded option. Co-located with Gold Coast University Hospital, Griffith offers exceptional clinical exposure alongside a UCAT-based admissions process that demands strong preparation.
Griffith University requires the UCAT ANZ for admission to its medical program. The UCAT is used as a screening and ranking tool alongside academic results to determine who is invited to interview. Griffith has built a competitive admissions process that attracts strong applicants from across Queensland and interstate.
All four subtests — Verbal Reasoning, Decision Making, Quantitative Reasoning, and Situational Judgement — contribute to your overall assessment. The cognitive subtests produce a total out of 2700, while the SJT band is assessed separately. Griffith uses a holistic selection process that balances UCAT, academic results, and interview performance.
The relative weighting of the UCAT within Griffith’s selection formula may change between admission cycles. Check the Griffith School of Medicine admissions page for the most current information on how the UCAT is weighted alongside other criteria.
Griffith does not publish fixed UCAT cutoff scores. Competitive applicants generally achieve UCAT ANZ totals above the national average, with many successful candidates scoring in the 70th to 85th percentile range. As Griffith’s program has grown in reputation, competition has intensified and score expectations have risen accordingly.
The SJT band is important at Griffith. A Band 4 result may negatively impact your application even if your cognitive subtest scores are strong. Aim for Band 1 or Band 2 by practising healthcare ethics scenarios and understanding professional behaviour expectations.
Consistent performance across all three cognitive subtests is more valuable than an exceptional score in one area paired with a weakness in another. Allocate your preparation time to address your weakest subtest first while maintaining your strengths.
Griffith’s School of Medicine is based at the Gold Coast campus in Southport, adjacent to Gold Coast University Hospital. This co-location is one of Griffith’s strongest assets, providing students with direct access to a major teaching hospital from early in their studies.
The admissions process involves academic and UCAT screening followed by a structured interview for shortlisted candidates. The interview assesses interpersonal skills, ethical reasoning, empathy, and suitability for medical practice. Final offers combine all selection components into a composite ranking.
Griffith’s teaching approach emphasises interprofessional learning, where medical students train alongside students from nursing, allied health, and other health disciplines. This integrated approach develops teamwork and communication skills that are essential in modern healthcare.
Griffith offers pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants with dedicated support and potentially adjusted entry requirements. The university is committed to increasing Indigenous representation in the medical profession.
Rural and regional applicants may benefit from specific sub-quotas or adjusted criteria designed to address doctor shortages in regional Queensland. Griffith’s clinical placement network extends beyond the Gold Coast into regional communities across South East Queensland.
International students can apply through a separate admissions stream with different fee structures and entry requirements. Check Griffith’s international admissions page for specific UCAT score expectations and additional criteria.
If Griffith is your primary target, begin your UCAT preparation at least six weeks before the test. Focus on developing efficient strategies for each subtest under timed conditions. The growing competitiveness of Griffith’s program means that casual preparation is unlikely to produce the scores needed for interview selection.
Research Griffith’s interprofessional learning model before your interview. Understanding and articulating the value of teamwork in healthcare settings will demonstrate that you are a good fit for Griffith’s teaching approach.
Compare Griffith with other Queensland options — Bond University (private, accelerated), UQ (Group of Eight, established), and CQU (rural-focused) — to determine which program best aligns with your learning style, career goals, and financial situation.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Griffith does not publish fixed UCAT cutoff scores. Competitive applicants typically score in the 70th to 85th percentile range. As the program has grown in reputation, competition has intensified, so aim for the highest score possible across all subtests.
Griffith’s School of Medicine is based at the Gold Coast campus in Southport, adjacent to Gold Coast University Hospital. This co-location provides exceptional clinical learning opportunities from early in the program.
Both offer well-regarded programs in Queensland. UQ is a Group of Eight university with a longer-established program, while Griffith offers unique advantages including co-location with Gold Coast University Hospital and an interprofessional learning model. Research both to find the best fit for your goals.
Yes, Griffith provides dedicated pathways and support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants. These pathways aim to increase Indigenous representation in medicine and may include adjusted selection criteria.
Yes, Griffith accepts international students through a separate admissions stream. International applicants may have additional requirements and different fee structures. Check Griffith’s international admissions page for details.
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