The University of Newcastle College of International Education (CIE) is the official pathway provider for the University of Newcastle in Australia, offering foundation and other preparatory programs that help international students enter undergraduate and professional degrees.

The Foundation Studies in Medicine (FSM) is a specialised medical pathway—one of the only such international foundation pathways for medicine in Australia. It prepares students specifically for entry into the Joint Medical Program (JMP), which combines a Bachelor of Medical Science and the Doctor of Medicine (MD) at the University of Newcastle.

 

Why Study Foundation Studies in Medicine?

• Unique medical pathway: FSM is designed specifically for students targeting the University of Newcastle’s Joint Medical Program (JMP), allowing progression into this competitive medical degree if requirements are met.
• Packaged offer: Successful applicants receive a packaged admission for both the foundation and the medical degree — simplifying the offer and visa process.
• UCAT exemption: FSM students do not need to sit the UCAT (University Clinical Aptitude Test) if progression requirements are met, which is unusual for medicine pathways in Australia.
• Focused academic skills: Builds strong academic foundations in sciences and communication necessary for medical study.
• Small class support: The College offers smaller classes and dedicated support to help international students transition into medical study

 

Programme Structure & Subjects

The FSM curriculum consists of 10 core subjects spread over the program. These build academic, scientific, and communication foundations required for medical study.

 

Core Subjects Include:

• Academic English A & B — university-level English skills for academic and clinical contexts.

• Digital Literacy — IT and research skills in an academic setting.

• Australian Studies — cultural and educational context in Australia.

• Integrated Learning — critical thinking and cross-discipline academic skills.

• Biology — core biological concepts for health sciences.

• Chemistry — foundational chemical knowledge.

• Human Biology — human body systems and health science fundamentals.

• General Mathematics — maths relevant to science and medicine.

• Management — organisational and study skill topic (varies by year).

 

Progression & Special Selection Requirements

To progress into the Joint Medical Program (JMP), students must meet tight academic performance criteria:

• Overall average score of ≥90% across all FSM courses;
• ≥75% average in English for Academic Purposes A & B;
• Pass Multiple Skills Assessment (MSA) and Personal Qualities Assessment (PQA) — part of JMP admissions.

 

Disciplines & Specialisations

FSM is specialised for medicine, but successful completion and strong results may also allow entry into other health-related or science degrees at the University of Newcastle if applicants do not enter the JMP.

 

Highlights & Benefits

• Exclusive pathway to medicine for international students — rare in Australia.
• Packaged offer with University of Newcastle’s medical degree simplifies applications and visas.
• Exempt from UCAT if progression requirements are met, avoiding additional testing.
• Preparation for medical admissions assessments (MSA & PQA) embedded in the curriculum.
• On-campus teaching with access to University facilities and student support.

 

Career Outcomes

This pathway prepares students for medical careers by enabling progression into the Joint Medical Program, which leads to qualifications like:

• Bachelor of Medical Science
• Doctor of Medicine (MD) — typically a 5-year program after the foundation.

 

Visa Requirements

International students must obtain an Australian Student Visa (Subclass 500) to study full-time on campus. Requirements typically include:

• Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
• Proof of funds (tuition + living costs)
• OSHC
• Valid passport and educational documents