The Foundation Studies in Medicine (FSM) at the University of Newcastle College of International Education (CIE) is a specialised pathway for international students who want to enter the University of Newcastle’s Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine, delivered through the Joint Medical Program (JMP), but do not meet the direct-entry requirements. The current CIE page states that successful applicants receive a packaged offer covering both FSM and the Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine.

Key benefits include:

• A dedicated medicine pathway rather than a general foundation program.
• A packaged offer for FSM and the Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine for successful applicants.
• A pathway specifically designed for international students.
• Students who achieve the required FSM results can proceed to the JMP admissions process.
• FSM students are exempt from sitting the UCAT.
• Students receive specific training, information sessions and preparation workshops for the JMP Multiple Skills Assessment (MSA) and Personal Qualities Assessment (PQA).
• Students who are not offered a JMP place can be considered for an alternative degree, subject to available quota places and the required academic result.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The current FSM webpage lists 10 core courses, with five courses studied in each semester:

Semester/course structure includes:

• Academic English A
• Academic English B
• Digital Literacy
• Australian Studies
• Integrated Learning
• Management
• Biology
• Chemistry
• Human Biology
• General Mathematics

Disciplines / Specialisations

FSM does not offer multiple conventional specialisations. It is a dedicated medicine-focused pathway.

The principal academic disciplines are:

• Academic English and communication
• Digital literacy
• Australian studies
• Integrated learning
• Management
• Biology
• Human Biology
• Chemistry
• Mathematics

Progression to the Joint Medical Program

Progression from FSM to Year 1 of the JMP is highly competitive and involves requirements beyond simply passing the Foundation program.

The current CIE requirements state that students must:

• Achieve an overall average score of 90 or higher across all 10 FSM courses.
• Achieve an average score of 75 or higher across Academic English A and Academic English B.
• Pass the MSA (Multiple Skills Assessment).
• Pass the PQA (Personal Qualities Assessment), if held, as part of the JMP admissions process.

Programme Highlights

• Dedicated international pathway toward the University of Newcastle Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine.
• CRICOS code 104603H.
• 10-course current structure.
• 12-month/2-semester structure shown on the current CIE programme page.
• February intake shown on the current programme page.
• Study at NUspace, Newcastle City Campus.
• Minimum FSM progression average of 90.
• Minimum Academic English A + B average of 75 for JMP progression.
• MSA and PQA participation as part of the JMP admissions process.
• UCAT exemption for FSM students.
• Special preparation workshops and information sessions for JMP assessments.
• Packaged offer covering FSM and the Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine for successful applicants. 

Career Outcomes

FSM itself is a pathway program and does not provide an independent medical qualification or medical registration.

The intended progression is:

Foundation Studies in Medicine Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine medical career pathway.

Students who successfully progress through the JMP and complete the relevant medical qualification can pursue medical careers subject to the applicable Australian medical registration, internship and professional requirements.

The FSM programme page does not specify independent career outcomes for FSM graduates.

FSM career outcome: Progression pathway rather than direct professional employment.

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

Several points are particularly important for applicants in 2026:

1. The current 2026 FSM tuition fee is AUD 37,400.
2. The current CIE webpage lists FSM as a 2-semester, 12-month program with a February intake.
3. The current CIE 2026 dates show 23 February 2026 to 3 July 2026 and 27 July 2026 to 4 December 2026 for Foundation Studies and Foundation Studies in Medicine.
4. A University of Newcastle FAQ updated in May 2026 mentions February and June FSM intakes, which differs from the current CIE programme and fee pages. Applicants should therefore confirm the intake stated on their offer before making travel or visa arrangements.
5. FSM progression requires a 90% overall Foundation average and 75% average across Academic English A and B, plus the MSA/PQA selection process.
6. FSM students are exempt from UCAT.
7. International students admitted to the JMP as fee-paying international students must remain international students at the census date of each semester. The current CIE page states that conversion to permanent-resident status results in loss of fee-paying international-student status.
8. Students who do not receive a JMP place may be considered for an alternative degree, subject to quota availability and the required academic result.

International Student Visa Requirements

International FSM students normally require an Australian Student visa (subclass 500).

The Australian Department of Home Affairs states that Student visa holders can undertake an eligible course in Australia and generally work up to 48 hours per fortnight while their course is in session.

Key requirements include:

• Enrolment in an eligible Australian course.
• A valid Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) when the visa is decided.
• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), unless exempt.
• Meeting the Genuine Student requirement.
• Meeting applicable health and character requirements.
• Meeting any financial-capacity evidence requirements requested by the Department.
• Meeting English-language evidence requirements if the Department's application checklist requires them.
• Students under 18 must have appropriate welfare arrangements