Good program, relatively close to home. I only got into two options for medicine, one of which was Adelaide which is a plane trip away for me. Newcastle (while it is 5 hours away) was closer and provided a city close to that of my hometown (Canberra). The program is also highly regarded, I think it's the 3rd best program in Australia and I like the learning structure.
Course Curriculum
Very good, very helpful. It can be slightly unprepared particularly with timetabling issues. Good supportive staff, mostly doctors so they know what we are going through.
Exams
Good medicine program, I think the ATAR cut off is 94 but it can be less if you are rural. You also need to score well in the UMAT/UCAT and interview stages. Most of the time the atar required is much higher as it is a very competitive program to get into. If you are rural you are eligible for a different entry scheme with different requirements.
Internship
Placement opportunities are good mostly at John Hunter Hospital in Newcastle but in later years give opportunities for rural and international placements. Many staff gave to supervise also did this course.
Fees
I think it's $5,500 per semester which can be put on hex/help if you're a domestic student. There are also many scholarship opportunities for financially disadvantaged students or rural students who need to be relocated. Most people opt for hex as there aren't too many international students but I am not aware of the increased fees for those people.
Faculty
Yes, clinical experience 3 hours every fortnight as well as 12 hours of clinical placement in the first year. In third year 3 ten-week placements, and increased in the fourth and fifth year. Fifth-year is a preparation year for an internship.
Hostel
I am living on-campus at the University of Newcastle in Edwards Hall. It is a good residence that is catered and is within 10 minutes' walking distance from most of my classes. It can be slightly noisy at times but good to meet new people outside of the degree.
