Hello.

I am currently faced with the task of deciding which program I should enroll in whether it be the 2012 August intake of the International Medical University's MBBS Partner Medical School program or the 2012 February intake of the Sunway Monash University's MBBS program. Both programs seem to be very good to me. Hence why I am having a very difficult time deciding which university to enroll in. I also have an extremely short period of time to decide! Could anyone out there with an opinion on this matter comment regarding which university you would choose if you were in the same position as me and why you would choose the particular university? I am URGENTLY needing anyone with an informed opinion out there that is willing to help!!!

Please and thank you very much!!!

ConfusedK

Hi ConfusedK,

Do you have the money to fund your studies without taking much loan? PMS option can cost a lot more money than Monash Sunway option..

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Added on February 12, 2012, 10:05 amBtw if you plan to work in Australia after graduation, better to take IMU-PMS option.

This post has been edited by Syd G: Feb 12 2012, 10:05 AM

My relative has the same offers as you. But she has an overseas offer n it makes her decision easier for overseas. Didn't you make any Ucas appln or you wanted oz. if you are good, you are almost assured is pms but may not be your preferred choice. Monash do have a 3 months stint in oz n it would be half a year faster of you opt for it compared with Imu.

Hello Syd G.

I have done the math and calculated that I do have the necessary funds to pay for either of the programs. I do plan to work in Australia after I have completed my degree. The factor that I have been weighing out is the uncertainty of the IMU PMS program where you could be matched to any of the the partner universities regardless of your choice in order for IMU to meet it's quota of students to the places available. So, I do face the possibility of being matched with a university in the UK whose degree might not be recognised by the Australian Medical Council(AMC). Consequently, I would have to sit for another exam which will be a waste of time, money and effort. On the other hand, the Sunway Monash Univeristy program guarantees a degree that will be recognised by the AMC. What do you think about my concern? Do you have any other pros and cons to either of the programs? By the way, thank you so much for your reply. I do appreciate it a lot.

ConfusedK

NO guarantees for internship placements in Australia, after graduation. This should be a Caveat to all intending to do medicine in Australia. Please do not mislead.

Hello cckkpr.

I actually studied my Year 11 and 12 in Australia. Last year when I enquired about studying medicine in a select few universities in Australia as an international student that offers an undergraduate MBBS program, they only mentioned that I needed to sit for the International Students Admissions Test(ISAT) rather than the Undergraduate Medicine Admissions Test(UMAT). Later on when it was too late, I found out that I need to have taken the UMAT. Now, the only programs I could possibly apply for is to do a basic undergrad degree in biomedicine or science and then apply to do a postgrad in medicine. It would take approximately 7 years which is too long for me and is beyond what I can afford. I am strongly thinking of the aspect of being able to study overseas for a significant period of time. Although the IMU PMS program does offer me that, as I mentioned to Syd G I am worried about the uncertainty of the partner university that I'm am matched with. Do you have any other pros and cons regarding either university? Just so you know, thank you for your thoughts on this matter

ConfusedK

If you are going to practise in Malaysia ONLY, then go for Monash Msia -- because it costs less and more relevant local training. However do get prepared for facing the glut, and generally 'poor' prospect in Msian practice, among which includes 'very slim hope' post grad training from local public U's -- assuming your skin colour is the same as mine !

At your age, the three most important things are : options, options and options.

Go for Imu-Pms to ensure you HAVE options in Life.

Hello podrunner.

I do know that fact but I do feel slightly at ease that if I choose the Sunway Monash University MBBS program, I won't have to go through the AMC which will be an extra step in me attempting to train and work in Australia. Thank you for the information though. Do you have any other information or pros and cons regarding the two universities?

ConfusedK

Comparing both options and your desire to work at Australia, The Monash programme looks like a safer bet to me. But like what podrunner mentioned, there will be no guarantees of a place at the hospitals there. But at least you could skip the AMC part with Monash's degree.

UMAT? Do you have Australian PR?

Hello zeng.

I do not plan on practicing in Malaysia only. Preferably, I would not want to practice in Malaysia at all once I have graduated. I have been told about the poor prospects of working here but thank you for reminding me again. I do believe in the importance of having a lot of options but the uncertainty of the IMU PMS program does not make me feel very comfortable with the program. I am very unsure if I'm willing to take the risk of being so not in control of my future studies. Do you have any other suggestions about the things I should consider of both or either of the universities?

ConfusedK

Somebody 7 years your senior , who had completed medicine in Oz and but did NOT get internships in Oz, what more attempting to work in Oz??

Monash Msia is not considered Oz uni ; it is a foreign uni as far as Oz Immigration is concerned.

So Imu Pms is 'easier' path than Manoah Msis.

Which unis did you apply to? Not ALL unis offering MBBS require you to do UMAT. For international students, ONLY UNSW require you to do UMAT. The others will accept ISAT for undergraduate courses. Did you apply to Monash Clayton, UWS, and UTas? How were you advised to have missed out on applying to the aforementioned unis? Uni Adelaide only require that you sit for their uni' PQA.

Try calling up UTas on Tuesday (public holiday in Tas tmrw) and ask if they will consider you this year. I know someone who has given up a place there. What was your ISAT and ATAR, by the way.

This post has been edited by podrunner: Feb 12 2012, 12:47 PM

Confusedk - do take note that :

Singapore Medical Council recognises UNSW;Monash Clayton;U Tas and U Ade.

U Western Sydney and Monash Msia is NOT recognised by smc.

Hello Syd G again.

I do not have an Australian PR. However, I was told that I needed to have sat for the UMAT and done extremely well in it in order to be considered. Whether or not the information I received initially or after that regarding the UMAT is accurate or not, it's too late to apply for an undergraduate medical program in Australia itself. One of my other concerns include the time at which each other the courses commences. The IMU PMS program starts in August which is a little too long for me to wait as my mind rebels in stagnation while the Sunway Monash University program starts very soon in February. Do you think this is a valid concern of mine which makes me favour Monash slightly more although I'm so eager to continue studying overseas again?

ConfusedK

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Added on February 12, 2012, 12:59 pmHello podrunner again.

The thing is that because I was told about having to sit for the UMAT, I did not apply to any of the universities that offer undergrad medicine as I thought it was too late. By the way, what is a PQA? I will let mum know about this. Thank you for the information. My ISAT overall score of 170 and my ATAR is a 99.

ConfusedK

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Added on February 12, 2012, 1:01 pmHello zeng again.

Thank you for the information. I didn't know that. Any other concerns you think I should take note of?

ConfusedK

This post has been edited by ConfusedK: Feb 12 2012, 01:01 PM

I understand your predicament. UNLESS you specifically told your adviser that you wanted to only apply to UNSW undergrad, then yes, UMAT is compulsory. You could have applied to the rest, via UAC, VTAC and to UTas direct. PQA is U Adelaide's own assessment, something like the ISAT. Please PM me if you need further information. We just went thru the whole process, my son did VCE in Melbourne last year.

there are a lot of wrong information here given....

1. monash sunway mbbs is NOT the same as the original one from melbourne, and is view different by several authorities, including gmc and smc.....

2. while monash sunway mbbs is recognised by amc, that does NOT mean you can work in oz.....

3. housemanship placement is decided by individual states (probably will become centralised in future) and with current shortages, internationals will face probability of no placements.....

4. the right to work in oz is decided by diac.....ie being eligible to apply for one of the several visas available....being an off-shore student means some categories of visas are NOT available.....

5. there is a 'competent authority' pathway for uk graduates to obtain registration and work in oz....this does not involve housemanship, so sidestep the housemanship bottleneck......and in the initial stages of applications, does not need a firm job offer in oz....whether this pathway will remain open in 5-6 years time is debatable.....there may no longer be shortage of doctors in oz by then.....

Hello podrunner again.

Thank you for understanding. I did not go through an adviser. Mum and I personally called the universities that offer undergrad medicine in Australia. We were given conflicting information which resulted in an unfortunate circumstance. I will consider to do so once I have talked with mum. Once again, thank you for all your help so far. If you have any other concerns or opinions about the IMU PMS program or the Sunway Monash University program, please comment further as I will take note.

ConfusedK

May I know where you did yr 11 and yr 12? I understand all schools in Aus have career guidance counselors.

Hello limeuu.

Thank you for a lot of useful information. I did not think about my future this far. The first and second point I did already know. However, as I mentioned before it is a slight comfort for mum especially to know that if I choose the Sunway Monash Univeristy program, at least my degree will be recognised. Regarding working there as for something that will definetely occur, mum and I both know that it is not a certertainty due to the ever changing diac laws. Point 3 and 4 is useful for mum and I to consider as we weren't looking too far into the future. Point 5 is a great plus point for me to slightly favour the IMU PMS program more as there are more UK partner universities in the program. Thank you again for all your help so far. Do you have any other pros and cons about either of the universities?

ConfusedK

This post has been edited by ConfusedK: Feb 12 2012, 01:26 PM

Hi Podrunner,

With TS Isat 170 and ATAR scores of 99 -- what's your assessment of his/her probability of gaining direct entry to Oz medicines ?

Hello podrunner again.

I studied in a college in Western Australia. We did not have a career guidance counsellor. However at my college, I did seek help from a teacher who was the Director of Teaching and Learning. The teacher also did make some phone calls on my behalf to enquire to the select few universities in order to find which piece of information I received at the time was apparently true.

ConfusedK

I am no expert, but I think TS will stand a chance at UTAS, if they are happy with ISAT scores.

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Added on February 12, 2012, 1:35 pmThat is unfortunate. Actually all the requirements are stated in the respective uni's international students section.

This post has been edited by podrunner: Feb 12 2012, 01:35 PM

Hello zstan.

My thoughts exactly! Still, I have this dire need to spend 3 years finishing the clinical phase of my medical program overseas whether or not it is in Australia. I really want a significant overseas clinical exposure. Hence why I slightly favour the IMU PMS program although there is a certainty with Sunway Monash University program being recognised by the AMC. Thank you for your opinion. Do you have any other thoughts regarding my predicament?

ConfusedK

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Added on February 12, 2012, 1:42 pmHello podrunner again.

I agree but such is life. Hence why currently I am trying to make the best of my situation and decide which university I should choose.

ConfusedK

This post has been edited by ConfusedK: Feb 12 2012, 01:42 PM

I pity that you got wrong advice given verbally. Limeuu had indicated that if you are in the top 20% of Imu, you will probably get your pms choice. You should also note that some of the graduates from sunway Monash manage to secure internships in oz despite the fact that the degree has yet to be given recognition. But going fwd, a lot of things change and you need to adapt however fair or unfair it is.

the exact choices was faced by a relative 4 years ago.....and the final decision was imu-pms, as the doubts about monash sunway were not resolvable at that time, as there was then only 3 batches....

the 2nd batch just graduated, many did find housemanship placements, mostly in regional victoria....as victoria's housemanship bottleneck gets worse, this will likely change.....

however, the same issue will face people who graduate onshore in oz through imu-pms, as well as direct entry.....but being onshore will likely place them at a slight advantage....

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Added on February 12, 2012, 1:57 pmthe exact isat score is not normally used, as it will vary from year to year, but the percentile is what the unis want.....

a score of 170 will translate to i think 60-70%, which is too low for most unis....

however, different unis view the isat with different weightage.....utas uses it completely to make offers, monash clayton uses it to short list interviews, and monash sunway completely disregards the result, taking in people in the last quartile......

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Added on February 12, 2012, 1:59 pmthat is incorrect.....amc has recognised the monash sunway mbbs since 2009.....

This post has been edited by limeuu: Feb 12 2012, 02:08 PM

Hello cckkpr again.

I appreciate your sympathies. Regarding Limeuu's advice, I think it is a matter of confidence and control for me. How much am I willing to put my future studies in some one else's hands? I agree with your sentiments about moving forward. I just have to consider people's opinions however the decision is entirely up to me. Thank you for the feedback. If you want to further comment about which program you think is better, please do as every opinion counts.

ConfusedK

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Added on February 12, 2012, 2:11 pmHello limeuu again.

So are you stating that your relative only chose the IMU PMS program because it had more cohorts of graduates rather than because of the program's merits? Regarding housemanship placing, I understand that it will get even harder to obtain an place in Australia as the situation changes. Thank you for your opinion about on shore graduates who stand a greater chance that offshore graduates. About applying to a university in Austalia from undergrad medicine, I think I have almost washed my hands off that idea. I just need to decide which of the two offers I have now is most suitable for me. So please don't hesitate to let me know more pros and cons about the IMU PMS program or the Sunway Monash University program.

ConfusedK


This post has been edited by ConfusedK: Feb 12 2012, 02:11 PM

So you have no interest in calling up UTas then? No harn doing that. Uni Adelaide was giving out offers as late as last wed, so you never know.

Hello everyone again.

Here are some of my other concerns regarding both the IMU PMS program and the Sunway Monash University program:

- Accommodations locally as I plan to stay either in a Type B, Room 1 which is a single ensuite near IMU or a single ensuite in the Sunway Monash Residence depending on which program I choose.

- How the timetable is for each program as I prefer a more structured, organised program.

- The type of environment at which I will be exposed to locally while studying as I prefer a less chaotic environment.

Does anyone have any thoughts regarding my other concerns?

ConfusedK

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Added on February 12, 2012, 2:24 pmHello podrunner again.

I really need to check with mum. I'll let you know by tonight. Mum seems to have more faith than me that a miracle will happen, somehow.

ConfusedK

This post has been edited by ConfusedK: Feb 12 2012, 02:24 PM

In that case Monash sunway would be a better choice as the timetable are pretty much organised.. unlike IMU where there's only 2 hour lectures per day...of course this doesn't include PBL sessions but you get the idea.

Mother's instincts are not to be lightly taken!

Begins with the end in mind.

The end is : to work as a doctor in Oz.

Now, to work in Oz ... any jobs for that matter... employer gives priority to pr ..... avoiding the mafan hassles of sponsoring

non-pr to work with them...... even on-shore non-pr who has completed minimum 2 years studies in Oz universities faces

tremendous uncertainty and anxiety.... IF they ever get through to eventually work in Oz.

"Competent authourity pathway" not withstanding for UK/Irish/Canadian/US medical graduates.

Oz medical graduates enjoys 'tremendous' advantage (Sorry Limeuu ) over UK/Irish/Canadian/US medical graduates in obtaining

work in Oz, so in a way,Pr'ship generally makes or breaks one's dream of working in Oz... not so much of super excellent

academic results.

Now,for Monash Msia students -- in the eyes of the Oz Immigration authourity.... one is not considered as Oz graduates ,

neither are you considered UK/Irish/Canadian/US graduates, so your chances of working in Oz is ......... ???

In your context , Imu Pms is the way to go.

Direct entry to Oz and UK medicines , given yoiur results, are additional options you have.(As far as tuition fees are concerned ,

direct entry UK is generally lower than Imu-pms , and Imu-pms-Oz in turn is even lower than direct entry Oz.)

For those who can't afford Imu Pms and wanting to work in Oz ...... Monash Msia is the only 'hope' one has.

Just my 2 cents .....

..........................................................................................................................................................

Should working in Oz is not possible for whatever reasons ..... you can fall back on Songapore . The 'guriella' Spore MOHH will

probably be hunting for your head in Oz literally --- if you are studying final year in Oz U's recognised by smc.

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Added on February 12, 2012, 2:48 pmIf your 'dream' is to work in Oz ...... don't get this distractions into you.

This post has been edited by zeng: Feb 12 2012, 03:05 PM

Hello zstan again.

That's what I've been told too. I think I would definetely prefer the structure of the Sunway Monash University timetable. Do you have any thoughts regarding the other two of my concerns?

ConfusedK

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Added on February 12, 2012, 2:52 pmSo I have been told, podrunner!

ConfusedK

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Added on February 12, 2012, 3:05 pmHello zeng again.

You are absolutely right by stating that I should look at the end results of where I want to work once I graduate and find the easiest pathway to achieve it! Looking at the big picture would serve me better than knit picking on the minute details. I will research more though regarding this 'Competent Authority Pathway' as if I choose the IMU PMS program, I have greater chance of being matched with an UK university as there are more UK partner universities. As I mentioned before, I can afford either of the programs. To me, it is just a matter of weighing up the pros and cons of the programs and deciding which con is less important than the others. Thank you for your 2 cents worth as it it much valued.

ConfusedK

This post has been edited by ConfusedK: Feb 12 2012, 03:05 PM

international oz medical graduates are NOT pr's....so what advantage do they have?.....

they may actually be disadvantaged more, as they can ONLY do housemanship, which they may no get placements.....whereas uk graduates will already have finished their fy1, and can apply for any jobs.....

For accomodation wise, Sunway would also be a better place as there are many many houses and hostels ranging from different price range to cater to your needs.

And the chaotic environment... i don't really understand what you meant though..

If financing is not of concern and you want insurance (which cost you money) ---- you can

1 )Enrol into Monash Msia now ..... while keeping the Imu-pms offer by committing deposit requested...( or reapply Imu-pms if you don't want to pay deposits now ) ......

2 )When comes aug/sept '12 -- then decides whether to continue Monash Msia OR to take up Imu-pms, if offer is still valid.

3 )Meanwhile, explore applying Oz Feb '2012 intake or UK Sept 2013 intakes.

That buys you plenty of time ...... to decide your final pathway.....

Note :The 7 year senior who was disappointed with failure to get Oz internships ...... is happily working professionally in Singapore .... with assured pathway of doing post graduate training...... through resindency programme ..... which are shorter in duration compared to traditional pathway. In Malaysia , omg.....................

Hello zstan again.

As mentioned before, the accomodation I am considering specifically is the Sunway Monash Residence where the type of room I want will be in a unit with 4 other people in comparison to the IMU accomodation that I am also considering will only have 2 other poeple in 1 unit. That is a con for Monash but I don't think it is of huge significance in my decision making process. As for a chaotic environment, I assumed that it would be much easier to get lost in the shuffle in Sunway as it is hub for other youngsters too. IMU seems to be located in a much more secluded area and appears to have less happening places surrounding it. Hence, making it more condusive for studying. What are your thoughts on this?

ConfusedK

Hmm i don't see what con are you referring too. You will still have a room to yourself if you are staying at Monash residence. Just that you have to share toilets. Otherwise you'd have full privacy.

Again, that depends on your friends and how discipline are you. There are many people that have went the wrong way, and the right way in both IMU & Sunway. It's all about check and balances. For conducive studying i would certainly say Monash has a better environment considering it has a bigger library, has a bigger campus whereby study tables are located almost everywhere should you prefer NOT to study in a library. In IMU you have to squeeze with everybody.

Hello zeng again.

Those were my initial thoughts too. Mum did contact Monash Malaysia to enquire of that possibility. However, the staff mentioned that due to the fact that lots of people are on the waiting list for the February intake this year, Monash wants all students to pay a full semester's worth of tuition. I cannot afford to waste that much of money while thinking of which university to chose. So, this suggestion is out of the option for me. The Monash offer expires in a few days while the IMU offer expires in March. Point 3 is something I will consider and check with mum. Ever since the mention of this Competent Authority Pathway, I am feeling more confident about being able to accept being matched to a university in the UK if I chose the IMU PMS program and still be able to possibly end up working in Australia. Any other suggestions about my predicament?

ConfusedK

Yes, agreed if one can't get 8.0 in all four components of IELTS.

Internships.... that is the uncertainty currently.

In the current context of ConfusedK, Imu-pms is >>>>> Monash Msia.

In Imu-pms programmes , all non-Oz unis are under countries eligible for 'competent authourity pathway', no?

Correct me if this is wrong.

ConfusedK, are you from the peninsula states or east Malaysia? I noted your " chaotic environment" comment.

This post has been edited by podrunner: Feb 12 2012, 03:43 PM

Hello zstan again.

I can understand your point regarding accomodations. About company and the environment, I completely agree with you. I'm sure people have made mistakes with their education in both universities. Thank you for letting me know about how the Monash campus is bigger than the IMU campus especially regarding the libraries as I do spend a significant amount of time in them. Anymore pros and cons about either university?

ConfusedK

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Added on February 12, 2012, 3:50 pmHello podrunner again.

I am from Peninsula Malaysia but I still do enjoy a less hustle bustle and calmer environment.

ConfusedK

This post has been edited by ConfusedK: Feb 12 2012, 03:50 PM

Check the census date for Monash Sunway. Monash Clayton's census date is 31 March 2012. Essentially it means that if you withdraw from the Uni before census date, you will be able to recoup most of your fees. Am not sure if Monash Sunway has the same condition.

If opting for Monash residence, ask for those with locals sharing as foreign students tend to be more playful and noisy. There are more than enough places for conducive studying.

Hello podrunner again.

I looked at my Monash offer letter about the refunding policy. It stated that if I withdraw from the course in less than 4 weeks of teaching, the university is only obligated to refund 50% of 1 semester's tuition which is still a significant amount of money to waste. Hence, that option is still not viable for me. Thank you for the suggestion though.

ConfusedK

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Added on February 12, 2012, 4:05 pmHello cckkpr again.

I have be advised to do as such by other people too if I chose to enroll in the Sunway Monash University program. Thank you for suggesting it.

ConfusedK

This post has been edited by ConfusedK: Feb 12 2012, 04:05 PM

This arises out from the diferrence between the two governments/consumer ministries.

Aussie government is pro business, conditons being not at the expense of citizens. But if being forced into a corner like mining tax

issue or something, they had taken decisions to be pro citizens , not to the satisfaction of Business.

In Malaysia, generally business = cronies ......... so our consumer acts of parliament is something citizen cannot depend on!

This post has been edited by zeng: Feb 12 2012, 04:20 PM

Whatever the terms in the offer letter, it is still legally binding.

I can tell you more cons of IMU than pros since i rejected them to join Monash. Anyway, try to find some time to visit both campuses by yourself to get a better view.

here are some pictures of Monash if you are interested:

Hello zstan again.

What other cons of IMU did you think of when you were placed in the same position to make a decision between the two university? The images of the Monash campus looks great. Thank you for them. I don't have the time to visit both campuses as the deadline for me to make a decision is approaching very soon.

ConfusedK

You mean pro consumer........

As far as international students are concerned, aus unis are guided by the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act, 2000.

Well firstly it's the brand name. Although the IMU program is slightly cheaper by Monash's BPharm program by 20-25k but i am going to get a degree which is only known in Malaysia. With Monash my degree is known almost worldwide in the pharmaceutical industry. Note: known =/= recognised by the countries' professional body

Also the student intake for Monash is lesser, which looks pretty much conducive to me compared to a really huge group in IMU. Monash's campus is also much larger than IMU which looks almost claustrophobic to me (though it's still better than HELP).

I also get more networking opportunities in Monash compared to IMU outside my faculty..

And lastly, i will an opportunity to go to Melbourne for one semester paying malaysian fees if i qualify...

for the pharmacy programme, it is a no brainer that monash sunway will be better than imu local or 2 1/2+1 programmes.....

at least the monash degree is recognised in oz, and there is a small possibility of getting pupilship in oz.....you are stucked in msia with the other 2 programmes....

No.... no....

I wouldn't say Aussie government is pro consumer ........ it is still basically pro business I believe.

In relation to refund policies of university tuition fees , it is rather generous/favourable (from Malaysian's perpective) across the

board in Aussie. That is probably a direct results of government policies in the form of laws covering business and/or tertiary

educational institions over there.

The scenaro in Malaysia in this typical context of fees refund, has made life difficult for ConfusedK's parents..... who are citizens

of Malaysia ...... which probably contributes a fair amount of personal income tax to the national coffer.

A Malaysian citizen who is a foreigner in Aussie ,not paying any personal income tax to Aussie government , has his rights better

protected in Aussie in the context of tuition fees refund in relaton to the pathetic situations here in Malaysia.

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Added on February 12, 2012, 7:39 pmThanks.

I notice that Aussie uni fees are all inclusive .... unlike local ipta/ipts where we have hidden fees such as lab fees, library fees, xxx

fees, yyy fees, zzz fees etc that sound 'logical' to the authourities who are 'supposed' to protect us.

Correct me if I am wrong.


This post has been edited by zeng: Feb 12 2012, 07:39 PM

please look up the definitions of what these terms mean, before confusing everybody here.....

My comments in this particular thread no 54 , is in the 'narrowest' CONTEXT of University Tuition Fees Refund :

1 )as potentially practised by Monash Malaysia against TS's parents; and

2 )as practised by Monash Clayton as per inputs from Podrunner,

ONLY.

It is not in relation to all other comments in this particular thread , which are not (1) and (2) above.

My apology if anybody is being confused ..........

This post has been edited by zeng: Feb 12 2012, 08:29 PM

Hello everyone.

Thank you for all of your opinions throughout this forum. I really do appreciate all of your inputs and did consider them in my decision making process. At the end of the day, which was actually after 2 days, Mum and I went with our gut feeling and picked one of the two universities. I do want to keep my decision a private matter. Thank you again for all your help.

ConfusedK

Hope you make the best out of it. Cheers!

Hello cckkpr.

Thanks again! =)

Glad to know that after moving from a state of 'confused' mind to a state of hopefully 'less confused' mind in the past one week or

so, you have come to finally make a decision .........

There is no right or wrong decision in life, it is always about making the 'best' dicision at a moment of time with limited known

info/data and known available resources.

You still have a long journey in Life. Wish you all the best.

thanks for all that gave their opinions on this thread cause it really helped me clear up a few doubts as i'm also stuck between going for MBBS MONASH or IMU-PMS.

just 1 more question, *hopefully zstan can answer it 4 me since ur in MONASH*
if i were to take the Monash MBBS, *if i pass the requirements* i may only get a chance of 1 semester in oz?
and is my MBBS degree recognised in oz or not because the other day one consultant said that it will be while another said that it won't. which is the right statement?

thanks for any replies in advance.

You could have gone to the Monash website to find out, but here it is anyway, as far as recognition is concerned.

http://www.med.monash.edu.my/for/MBBS-About-the-course.html

Caveat: Internship placements for international students have not been sorted out, so expect to NOT have an internship position. Onshore students will be facing the very same problem, and it will seem logical that offshore students (ie those from sunway) will be placed lower in the allocation list.

there is a possibility of doing a semester of exchange in melbourne.....in addition to the mandatory 3 months rotation required by amc....

mbbs monash sunway is recognised by amc.....

that is NOT the same a being able to work.....as that will depend on 2 other factors, ie getting a job, and getting a visa to work....

podrunner has already alluded to the tsunami of new doctors and shortage of intern positions in oz....therefore, one should not enrol in monash sunway with any assumption that one will eventually work in oz....the base assumption should be that one will stay back and work in msia.....if by then one can even find a houseman job in msia.....

hence if i were thinking about doing my housemanship in oz, i might as well put that aside?
huhu, oh well,
thanks limeuu!

CORRECT!

if the strong intention one has is to work in an oecd country (ie developed world), then going there and getting their degree is what is needed.....but it will be expensive...and even if you have the money, selection is stringent, and few will qualify to enter....

therefore, the next best option is then the imu-pms programme...which is a backdoor entry.....the majority of imu-pms students will have failed to gain direct entry before, or would have failed to gain direct entry if they had tried....but they will get matching to one of the pms, and graduate as one their 'home' students....

the problem is, you will not know which one till the very end of phase one.....

also, because of the backdoor nature, the pms is now very popular and hence selection is tighter....and between 20-25% will be flunked off the cohort.....and finally, you may still get matched to canada, where you are NOT allowed to stay on and work.....

monash sunway will be a bad choice for this purpose.....

Over the weekend had a chitchat with an official of Mabecs and was informed that it was a norm that most students applying for med in UK will not get places. Those who manage to get an offer will be lucky and for those who manage to get two offers will be considered very good. Basically, she is saying that there are only abt 15 to 20 places per uni and you have to complete with other internationals on a global basis. I do feel that internationals doing A levels in UK stand a better chance as your mentor recommendation letter comes from someone familiar with the local requirements. Do you think the Mabecs official info is true?

This post has been edited by cckkpr: Mar 6 2012, 09:10 PM

Your relative is one of the lucky few!! Most applicants will know one way or another by month end or next month.

Read that for Edinburgh this year, there are 570 intl students applying for 19 places. Competition is so steep, those able to match to Edinburgh via IMU route are so lucky.

Academic excellence not a major influence. If called for interviews, maybe can blame interviews. What abt those no need for interviews? Have to concede that some of the others ps are sooooo impressive with social work n related experience. Really no idea to tell whether an applicant stand a more than good chance from his resume. Looks like those wishing to go overseas hv to depend on Imu-pms. But the no of pms getting less n less; maybe eastern Europe is the answer.

In my opinion, the only thing that UK has over Australia now is the better forex, and the very essential F1-2 training.

What do they look for when they are no interviews and you are among the top at your A levels? Presumably quite a number of these applicants have also applied to Oxbridge.

Yeah. Agreed to those match from IMU. But the clinical years are so expensive, abt 41K pounds per year!

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Added on March 7, 2012, 4:41 pmFor placement, I think oz has more places to offer per uni whereas for UK, less than 20 per uni and you got only 4 choices.

This post has been edited by cckkpr: Mar 7 2012, 04:41 PM

UKCAT/BMAT and PS, of course.

Most students will meet the UKCAT requirements. PS? The point is even experienced mentors who has assist students getting into prestigious unis previously cant seem to pinpoint what are the key requirements in the PS. Its easier to plan 2 or 3 years if you know what they look for.

A friend's son who is a top student in Taylors A levels sitting for his A2 this coming May has 3 of his choices rejected outright without even an interview being called. The father is getting desperate!

Some unis are "UKCAT heavy", like Sheffield and Manchester, some are "PS heavy" like Bristol and Liverpool. As far as PS is concerned, I guess sometimes an applicant can be unlucky, or the admissions teams simply do not like what they read.

Choices of unis is very important. A lot of top students get mediocre UKCAT but apply to unis that require high UKCaT. These unis have a cut off point. Anyone with score below the cut off will be rejected autoatically.

For UK medicine application, preparation in term of work exp is very important. Research and research!

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Added on March 7, 2012, 5:44 pmIf apply to BMAT unia, risk ia even higher as u submit the uni choices to UCAS before sitting for it. If u do not do well, auto rejection.

There are quite a number of so called top students that cannot do well in UKCAt or BMAT, probably due to nerve. The questions are not hard but just too many questions and need to do it fast. If u have to pause to think, then u probably will not be able to finish and start to get panic..


This post has been edited by eliselam: Mar 7 2012, 05:44 PM

Most applicants are aware of the specific requirements for each university. Manchester not really UKCAT heavy; slightly above average will get you the interview. You will be lucky if you get the right questions at the interview.

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Added on March 7, 2012, 5:49 pmMind elaborating on research and research.

Dont most students get their UKCAT score first before deciding which uni to apply. Surely, they know which are the walls!

This post has been edited by cckkpr: Mar 7 2012, 05:49 PM

top students are academic tops....these tests assess a different set of qualities from academic abilities......and many academically strong students are not strong in these qualities......

it is purposely made time short, as one of the qualities tested is how fast you think.....given time, others may arrive at the same answer.....but they will loose out from time shortage.....

if the tests correlate closely with academic results, why bother to have the test then...?...it does not.....

cckkpr, I know that students in Concorde College are coached for UKCAT, and their PS are also guided (read edited).

As for rejections, I know of an applicant (who did IB in Spore, with very good academic results), and was rejected outright by all 4 unis he applied to, without interviews. UKCAT scores unknown.

For my personal experience, i check my intended unis website and look at what they want in the candidate. I email to the admission officer for more info. I read almost all forums on UK medicine.
I volunteer for orphanages, hospice and teaching disabled children. I follow careworkers out to poor terminally ill patients.
Aa for Ukcat, u should get your score first before applying, ao there is no reason to apply to wrong unis. But a lot of top students assume that with good results, they can get into the top unis.

This post has been edited by eliselam: Mar 7 2012, 06:03 PM

work experience is not easily secured in Malaysia unless one is from a medical family. Planning ahead is therefore essential for kids intending to study med in UK.
For malaysians who intend to do a 5 year undergraduate med programme in Aust which is recognised by SMC,only 2 unis ,Monash Clayton and UTAS are available.Correct me if I am wrong.

Yup, UNSW and ADelaide offer 6 years courses. UWS not recognised by SMC yet.

jcu is also 5 years, but also not yet recognised by smc....

Ukcat training programs can be bought over the web for a reasonable amt.That poor sg chap wonder what had happen and not knowing why. This is what I mean.

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Added on March 7, 2012, 8:57 pmThanks for sharing and it will be good for future intending students to UK.

This post has been edited by cckkpr: Mar 7 2012, 08:57 PM

Hey I am in the same dilemma I have the choice of joining a university this year in September 2014 and I was thinking Mahsa as their clinical is in GH - which is pretty good if you're Malaysian

This year IMU-PMS placing is fully booked so I have a choice to do it next year in feb 2015 , but I am also thinking of either applying to Monash for March 2015.

I am now lost. Could I get some opinions on what would you do if u were in my shoe ?