Hundreds of medical students will miss out on internships next year despite a doctor shortage that is predicted to occur within 12 years, a government audit has shown.

An audit of the number of medical internships to be offered next year forecasts that 240 students will not be offered a position upon graduation – all of them international students who have spent an average $250,000 to complete the course.

Wasted skills: Trained medical students will miss out on internships in Australia, despite the country facing a shortage of doctors. Credit:Fiona Morris

The Australian Medical Students' Association estimates that, after those who fail the course or secure a private hospital internship are removed from the equation, about 160 students will be forced to take their training overseas.

The federation's president, Jessica Dean, said it was a waste of medical graduates when Australia was facing a doctor shortage.