Abigail McGovern, of Wangi Wangi, is now studying a three-year Bachelor of Biomedical Science degree at the University of New England (UNE) at Armidale.

Once she completes the course, her plan is to then pursue a post-graduate medical degree at Melbourne University.

"I've had my heart set on medicine for a long time," Abigail told the Lakes Mail from her college digs in Armidale.

As a young child she recalls being captivated by the family's medical dictionary.

So she didn't hesitate when given the opportunity to walk away from her Higher School Certificate studies at Toronto High School.

"Toronto is a great high school, but I wanted to learn about the things I was more interested in," she said.

"I knew I had to do it, and it didn't really matter if I finished high school or not."

A spokesperson for Toronto High School said Abigail displayed her outstanding academic prowess by passing an admission test to UNE that would normally require an ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank) of 85.

Abigail started at UNE in June and said she had enjoyed the leap into tertiary studies.

Having her mum, Tanya McGovern, on hand as a fellow student at UNE has helped.

Ms McGovern is studying for her PhD in psychology.

"Abigail has watched me doing uni for years," she said.

Having her daughter leave school early to pursue her career was no real surprise.

"She's just one of those kids whose always known what she wanted to do," Ms McGovern said.

Abigail said her mum had long been her role model.

"Mum was working and studying at the same time which I've always thought was really impressive," Abigail said.

"And Mum has a grade point average of 7 (never below a high distinction)."