Studying medicine in Aotearoa New Zealand is a high-quality, well-regulated pathway with a clear structure, a strong clinical focus, and attractive post-study options. Below I’ll walk you through the schools, entry pathways, costs, visa/work rules, registration and career steps, plus a practical timeline, data points you can rely on, and a crisp checklist so you know exactly what to do next.
Quick snapshot (fast facts)
- Primary qualifying degree: MBChB (Bachelor of Medicine & Bachelor of Surgery) — typically 5 years from entry into the medical programme.
- Main medical schools: University of Auckland and University of Otago (Dunedin, Christchurch, Wellington clinical campuses).
- Two main entry routes: Health Sciences First Year (HSFY) / First-year pathway and Graduate entry (for applicants who already hold an approved degree). UCAT ANZ is required for most domestic applicants.
- Typical international tuition (example): Auckland MBChB part-year fees run into tens of thousands NZ$ per year — consult each faculty’s fees table for the exact year.
- Student work rules and post-study work visas have recently changed (from Nov 3, 2025 student in-study hours can increase to 25 hrs/week for eligible students). Always check Immigration NZ for the latest.
Which universities and campuses teach medicine?
Only two universities in NZ provide the MBChB pathway:
- University of Otago — MBChB taught across Dunedin (early years) then clinical years in Dunedin, Christchurch or Wellington.
- University of Auckland — MBChB with components across Auckland and clinical placements; has distinct first-year and graduate entry categories.
These schools are accredited and listed by the Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ). That matters because graduates become eligible to apply for provisional registration with MCNZ.
Entry pathways — how students actually get in (data & gates)
There are two major routes:
1- Health Sciences First Year (HSFY) / First-Year pathway (school-leavers)
- You enroll in the required first-year health science papers (HSFY). To be competitive you generally need very high marks (universities set cutoffs annually; many applicants aim for 70%+ in required papers but selection is rank-based). The UCAT ANZ score is used as part of selection.
2- Graduate entry
- Apply after completing an approved bachelor’s degree. Domestic graduates usually must sit UCAT ANZ (international graduate applicants sometimes are exempt — check each uni). Graduate applicants are ranked by GPA, UCAT (where applicable), and interview performance; meeting minima does not guarantee an interview because supply < demand.
Key selection test: UCAT ANZ — used by both Otago and Auckland for most entry categories; register the year you apply and keep reading the UCAT Consortium calendar. GAMSAT is generally not accepted as a substitute for UCAT for NZ MBChB entry.
Selection reality check: NZ medical places are limited — e.g., Auckland explicitly notes a fixed number of domestic places (hundreds) and intense competition; expect <50% of eligible applicants to get interviews or offers, depending on the year.
Programme length and structure (what you’ll study)
- MBChB = 5 years from admission into the programme (after completing HSFY or via graduate entry). Early years focus on biomedical sciences and clinical skills; later years are clinical placements across DHBs (hospitals/clinics) in different regions. Clinical years are usually delivered across different campuses (Otago splits years 4–6 across Dunedin/Christchurch/Wellington).
Costs & living expenses (data points and examples)
Tuition varies by year, university and student category (domestic vs international). Examples:
- University of Auckland faculty fees PDF shows per-paper and year fees for health sciences programmes; MBChB components for international students can be in the tens of thousands NZD per year depending on year and points. Always check the faculty’s official 2025/2026 fees PDF.
- University of Otago international health sciences fees list comparable international fees for HSFY and MBChB years.
Living costs: Immigration and student cost guides estimate ~NZ$20,000 per year as a benchmark for living costs for visa purposes; realistic budgets for students often land between NZ$15,000–30,000/year depending on city, accommodation style and lifestyle. Rent is the biggest variable.
Visa, work rights and post-study options
- Student visas: required for non-residents; must show funds for tuition + living costs. Immigration NZ provides specific requirements and the post-study work visa options.
- Work rights during study: rules changed recently — from 3 Nov 2025 eligible tertiary students may be allowed to work up to 25 hours/week during semesters (up from 20). Check your visa conditions and eligibility (applies to new visas from that date, and earlier visa holders may need variations).
- After graduation: international graduates can apply for Post-Study Work Visas; registration with MCNZ (provisional/general) is required to work as a doctor in NZ.
Registration to practice (how you become a doctor in NZ)
- On graduation you apply for provisional registration with the Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ); supervised practice is then required and there are further vocational registration routes for specialist training. The MCNZ runs vocational practice assessments and oversees scopes of practice.
Workforce & career outlook (data snapshot)
- MCNZ workforce reports show trends such as rising numbers of International Medical Graduates (IMGs) and changing demographic composition of medical students (Māori/Pacific representation statistics are tracked annually). NZ experiences regional doctor shortages in some specialties and rural areas — this influences training posts and recruitment. See MCNZ workforce survey for full data tables.
Scholarships & funding routes
- Universities have some scholarships for domestic and international students (merit, need-based, or equity scholarships). Specific medicine scholarships are limited — check each university’s scholarship pages and external foundations (health trusts, bilateral scholarships from your home country). Also check university emergency funds and health-faculty bursaries. (University pages list exact amounts and eligibility.)
A practical timeline (if you’re starting now)
- T minus 18–24 months: Decide HSFY vs Graduate route; if you need UCAT ANZ, register and prepare (UCAT sits annually and results are year-bound).
- T minus 12–18 months: Apply for HSFY or complete your bachelor’s; aim for top grades; research scholarships; plan finances.
- T minus 6–9 months: Sit UCAT (if required), request references, complete any visa documentary checklist, apply to the MBChB when applications open.
- Offer & enrol: If offered, arrange visa, accommodation, and pre-arrivals; check orientation and clinical immunisation requirements.
Checklist: documents to have ready
- Official transcripts and degree certificates (attested)
- UCAT ANZ result (if required)
- Passport, proof of funds, police certificate (visa docs)
- Immunisation and TB screening where required by uni/hospital
- CV, references and personal statement (for graduate applicants/interviews)
- Proof of English language competence if required
Tips & realistic expectations
- Competition is intense. Aim to exceed minimums — strong GPA + UCAT + MMI performance makes you competitive.
- Clinical exposure matters for interviews: volunteering, healthcare experience, and clear reasons for wanting medicine in NZ help in MMIs.
- Plan finances early. International fees are high; domestic fees are subsidised only for citizens/residents. Use university fees pages and budget for living costs and placements.
FAQ (short)
Q: Can international students study medicine in NZ?
A: Yes — but international entry rules differ (some graduate applicants can apply; first-year international places are limited). Check each university’s international admissions pages.
Q: Do I need GAMSAT or MCAT?
A: No. NZ medical entry uses UCAT ANZ for most pathways (GAMSAT is not an accepted substitute for UCAT for NZ MBChB entry).
Q: How long before I can practice unsupervised?
A: After graduation you gain provisional registration and complete supervised practice; full registration and vocational scopes follow after satisfying MCNZ requirements and training. Timelines depend on the training pathway.
Sources & further reading (start here)
- Medical Council of New Zealand — list of schools and registration pathways.
- University of Otago — MBChB programme and admission guidelines.
- University of Auckland — MBChB entry information and fees (faculty fees PDF).
- UCAT ANZ official site — test windows and eligibility.
- Immigration New Zealand — student visa, post-study work visa and recent in-study work hour changes.
- MCNZ workforce & survey reports — student demographics and workforce data.
