New Zealand is one of the most popular destinations for students interested in medicine and health sciences. All eight of New Zealand’s universities are ranked within the world’s top 3%, and the country offers a multicultural, generally safe, and welcoming environment for international students. However, students should note that New Zealand currently has only two operating medical schools that offer primary medical training leading to the MBChB: the University of Otago and the University of Auckland. The University of Waikato has an approved graduate-entry medical school planned for 2028. The other institutions listed below offer strong health, nursing, public health, biomedical science, and allied health programs. In this article, we will be talking about medical schools and health-related study options in New Zealand.
Top Medical Schools in New Zealand
1. University of Otago
The University of Otago was established in 1869 and is New Zealand’s oldest university. It is one of the country’s two currently recognized medical schools offering primary medical training. The university’s main campus is in Dunedin, and it also has a presence in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Invercargill.
Medicine is one of the most competitive areas of study at the University of Otago. School leavers usually begin with Health Sciences First Year and then apply for admission to the second year of the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MB ChB). Entry to second year is limited and competitive, and some additional places may be available for international students. After admission to second-year medicine, students complete five further years of study before graduating and then work under probation for general registration. Otago’s program includes early learning in medicine, advanced clinical learning, and a sixth-year Trainee Intern year.
2. University of Auckland
The University of Auckland was founded in 1883 and is New Zealand’s largest university, with more than 40,000 students. It is also one of the two currently recognized medical schools in New Zealand offering the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB).
The University of Auckland’s Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences offers undergraduate programs in Health Sciences, Nursing, Medical Imaging, Medicine and Surgery, Optometry, and Pharmacy. The MBChB is a six-year full-time program based at the Grafton campus. Admission is competitive, and applicants may apply through approved first-year pathways or graduate entry. The university also has specialist teaching clinics and research facilities, including the Neurological Foundation Human Brain Bank, which is the only facility of its kind in New Zealand and holds tissue from more than 1,000 brains for research.
3. University of Waikato
Te Huataki Waiora School of Health is part of the University of Waikato and offers health, nursing, biomedical science, sport, and human performance programs. The university is also developing the New Zealand Graduate School of Medicine, which is planned to begin in 2028.
The University of Waikato currently offers programs such as the Bachelor of Nursing, Bachelor of Health, Bachelor of Sport and Human Performance, and Master of Health, Sport and Human Performance. The Bachelor of Health includes study connected to human biology, hauora, health and wellbeing, Te Tiriti o Waitangi, social determinants of health, equity, and population health. Its Biomedical Sciences pathway can also support students interested in further graduate study in areas such as medical school, dentistry, physiotherapy, pharmacy, and medical research.
The New Zealand Graduate School of Medicine is planned as a four-year graduate-entry medical program, with applications expected to open in mid-2027 and the first intake planned for 2028. The program is expected to focus on primary care, rural health, and regional clinical placements.
FAQs: Studying Medicine in New Zealand
Can International Students Enroll in Medical Schools in New Zealand?
Yes. International students may apply to study medicine in New Zealand, but places are limited and admission is highly competitive. At the University of Otago, some additional places may be available for international students in the MB ChB.
At the University of Auckland, international graduate applicants may apply for the MBChB under the Graduate Entry category if they meet the required criteria.
New Zealand is multicultural, modern, and welcoming, which makes it attractive to many international students. English is the main language of instruction for the programs discussed in this article, and international students can access support through university international offices and national student resources.
What is the Medical Curriculum Like in Medical Schools in New Zealand?
New Zealand’s current MBChB pathways vary by university. At the University of Otago, school leavers usually begin with Health Sciences First Year, then apply for admission to second-year medicine. If accepted, students complete five further years of the MB ChB, including early learning in medicine, advanced clinical learning, and a sixth-year Trainee Intern year.
At the University of Auckland, the MBChB is a six-year full-time program. Students may apply through approved first-year pathways or through graduate entry. Selection is competitive and includes academic performance, UCAT ANZ for relevant categories, and the Multiple Mini Interview.
In summary, New Zealand offers strong medical and health science education, with two currently recognized MBChB medical schools and a new graduate-entry medical school planned at the University of Waikato. Medical education in New Zealand combines academic study, clinical learning, and practical experience. Students can also explore health-related fields such as nursing, public health, biomedical science, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, oral health, midwifery, pharmacy, and health research. You can also apply for Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships to help you pay for your studies.
We hope that this article on the best medical schools in New Zealand was helpful. If you are interested in knowing more, check out the Available Programs for International Students and NZ Study Guide!
