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Student — MBChB 2023
Study Medicine (MBChB) in New Zealand
Earn a globally respected, MCNZ-recognised MBChB at New Zealand's two world-class medical schools, the University of Auckland and the University of Otago.
5000+ Students trust us
MCNZ Registration
Licensing Exam
UCAT-ANZ + MMI
Admission Criteria
MBChB (6 Yrs)
Medical Program
Wellington
Capital
Universities
Medical Universities for MBChB in New Zealand
New Zealand has only two medical schools, both world-ranked and accredited by the Australian Medical Council on behalf of the Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ). Both award the six-year MBChB and admit only a small number of international students each year through a highly competitive process.
Introduction
About Studying Medicine in New Zealand
- Study program:MBChB (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery)
- Language:English
- Total duration:6 Years (incl. pre-medical first year)
- Degree awarded:MBChB (MBBS-equivalent)
- Entrance exam:UCAT-ANZ + interview (+ NEET-UG for Indian students)
- Regulator:Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ)
- Avg. tuition (per year):₹40–48 lakh (approx., international)
- Licensing:MCNZ registration; FMGE / NExT to practise in India
For Indian students New Zealand is a premium, small-intake option: international places are very limited, entry needs the UCAT-ANZ plus interviews, and fees are very high, so realistic planning is essential. Students who plan to return to India must qualify NEET-UG before studying abroad and clear the FMGE (or NExT) afterwards to practise in India.
The road to Aoraki / Mount Cook beside turquoise Lake Pukaki, South Island, New Zealand
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Read on to find out how you can fulfil your dream of studying medicine in New Zealand.
Why New Zealand
Why Study Medicine in New Zealand
New Zealand pairs two world-ranked medical schools with excellent clinical training and quality of life, though with very limited international places and high fees.
World-Ranked Medical Schools
Globally Recognised MBChB
Excellent Clinical Training
High Quality of Life
Deep Medical Heritage
English-Speaking Country
Read all about MBBS abroad in our free brochure
Know exactly what options exist for your MBBS-abroad success.
Program Structure
MBChB Program Structure in New Zealand
The MBChB in New Zealand is a six-year, English-medium degree. International students first complete a pre-medical first year (Health Sciences First Year at Otago, or a first-year health-sciences programme at Auckland), then compete for selection into the MBChB from Year 2.
Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB)
Duration:
6 Years (incl. pre-medical first year)
Degree:
MBChB (MBBS-equivalent)
Structure of the Medical Program
Years 1–3
Pre-Medical & Early Clinical
Pre-medical first year and selection, then integrated basic and clinical sciences:
Health Sciences First YearAnatomyPhysiologyBiochemistryPharmacologyPathologyClinical SkillsYears 4–6
Clinical Years
Full-time clinical placements (rotations) across teaching hospitals and communities:
Internal MedicineSurgeryObstetrics & GynaecologyPaediatricsPsychiatryGeneral PracticeSpecialties
Important: Entry to the MBChB is not guaranteed. International students first complete a pre-medical first year and are then selected into the MBChB from Year 2 based on grades, the UCAT-ANZ and an interview, competing for a very small international quota. Graduation is followed by supervised house-officer years to gain full MCNZ registration.
Get the full curriculum
Download a free brochure to see detailed subjects, the course structure and everything you need to plan your studies.
Admissions
Eligibility Criteria
Academic Qualification
Applicants need excellent Class 12 results to enter the pre-medical first year, then top first-year grades, a strong UCAT-ANZ score and an interview to be selected into the MBChB. Indian students must also qualify NEET-UG if they plan to return to India.
Prerequisites:
ChemistryBiologyPhysicsMathematicsEnglish
Class 12 (entry to first year):
High PCB %Strong overall academic record
Selection into MBChB (Year 2):
First-year GPAUCAT-ANZInterview (MMI)
Minimum Requirements
Indicative minimum requirements for application (highly competitive; vary by university):
| Category | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Class 12 | High % in PCB (for first-year entry) |
| First-year GPA | Very high (for MBChB selection) |
| UCAT-ANZ | Competitive score + interview (MMI) |
| English (IELTS Academic) | 7.0+ (no band below 7.0) |
| NEET-UG (for India return) | Qualified (valid score) |
Age Requirement
Candidates must meet the following criterion at the time of admission:
- Minimum age 17–18Applicants are generally at least 17–18 by the start of the pre-medical first year; there is no fixed upper age limit.
Entrance & Application Requirements
Applicants sit the UCAT-ANZ, attend a Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) and meet the English requirement, after completing the pre-medical first year.
UCAT-ANZ
University Clinical Aptitude Test for Australia and New Zealand — required for selection into the MBChB, alongside first-year grades and an interview.
IELTS (English)
English-proficiency test for applicants whose prior education was not in English; both schools ask for IELTS Academic 7.0+.
For Students Planning to Return to India: NEET-UG is required before admission because the NMC makes it compulsory for Indian students abroad. Under the NMC Foreign Medical Graduate Licentiate (FMGL) Regulations 2021, the qualification must meet the required length and be completed with internship in the same country, after which you must clear the FMGE (or NExT) to practise in India.
Admission Guidance & Document Checklist
Get the complete document checklist or admission guidance from our experts.
Study Visa
Student Visa Overview
International students study in New Zealand on a fee-paying student visa. Once you accept an Offer of Place, you apply online to Immigration New Zealand, showing your finances, health and character evidence.
Accept your Offer of Place from the University of Auckland or the University of Otago and pay the required deposit; this is needed for the student-visa application.
Get help with your student visa
Our experts guide you through the Offer of Place, finances and the visa application end to end.
Cost
Cost of Living for Medical Students in New Zealand
Living costs in New Zealand are high, and the student visa requires proof of at least NZ$20,000 a year for living expenses. Here is an indicative monthly breakdown for a medical student (in ₹ approximations); Auckland is the most expensive city.
Monthly Living Cost
| Category | Monthly Expense (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | ₹55,000 – ₹1,10,000 |
| Food / Groceries | ₹22,000 – ₹40,000 |
| Transportation | ₹7,000 – ₹14,000 |
| Utilities / Internet | ₹8,000 – ₹15,000 |
| Health & Travel Insurance | ₹4,000 – ₹8,000 |
| Miscellaneous | ₹10,000 – ₹20,000 |
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Total Monthly
₹1,06,000 – ₹2,07,000
About the Country
History of Medical Education in New Zealand
Coastal hills and turquoise bay in the Marlborough region, South Island, New Zealand
150 Years of Medical Training
A hobbit-hole with a round green door set into a grassy hillside, New Zealand
A Two-School National System
Get all information about MBBS in New Zealand in our free brochure
Read on to find out how you can fulfil your dream of studying medicine in New Zealand.
Role in Medicine
New Zealand's Role in Global Medical Education
Hobbit-holes beside a lake at a green rural film-set landscape, New Zealand
Small System, Global Standards
MCNZ, WDOMS & NMC Recognition
Get all information about MBBS in New Zealand in our free brochure
Read on to find out how you can fulfil your dream of studying medicine in New Zealand.
How to Practise
Your Path After the MBChB in New Zealand
After the MBChB
Finish the six-year MBChB at the University of Auckland or the University of Otago, including the clinical years.
Duration of Residency
Postgraduate / vocational training length depends on the pathway. Typical durations after the MBChB are:
| Pathway | Duration |
|---|---|
| House Officer (PGY1–2) | 2 years |
| General Practice (RNZCGP) | 3–4 years |
| Physician / Surgery (RACP / RACS) | 5–7 years |
| MD / MS in India (if returning) | 3 years |
| DNB in India | 3 years |
Understand the New Zealand & Return-to-India Pathways
A clear overview of MCNZ registration, house-officer years, vocational training and the FMGE / NExT route.
Our blog
Medical Education Insights
Articles that turn complex MBBS-abroad rules into simple, practical steps for students and parents.
Ratings
Reviews & Ratings
Hear from students and alumni about their experience studying medicine in New Zealand.
4.7
38 reviews
Academics4.8
Clinical Training4.7
Quality of Life4.9
Career Prospects4.7
Value for Money3.7
Compare
Compare Pathways
See how the New Zealand MBChB pathway compares with the MBBS route in India.
Quick Comparison:
MBChB in New Zealand vs MBBS in India
| Pathway | MBChB in New ZealandNew Zealand | MBBS in IndiaIndia |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level | Pre-medical year after Class 12, then selection | After Class 12 (10+2) |
| Entrance Exam | UCAT-ANZ + MMI (+ NEET for India) | NEET-UG |
| Degree | MBChB (MBBS-equivalent) | MBBS |
| Course Duration | 6 years (incl. first year) | 4.5 years + 1-yr internship |
| Medium | English | English |
| Licensing | MCNZ (New Zealand); FMGE / NExT (India) | NExT |
| Approx. Tuition (full course) | ₹2.5–3.1 crore | ₹50 lakh – ₹1 crore+ (private) |
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FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Short answers to the questions students and parents ask most often about studying medicine in New Zealand.