Webinar: Pursuing MBBS in India Sat, September 5, 2026 | 7:00 PM IST FREE
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Free Webinar: MBBS in India
Sat, September 5, 2026 | 7:00 PM
Free Webinar: MBBS in India
Sat, September 5, 2026 | 7:00 PM
New Zealand's #1 university (QS 2026: #65 in the world) and its leading medical school. Auckland awards the 6-year Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB), an MBBS-style school-leaver degree, but with only about 30 international places a year, it is one of the hardest medical schools in the world for an overseas student to enter.
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New Zealand
Country
Auckland
City (Grafton medical campus)
MBChB
6-year Bachelor of Medicine & Surgery
~30 intl places
International MBChB quota per year
Introduction
Piha Beach with Lion Rock, on the wild west coast about 40 km from Auckland city (Auckland-region scenery, not the university campus)
Download our free brochure, or speak with our team to understand whether a New Zealand MBChB, with its tiny international quota, is a realistic path for your family.
Recognition & Prestige
The University of Auckland is genuinely world-class and, unlike most MBBS-abroad destinations, its rankings are real. It is New Zealand's #1 university and a global top-70 institution, and its medical school is the highest-ranked in New Zealand.
#65 in the world
QS World University Rankings 2026 (overall)
#1 in New Zealand
New Zealand's top university
#1 in NZ for Medicine
New Zealand's leading medical school
The University of Auckland (Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences), New Zealand's #1 university, offers an MBChB accredited by the Australian Medical Council with the Medical Council of New Zealand, and is listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools. Graduates are eligible for provisional registration and internship in New Zealand (and pathways in Australia), and can pursue ECFMG certification and the USMLE for the United States. Indian students who intend to practise in India must still meet the National Medical Commission's conditions, including qualifying NEET before starting and clearing the FMGE/NExT (see FMGE & NExT).
Complete Information About Studying Medicine at the University of Auckland
Get a clear, honest picture of the MBChB pathway, the tiny international quota, the real costs, and whether it is realistic for your family.
Success stories
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Academic Excellence
Auckland offers a genuinely world-class, MBBS-style medical education in a safe, beautiful country. These are its real strengths, with the honest and significant trade-offs of the tiny international quota and the high cost.
Read all about MBBS abroad in our free brochure
Know exactly what options exist for your medical-career success.
How to Apply
Entry to the Auckland MBChB is via a common first year and then competitive selection into Year 2, with only about 30 international places. Confirm the exact current process, quota and the 2028 changes on auckland.ac.nz.
International school-leavers first enrol full-time in the Bachelor of Health Sciences or the BSc in Biomedical Science at Auckland and complete the required first-year courses (only the first attempt counts for MBChB selection).
Sit the University Clinical Aptitude Test for Australia and New Zealand (UCAT ANZ) in the year of application.
Apply for entry to Year 2 of the MBChB; selection is on academic merit (first-year GPA), UCAT ANZ and the Multiple Mini Interview, competing for about 30 international places.
Shortlisted applicants attend the Multiple Mini Interview (held around September) assessing communication, ethics and suitability for medicine.
Successful applicants receive an offer, meet English requirements (IELTS/equivalent) and apply for the New Zealand student visa.
Indian students who intend to practise in India must have qualified NEET-UG before starting the medical program and obtain the NMC Eligibility Certificate; this does not apply if the plan is to practise in New Zealand/Australia (see FMGE & NExT).
International school-leavers must first gain admission to and complete the first year of the Bachelor of Health Sciences or the BSc in Biomedical Science at Auckland with very high grades, then compete for entry to Year 2 of the MBChB. Strong Class 12 results (with the required science subjects) are needed to enter the first year. Indian students who intend to practise in India must also qualify NEET before starting.
Prerequisites:
There is no unusual age bar; applicants must meet the first-year entry and then the MBChB selection requirements. Indian students planning to return to India should note the NMC's own rules (including NEET) apply to them.
Applicants need first-year admission and strong results, the UCAT ANZ, a strong MMI, English proficiency and a student visa; Indians intending to practise in India also need NEET and the NMC Eligibility Certificate.
Win a First-Year Place, Then Compete
Plan to enter the Health Sciences/Biomedical first year with top marks, then achieve a high GPA, UCAT and MMI to compete for one of ~30 international MBChB seats.
Fund the Full Six Years
Budget realistically: about ₹3.1–3.7 crore all-in over six years. Confirm the current fees and the 2028 entry changes before committing.
Selection into Year 2 of the MBChB uses first-year academic results, the UCAT ANZ and a Multiple Mini Interview. Confirm the current thresholds and the international quota on the official site.
| Component | Requirement |
|---|---|
| First year | Bachelor of Health Sciences or BSc Biomedical Science at Auckland (very high GPA; first attempt counts) |
| Admissions test | UCAT ANZ (University Clinical Aptitude Test) |
| Interview | Multiple Mini Interview (MMI), held around September |
| International quota | ~30 international places in the MBChB (vs ~317 domestic) — extremely competitive |
| India-side (if returning) | NEET-UG qualification + NMC Eligibility Certificate for later FMGE/NExT |
Indian applicants typically provide the following for the first-year/MBChB application and the New Zealand student visa:
Admission Guidance & Pathway Planning
Get an honest assessment of your chances at a ~30-place international quota, and help planning the first year, UCAT and MMI, from our team.
Program Structure
The Auckland MBChB is a six-year program taught in English, from a common first year and pre-clinical study to full-time clinical placements across Auckland and regional New Zealand hospitals. Confirm the exact current structure (and the 2028 changes) on auckland.ac.nz.
Total Duration:
6 Years (a common first year in Health Sciences/Biomedical Science + Years 2–6 of the MBChB)
Degree:
Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) — a school-leaver-entry primary medical qualification (New Zealand's MBBS-equivalent)
Year 1
A full-time first year in the Bachelor of Health Sciences or BSc Biomedical Science, covering foundational sciences and the courses required for MBChB selection:
Years 2–3
The early MBChB years integrating biomedical and clinical sciences with early clinical and communication skills, through case-based learning:
Years 4–5
Full clinical placements rotating through the major disciplines across Auckland and regional New Zealand teaching hospitals:
Year 6
The final 'trainee intern' year, working as part of clinical teams under supervision as a transition to internship (PGY1) and registration:
Clinical training takes place across Auckland and regional New Zealand hospitals, based at the Grafton campus next to Auckland City Hospital. In New Zealand, graduates complete a paid internship (PGY1) as part of gaining registration; Indian graduates who return to India follow the NMC route. An indicative pattern is:
| Phase | Focus |
|---|---|
| MBChB Years 4–6 | Clinical placements across Medicine, Surgery, Paediatrics, O&G, Psychiatry, General Practice and specialties in Auckland and regional NZ hospitals, ending in the trainee-intern year |
| After graduation (NZ) | Paid internship (PGY1) leading to general registration with the Medical Council of New Zealand, then prevocational and vocational training |
| If returning to India | Clear the FMGE/NExT and complete the required internship in India before NMC/State Medical Council registration |
Get the full curriculum
Download a free brochure to understand the MBChB structure, the pathway and everything you need to plan.
Legacy
The University of Auckland's medical school (founded 1968) is younger than the world's historic schools, so its distinction rests above all on world-changing research, from antenatal steroids to the Liggins Institute. The figures below are verified; where someone is famous as a researcher or professor at Auckland rather than an MBChB graduate, that is stated plainly.
Sir Graham Liggins was one of New Zealand's most eminent medical scientists, working at the University of Auckland. With Ross Howie he showed, in a 1972 clinical trial, that giving corticosteroids to mothers at risk of premature birth matures the baby's lungs, a treatment that became the global gold standard and has saved the lives of countless premature babies. The University's Liggins Institute is named in his honour.
Ross Howie was a New Zealand paediatrician who, with Sir Graham Liggins at the University of Auckland, ran the landmark 1972 randomised controlled trial demonstrating that antenatal corticosteroids improve the survival of premature babies. His careful clinical work was essential to a discovery that transformed newborn care around the world.
Peter Gluckman trained in medicine at the University of Auckland and became a leading paediatric and developmental scientist. He served as Executive Dean of the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences and founding Director of the Liggins Institute, and was New Zealand's first Chief Science Advisor to the Prime Minister (2009–2018), shaping science policy nationally and internationally.
Jane Harding is a University of Auckland perinatal and neonatal researcher at the Liggins Institute, internationally recognised for her work on the nutrition and care of premature and vulnerable newborns, including landmark studies on treating newborn low blood sugar. Her research has changed newborn care guidelines worldwide.
Auckland's medical program is delivered by the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences at the Grafton campus, through the University's research institutes (including the Liggins Institute) and Auckland's teaching hospitals. Named leaders below are verified as of 2025; reconfirm current office-holders on the official site before publishing.
Dean of Medical and Health Sciences: Professor Warwick Bagg (appointed ~2024)
New Zealand's #1 university
Medical school founded 1968
Home of the Liggins Institute (antenatal steroids legacy)
Grafton campus next to Auckland City Hospital
Clinical placements across Auckland and regional NZ
World-leading perinatal research
Guidance for Indian students on FMGE/NExT vs staying in NZ/Australia
About University
A sandstone heritage building at the University of Auckland's City campus, with a large oak, Auckland, New Zealand
Get all information about studying medicine at the University of Auckland in our free brochure
Read on to understand the real pathway to the University of Auckland MBChB.
Role in medicine
Heritage villas at the University of Auckland City campus with a 'Faculty of Arts' sign, Auckland, New Zealand (City campus, not the Grafton medical campus)
Get all information about studying medicine at the University of Auckland in our free brochure
Read on to understand the real pathway to the University of Auckland MBChB.
Cost of living
Auckland is New Zealand's largest and most expensive city. The figures below are indicative monthly living costs for a student and are SEPARATE from the high MBChB tuition (about NZ$86,561 / ₹43 lakh a year for Years 2–6). INR figures are approximations at about NZ$1 ≈ ₹50.
| Cost Component | Approximate Amount (per month) |
|---|---|
| Accommodation (student housing/rental share) | NZ$1,000 – NZ$1,900 (₹50,000 – ₹95,000) |
| Food & Groceries | NZ$400 – NZ$700 (₹20,000 – ₹35,000) |
| Transport & Personal | NZ$150 – NZ$300 (₹7,500 – ₹15,000) |
| Utilities & Extras | NZ$150 – NZ$350 (₹7,500 – ₹17,500) |
Average monthly living cost (excluding tuition)
NZ$1,700 – NZ$3,100 (₹85,000 – ₹1,55,000)
Housing
Students at the University of Auckland live in university halls of residence, university-affiliated accommodation, or private rentals in Auckland. Confirm current options and prices with the University's accommodation service.
The University of Auckland has halls of residence and student accommodation near the City and Grafton campuses (catered and self-catered), popular with first-year and international students; confirm current room types and fees.
University-managed and affiliated student accommodation offers studios and shared apartments close to campus, with the University's accommodation service listing verified options.
Many students rent private apartments or 'flat' in shared houses in inner-Auckland suburbs (Grafton, Mount Eden, Newmarket, the city centre), though Auckland rents are high; confirm the current rental market.
Auckland is one of the world's most diverse cities, with a significant Indian community, so the small number of international students find support networks quickly.
Auckland has extensive Indian, halal and vegetarian food and grocery options (with hubs such as Sandringham, 'Little India'), so Indian and vegetarian students eat very well (see the Food section).
Auckland is safe and spectacular, built around two harbours with beaches, islands and volcanic cones, and good public transport connecting to the campuses.
Auckland is New Zealand's most expensive city (living costs around NZ$25,000–35,000 a year, roughly ₹12.5–17.5 lakh); this is on top of the high MBChB tuition, so plan the full budget carefully.
The University's accommodation and international-student services help with settling in; our counsellors can help with housing, visa and pathway guidance.
Need accommodation details?
Get a full overview of housing options with our university guide, or reach out to an expert.
Food & Dining
100% Veg options available. Vegetarian food is easily available in cafeterias, restaurants, grocery stores and student accommodation across Auckland. As one of the world's most diverse cities, Auckland is very good for Indian and vegetarian food.
Auckland has a large Indian community and many Indian restaurants and eateries, with a famous hub in Sandringham ('Little India') and others across the city, so Indian food, including regional cuisines, is easy to find.
Location
University of Auckland, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, Grafton Campus, 85 Park Road, Grafton, Auckland 1023, New Zealand (the main City campus is nearby in central Auckland)
Nearest Airport
Auckland Airport (AKL) is about 20 km from the campuses. Indian students typically fly one-stop via a Southeast Asian or Gulf hub (or via Australia). Students need a New Zealand student visa. Auckland (NZST) is about 6.5–7.5 hours ahead of Indian time depending on daylight saving
Local Transport
Auckland has buses, trains and ferries (and the new City Rail Link); the Grafton medical campus is next to Auckland City Hospital and close to the city centre, so students get around without a car
Your Roadmap to Success
Auckland MBChB graduates complete a paid internship year (PGY1) and gain general registration with the Medical Council of New Zealand, then progress to prevocational and vocational (specialty) training.
Understand the Medical Licensing Pathway
A clear overview of registration in New Zealand and the exams needed to practise in India or elsewhere.
Practising in India
An Indian graduate of the University of Auckland who wants to practise in India follows the National Medical Commission (NMC) route: qualifying NEET before starting, meeting the NMC's foreign-graduate conditions, clearing the screening examination (currently the FMGE, transitioning to the NExT), completing the required internship in India and registering. The 6-year MBChB maps reasonably to India's rules, but many Auckland graduates instead build careers in New Zealand or Australia.
Step 1
An Indian student who intends to practise in India must have qualified NEET-UG before beginning the medical program abroad, and obtain the NMC Eligibility Certificate. This applies to the India-return plan; it is not a New Zealand requirement.
Step 2
The Foreign Medical Graduate Licentiate Regulations 2021 set conditions on course-plus-internship duration completed at the same institution, English-medium teaching, and a degree that entitles practice in the country of study. The 6-year English-medium MBChB that entitles practice in New Zealand maps reasonably to these conditions, but confirm in writing with the NMC how the first year and trainee-intern year are counted.
Step 3
Graduates returning to India must clear the qualifying examination (FMGE, transitioning to the NExT), complete the required internship in India, and register with the NMC or a State Medical Council.
Student Life Style
Being a medical student in Auckland combines a demanding MBChB at New Zealand's #1 university with life in a beautiful, diverse harbour city, in a country famous for its outdoors.
Lake Pukaki with the road towards Aoraki/Mount Cook in the South Island, New Zealand (national scenery about 1,000 km from Auckland, shown for travel context)
The Champagne Pool at the Wai-O-Tapu geothermal area near Rotorua in the North Island, New Zealand (about three hours from Auckland, shown for travel context)
Fees & Financial
This is a major planning issue for an Indian family: the Auckland MBChB is one of the most expensive medical degrees in the world, and Auckland is New Zealand's most expensive city. Realistic, honest financial planning across the full six years is essential.
International fees are about NZ$42,818 for the first year and about NZ$86,561 per year for Years 2–6, so tuition alone is roughly NZ$475,000–600,000, and the full six-year investment with living costs is about NZ$625,000–745,000 (roughly ₹3.1–3.7 crore at about NZ$1 ≈ ₹50). Confirm the current fees on auckland.ac.nz.
Ratings
Hear from students and alumni about their experience studying medicine at the University of Auckland.
4.6
48 reviews
Compare
Compare the University of Auckland (MBChB) with a leading Indian medical college.
Quick Comparison:
University of Auckland (MBChB) vs AIIMS New Delhi (MBBS)
| University | University of AucklandAuckland, New Zealand | AIIMS New DelhiNew Delhi, India |
|---|---|---|
| Degree & Entry | MBChB — school-leaver entry via common first year, then selection (MBBS-style) | MBBS — school-leaver entry after Class 12 |
| Medium | English | English |
| Duration | 6 years (first year + Years 2–6) | 5.5 years including internship |
| Tuition | ~NZ$42,818 (Yr 1) + ~NZ$86,561/yr (Yrs 2–6); ~₹2.4–3.0 crore; ~₹3.1–3.7 crore all-in | Nominal (a few thousand rupees per year) |
| Admission | First-year GPA + UCAT ANZ + MMI; only ~30 international places | NEET-UG (extremely high rank) |
| Recognition | AMC + MCNZ accredited; WDOMS-listed; NMC route via FMGE/NExT (confirm conditions) | NMC-recognised |
| World Ranking | #65 in the world overall; #1 in New Zealand (QS 2026) | India's top medical institute (NIRF #1) |
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Our blog
Articles that turn complex medicine-abroad rules into simple, practical steps for students and parents.
FAQ
Short, honest answers to the questions Indian students and parents ask most about studying medicine at the University of Auckland.
Campus photographs supplied by the client (three genuine University of Auckland City-campus views: the ClockTower/Old Arts Building, a sandstone heritage building, and heritage villas with a 'University of Auckland City Campus / Faculty of Arts' sign). Scenery and tourism images are New Zealand stock (Shutterstock and similar): Piha Beach near Auckland; the Hobbiton movie set in the Waikato; the road to Aoraki/Mount Cook and Lake Pukaki in the South Island; and the Champagne Pool at Wai-O-Tapu near Rotorua. Only the three client photos show the University, all of the City campus rather than the Grafton medical campus.
