Study MD in New Zealand
Aara Consultancy can help you choose the right country and program for your Study Abroad needs and goals, and guide you through the entire application process.
Why pursue MD in New Zealand?
MBBS education in New Zealand provides world-class medical education with internationally accepted degrees from renowned institutions such as the University of Auckland and University of Otago. These schools adhere to an updated curriculum based on practical training, research, and clinical practice, providing hands-on experience through well-equipped hospitals. With instruction provided in English, international students have an easy transition. In addition, New Zealand boasts a secure setting, good standard of living, and friendly multicultural community, thus being a preferred destination for medical aspirants.
New Zealand graduates of its medical schools have the best career prospects globally, since their degree is accepted by principal medical councils worldwide, such as the NMC (India), WHO, and USMLE. Part-time working during study lowers the financial expenditure, and graduates can also get postgraduate medical training in New Zealand, Australia, the UK, and abroad. Its well-developed educational system, strong healthcare setup, and work option after studies in New Zealand turn it into an attractive country for MBBS candidates from around the world.
Best Medical Universities in New Zealand


University of Auckland
Situated in Auckland, the university provides a six-year MBChB course. The initial year is a Health Sciences or Biomedical Science course, and then there is competitive entry into the medical course. The fees are around NZD 75,000 annually.


University of Otago
With campuses in Dunedin, clinical schools in Christchurch and Wellington, the University of Otago offers a six-year MBChB course. Students take a Health Sciences First Year course first and then apply for admission to the medical course. The fee is approximately NZD 73,000 annually.
Admission Requirements for MBBS in New Zealand
Educational Qualification : Should have passed 12th grade with Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
Minimum Marks : A minimum of 75-80% in Class 12, particularly in science subjects.
English Proficiency :
IELTS : Minimum 6.5 overall, with no band less than 6.0.
TOEFL : Minimum 90 (internet-based).
PTE : Minimum 58-64.
Selection Process : Based on GPA, interviews, and UCAT (if applicable)
Duration : 6 years (1-year pre-med + 5 years MBChB)
Entrance Pathway :
Students are not eligible to apply directly for the MBChB program.
They first need to serve one year in a Health Sciences or Biomedical Science course offered at the university.
Then, they can go for admission in the medical course on the merit basis.
FAQs – Pursuing MD in New Zealand
There are just two institutions providing the MBChB (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery) qualification in New Zealand:
University of Auckland
University of Otago
Yes, international students are eligible. But they have to first finish one year of Health Sciences or Biomedical Science course at the university before they can apply for admission into the MBChB program.
Educational Qualification: 12th with Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
Minimum Marks: Minimum 75-80% in science subjects.
English Proficiency:
IELTS: 6.5 overall (no band less than 6.0).
TOEFL: 90+ (iBT).
PTE: 58-64.
The MBChB course takes 6 years:
1st Year: Health Sciences/Biomedical Science (Pre-med).
Next 5 Years: MBChB (Medical Degree).
Fees for international students are between NZD 70,000-80,000 per annum.
Yes, for certain applicants:
The UCAT (University Clinical Aptitude Test) might be necessary.
Graduate entry students are likely to need to pass an interview and other tests.
No, foreign students first have to do a one-year Health Sciences/Biomedical Science course in the university and then apply for a place in the MBChB program.
Yes, there are several scholarships on offer, including:
New Zealand Excellence Awards
University-specific scholarships
Government scholarships for international students
Yes, the MBChB degree from New Zealand is accepted all over the world, including by the Medical Council of India (MCI), World Health Organization (WHO), and the General Medical Council (GMC-UK).
After MBChB, students can:
Work as junior doctors in New Zealand hospitals.
Apply for postgraduate specialization.
Travel back to their own country and take the required licensing exams.