Pursuing an MBBS in New Zealand is a highly sought-after opportunity as the demand for healthcare professionals continues to rise. Renowned for their educational excellence, New Zealand universities have long been leaders in the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery programmes. Accredited by the Australian Medical Council on behalf of the New Zealand Medical Council, these universities offer state-of-the-art facilities, a meticulously curated curriculum, and top-tier infrastructure that attract students from around the globe.
If you're an international student considering medical colleges in New Zealand, this blog is your comprehensive guide to the admission process, requirements, and career prospects. Discover everything you need to know to embark on this rewarding journey.
Ready to take the next step? Arrange a free consultation with SI-Global today. Our expert educational consultants will explore your study options and assist you in the application process.
Why Study an MBBS in New Zealand?
- 40% of the 17,500 doctors practising in New Zealand are international students
- New Zealand offers work-while-you-study opportunities, where you can work up to 20 hours per week and full-time during holidays. This will help you earn extra cash to support your expenses while studying abroad
- Medical colleges in New Zealand offer international students a wide range of scholarships and perks and an affordable cost of living
- The New Zealand education system is robust and offers unique opportunities to provide practical training in medicine through research and exchange programmes
Types of MBBS in New Zealand
There are two main types of MBBS in New Zealand: undergraduate and graduate. An undergraduate degree is for students who have completed high school, while a graduate course is for those who have already completed a bachelor's degree in a relevant field. Each programme has its own specific admission requirements and curriculum. Popular specialisation areas include cardiology, dermatology, radiology, oncology, neurosurgery, vascular surgery, and psychiatry.
Best MBBS Universities in New Zealand
Two universities in New Zealand offer MBBS courses, The University of Otago and the University of Auckland.
- University of Otago
The University of Otago is one of the most prestigious universities in New Zealand, ranking in the top 3 per cent globally. The Medical School of Otago is committed to high-quality, patient-centred, evidence-based healthcare and building a solid professional, clinical, and psychological research foundation for graduates.
Otago Medical School offers various specialisations at the bachelor’s and master’s levels, such as the Bachelor of Health Sciences, Master of Health Sciences, and Postgraduate Diploma in Bioethics and Health Law. International students enrolled in the MB ChB degree can access high-quality, patient-centred, evidence-based medical care within the New Zealand healthcare system.
After completing the course, students will graduate with the professional, clinical, biomedical, and psychological foundations to practise collaboratively as doctors in private or public sectors involving research, academic medicine, and public health.
- University of Auckland
The University of Auckland is the largest and highest-ranked university in Auckland, New Zealand. Auckland offers a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery in medical and health science to pursue a medical career. The Australian Medical Council accredits the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) on behalf of the Medical Council of New Zealand. There are two application degrees for entry to the MBChB degree: first-year entry and graduate entry. The course curriculum comprises subjects and topics like the foundation of biochemistry, population of health, medical humanities, chemistry of living world, and health and society.
After completing the degree, graduates can choose further study options, such as a Doctor of Medicine or Doctor of Philosophy, or work in general practice in different fields, such as medicine and primary health care.
Eligibility to Study MBBS in New Zealand
There are a set of eligibility criteria that needs to be met when applying for MBBS in New Zealand, which are as follows:
- GPA score: International applicants must ensure they score a minimum GPA per the university requirement.
- Bachelor's degree: International students applying for graduate programs must have a bachelor's degree from a recognised university or institution. The course must have been completed in five years.
- Interview process: Students must have an excellent academic record to attend an interview. The marks secured in the interview will be essential in deciding their application process.
- Entrance examination: Straightforward entrance exams, such as NEET and UCAT, are compulsory for studying for MBBS in New Zealand.
- NEET is a single entrance examination for admissions to MBBS overseas conducted by the Medical Council of India.
- On the other hand, UCAT is a University Clinical Aptitude Test for admissions into medical and dental degrees.
- English proficiency: International applicants must pass the English language proficiency test, such as IELTS or TOEFL, before applying to medical colleges in New Zealand.
Job Opportunities
After completing MBBS in New Zealand, graduates have various job opportunities available. They can work as medical practitioners or set up their practices in hospitals and clinics. Specialising in surgery opens up opportunities to work as surgeons in hospitals or private surgical centres. Graduates can also pursue careers in medical research, pharmaceutical companies, or as medical educators in medical schools or universities.
Other opportunities include roles as medical coordinators, managing healthcare services, or working in public health organisations, government agencies, or non-profit organisations focusing on public health and healthcare policy development.
Study MBBS in New Zealand
If you want to study in New Zealand, why not arrange a free consultation with SI-Global today? Our consultants will take you through your study options and help you apply.
