MBBS in New Zealand: Eligibility, Universities, Fees

MBBS in New Zealand is a desirable option for many Indian students. New Zealand is rapidly gaining recognition among students pursuing a career in medicine. Studying MBBS in New Zealand comes with a quality education, affordable costs of living and a medical degree which is acceptable worldwide, including in India.

MBBS from New Zealand is known as one of the most sought courses for higher studies in New Zealand. Through this blog, let’s explore the essentials of pursuing an MBBS in New Zealand including the eligibility criteria, fees, career opportunities, and top universities to consider.

MBBS in New Zealand for Indian Students

Pursuing an MBBS in New Zealand is a promising option for Indian students seeking quality medical education. MBBS stands for Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery. The country offers world-class medical programs with a focus on practical training and research. MBBS in New Zealand is referred to as MB ChB degree, which stands for Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (abbreviated differently).

Studying MBBS in New Zealand offers a 6-year degree course in which the first year is a pre-medical course, and the next two years institution focuses on pre-clinical theory. Moreover, the fourth and fifth years involve practical clinical training in healthcare centres and community work and the final year is referred to as Training Intern (TI year) during which you would have to go with the clinical internship at any clinical unit and acquire practical exposure.

MBBS in New Zealand Highlights

While exploring the best countries to pursue an MBBS from abroad, you need to explore the educational opportunities offered to study in New Zealand in the field of medicine. If you want to know about the eligibility tests, English proficiency requirements, annual fees, duration, and prerequisites of pursuing an MBBS in New Zealand, check the table provided below:

Aspect	Details
Degree	MBChB (MBBS)
Eligibility Tests	UCAT and NEET
English Proficiency	IELTS/ TOEFL
Language of Teaching	English
Annual Fees	Around NZD 70,000 to NZD 495,696
Duration	6 years
Course Required	BSc in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (NMC Approved)

Quick Read: MBBS Abroad Consultants

Why Study MBBS in New Zealand?

Choosing where to pursue your MBBS degree is a crucial decision for any aspiring student. MBBS in New Zealand stands out as an excellent choice, offering a blend of high-quality education, international recognition, and promising career opportunities.
Here are some of the key reasons to consider studying MBBS in New Zealand:

High Registration Rates for MBBS

Studying MBBS in New Zealand offers numerous advantages, making it an attractive destination for aspiring students. Each year, the Medical Council of New Zealand registers over 1,500 new doctors, reflecting the country’s robust healthcare system and opportunities for medical graduates.

International Recognition

One of New Zealand’s medical colleges is recognised by the MCI, enabling students with an MBBS degree from the University of Auckland to practice in India. This dual recognition enhances the degree’s value and provides broader career prospects.

Welcoming Environment for International Practitioners

New Zealand is home to approximately 17,000 practising doctors, with 40% hailing from outside the country. This highlights the nation’s welcoming attitude towards international medical practitioners and underscores the high demand for overseas doctors due to a local shortage.

Supreme Quality Education

The quality of education in New Zealand is assured by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA), which ensures that universities maintain supreme educational standards. Universities offering programs of MBBS in New Zealand are state-sponsored, guaranteeing high-quality education and resources.

Significant Earning Potential

The earning potential for doctors in New Zealand is considerable, with an average income of around NZD 150,000. This is almost five times higher than the average income of doctors after MBBS in India, making it an economically beneficial career option. However, New Zealand coupled with its strong demand for medical professionals has made it an ideal place to pursue an MBBS degree.

Eligibility Criteria for MBBS in New Zealand

In addition to having completed class 12th with Science subjects, including Biology and English, with a minimum aggregate of 75%. There are other certain eligibility requirements for MBBS in New Zealand that you must fulfil to apply for medical science courses offered by universities in New Zealand. Though the specific prerequisites might depend upon the university or the course you have chosen, here are the general eligibility criteria you must know about before applying for a medical science programme in New Zealand:

• The applicant must have gained a prior qualification (generally a bachelor’s degree or postgraduate diploma) in any discipline of Biomedical or Health Sciences. To know which qualification is required for your candidature, you must get in touch with the medical admissions committee of your chosen university in New Zealand.
• The applicant must also provide language proficiency test scores such as IELTS or TOEFL and generally a minimum of 80 and 6.0 respectively is required for getting admission into MBBS in New Zealand.
• Along with these, you will be required to submit an SOP and the university might also ask you to provide LORs (optional).

MBBS Universities New Zealand

Two major universities offer MBBS in New Zealand: the University of Otago and the University of Auckland. For international students, these two universities generally require them to enter from the first year which comprises a pre-medical course and is referred to as Health Sciences First Year.

The candidate must have a bachelor’s degree in Health Science and BioScience, to apply for this. Further, you must also clear the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) which has replaced the UMAT exam and is required for admission into MBBS programmes at both these universities. A few important admission details for these two Universities in New Zealand are given below:

MBBS from University of Auckland

A few important admission details for the University of Auckland are given below in the table for first-year entry, graduate entry and general requirements of programs for MBBS in New Zealand. Please have a look:

	MBBS at the University of Auckland
Admissions	International students can apply through two entries: First Year Entry or Graduate Entry.
First Year Entry	Requirements	Complete eight required courses in the first year of BSc or Bachelor of Health Science at the University of Auckland. Courses must be completed on the first attempt and in the year of application for the MB ChB program.
	GPA	A minimum GPA of 6.0 on a scale of 8.0 in all eight courses is required for eligibility.
	UMAT Score	Must be submitted.
	Admission Criteria	Decisions are based on GPA (60% weightage), UMAT score (15% weightage), and multi-mini interviews (25% weightage).
Graduate Entry	Requirements	Have a previous relevant degree in any pre-medical course.
	Interview	Shortlisted applicants will undergo a Skype/phone interview.
	Admission Criteria	Admissions are based solely on academic excellence and interview performance.
General Requirements for MBBS Programs in New Zealand	Educational Requirements	Previous bachelor’s degree or completion of one year of education at the respective university with a specific GPA.
	Language Proficiency	Non-native English-speaking students must submit proof of language proficiency (IELTS or TOEFL scores).
	Entrance Exam	Required to sit for the UMAT exam (now UCAT), which is a medicine entry test.

Also Read: Cheapest Universities In New Zealand

University of Otago MBBS

A few important admission details for the University of Otago are given below in the table for health sciences first-year entry, graduate entry, proof of English proficiency for international students, and general requirements for the programs of MBBS in New Zealand. Please have a look:

MBBS at the University of Otago
Admissions		International students can apply through two entries: Health Sciences First Year or Graduate Entry.
Health Sciences First Year	Requirements	Enroll in the Health Sciences program at the University of Otago. Pass all required papers with at least 70% marks and meet the entry requirements of the medical admissions committee. Courses must be completed on the first attempt while studying full-time.
Graduate Entry	Requirements	Hold a previous bachelor’s degree or bachelor’s honours degree from any university in New Zealand. The degree must be completed in minimum time with a GPA that meets the medical admissions committee’s standards.
	Admission Criteria	Admissions are based solely on academic merit. In cases where interviews are held, performance in the interview will also affect the admission decision.
Proof of English Proficiency for International Students	IELTS	Minimum score of 6.0
	TOEFL (iBT)	Minimum score of 80
General Requirements for MBBS Programs in New Zealand	Educational Requirements	Previous bachelor’s degree or completion of one year of education at the respective university with a specific GPA.
	Language Proficiency	Non-native English-speaking students must submit proof of language proficiency (IELTS or TOEFL scores).
	Entrance Exam	Required to sit for the UMAT exam (now UCAT), which is a medicine entry test.

MBBS Syllabus in New Zealand

New Zealand offers a very comprehensive Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery course. It is famously called the course of MBChB in New Zealand. Here is the general syllabus of MBBS in New Zealand: :

Part	Course
Part I	General Education
Part II	Basic Medical and Health Sciences
Part III	Medical Humanities and Course on Human Health and Illness
Part IV	Learn in Hospitals and Community Environments
Part V	Regional Program
Part VI	Elective

In the general syllabus of MBBS in New Zealand, institutions prioritize practical clinical training, research opportunities, and interdisciplinary studies, ensuring students receive a comprehensive medical education.

Subjects in MBBS Curriculum in New Zealand

Among the core components of their curriculum, top-tier medical colleges or universities in New Zealand include the following subjects within their curriculum:

1st Year	2nd Year	3rd Year	4th Year	5th Year	6th Year
Fundamentals of Psychology	Human Anatomy	Pharmacology	Tuberculosis	Obstetrics	General Practice
Bioorganic Chemistry	Biochemistry	Internal Medicine	Urology	Social Medicine	Elective courses
Histology	Histology	Paediatrics	Surgery	Traumatology	–
Medical Chemistry	Physiology	Pathomorphology	Obstetrics and Gynecology	Gynaecology	–
Human Anatomy	Microbiology	General Surgery	Neurology	Epidemiology	–
Cytology	Embryology	Ecology	Ophthalmology	Medical	–
Embryology	Patient Care	Biostatistics	Forensic Medicine	GeneticsOncology	–
Elective Courses	Emergency Medicine	Elective Courses	Narcology	Infectious Diseases	–
–	–	Radiology	Medical Psychology	Clinical Immunology	–
–	–	–	Social Medicine	–	–

This table outlines the subjects and courses typically covered in each year of the MBBS program, according to the provided syllabus.

Recommended Read: MBA in New Zealand

Cost of Pursuing MBBS in New Zealand

There are a few costs involved in the cost of pursuing an MBBS in New Zealand one is pre-arrival cost, tuition fees and the other is the cost of living in New Zealand. Below, we offer a breakdown of these expenses for your reference. Please have a look at the costs.

Pre-Arrival Expenses for MBBS in New Zealand

Before embarking on your journey to pursue MBBS in New Zealand, it is important to account for some pre-arrival expenses that need to be addressed such as student visa, IELTS fees, TOEFL fees and air ticket. The average of these costs is given in the table below:

Type of expense	Approx Cost
IELTS fee	NZD 420
TOEFL fee	NZD 410
Application Fees	NZD 80 to NZD 85
Student Visa	NZD 330
Airfare	NZD 450 to NZD700

MBBS Tuition Fees in New Zealand

The University of Auckland and the University of Otago in New Zealand charge tuition fees of 77,000 NZD and 35,000 NZD, respectively for pursuing MBBS in New Zealand. Do you know that If you choose to study MBBS at the University of Otago, it will give you a similar financial commitment to studying MBBS in India? Moreover, it also gives you the chance to experience the vibrant cultures of New Zealand. Below are the MBBS tuition fees for two universities in New Zealand, for your reference:

Universities	Tuition Fees
University of Auckland	NZD 77,000
University of Otago	NZD 35,000

Cost of Living in New Zealand

The living expenses in New Zealand fall somewhere between expensive and affordable. Housing and food expenses typically consume a significant portion of one’s budget. On average, the cost of living for international students, excluding rent, is around NZD 1676. Renting a one-bedroom apartment can range from NZD 1400 to NZD 2750. Overall, the cost of living varies depending on individual spending habits and lifestyle preferences, as well as the city of residence.

However, if you receive a scholarship, you don’t have to worry much about your monthly expenses because the scholarship usually covers most of them. Plus, the government of New Zealand offers many education loan schemes to help students financially for pursuing MBBS in New Zealand.

To know about the living costs, check out our blog on Cost of Studying in New Zealand!

Scholarship for MBBS in New Zealand

In New Zealand, universities offer scholarships specifically for international students. These scholarships often cover not only MBBS tuition fees but also expenses related to travel and accommodation. Below is a table detailing the eligibility criteria and the amount awarded for these scholarships:

Name of Scholarship	Per Annum Stipend	Eligibility Criteria
New Zealand Excellence Award	NZD 18,000	The applicant must hold Indian citizenship and attain a minimum GPA equivalent to a B+ in their highest qualification.
University of Auckland International Student Excellence Scholarship	NZD 10,000	Applicants must be newly enrolled as full-fee-paying international students and must be registered for on-campus classes.
TWJ Johnson Scholarship in Clinical Medicine	NZD 6000	Successfully finished part 3 of the MBChB program at the University of Auckland; a minimum GPA of 7.0 is required.
University of Auckland MBChB Graduate Entry-International Student scholarship	Around NZD 70,000	Enrolled in the MBChB program through the international graduate entry category

Top Universities for MBBS in New Zealand

Though there are only two major universities for MBBS in New Zealand, i.e. the University of Otago and the University of Auckland, the country is home to varied medical schools and universities that offer similar variants and medical science courses in different specializations such as:

• University of Otago
• University of Auckland
• Eastern Institute of Technology
• Massey University
• Wellington Institute of Technology
• Manukau Institute of Technology
• Whitireia New Zealand
• NorthTec Institute
• AGI Education
• Tai Poutini Polytechnic

Other Medical Science Courses in New Zealand

Apart from popular medical degrees like MBBS in New Zealand, it offers a range of other medical science courses catering to diverse interests and career paths. These courses provide students with valuable theoretical knowledge and practical skills required for various healthcare roles. Some of the medical science courses in New Zealand are:

• Dentistry
• Nursing
• Pharmacy
• Population Health
• Physiotherapy
• Veterinary Sciences, etc.

Career Opportunities in New Zealand

There are several career opportunities available for students after doing MBBS in New Zealand. After completing the degree, the average annual income of MBBS doctors in New Zealand is from NZD 100,000 – to NZD 250,000. Which is a very good salary for a doctor.

The degree of MBBS in New Zealand is globally recognized and highly valued. Here are some of the top career opportunities that you can choose from after the MBBS course in New Zealand.

• General Physician
• General Pediatrician
• Dentist
• Psychiatrist
• Neurologist
• Surgeon
• Gynaecologist
• Optometrist

The degree of MBBS in New Zealand is widely recognized across the world and has significant importance. It is often easier for graduates of New Zealand universities to get a doctor’s job or further they can pursue a master’s degree within the country, as these universities give preference to candidates who have completed their undergraduate studies in New Zealand.

FAQs on MBBS in New Zealand

Hence, we hope that this blog familiarises you with the key features of pursuing an MBBS in New Zealand. Planning to apply for a medical science programme in New Zealand? Reach out to our Leverage Edu experts at 1800-57-2000 and we will guide you in choosing the right programme and university as well as throughout the admission process to ensure that you get successfully shortlisted!