Study MBBS in New Zealand 2026

New Zealand offers a globally respected pathway to becoming a doctor through its six-year MBChB programme, delivered by institutions such as the University of Otago and the University of Auckland. Admission is competitive and typically begins with a foundational year in health sciences before progressing into the core medical degree, which is internationally recognised and accredited to high standards. For international students, especially those from India, it is important to carefully evaluate the cost of studying in New Zealand, as tuition fees and living expenses extend across six years. Given the overall financial commitment, planning ahead, including arranging an education loan for New Zealand, can help ensure a smoother academic journey.

Why Consider New Zealand for MBBS?

• Accredited Medical Degree: The MBChB degree is accredited by the Australian Medical Council on behalf of the Medical Council of New Zealand. Graduates are eligible to apply for registration with the MCNZ and pursue prevocational training in New Zealand hospitals.
• International Recognition: The degree is recognised in several countries including Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, and India (subject to meeting NMC/NExT requirements). This allows graduates to explore medical careers in multiple healthcare systems.
• English-Medium Education: All instruction is conducted in English, which removes the language barrier faced by students in many other international medical destinations.
• Post-Study Pathways: Graduates who successfully complete the degree may apply for registration with the MCNZ and undertake a two-year prevocational training programme.

Source: University of Otago – https://www.otago.ac.nz/courses/subjects/medicine
University of Auckland – https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/study/study-options/find-a-study-option/bachelor-of-medicine-and-bachelor-of-surgery-mbchb.htm
Medical Council of New Zealand – https://www.mcnz.org.nz/registration/getting-registered/registration-pathways

Universities Offering MBBS (MBChB) in New Zealand

Only two universities offer the MBChB degree in New Zealand. Both are public institutions and their medical programmes are accredited by the Australian Medical Council on behalf of the Medical Council of New Zealand.

Note: Tuition fees are approximate and vary by year of programme and individual paper selection. Fees increase annually. International students are full-fee paying students. The pre-medical foundation year (HSFY or BHSc/BSc Biomedical Science) carries separate fees. Students should verify current fees directly with the respective university before making financial decisions.

Disclaimer: All NZD to INR conversions are approximate and based on an exchange rate as of February 2026. Actual exchange rates may vary due to market fluctuations. Students are advised to check the latest rates before making financial decisions.

Source: University of Otago – https://www.otago.ac.nz/study/fees
University of Auckland – https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/study/fees-and-money-matters/tuition-fees/fees-by-faculty.html

Programme Structure

The MBChB at both universities follows a six-year structure, which includes a compulsory foundational first year before students can apply for entry into the medical degree itself.

• University of Otago:

  The first year is the Health Sciences First Year (HSFY) programme, conducted at the Dunedin campus. There are no specific subject prerequisites for HSFY entry, though Chemistry, Physics, Calculus, and an English-rich subject are strongly recommended. Selection into second year medicine from HSFY is competitive students must pass all prescribed papers with a minimum grade of 70% and meet a UCAT ANZ threshold. Years 2–4 cover pre-clinical and early clinical sciences in Dunedin. Years 5 and 6 involve clinical rotations across Dunedin, Christchurch, or Wellington campuses.

• University of Auckland:

  School leavers cannot apply directly to the MBChB. They must first enrol in the Bachelor of Health Sciences (BHSc) or Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science (BSc) this is referred to as the First Year Entry pathway. Selection into Year 2 of the MBChB is based on GPA across core first-year courses, UCAT ANZ score, and Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) performance, in a ratio of 60:15:25. A graduate entry pathway also exists for applicants who have completed a relevant degree with a minimum GPA of 6.0 on the New Zealand scale.

Source: University of Otago – https://www.otago.ac.nz/courses/qualifications/mbchb
University of Auckland – https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/study/study-options/find-a-study-option/bachelor-of-medicine-and-bachelor-of-surgery-mbchb.html

Eligibility Criteria for MBBS (MBChB) in New Zealand

Eligibility requirements vary between the two universities and by entry pathway, but the general criteria for international applicants are as follows:

• Academic Qualification: Completion of Class 12 (or equivalent) with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, with a strong academic record. For graduate entry, a relevant bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 6.0 (on the NZ scale, equivalent to B+) is required at the University of Auckland. At the University of Otago, a weighted GPA of 5 or above is required for graduate entry.
• Foundation Year: Most international applicants are required to complete the Health Sciences First Year (HSFY) at Otago or the BHSc/BSc Biomedical Science first year at Auckland before applying for entry into the MBChB programme.
• UCAT ANZ: The University Clinical Aptitude Test for Australia and New Zealand (UCAT ANZ) is required for both universities. At Otago, applicants must meet a minimum threshold score. At Auckland, the UCAT ANZ score contributes 15% toward the final selection score.
• Multiple Mini Interview (MMI): The University of Auckland requires shortlisted applicants to attend an MMI. The University of Otago does not currently conduct interviews; selection is based on academic performance and UCAT ANZ scores.
• English Language Proficiency: International applicants must demonstrate English proficiency. IELTS 6.5 overall (with no individual band below 6.0) or TOEFL iBT 90+ are generally accepted.
• Minimum Age: Applicants are generally required to be at least 18 years of age.
• Supporting Documents:
  • Academic transcripts and school/university certificates
  • UCAT ANZ score report
  • English proficiency test scores (IELTS/TOEFL)
  • Passport and visa documents
  • Statement of purpose (where required)

Source: University of Otago – https://www.otago.ac.nz/courses/qualifications/mbchb | University of Auckland – https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/study/study-options/find-a-study-option/bachelor-of-medicine-and-bachelor-of-surgery-mbchb.html

Cost of Studying MBBS in New Zealand

Understanding the full cost of studying in New Zealand is important for financial planning. The overall cost of studying MBBS in New Zealand over six years is substantial, and an education loan may be considered to help manage the financial commitment.

Note: All figures are estimates. Tuition fees increase annually. Living costs vary significantly depending on city and lifestyle. International students should verify current fees directly with the university and budget conservatively.

Disclaimer: All NZD to INR conversions are approximate and based on an exchange rate as of February 2026. Actual exchange rates may vary due to market fluctuations. Students are advised to check the latest rates before making financial decisions.

Source: University of Otago – https://www.otago.ac.nz/study/fees | University of Auckland – https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/study/fees-and-money-matters/tuition-fees

How to Apply for MBBS (MBChB) in New Zealand

• Research Universities and Intakes: Research intakes in New Zealand at both universities, the University of Otago and the University of Auckland, confirm current entry requirements, fees, and application timelines on their official websites. Some universities may start with their admission process in the fall intake in New Zealand while some may during the spring intake.
• Complete Academic Qualifications: Complete Class 12 or an equivalent qualification with strong marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (or a relevant bachelor's degree for graduate entry).
• Register for UCAT ANZ: Register and sit the UCAT ANZ in the year of application. Check the UCAT ANZ official website for test dates and registration deadlines.
• Apply for the Foundation Year: Apply to the foundation year programme, HSFY at Otago or BHSc/BSc Biomedical Science at Auckland, through the respective university's application portal.
• Meet Selection Requirements: Achieve the required academic grades in the foundation year and meet the UCAT ANZ threshold to become eligible for MBChB selection.
• Attend the Interview: Attend the Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) if applying to the University of Auckland and are shortlisted.
• Accept the Offer: Accept the offer of admission upon receiving it, and arrange finances, including an education loan if required.
• Apply for a Student Visa: Apply for a New Zealand student visa through Immigration New Zealand after receiving the offer letter.
• Arrange Accommodation and Prepare for Departure: Arrange accommodation, health insurance, and complete all pre-departure formalities.

Source: University of Otago – https://www.otago.ac.nz/courses/subjects/medicine | University of Auckland – https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/study/study-options/find-a-study-option/bachelor-of-medicine-and-bachelor-of-surgery-mbchb.html | Immigration New Zealand – https://www.immigration.govt.nz

^#Under the old tax regime. Please consult your Chartered Accountant or Tax Advisor for information specific to you.