Health Sciences 1st Year + Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (UCAT required)

Bachelor of Dental Surgery (UCAT not required)

MEDICINE

4 Entry Pathways

1. University of Otago Health Sciences First Year category (HSFY)

To qualify for admission under the Health Sciences First Year (HSFY) category, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Enrolment: Be enrolled in the HSFY course at the University of Otago.
• Academic performance: Achieve a pass (50% or higher) in all seven prescribed HSFY papers, with an overall average of at least 65% across their best seven papers.
• English requirement: Successfully complete the HSFY English Diagnostic or pass ENGL 128.

For domestic applicants, an additional requirement is a current UCAT result and achieving a score at a threshold level determined annually by the Medical Admissions Committee.

To be considered for admission under the Health Sciences First Year (HSFY) category, applicants must:

• Be officially enrolled in the HSFY programme at the University of Otago.
• Successfully pass all seven prescribed HSFY papers with at least 50% in each and achieve an average mark of 65% or higher across their best seven papers.

When applying for Medicine a candidate may apply once only using this category.

2. Graduate Entry
- To be considered for admission in the Graduate category, applicants must have completed in the minimum academic time and within three years of the date of application the requirements of a degree (as outlined by the University Of Otago School of Medicine) awarded by a university in New Zealand.
For domestic applicants, an additional requirement is a current UCAT result and achieved a score at a threshold level determined annually by the Medical Admissions Committee.

To be eligible for admission under the Graduate category, applicants must have completed their first university degree—within the three years prior to application and in the minimum standard timeframe—at a recognised New Zealand university.

Applicants in this category are ranked according to a score based on their grades from one of the following qualifications:

• A bachelor’s degree
• A bachelor’s honours degree
• A bachelor’s degree (completed without interruption), followed by a postgraduate diploma or postgraduate honours year

No preference is given to the type of degree or field of study. However, those intending to apply for Dentistry through the Graduate category are encouraged to consult a Student Development Adviser for guidance.

The “qualifying degree” refers to the first university degree awarded to the applicant. To be considered, the average grade across all papers in that degree programme must be at least a weighted GPA of 5.

3. Alternative Entry
The Alternative Category is designed to attract academically capable applicants who bring diverse life experiences, skills, and perspectives into the medical programme. By broadening the range of backgrounds within the student body, each graduating class will be better equipped to reflect, understand, and serve the needs of modern New Zealand society. View details

4. Equity Group Entry

• Māori equity group
• New Zealand Resident Indigenous Pacific Origins (NZRIPO) equity group
• Socioeconomic Equity group
• Refugee Background equity group
• New Zealand Rural Origins equity group

Application Process

• All students (new and returning) must submit their application through eVision.
• HSFY and Graduate applicants: Apply first to “Health Sciences Undergraduate Professional Programmes” and then select “Medicine”.
• Alternative applicants: Apply directly to “Medicine Alternative”.
• For help with your application, visit AskOtago.

Selection Criteria

Selection of Candidates – MB ChB Year 2

Equity Groups

• Applicants claiming an equity group (Māori, Pacific, Refugee, Socioeconomic, Rural) undergo preliminary assessment.
• They must be confirmed as eligible for the equity group by the University.
• Confirmed equity applicants are assessed against specific selection attributes linked to the Admissions Policy for Health Sciences Professional Programs.
• If confirmed, they are prioritised in the selection process.

Category Allocation of Places

1. Alternative Category
   • Up to 10% of places are allocated here first.
   • Applicants submit:
     • CV
     • Academic record
     • Personal statement
     • Referee reports (if interviewed)
   • Process:
     1. Assessed on submitted documents.
     2. Selected candidates are interviewed.
     3. Holistic ranking by the Medical Admissions Committee.
2. Health Sciences First Year (HSFY) & Graduate Categories
   • After Alternative places are filled:
     • ~70% of remaining places go to HSFY applicants.
     • The rest go to Graduate applicants.
   • All must sit the UCAT in the year of application and meet minimum thresholds:
     • Verbal Reasoning: ≥ 20th percentile
     • Situational Judgement: > 10th percentile
   • UCAT scores are for eligibility only – not ranked beyond the threshold.

Final Selection Process

• Selection is academic ranking–based (HSFY & Graduate) or overall aptitude–based (Alternative).
• Candidates are admitted in this order of priority:
  1. Māori equity group
  2. Resident Indigenous Pacific equity group
  3. Refugee Background equity group
  4. Socioeconomic Equity group
  5. Rural Equity group (Government-funded places)
  6. General applicants

Number of places available to study medicine:

There are about 300 places in total for Medicine at the University of Otago each year for New Zealand and international students. For the exact breakdown (domestic vs international, equity group spots, etc.), it's best to check the University of Otago School of Medicine webpage.

For the most current and complete details, exact dates, required forms, and supporting documentation, please refer to the University of Otago School of Dentistry webpage.

Dentistry

Application

• Undergraduate - School leavers
  Students must first complete the Health Sciences First Year Course. All applicants seeking admission to the second year of the Dental Surgery programme must have completed the requirements of the Health Sciences First Year course at the University of Otago (or equivalent for the Graduate and Alternative admissions categories). Admission to the second year of the Bachelor of Dental Surgery programme shall be determined by the Dental Admissions Committee.
  
• For exact dates and deadlines, refer to the University of Otago School of Dentistry webpage.

Categories of Entry

1. Health Sciences First Year (HSFY)

• Must be enrolled in HSFY at Otago.
• Pass all prescribed papers with marks as determined by the faculty. 
• Must pass the HSFY English Diagnostic Test or ENGL 128.
• Selection is based on academic score after meeting requirements.

2. Graduate

• Must have completed a first university degree (NZ) within the allowed timeframe.
• Degree must be finished in minimum time.
• Minimum weighted as determined by the faculty.
• Ranking is based on a weighted score of degree papers as determined by the faculty.
• Selection is based on academic score after meeting requirements.

3. Alternative

• For applicants not eligible for HSFY or Graduate.
• Must hold one of:
  • NZ or overseas degree (Level determined by the faculty), or
  • Master’s/Doctorate, or
  • Relevant health-related professional experience 
• Must provide a CV, academic records, and a statement of interest.
• Selection considers academic background, motivation, and life experience.

Equity Groups

Students may also apply under one or more equity categories:

• Māori
• New Zealand Resident Indigenous Pacific Origins (NZRIPO)
• Socioeconomic Equity
• Refugee Background
• New Zealand Rural Origins

These groups require specific documentation (e.g., ancestry verification, school letters, or personal statements). Confirmed equity applicants are given priority in selection.

Selection Process

• Interviews are held online for shortlisted applicants.
• Final selection is mainly based on academic ranking within each category.
• Priority order for offers:
  1. Māori
  2. NZRIPO
  3. Refugee Background
  4. Socioeconomic Equity
  5. Rural Origins
  6. General applicants

The maximum number of domestic student places available for Dental Entry across all admissions categories is 60.