GENERAL

MBBS in New Zealand 2025: Eligibility, Fees, Universities & Admission Guide

DJ
Devanshi Joshi • 10 Mins read • 3 Nov 25
Study MBBS in New ZealandStudy MBBS in New Zealand

If you want to know how to Study MBBS in New Zealand, this blog will provide a detailed guide. Before answering the question, students must know that there are only 2 universities in New Zealand that offer MBBS to global students. The University of Auckland & University of Otago offer MBBS in New Zealand to international students and rank among the top five universities in New Zealand in 2025.

MBBS admission in New Zealand for Indian students based on their high school marks and entrance marks. Depending on these eligibility criteria, applications are shortlisted for further evaluation, which includes an entrance test and an interview. Final selections for MBBS in New Zealand have a particular weightage divided into three categories for admission offers.

MBBS is one of the most demanding courses in New Zealand. For this course, Indian students need to qualify NEET. It attracts students from around the globe. The medical degree awarded in New Zealand is recognised internationally, including in India. The MBBS in New Zealand fee structure is between NZD 33,000 - NZD 2,10,000. The government and medical universities in the country offer various scholarships for MBBS in New Zealand. If you wish to study MBBS in New Zealand then this blog is for you. In this blog, we will assist you through the MBBS course in New Zealand including fees, scholarship, colleges, scope and many more.

The table below shows a quick overview of studying MBBS in New Zealand:

Particulars

Details

Number of New Zealand Universities Offering MBBS

02

Names of the MBBS universities

The University of Auckland  

The University of Otago

Course Duration 

6 years 

Course Type

Full Time

Tuition Fee

NZD 33,000 - NZD 2,10,000

Admission Criteria

10 years of education + ELP scores + Entrance / interview

ELP Tests Accepted

IELTS / TOEFL / CAE / PTE Academic

Entrance Accepted 

UCAT NZ

Scholarships 

Yes, available 

Intake Session

July and September


Why Should You Study Medicine in New Zealand?

Here are some reasons to pursue MBBS in New Zealand:

  • International Education: Healthcare in New Zealand is of a global standard, with medical degrees being accredited by the Medical Council of New Zealand and accepted internationally by organisations such as the MCI and WHO.
  • Research and Innovation: Universities have state-of-the-art research facilities and promote collaboration between academia with healthcare institutions.
  • Advanced Clinical Training: Students are exposed to clinical experiences in advanced hospitals at an early age, hence gaining hands-on experience and good competence in the profession.
  • Good Career Opportunities: The graduates of medicine have high professional perspectives, and specialists are also among the highest-paid employees of the New Zealand labour market.
  • Quality of Life: New Zealand is an ideal choice to study medicine because it has a safe and multicultural environment, a focus on ethics, well-being, and patient-centred care.


What are Top MBBS Universities in New Zealand?

Top MBBS Universities in New Zealand


The top universities to pursue MBBS in New Zealand are the University of Otago and Auckland for Indian Students. The QS global rankings 2025 are mentioned below: 

University 

QS World University Rank

University of Otago

197th

University of Auckland

65th


What are the Eligibility Criteria for MBBS in New Zealand?

The table below will provide you with a comprehensive overview of the admission requirements and eligibility criteria to be considered for the top two MBBS universities in New Zealand:

Eligibility Criteria

University of Auckland

University of Otago

Entry Requirements

Finish 8 core courses under BHSc or B. Sc Biomedical Science full-time

Finish the Health Sciences first-year course

Minimum GPA

6.0 in all 8 courses

70% in every course on the first attempt

English Language Proficiency

-

IELTS: 6.0 / TOEFL iBT: 80 / TOEFL PBT: 550 / PTE: 58

Entrance Exam

NEET/UCAT ANZ

NEET/UCAT ANZ

Selection Criteria

GPA (60%), UCAT ANZ Final Score (15%), Interview (25%)

GPA & UCAT ANZ


What is the Admission Process for MBBS in New Zealand?

Follow these steps for MBBS in New Zealand application process:

  • Step 1:  Applicants must complete 10+2 with 75% or higher in Physics, Biology and Chemistry and obtain 6.5+ in IELTS. Then they should appear for the UCAT ANZ clinical test.
  • Step 2: After 10+2 students are required to be admitted to a 1-year pre-medical program. Maintain at least a 6.0/9 GPA for the University of Auckland or 70% scores for the University of Otago.
  • Step 3:  After fulfilling the eligibility submit an online application through the university portal. Attach mark sheets of class 10 and 12, NEET/UCAT/IELTS score card, a statement of purpose, passport and income certificate
  • Step 4:   Shortlisted applicants will undergo a Multi-mini interview to assess communication skills and ethical reasoning.
  • Step 5: If selected, confirm your seat by paying the first year tuition fee and get the admission letter.
  • Step 6: Submit the admission letter, financial documents, medical certificates, and police clearance to immigration New Zealand. 


What are the Important Admission Dates for MBBS in New Zealand?

Important dates and important events of the MBBS in New Zealand are mentioned in this following table:

Important Dates

Important events

Application Opens for September Intake

January to March 2026

Application deadline for September intake

July 2026

Classes Commencement for September intake

September 2026

Research and choose program for July Intake

March/April, 2026

Submit Applications for July Intake

March/April, 2026

Wait for offers for July Intake

August to September, 2026

Accept offer and secure Funding 

October to November, 2026

Application Start & End Dates for Top Universities

Name of the University

Application Dates

University of Auckland

July 01, 2026

University of Otago

August 14, 2026


Visa Application Timeline

Visa Application 

Timeline

Apply for Visa for July Intake

December to January, 2025


What Entrance Exams are Required for MBBS in New Zealand?

The top MBBS entrance exams for New Zealand are listed here:

MBBS Entrance exams

Details

NEET

Indian students should qualify NEET for MBBS in New Zealand

UCAT ANZ

UCAT ANZ is particularly designed for students applying to medical and dental courses in New Zealand.


IELTS/TOEFL Tips

  • To study MBBS in New Zealand, Indian students need to qualify English proficiency through IELTS or TOEFL.
  • The minimum IELTS mark is generally 6.0, with no band less than 6.0.
  • For TOEFL, a minimum mark of 80 on the iBT is often needed. 


What Are the NEET UG Cutoffs MBBS in New Zealand?

The NEET cut-off marks 2025 for MBBS in New Zealand are identified below:

Category

NEET Cut-off marks 2025

UR/EWS

686 - 144

OBC

143 - 113

SC

143 - 113

ST

143 - 113

UR/EWS-PwD

143 - 127

OBC-PWD

126 - 113

SC-PWD

126 - 113

ST-PWD

126 - 113


IELTS/TOEFL Score Cutoffs

Exams

Cutoffs

IELTS

6

TOEFL

80


How Many Seats are Available for MBBS in New Zealand?

MBBS seats in New Zealand for public universities are mentioned in this following table:

Names of the Universities

No. of Seats

University of Auckland

317 seats for domestic and 30 seats for international students

University of Otago

Total 300 MBBS seats


What Documents are Required for MBBS Admission in New Zealand?

Below are the points of documents required for MBBS admission in New Zealand. Candidates must keep these documents ready at the time of admission.

Academic and Eligibility Documents

  • Academic transcripts (10th and 12th mark sheets and certificates)
  • English proficiency test score (IELTS/TOEFL)
  • NEET scorecard (for Indian students)
  • UCAT scorecard (if applicable)


Personal and Application Documents

  • Valid passport
  • Personal Statement (SOP)
  • Letters of Recommendation (LORs) – usually two
  • Passport-size photographs


Financial and Medical Documents

  • Proof of funds (bank statements/sponsor letters)
  • Health certificates/medical fitness proof
  • Medical and travel insurance


Visa Application Documents

  • University offer letter
  • Completed visa application form


What is the Syllabus of MBBS in New Zealand?

New Zealand provides a very comprehensive MBBS course. Here is the MBBS in New Zealand syllabus:


Core Courses

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


Electives & Specializations

Among the core components of their curriculum, top-tier medical universities or colleges 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


What is the Cost of Living in New Zealand?

Here is an overview of the estimated fees for pursuing an MBBS in New Zealand.

University Names

Estimated Yearly Tuition Fees (INR)

Estimated Yearly Tuition Fees (NZD)

University of Otago

₹3500000 - ₹3750000

NZD 70000 - NZD 75000

University of Auckland

₹3500000 - ₹3750000

NZD 70000 - NZD 75000


Application Fees

University Names

Application Fees (NR)

Application Fees (NZD)

University of Otago

₹15000

NZD 300

University of Auckland

₹15000

NZD 300


Living Cost

Types of Costs

Cost per year in INR

Cost per year in NZD

Accommodation

₹600000 - ₹900000

NZD 12000 - NZD 18000

Food and Miscellaneous

₹400000 - ₹600000

NZD 8000 - NZD 12000

Total Estimated Living Costs

₹1000000 - ₹1500000

NZD 20000 - NZD 30000


Additional Costs

Types of Costs

Cost yearly in INR

Cost yearly in NZD

Health Insurance

₹25000 - ₹35000

NZD 500 - NZD 700

Books and Supplies

₹50000 - ₹100000

NZD 1000 - NZD 2000


What Scholarships are Offered for MBBS in New Zealand?

MBBS in New Zealand Scholarships are the New Zealand Excellence Awards, Palmerston North City Mayor's Goodwill Ambassador Scholarship and University of Otago International Master’s Scholarship. 

Scholarships 

Eligibility

Benefits 

New Zealand Excellence Awards (NZEA)

Indian citizens must be enrolled in an NZEA-eligible course. 

NZ$10,000 to NZ$20,000 

Palmerston North City Mayor's Goodwill Ambassador Scholarship

Must be an international student enrolled in an undergraduate/ postgraduate/ vocational programme. 

NZ$1,000 

University of Otago International Master’s Scholarship

An international student must be enrolled in a Master’s course. 

NZ$18,000 

University of Auckland International Student Excellence Scholarships

Based on merit. 

NZ$10,000. 


What is the Comparison between MBBS in New Zealand and India?

Particulars

MBBS in New Zealand

MBBS in India

Entrance test

NEET and UMAT

NEET with high scores

Course Duration

6 years

6 years (5 +1)

Teaching Language

English

English and Hindi

Fees Structure

NZ$ 33,000 to NZ$ 210,000

₹6,000 - ₹ 50,00,000

Degree

MBChB/MBBS

MBBS

Educational Approach

Theoretical as well as practical

Theoretical as well as practical

Exposure

Global

Global


What is the Career Scope After MBBS in New Zealand?

  • Medical students in New Zealand enjoy strong employment prospects both in the private sector and public healthcare system. With a rising demand for healthcare professionals, especially in rural and underserved regions, global medical graduates are highly valued.
  • After completing your MBBS and the required internship year: you become eligible for general registration with the Medical counseling of New Zealand (MCNZ). You can work as a house officer, progress into a resident medical officer (RMO) role, and later apply for a specialisation through one of the recognised medical colleges.
  • The demanding medical roles in New Zealand are General Practitioners, Emergency Physicians, Psychiatrists, Anaesthetists, Radiologists, Rural Health Doctors, Surgeons and Paediatricians. 


What are the Placement Opportunities after MBBS in New Zealand?

Names of top recruiters for the MBBS in New Zealand are identified below:

Particulars

Details

Public Hospitals

Auckland City Hospital

Private Hospitals

Anglesea Clinic Urgent Care

Recruitment Agencies

Triple0, Talent ID Recruitment, Tradestaff, Accent Health Recruitment and Alpha Recruitment


What is the Average Salary of Doctors after MBBS in New Zealand?

MBBS in New Zealand salary packages of students are mentioned in this section

Particulars

Year of Experience

Salary Package yearly

Entry-level doctors

0 year

NZD 80000 to NZD 180000

Mid-career doctors

4 - 6 years

NZD 85000 to NZD 150000

Senior Specialists

10+ years

NZD 2000000 to NZD 5000000


Average Salary for Indian Students

Particulars

Details

Average Salary for Indian Students

INR 4000000 to INR 12300000


Frequently Asked Questions

Ques. What happens after I finish the MBBS degree?

Ans. You can apply for a 3-year Post Study Work Visa, complete your required internships, and work in New Zealand as a doctor under supervision.  


Ques. How long does it take to get visa approval for New Zealand?

Ans. It takes a minimum of 3 - 4 weeks and maximum 2 - 3 months to get visa approval for New Zealand.


Ques. What is the application date for the University of Auckland admission?

Ans. The application date for the University of Auckland admission is 1st July, 2025.


Ques. What are the session intakes for MBBS in New Zealand?

Ans. The session intakes for MBBS in New Zealand are September and July.


Ques. Does New Zealand provide scholarships to its MBBS students?

Ans. Yes, New Zealand provides scholarships to its MBBS students.


Ques. What are the university-specific scholarships for students?

Ans. The university-specific scholarships for students are the University of Auckland International Student Excellence Scholarships and the University of Otago International Master’s Scholarship.


Ques. What is the cost of studying MBBS in New Zealand?

Ans. Tuition fees range from NZD 70000 to NZD 850000 yearly, with additional living costs of NZD 20000 to 250000 yearly.


Ques. Is MBBS in New Zealand worth it for Indian Students in 2025?

Ans. Yes, pursuing an MBBS in New Zealand can be a worthwhile option for Indian students in 2025.


Ques. Is the MBBS in New Zealand globally recognised?

Ans. Yes, MBBS in New Zealand is globally recognised.


Ques. Are there any job opportunities after MBBS in New Zealand?

Ans. Yes, there are various job opportunities after MBBS in New Zealand.


Ques. Can Indian students study MBBS in New Zealand?

Ans. Yes, but they must first complete the Health Sciences First Year (HSFY) and then apply for the MBChB programme at the University of Auckland or University of Otago.


Ques. Is MBBS from New Zealand recognised in India?

Ans. Yes, as long as the university is listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools. Indian students will need to clear the FMGE or NExT exam to practice in India.