Dreaming about studying MBBS abroad, but not sure exactly where to begin? If you are looking for global recognition, top-class education and quality of life, then New Zealand might be the destination for you. Medical courses in New Zealand provides aspiring doctors a unique blend of brilliant opportunities, quality, and ensures that studying MBBS in New Zealand could be your best pathway. However, to start your dream career, thorough understanding of top universities, course structures, scholarships, eligibility criteria and career prospects in New Zealand is the first. So, let us get started and discover why New Zealand is a top choice for MBBS students globally.
Table of Contents
1. What Are the Top Universities for MBBS in New Zealand?
2. What is the Cost Difference Between MBBS in New Zealand and MBBS in India?
3. Which Country Is Best for MBBS?
4. Is NEET Required for MBBS in New Zealand for Indian Students?
5. Are there Scholarships Available for MBBS in New Zealand for International Students?
6. What Is the Highest Paying Medical Specialty in New Zealand?
MBBS in New Zealand for Indian students or other nationals is the perfect choice, holds recognition from prestigious organisations, like the WHO and MCI, among others. MBBS courses in New Zealand feature cutting-edge labs, simulation centres and excellent clinical training resources. The Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) is mainly a six-year course that deliver practical learning with scholarly vision. The University of Otago and the University of Auckland are the two famous universities in New Zealand for the MBBS course.
New Zealand provides globally recognised medical degrees, practical clinical training and a path to build a career in the medical sector. Here are the other important reasons why MBBS in New Zealand for Indian students is the best option:
Two of the popular universities of New Zealand feature in the QS World University Rankings by Subjects in Medicine. The University of Auckland ranked in the top 100, and the University of Otago among the top 150. This reflects the credibility and dedication of New Zealand’s colleges towards medical education.
New Zealand follows the British-based medical education system, and that makes their degrees, like Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB), reputable by the World Directory of Medical Schools. After receiving a degree, graduates can work anywhere in the world, including in India, the UK, and Australia.
The medical courses in New Zealand involve advanced training elements which is integrated into the degree, offering early clinical exposure in hospitals and health community centres. Their advanced and updated training system significantly increases the earning potential of doctors with an average income of NZD 150,000, which is almost five times higher than the average income potential of doctors after completing the MBBS in other nations.
New Zealand MBBS fees are in an affordable range as compared to other nations like the USA and the UK. So this is a great relief for the students seeking a career in the medical sector, but who can’t pay MBBS fees due to financial constraints.
New Zealand provides various types of MBBS scholarship programs for international students. However, the amount might be varied as per the specific type of scholarship and the criteria you meet. The approximate range of amounts you usually receive is from NZ$10,000 to NZ$18,000 per year.
If you are looking to study medicine in New Zealand, firstly, you need to know that the country doesn’t have dozens of medical Universities in New Zealand similar to other countries like the UK or the USA. The country has only two, and both are excellent. These are public, research-driven universities popular for medical education and strong clinical partnerships with hospitals across New Zealand.
MBBS in New Zealand is referred to as MBChB, which is a six-year long program which is packed with hands-on training and globally recognised credentials. Below are the key details of the top two medical colleges in New Zealand with their QS world rankings:
| Universities Name | QS Ranking | Features | ||
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| University of Otago | 230 |
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| University of Auckland | 68 |
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Moreover, you can also explore University finder tool for other colleges as well in New Zealand.
After completing your MBBS in New Zealand, you can opt to specialise in a particular field of medicine. New Zealand provides structured postgraduate training pathways through the Medical Council of New Zealand. Here are some of the high–in–demand medical specialisations:
1. General Practice (GP): Most sought-after and popular New Zealand’s healthcare system, and the first point of contact with medical services for most patients. The demand for the general practitioner is rising, especially in rural and regional areas. GP provides a range of primary care services and ensures wide continuity of care.
2. Emergency Medicine Physicians: This is a fast-paced and dynamic field, as the country’s population diversifies and ages, the need for emergency care grows. This is the best field for those interested in trauma and acute patient management.
3. Anaesthetist: Requires strong clinical judgment and emergency tackling skills, thus an important step for surgical procedures.
4. Surgeon: One can have great career opportunities in the field of surgery. For a surgeon, you need to have subspecialties, like general surgery, orthopaedics, cardiothoracic surgery and neurosurgery, etc.
5. Obstetrics & Gynaecology: Covers maternal care, childbirth and the female reproductive health system. One can get structured and integrated training through the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.
6. Psychiatric: This is a high-demand field, especially in the community in mental health services. It is suitable for those interested in behavioral sciences and therapy.
The curriculum of MBBS in New Zealand is not just related to cramming textbooks. It is a well-designed and three-phase journey that blends clinical experience with an academic training program. If you are planning to pursue medical studies in New Zealand, then it’s going to be a six-year commitment, but it is worth every moment. Below are the key details of the structure of MBBS and duration in New Zealand:
| Stage | Duration | What You’ll Learn |
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| 1.Health Sciences First Year (HSFY) | 1 year |
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| 2.Pre-Clinical Years | 2 years |
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| 3.Clinical Years | 3 years |
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Moreover, the global students must ensure their course degree is listed in the World Directory of Medical schools, and they meet any licensing essentials in their home country. Furthermore, you can also explore the information other than medical courses at the course finder tool and pursue your career.
To secure a seat for MBBS in New Zealand, test takers must meet the different eligibility criteria that are as follows:
Minimum 60% in 12th standard with specialised subjects, such as Biology, Chemistry and Physics. A bachelor’s degree is also essentially required for a graduate entry program course.
Students must score the minimum threshold level in the entrance exams, like the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) or Graduate Medical School Admission Test (GAMSAT). Besides, Non-native English speakers must show their proficiency through tests, like IELTS or TOEFL.
Most Universities prefer students aged 18 years or above.
Unlike some countries, direct entry is not possible for MBBS in New Zealand for Indian students after 12th. You usually have to complete a foundation level course or a Bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences or Biomedical Science, which acts as a preparatory stage before applying for the MBChB program.
The admission process for MBBS in New Zealand includes the following steps:
1. Application Submission: Interested candidates need to apply through the University's website, which offers the information for respective degree course along with the important documents.
2. Entrance Exams: Some of the medical Universities in New Zealandrequire students to meet the minimum threshold criteria in entrance exams, like UCAT or GAMSAT.
3. Interviews: Selected aspirants are to be called for a scheduled interview that will be conducted either online or offline. It assesses your suitability for the medical profession.
4. Offer of Admission: After an interview successful candidates will receive an offer of admission after an interview.
5. Fees Payment: Students are required to pay tuition fees and any other costs.
Medical colleges in New Zealand have a majorly February intake and sometimes in July or August. However, the February intake is more popular for the UG medical students. Applications for the February intake usually need to be submitted the previous year, around October or November, whereas applicants for a potential July intake would be due in May or June of the same year. The important dates for the February intake are given below:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| November - December 2025 |
| November 2025 - January 2026 |
| Early January 2026 |
| February - March 2026 |
| June - July 2026 |
Pursuing MBBS from New Zealand is definitely more affordable than in countries like the USA or the UK. Still, it requires substantial financial planning because studying medicine abroad is not just about academics. International students are required to pay different types of fees as per the University, the type of program and other services. Here is the breakdown of MBBS tuition fees in New Zealand for 2025 students:
| University | Annual Tuition Fees (2025) | Total MBBS Tuition (6 Years) |
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In addition to the tuition fee, there are other cost of living in New Zealand for medical students, like student services fees, health insurance, and stationary supplies about which you should be aware. This helps students manage their budget effectively while studying medical in New Zealand. Below is the individual cost forNew Zealand MBBS fees in Indian rupees for further reference:
1. Student Accommodation: INR 518,200 – 777,300 per year
2. Living Cost: INR 777,300 – 1,036,400 per year
3. Health Insurance: INR 25,910 – 36,274 per year
4. Stationary Supplies: INR 51,820 – 103,640 per year
Pursuing MBBS in New Zealand for Indian students after 12th is an excellent career option, and MBBS scholarships can be the guiding light in meeting the cost. The government and medical Universities in the country provide various scholarships that are given below:
| Scholarship | Details | Eligibility |
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In case of detailed research for a scholarships program, one can take help of a scholarships finder for disbursed amount, eligibility and other benefits for pursuing MBBS courses in New Zealand.
After completing the MBBS from New Zealand, you are required to complete internship years (PGY1 and PGY2). After that, you become eligible for registration with the Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ). Graduates in the Medical field enjoy strong employment prospects both in the public healthcare and private sectors. One can then work as a house officer, resident medical officer (RMO), and gradually apply for the specialisation through the recognised medical colleges.
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Besides, graduates can further pursue medical PG in New Zealand in fields like surgery, public health and internal medicine for further advancement.
To conclude, New Zealand may have only two medical schools. The first one is the University of Otago, and the second is the University of Auckland. Both universities are highly ranked and offer world-class education, and one can get great practical clinical experience, assistance from experts and a clear roadmap to a medical career after the course. In case of any assistance regarding University or course selection, one can contact the study abroad consultants at Gradding.com. They provide you with personalised guidance for college selection for MBBS in New Zealand.
There are not dozens of Universities in New Zealand for medical courses. It has only two popular Universities in New Zealand. The first is the University of Auckland and the second is the University of Otago. Both Universities are prestigious and offer globally recognised degrees that open new avenues for students seeking a career in the medical field.
MBBS in India can cost typically between ₹6,000 and ₹30,00,000 per year. However, the government colleges are significantly cheaper than the private ones. Whereas the cost of MBBS in New Zealand is relatively higher, it lies between NZD 70,000 and NZD 80,000 per year. Moreover, the significant additional costs for living expenses and other miscellaneous charges are another factor.
The ideal choice for MBBS depends upon the individual goals, budget and language preference. For affordability, Russia, Ukraine, China and the Philippines are the first choice. In terms of higher earning potential, the USA, UK and Australia are the favourite spots. However, while opting for medical colleges, consider the factors like recognition by the National Medical Commission (NMC).
Yes, NEET qualification is mandatory for Indian students applying for Indian students for an MBBS degree in New Zealand because it is required for Indian students to study MBBS abroad, including in New Zealand. In addition to NEET, students must also have strong academic performance in their 12th standard and fulfil the requirements of IELTS or TOEFL.
Yes, scholarships are provided for global students seeking MBBS in New Zealand. It is offered by the New Zealand government, Universities and specific medical institutions. It includes the New Zealand Excellence Award, University of Auckland international student scholarships and University of Otago International Excellence scholarships.
The highest paying medical specialists in New Zealand include anesthesiology, cardiology and specialist consultants. The average earning potential in these fields typically ranges between NZD 400k–500k, and with this, they are the top earners in a specific sector and globally in demand. Moreover, the other factors, like on-call duties and private duties, can also increase earnings significantly.
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