As an international student, you will not feel out of place pursuing a career in the healthcare industry in New Zealand as over 40% of the 17,000 doctors registered and practising with the New Zealand Medical Council are international graduates. The MBBS in New Zealand programme is a six-year-long degree that provides candidates with hands-on practice and global exposure. Admission to MBBS in New Zealand for international students is determined by their high school course of study and admission exam performance. If you are an international student aspiring to enter the global medical field, then this blog will take you through all the relevant information you need to know about pursuing an MBBS in New Zealand. 

Why Study MBBS in NewZealand

New Zealand provides a great opportunity in terms of education and careers for international students who want to pursue an MBBS degree. Here are some compelling reasons to consider New Zealand for your medical education:

• Globally Recognised Degrees: An MBBS degree from New Zealand universities is internationally recognised, with clearance from the Medical Council of India (MCI). This enables graduates to practise medicine in India and other nations.
• High Education Quality: The New Zealand Qualifications Authority guarantees that all medical programmes satisfy the highest educational requirements. Students benefit from innovative instructional methods, practical experience, and research-oriented projects.
• High Demand for physicians: New Zealand has a high demand for medical practitioners, registering over 1500 new physicians each year, indicating promising career prospects for medical graduates.
• Competitive Salaries: Doctors in New Zealand make around NZ$150,000 per year, which is over five times the salary of doctors in India after MBBS, making it a financially lucrative profession.
• English as the Medium of Instruction: English is the most often used language for instruction in MBBS courses, making it more convenient for international students.
• Modest Cost and Scholarships: The cost of studying MBBS in New Zealand is modest when compared to other countries, and there are various scholarship opportunities available to aid with expenses.

Top Universities to Study MBBS in New Zealand

The table below covers some of the best institutions to pursue MBBS in New Zealand for international students. New Zealand universities generally offer degrees such as the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB).

Cost of Studying in MBBS in NEW Zealand

The MBBS fees in New Zealand for the two institutions, the University of Auckland and the University of Otago, are approximately 77,000 and 35,000 NZD, respectively. For an international student, the average cost of living in New Zealand comes to around NZ$14,000- NZ$16000 (~7-8 lakhs in INR) along with MBBS fees in New Zealand. Here are some costs to consider before enrolled into a university:

While considering the cost of living in New Zealand, you must take into account factors like food, accommodation, transportation and other relevant necessities. Most colleges in New Zealand have a hall of residence or hostel on a double-sharing basis which is the most affordable option for an international student. However, there are also other alternatives like furnished flats within the college's private hostels, homestays for those who prefer to stay outside the college, or even paying guest options. 

While rent and food account for the major expenses, acquiring a scholarship can help you cover a majority of these costs. The table below covers some costs of living and studying in New Zealand:

Eligibility Criteria and Admission Requirements for MBBS in NewZealand

To pursue an MBBS in New Zealand as an international student, being aware of the eligibility and admission requirements is essential to ensure a smooth path to securing a spot in one of New Zealand's prestigious medical schools. Let’s take a look at some of the MBBS in New Zealand eligibility you need to meet: 

• Academic Requirements: Students must have completed their 12th grade in science subjects, including biology and English, with a minimum aggregate of 75%.
• Age Limit: Applicants must be between the ages of 17 and 25 on December 31st of the year they apply.
• Higher Education Eligibility: Candidates with a bachelor's degree in science or a related discipline are eligible to apply.
• Entrance Exams: Here are some exams that you need to clear to apply for MBBS in New Zealand 

1. UCAT: Applicants must pass the UCAT (University Clinical Aptitude Test) before applying.
2. NEET: Candidates must pass the NEET exam, which is a common admission exam for medical students looking to study in New Zealand.
3. IELTS/TOEFL: A standardised English language proficiency exam score (IELTS or TOEFL) is necessary. You require a minimum score of 6.0 for IELTS and 80 for TOEFL (iBT).
4. Additional Admission Criteria: If you haven’t already earned a bachelor's degree, you might need to spend a year at the university with a specific GPA to qualify for MBBS admission.
5. Documentation: Along with test scores, non-native English speakers must provide other necessary documents during the application process.

Admission Requirements to Top MBBS Universities in New Zealand

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

How to Apply for MBBS in New Zealand

Applying to an MBBS programme in New Zealand can be an exciting opportunity for those interested in excelling in the medical field. Here are some steps to consider while applying to a university for admission: 

• Check Eligibility: Before you begin, ensure that you meet the fundamental eligibility requirements for MBBS in New Zealand. Typically, this involves a high school graduation with excellent scores in science disciplines (Biology, Chemistry, and Physics).
• Choose a university: Research and pick universities in New Zealand that offer MBBS programmes. Popular options include the University of Auckland and the University of Otago.
• Prepare for entrance exams: Many New Zealand institutions demand results from tests such as the UCAT (University Clinical Aptitude Test) for MBBS admission.
• Gather the necessary documents: Prepare your academic records, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and proof of English ability (IELTS or TOEFL results, if you are not a native speaker).
• Apply Online: Fill out your application on the university's official website. Make sure you enter all of the essential information correctly and attach the applicable papers. For any help regarding the application process, you can always reach out to aecc for support. 
• Interview Process: Some institutions may ask you to an interview, either in person or online, as part of the admissions process. Prepare to explain your motivation, medical knowledge, and stress management techniques.
• Wait for Admission Decision: After submitting your application, there will be a waiting period while it is evaluated. Keep an eye on your email for the admissions decision.
• Accept Offer and Arrange Visa: Once accepted, you must formally accept the offer and apply for a student visa. 

Scholarship for MBBS in New Zealand

New Zealand provides several scholarships to help with the financial burden, making your ambition of studying medicine a reality. Given below are some of the best scholarships for international students who aim to pursue an MBBS in New Zealand.

Explore more scholarship options with aecc Search 

Career Scope After MBBS in New Zealand

After completing an MBBS in New Zealand, graduates find themselves in a favourable position due to the country's significant need for medical professionals. New Zealand's healthcare system suffers from a shortage of skilled doctors, which improves employment stability and prospects for recent grads.

The income potential for doctors in New Zealand is highly appealing. A doctor's annual salary typically ranges between NZ$100,000 and NZ$250,000. This range varies depending on specialisation, experience, and whether one works in the public or private sector. Moreover, an MBBS from New Zealand is internationally recognised, which adds substantial value to one's qualifications. Let’s take a look at some career prospects after an MBBS from New Zealand: