Duration
Full-time: 6 years
Next start date
2024 Semester One – 26 February
2025 Semester One – 3 March
Available locations
Grafton
Points
720
Programme type
Undergraduate

Programme overview

Our faculty has an international reputation for research and innovation, providing you with unrivalled access to various clinical environments.

This Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) programme is accredited by the Australian Medical Council on behalf of the Medical Council of New Zealand.

Entry into the MBChB is limited and competitive. You will be selected on the basis of academic merit, University Clinical Aptitude Test for Australia and New Zealand (UCAT ANZ) performance and personal qualities exhibited during the admission interview (MMI). There are 257 domestic places available each year.

There are two application categories for entry into the MBChB:

  • First year entry: First year applicants may apply from either
    the BHSc or BSc (Biomedical Science) at the University of Auckland
  • Graduate entry

School leavers cannot apply directly into the MBChB, they are advised to apply via First Year entry.

Please note:

  • You can only apply once under the "First Year" entry category, and only in the year in which this study is undertaken.
  • You can only apply once under the "Graduate Entry" category for each qualifying programme attained. 
  • Entry criteria may change from year to year.
  • You will be required to sit the University Clinical Aptitude Test for Australia and New Zealand (UCAT ANZ) in the year of application. 
  • Shortlisted applicants will be required to participate in a Multiple Mini Interview (MMI).
  • Special entry schemes are available for domestic students.
  • Entry and Interview details

Programme structure

  • The MBChB is a six-year programme including Year One (Part I) of the Bachelor of Health Sciences or the Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science (105 points).
  • In Year One (Part I) one 15-point course  is required from the General Education Schedule approved for this degree.
  • In Year Two (Part II) you are required to complete a core course that focuses on the basic medical and health sciences while being introduced to professional and clinical aspects of medical practice (120 points).
  • In Year Three (Part III) you have two core courses: Medical Humanities and a course focussing on human health and illness (120 points).
  • In Year Four (Part IV) you learn predominantly in hospital and community environments, with rotating study in a number of disciplines for 35 to 42 weeks of the year (120 points).
  • In Year Five (Part V) you may apply to study on the year-long regional-rural programme (Pūkawakawa) based in Whangarei and small surrounding rural environments in Northland. You are required to complete a five-week elective (120 points).
  • In Year Six (Part VI) you complete an 8-week Elective. You are strongly encouraged to complete this overseas. In this year there is also the opportunity to undertake an 11-week Research Project (120 points).
  • All six years must be passed in their entirety before you are permitted to graduate with the degree of Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB).

Check these frequently asked questions about the MBChB

Most students need to take one or two General Education courses.

Students should also be aware of the University’s Academic English Language Requirement.

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

Sample programme structure

Yr1 BHSc 120 points

  • Code:
    POPLHLTH 101
    Name:
    Health Systems 1
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    POPLHLTH 102
    Name:
    Health and Society
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    POPLHLTH 111
    Name:
    Population Health
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    HLTHPSYC 122
    Name:
    Behaviour, Health and Development
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    BIOSCI 107
    Name:
    Biology for Biomedical Science: Cellular Processes and Development
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    CHEM 110
    Name:
    Chemistry of the Living World
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    MEDSCI 142
    Name:
    Biology for Biomedical Science: Organ Systems
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Type:
    General Education course
    Points:
    15 pts

Yr1 BioMed 120 points

  • Code:
    BIOSCI 101
    Name:
    Essential Biology: From Genomes to Organisms
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    BIOSCI 106
    Name:
    Foundations of Biochemistry
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    PHYSICS 160
    Name:
    Physics for the Life Sciences
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    POPLHLTH 111
    Name:
    Population Health
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    BIOSCI 107
    Name:
    Biology for Biomedical Science: Cellular Processes and Development
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    CHEM 110
    Name:
    Chemistry of the Living World
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    MEDSCI 142
    Name:
    Biology for Biomedical Science: Organ Systems
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Type:
    General Education course
    Points:
    15 pts

Year 2 120 points

  • Code:
    MBCHB 221A/B
    Name:
    MBChB Part II
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    120 pts

Year 3 120 points

  • Code:
    MBCHB 321A/B
    Name:
    MBChB Part III
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    105 pts
  • Code:
    MBCHB 311A/B
    Name:
    Medical Humanities
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts

Year 4 120 points

  • Code:
    MBCHB 401A/B
    Name:
    MBChB Part IV
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    120 pts

Year 5 120 points

  • Code:
    MBCHB 501A/B
    Name:
    MBChB Part V
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    120 pts

Year 6 120 points

  • Code:
    MBCHB 551A/B
    Name:
    MBChB Part VI
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    120 pts

2023 entry requirements

My highest qualification is from:

Category One: First Year entry from the BHSc or BSc (Biomedical Science) only

First year applicants need to complete the eight required courses (listed below) in the first year of either the Bachelor of Health Sciences (BHSc) or the Bachelor of Science (BSc) Biomedical Science at the University of Auckland. This needs to be completed on a full time basis and in the year of application for MBChB. Only the first attempt for these courses will be considered for MBChB admission in the First Year category.
 
First Year BHSc courses:
First Year BSc (Biomedical Science) courses:
*General Education excluding BIOSCI 100G, EXERSCI 100G, MEDSCI 100G, MEDSCI 101G, POPLHLTH 103G, POPLHLTH 104G.
 
Interview Eligibility
You will need to achieve a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 6.0 across all eight first year courses, with no fails, to be eligible for consideration for an admission interview (MMI – Multi Mini Interviews). 
 
Interview Ranking
If eligible, you will be ranked for interview invitation. This ranking will be based on your grades in the four core courses (in bold above): BIOSCI 107, CHEM 110, MEDSCI 142, and POPLHLTH 111. If your final grades are not available at the time of interview ranking, an interim grade (highest possible) will be temporarily assigned. Official final results will be used for the final selection. 
 
Final Selection Ranking
Applicants will be offered admission to the programme according to the rank order until the available places in the category are filled. Interviewed applicants’ final ranking is based on a weighting of the following components:

Please note that selection criteria may change from year to year. For further information, refer to our FAQs or contact the Faculty directly on studentinfo@auckland.ac.nz.

Category Two: Graduate Entry

Domestic applicants

To apply for the MBChB under the Graduate entry category, domestic graduates must have successfully completed, normally in the minimum academic time and no more than five years prior to the date of application, a degree, postgraduate degree or postgraduate diploma from a New Zealand university with a minimum Grade Point Average of 6.0 (B+) or equivalent.

Depending on your previous study, you may need to undertake some or all of the First Year courses before commencing Part II. If you are required to take Part I courses, you must pass all these courses within one year in order to proceed to Part II. This will be assessed as part of your application for admission.

International applicants
To apply for the MBChB under the Graduate entry category, international applicants need to have completed a relevant degree on a full time basis at a recognised university. Your last year of full time study must be no more than five years prior to the year of application. Shortlisted international graduate applicants will be interviewed over Skype/phone. International Graduate applicants are not required to sit UCAT ANZ.

Interview Eligibility
In order to be eligible for consideration for an admission interview (MMI – Multi Mini Interviews), domestic applicants will need to complete, normally in the minimum academic time and no more than five years prior to the date of application, a degree, postgraduate degree or postgraduate diploma from a New Zealand university with a cumulative Grade Point Average of at least 6.0 (B+) or equivalent.

Interview Ranking
If eligible you will be ranked for interview invitations. This ranking will be based on the cumulative GPA from your qualifying programme. If your final grades are not available at the time of interview ranking, an interim grade (highest possible grade) will be temporarily assigned. Official final results will be used for the final selection.

Final Selection (Offer) Ranking
Applicants will be ranked for final offer selection based on a weighting of the following components:

  • Cumulative GPA from your qualifying programme: 60%
  • UCAT ANZ Final Score: 15%
  • Multi Mini Interview: 25%

Please note that selection criteria may change from year to year. For further information, refer to our FAQs or contact the Faculty directly on studentinfo@auckland.ac.nz.

Other pathways to study

You could be eligible for another programme, or check out these alternative pathways:

Category One: First Year entry from the BHSc or BSc (Biomedical Science) only

First year applicants need to complete the eight required courses (listed below) in the first year of either the Bachelor of Health Sciences (BHSc) or the Bachelor of Science (BSc) Biomedical Science at the University of Auckland. This needs to be completed on a full time basis and in the year of application for MBChB. Only the first attempt for these courses will be considered for MBChB admission in the First Year category.

First Year BHSc courses:

First Year BSc (Biomedical Science) courses:

*General Education excluding BIOSCI 100G, EXERSCI 100G, MEDSCI 100G, MEDSCI 101G, POPLHLTH 103G, POPLHLTH 104G.

Interview Eligibility
You will need to achieve a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 6.0 across all eight first year courses, with no fails, to be eligible for consideration for an admission interview (MMI – Multi Mini Interviews). 

Interview Ranking
If eligible, you will be ranked for interview invitation. This ranking will be based on your grades in the four core courses (in bold above): BIOSCI 107, CHEM 110, MEDSCI 142, and POPLHLTH 111. If your final grades are not available at the time of interview ranking, an interim grade (highest possible) will be temporarily assigned. Official final results will be used for the final selection. 

Final Selection Ranking
Applicants will be offered admission to the programme according to the rank order until the available places in the category are filled. Interviewed applicants’ final ranking is based on a weighting of the following components:

Please note that selection criteria may change from year to year. For further information, refer to our FAQs or contact the Faculty directly on studentinfo@auckland.ac.nz.

Category Two: Graduate entry

Domestic applicants

To apply for the MBChB under the Graduate entry category, domestic graduates must have successfully completed, normally in the minimum academic time and no more than five years prior to the date of application, a degree, postgraduate degree or postgraduate diploma from a New Zealand university with a minimum Grade Point Average of 6.0 (B+) or equivalent.

Depending on your previous study, you may need to undertake some or all of the First Year courses before commencing Part II. If you are required to take Part I courses, you must pass all these courses within one year in order to proceed to Part II. This will be assessed as part of your application for admission.

International applicants
To apply for the MBChB under the Graduate entry category, international applicants need to have completed a relevant degree on a full time basis at a recognised university. Your last year of full time study must be no more than five years prior to the year of application. Shortlisted international graduate applicants will be interviewed over Skype/phone. International Graduate applicants are not required to sit UCAT ANZ.

Interview Eligibility
In order to be eligible for consideration for an admission interview (MMI – Multi Mini Interviews), domestic applicants will need to complete, normally in the minimum academic time and no more than five years prior to the date of application, a degree, postgraduate degree or postgraduate diploma from a New Zealand university with a cumulative Grade Point Average of at least 6.0 (B+) or equivalent.

Interview Ranking
If eligible you will be ranked for interview invitations. This ranking will be based on the cumulative GPA from your qualifying programme. If your final grades are not available at the time of interview ranking, an interim grade (highest possible grade) will be temporarily assigned. Official final results will be used for the final selection.

Final Selection (Offer) Ranking
Applicants will be ranked for final offer selection based on a weighting of the following components:

  • Cumulative GPA from your qualifying programme: 60%
  • UCAT ANZ Final Score: 15%
  • Multi Mini Interview: 25%

Please note that selection criteria may change from year to year. For further information, refer to our FAQs or contact the Faculty directly on studentinfo@auckland.ac.nz.

Other pathways to study

You could be eligible for another programme, or check out these alternative pathways:

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

How much does a Bachelor of Medicine & Bachelor of Surgery cost per year?

2023 fees

Domestic students
NZ$16,909*
International students
NZ$79,648*

Fees are set in advance of each calendar year and will be updated on this website. Fees are inclusive of 15% GST, but do not include the Student Services Fee, course books, travel and health insurance, or living costs. Amounts shown are indicative only. In addition to the tuition fees, there is a Student Services Fee of $8.38 per point, estimated at $1,005.60 for full-time study (120 points). Fees will be confirmed upon completion of enrolment into courses.

*Please note: amounts shown are indicative and estimates only.

See course fees for each faculty

Find out about financial support information

Scholarships and awards

Find out about the scholarships you may be eligible for.

Student loans and allowances

Are you a New Zealand citizen or resident? You could be eligible for a student loan or allowance.

Cost of living

Get an idea of how much accommodation and general living in Auckland will cost.

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

Key dates

Important information those applying for the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery or MBChB

Please note:

  • Late or incomplete applications are not accepted
  • International students should start the application process as early as possible to allow sufficient time to apply for a visa
  • The Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery programme does not follow the standard University semester system. Year Two begins one week earlier than the general advertised start date for Semester One

Application closing dates

Semester One 2024
1 July 2023

Start dates

Here are the start dates for the programme.

Other important dates

See important dates for the academic year, including orientation, enrolment, study breaks, exams, and graduation.

How to apply

Applying for an undergraduate programme? Check out our step-by-step guide.

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

Where could this programme take you?

Those who complete the Medical Programme are eligible to apply for provisional registration with the Medical Council of New Zealand. You might choose primary health care and work in general practice, or choose from a range of other specialist disciplines. Students interested in research may defer clinical MBChB studies after Part III and take a year pursuing a supervised research project of their choice to qualify for a BMedSc(Hons) degree before returning to complete their clinical training and graduating with both qualifications. We advise that the University of Auckland is not involved in the employment of graduates and can make no guarantee of post-qualification registration or employment in New Zealand or any other country.

Further study options

See all study options

Student career planning service

Once you become a student at the University, you can get help with planning and developing your career from Career Development and Employability Services.

We advise that the University of Auckland is not involved in the employment of graduates and can make no guarantee of post-qualification registration or employment in New Zealand or any other country.

Key Information for Students

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