University
University of OtagoBachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MB ChB)
This course is available
On-Campus
Level of Study
Bachelor's Degree
Duration
6 years
Next start date
Expected Jun 2027
Campus
Dunedin Campus
Summary
The Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MB ChB) degree is commonly referred to as the "medical degree". University of Otago medical students graduate as doctors committed to high-quality, patient-centred, evidence-based medical care.
School leavers enrol at Otago for the common Health Sciences First Year course and then apply for admission to second year medicine. Graduates, or those with relevant academic or professional experience, can also apply for admission at second year.
If accepted to second year medicine, students complete a further five years, then after graduation work for another year under probation in order to gain general registration.
There is a wide range of specialisation available in the public and private sectors, involving research, academic medicine, public health, clinical medicine and other areas. Specialties include Cardiology, Oncology, Paediatrics, Psychological Medicine, Surgery, Pathology, Public Health, General Practice and many others. Most doctors complete postgraduate training in their chosen specialty.
Medicine is a respected, rewarding, and truly international career.
More detailed information about the MB ChB:
Entry criteria
Entry to the Health Sciences professional programmes First year – general entry requirementsIf you have done no prior tertiary study, your first year at Otago will be the Health Sciences First Year (HSFY). The HSFY programme is subject to the same general entry requirements as general bachelors' degrees at Otago.
Second year – limited entryAdmission to the second year of the Health Sciences professional programmes is competitive, and will depend on your academic record. For most applicants, this will be based on your grades in Health Sciences First Year papers, but there are also application categories for people with other relevant academic or professional experience.
For detailed information about the application categories and their requirements, please refer to:
General entry requirementsA university entrance qualification is essential for admission to the University of Otago for all types of programmes. You must also be at least 16 years of age by the first day of classes in your period of study and meet English language requirements.
Domestic studentsYou need to have met the New Zealand University Entrance standard, based on your achievement in secondary school or other prior study. Learn about the different categories for achieving University Entrance and what information you may need to provide with your application.
International studentsCheck recognised entry qualifications by country, and find out what documents you need to provide for a successful application.
English language requirements First yearAll students must be proficient in the use of English. If your first language is not English, there are several ways you may provide evidence of English proficiency, including through prior secondary or tertiary study, internationally recognised English language tests, and foundation language programmes.
The level of English proficiency required for undergraduate study is equivalent to an overall IELTS score of 6.0, with no individual band below 5.5.
For details about what is accepted as evidence of English proficiency, please refer to:
Second yearAll students enrolled in Health Sciences First Year who are planning to apply for Health Sciences professional programmes are required to take the HSFY English diagnostic.
For detailed information, please refer to:
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