Study Medicine or Dentistry at the University of Otago

Study Medicine or Dentistry in New Zealand

Health Sciences First Year (HSFY) is a foundation year for five of the University of Otago’s health professional programmes, and also an excellent way to begin your degree in biological or biomedical sciences and progress to a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery MBChB or a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS)

Why study medicine or dentistry at the University of Otago?

The Division of Health Sciences at the University of Otago has campuses in Christchurch, Dunedin, and Wellington. Recognised internationally for the high standard of its graduates and research, the University aims to provide New Zealand society and other communities with a highly-qualified workforce in the health professions.

Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery MBChB

The Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MB ChB) degree is commonly referred to as the ‘medical degree’.

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.

Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS)

Dentistry is a challenging profession that combines a high degree of manual dexterity and precision with a thorough understanding of craniofacial biology and pathology, and excellent communication skills. As a graduate there are opportunities for full-time or part-time work in New Zealand or overseas; and opportunities include private general or specialist practice, academic careers, or hospital-based practice.

You will learn the scientific foundations in anatomy, physiology, and oral biology, public health dentistry and how to develop your communication skills and a wide range of clinical skills, first in simulation classes in the Faculty’s cutting-edge simulation laboratory, and then in patient sessions.

Entry requirements

These programmes start with Health Science First Year (HSFY), which has normal entry requirements, but following successful completion of HSFY, there is competitive entry into BDS or MBChB, including an aptitude test and interview.

Students must achieve CCC in their International Foundation Year and an overall C grade in their EAP.

Tuition fees and Scholarships

The University of Otago offers a number of other distance-taught or highly specialised postgraduate programmes in Health Sciences. To view the most up to date tuition fees, please click here.

There are in excess of NZ$18 million worth of scholarships available for students wanting to study at the University of Otago. To check all the options available, please click here.

Interested in finding out more or have any questions about applying to the University of Otago?

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