MBBS in New Zealand for Indian Students: Colleges & Fees

Ever dreamt of a career in medicine? New Zealand might be the perfect place to turn that dream into reality! This forward-thinking country has four universities ranked among the top 500 for Medicine by QS rankings in 2024. 

New Zealand is a powerhouse in medicine, healthcare, and life sciences. Here, you’ll experience a powerful mix of outstanding academics, world-class facilities, and a rich cultural variety. 

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New Zealand’s MBBS program is a globally recognised qualification, making it highly sought after by international students. The country’s stunning natural beauty and welcoming culture further enhance its appeal. Graduates of New Zealand’s medical schools are well-prepared for successful careers in the healthcare industry.

This guide will help you understand everything about MBBS in New Zealand. You will learn all about admission requirements, program costs, scholarship options, and potential career paths. Have a look!

Key Highlights

Here is an overview of everything you will learn in greater detail in this blog.

Why Study MBBS in New Zealand?

Did you know? The University of Auckland is New Zealand’s top choice for career-driven students. It secured the #1 spot in New Zealand and an impressive #68 worldwide in the QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2023. 

Choosing to study MBBS in New Zealand can be a transformative decision for you. The country offers many advantages that can significantly enhance both your academic and professional growth. 

Ready to explore your potential? 

Here is why you should study MBBS in New Zealand. 

1. Excellent Education System

New Zealand has a world-class education system recognised globally. The University of Auckland, for instance, ranks 65th in the QS World University Rankings 2025 and holds a joint 150th position in the 2024 Times Higher Education World University Rankings.

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2. Safe and Welcoming Environment

Ranked as the 4th safest country globally, New Zealand offers a very low crime rate and infrequent violent crime incidents.

3. Affordable Cost of Studying

New Zealand provides a more affordable study destination compared to the US and UK. The average cost of education ranges between INR 11L and INR 17.4L (NZD 22K and NZD 35K) per year. In comparison, studying in the UK can cost between INR 9.6L and INR 32L (£9K and £30K) per year.

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4. High Employment Opportunities

With a seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 4.3% in the March 2024 quarter, New Zealand offers robust job prospects for graduates. In contrast, India’s unemployment rate stood at 8.1% in April 2024.

5. Scholarship Opportunities

New Zealand offers various scholarships to assist Indian students in funding their education and living expenses. The New Zealand Excellence Awards (NZEA), a collaboration between Education New Zealand and the country’s eight prestigious universities, is one such scholarship.

By choosing to study MBBS in New Zealand, you benefit from a top-tier education system, a safe and welcoming environment, affordable study costs, promising job opportunities, and generous scholarship options.

Top 3 Universities for MBBS in New Zealand

New Zealand is a premier destination for aspiring doctors. Renowned for its high-quality education, New Zealand offers exceptional MBBS programs at its prestigious universities. 

These programs combine world-class facilities, experienced faculty, and a practical approach to learning, preparing graduates for successful medical careers. 

With over 69K international students choosing New Zealand for higher studies just last year, it’s clear that the country offers a welcoming and dynamic environment for students from around the globe.

Here is a list of the top 3 universities for MBBS in New Zealand.

1. The University of Auckland

Established in 1883, the University of Auckland stands as New Zealand’s largest and most comprehensive university. Its diverse community includes over 7,000 international students from 120 countries. Recognised for excellence, the university holds a prestigious five-star plus QS Stars rating, encompassing research, employability, teaching, facilities, global outlook, innovation, and inclusion.

Alums:

• Edmund Hillary
• Rose McIver

2. University of Otago

Founded in 1869, the University of Otago is New Zealand’s oldest university, maintaining its position as a leading institution for over 150 years. With a thriving campus community of over 21,000 students, Otago has high student satisfaction rates and impressive graduate outcomes. As per the university, around 95% of students progress directly to further study or employment. 

Recognising its exceptional performance, the university has earned the prestigious Five Stars Plus QS Stars University rating three times.  

Alums:

• Bill English
• Stella Maxwell

3. Victoria University of Wellington

Victoria University of Wellington, or Te Herenga Waka, is a world-renowned institution founded in 1897. With over 22,000 students from more than 100 countries, you’ll be part of a vibrant, global community. This university is committed to shaping well-rounded graduates through a rich learning experience that extends beyond the classroom.

Alums:

• Taika Waititi
• Sam Neill

Also Read: Study in New Zealand for Indian Students

Intakes for Studying MBBS in New Zealand

New Zealand is increasingly popular among Indian students, with approximately 17% of international students hailing from India. If you’re considering joining this growing community, understanding the intake periods is crucial. New Zealand offers two intakes, with the primary intake occurring between February and July. 

The details on the intakes for studying MBBS in New Zealand are listed below.

Admission Requirements for Studying MBBS in New Zealand 

Great news for future doctors! New Zealand offers a promising path to a successful medical career. With its great healthcare system and increasing demand for medical professionals, studying MBBS in New Zealand can be a rewarding choice. 

The job market in New Zealand is thriving, with a projected growth rate of around 1.8% annually until 2026. This means plenty of opportunities will be available once you graduate with your medical degree.

You will have to meet a few requirements to study MBBS in New Zealand. Here’s what you’ll likely need to have.

• Science Background: You need to have a strong foundation for medical studies. You should have completed high school with biology, chemistry and physics as your core subjects.
• High School Diploma: You should have a diploma with 75% marks from an officially recognised high school.
• Bachelor’s Degree: You need to have a bachelor’s degree in Health Science and BioScience.
• UCAT Scores: You must clear University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) in order to get admission into the MBBS programs at the University of Auckland and Otago.
• SOP and LORs: You will be asked to submit a Statement of Purpose letter or SOP along with at least 2 letters of recommendation (LORs).
• English Language Proficiency: Most New Zealand universities will need proof of English Proficiency through tests like TOEFL or IELTS.

Here’s a quick overview of the language requirements in New Zealand universities.

Admission Process for MBBS in New Zealand

New Zealand is renowned for its high safety standards, ranking fourth globally. Now that you’ve confirmed your eligibility, it’s time to turn your focus to the application process. 

Understanding the admissions process for MBBS programs in New Zealand is the next step on your journey to becoming a doctor in this beautiful country.

Here is a breakdown of the application process.

• Your first step should be to research universities. Head to the official university website and get updated on admission and program details.
• Once you have decided on the university, you can find the application form and apply online on the university’s official website.
• Carefully fill out the application form. Here is a general list of documents that you might have to upload while completing the application.
  • Academic Transcripts such as high school diploma and bachelor’s degree.
  • A passport or a valid identification document
  • CV or Resume
• Once you have submitted all the applications, pay the application fee and submit your application.
• Once submitted, you can track the application status on the university’s official website.

Important Tip: You should always keep checking the official university websites and university admissions for any updates or changes in your application process.

Top 3 Scholarships Available to Study MBBS in New Zealand

While tuition fees for studying MBBS in New Zealand can be high, several universities offer scholarships specifically for Indian students pursuing MBBS degrees. 

These scholarships can significantly reduce your financial burden, making your dream of becoming a doctor more attainable. 

New Zealand is known for its welcoming environment and is the 11th happiest country in the world, which makes it an attractive destination for Indian students. 

Here is a quick overview of scholarships available to study MBBS in New Zealand.

Also Read: Top New Zealand Scholarships

Cost of Studying MBBS in Zealand

Studying MBBS in New Zealand offers high-quality education at an affordable cost. Tuition fees range from INR 16L to INR 52L (NZD 33K to NZD 105K) per year. Additionally, living expenses average around INR 80K (NZD 1.6K) per month, covering accommodation, food, and transportation. 

Here is a list of average annual fees for MBBS at top medical colleges in New Zealand.

Pre Arrival Cost

Before starting your MBBS in New Zealand, you’ll encounter several pre-arrival costs. These include application fees, student visa fees, English proficiency test fees, and health and police clearance certificate fees. Planning for these costs ensures a smooth transition as you begin your medical studies in New Zealand.

Here is a list of pre-arrival costs for MBBS in New Zealand.

Cost of Living in New Zealand

The cost of living while pursuing an MBBS in New Zealand will vary depending on your city and lifestyle. However, compared to other popular study destinations, it generally offers a balanced cost – not too high, not too low.

Here’s a quick comparison to give you an idea.

• New Zealand is roughly 9.3% cheaper than the USA.
• Daily expenses in New Zealand can be up to 43.1% less than those in Switzerland.
• When compared to Ireland, New Zealand offers a 4.2% cost advantage.

Here’s a quick overview of the cost of living in New Zealand.

Also Read: A Guide on Cost of Living in New Zealand 2024

Visa Requirements to Study MBBS in New Zealand

Your next step towards an MBA in New Zealand is securing a student visa. Immigration New Zealand processed around 5,074 student visa applications from India in the 2023-24 academic year, with a success rate of 60%. To boost your chances of approval, ensure you have all the necessary documents ready.

Here is a list of necessary documents you need to secure your visa.

• University Acceptance Letter
• Valid Passport
• Two Passport size photos
• Proof of tuition fee payment
• Proof of financial support [INR 10L (NZ$20K) per year]
• Health Certificate
• Police Clearance Certificate
• CV
• SOP

Here’s an overview of the student visa fees and processing time.

5 High-Paying Jobs Available After MBBS in New Zealand

After completing your MBBS in New Zealand, numerous high-paying job opportunities await you. With an impressive employment rate of 68.4%, the healthcare sector offers lucrative positions such as General Practitioners, Specialists, and Surgeons. These roles not only provide excellent salaries but also offer strong career prospects.

Here is a list of the top 5 high-paying jobs available after MBBS in New Zealand.

Conclusion

Studying MBBS in New Zealand provides you with a top-quality education, a safe and welcoming environment, and excellent career prospects. With prestigious universities like the University of Auckland and the University of Otago, you benefit from world-class facilities and experienced faculty. 

Although tuition fees are significant, numerous scholarships for international students can help ease the financial burden.

The best part is living costs in New Zealand are manageable, averaging around INR 80K (NZ$1.6K) per month. The country’s strong employment rate of 68.4% and thriving healthcare sector ensure ample job opportunities after graduation. High-paying roles such as General Practitioners, Surgeons, and Anaesthesiologists offer competitive salaries.

Choosing an MBBS in New Zealand is a smart investment in your future, providing a pathway to a rewarding medical career.

Frequently Asked Questions