NZ · Bachelor's
University of Otago (Faculty of Medicine)
Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB)
University of Otago (Faculty of Medicine)
Course Overview
Otago's MBChB is the oldest medical school in New Zealand (founded 1875) and trains over 60% of NZ's doctors. The programme runs Year 1 as the Health Sciences First Year (HSFY) — a shared foundation with dentistry, pharmacy and physiotherapy — followed by 5 years of clinical training across Dunedin, Christchurch and Wellington campuses.
International places are limited (around 30 per year across all health programmes) and entry to Years 2–6 is competitive — ranked on HSFY GPA, UCAT score and a multi-station interview. Sri Lankan students should expect a multi-year pathway and may need to first qualify locally; Otago does not currently accept transfer credit from offshore medical schools mid-programme.
Entry Requirements
Academic
- check_circle Sri Lankan A/Levels: minimum 3 A passes including Biology and Chemistry (plus Physics or Maths recommended).
- check_circle Must complete the Health Sciences First Year (HSFY) at Otago — entry to Year 2 MBChB is competitive.
- check_circle UCAT ANZ test required (sat in July each year).
- check_circle Multi-station interview (MMI) for shortlisted applicants in November.
English Proficiency
- check_circle IELTS Academic: 7.0 Overall (min 7.0 in each band — higher than general Otago entry).
- check_circle TOEFL iBT: 95 Overall (min 22 in writing, 24 in speaking).
- check_circle PTE Academic: 65 Overall.
- check_circle Waived if prior education was taught in English for 5+ years.
Estimated Cost of Study
| Expense Category | Amount (NZD) | Approx. LKR |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition Fee — Year 1 HSFY | NZD 39,609 | Rs. 7,525,700 |
| Tuition Fee — Years 2–6 (each) | NZD 92,560 | Rs. 17,586,400 |
| Living Expenses (per year) | NZD 19,820 | Rs. 3,765,800 |
| Student Visa, Insurance & UCAT | NZD 1,700 | Rs. 323,000 |
| Total Year-1 Investment | NZD 61,129 | Rs. 11,614,500 |
*LKR conversion based on current bank rates. Subject to change.
Career Outcomes & PR
MBChB graduates enter a paid two-year house officer placement (PGY1 and PGY2) inside the NZ public health system, which counts toward registration. International graduates qualify for the Post-Study Work Visa (PSWV) — 3 years — and most stay on. Sri Lankan graduates who plan to return home must also pass the SLMC ERPM examination to register in Sri Lanka.
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