Introduction to studying a medicine degree in New Zealand
Studying medicine in New Zealand can be a challenging and rewarding experience for students. Being a highly competitive course, entry standards for all medical schools are strict and exacting. Admission interviews can be tough, and students should expect to be asked questions about motivation, previous work, and personal interests, including relevant work experience.
New Zealand Medical degrees take around 4-6 years to complete. If you wish to practice as a General Practitioner (GP), one year of compulsory internship in supervised medical and surgical training is required. Some universities allow students to choose to study abroad as part of their elective programs for up to 12 weeks.
Types of Medicine Degrees in New Zealand
Bachelor of Medicine
Bachelor of Medicine and Health Sciences is an undergraduate degree in New Zealand. The program lasts two to six years, depending on your specialization. The Medical Council of New Zealand accredits the medical universities in New Zealand, and students can opt for paramedical, nursing, dental, MBBS, or veterinary specializations.
The curriculum consists of various body system modules and core clinical cases. The clinical cases run throughout the program and serve as a framework for learning, bringing relevance to the underlying clinical and basic science. Students are offered to work in hospital wards and outpatient clinics in teaching hospitals, rural areas, and general practices.
- Course duration – two to six years
- Course fees – $80,000
- Entry requirements – excellent academic record with IELTS qualifications
Master of Medicine
A master of medicine is a postgraduate degree that provides in-depth knowledge and training in general medicine and other relevant subjects. The program allows students to research a specific area of medicine under academic supervision. The degree will focus on clinical skills, rational use of investigative technology, appropriate therapeutic decision-making, inclusive patient management, etc. It will be awarded upon submitting an authentic thesis embodying the results of a supervised investigation.
- Course duration- two years
- Course fees – $50,000
- Entry requirements – Bachelor’s degree in medicine with an IELTS score of 6.5 or above
Doctor of Medicine
The Doctor of Medicine (MD) is a professional doctorate that allows experienced medical professionals and clinicians to undertake advanced study and research. Completing the degree enables applicants to provide professional leadership through their advancement and dissemination of knowledge.
- Course duration – three years
- Course fees – $48,555
- Entry requirements – IELTS scores not less than 6.5
Scholarships for Medicine Courses in New Zealand
New Zealand universities provide various scholarships to students to help them manage their financial burden while studying abroad.
| Scholarship | Offered by | Award value |
| Dean International Doctoral Scholarship | University of Auckland | $33,000 |
| Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences Alumni Award | University of Auckland | $1000 |
| Vice Chancellor’s International Excellence Scholarship | University of Waikato | $15,000 |
Jobs and Careers
As a New Zealand medical college graduate, you have plenty of options. You may start your career as a General Practitioner or continue training as a General Physician or Surgeon in a related specialist field. Careers in academic medical research, hospital management, pathology, Radiology, Psychiatry, Anesthetics, etc., also provide ample opportunities.
The pay scale of a medical professional can vary depending on the qualifications, skills, and experience, ranging from $71,000 to $152,900. Some career opportunities include being a healthcare assistant, clinical assistant, or medicine researcher.
Salary
The average salary of each designation is as follows –
| Job profile | Average salary |
| Healthcare Assistant | $60,000 |
| Medical Laboratory Technician | $65,000 |
| MIRI Technologist | $96,819 |
| Medicine Researcher | $120,000 |
| Clinical Researcher | $152,900 |
Where can I study Medicine in New Zealand?
To learn more about the best medical schools in New Zealand, find details on the top ranking Medicine universities in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024 below:
| Rank | University | Acceptance rate |
| 1 | The University of Auckland | 45% |
| 2 | University of Otago | 58% |
| 3 | Massey University | 65% |
| 4 | Auckland University of Technology | 50% |
Study Medicine in New Zealand
If you want to study medicine in New Zealand, arrange a free consultation with SI-New Zealand today.
FAQ
Is New Zealand good for medicine students?
Yes, New Zealand has top institutions that are globally recognized and offer massive job opportunities to students in popular specializations like nursing, paramedical, veterinary, etc. The average pay scale of an entry-level medicine graduate can range from $35,000 – $71,000, which is quite good for medical graduates.
How much does it cost to study postgraduate medicine in New Zealand?
The average annual cost to study PG medicine in New Zealand ranges from $33,000 to $80,000. The expenses might vary depending on the specialization, program type, and university chosen.
Do international students get jobs in New Zealand after postgraduate medicine?
Yes, international students have excellent opportunities in the healthcare and medicine industry. Students can gain skills and knowledge through mandatory clinical paid internships. They are also allowed to work for 20 hours per week. The average salary can range between $71,000 and $152,900; some job opportunities are healthcare assistant, clinical assistant, etc.