New Zealand is one of the most popular destinations to get your medical degree and there are a few reasons why. First of all New Zealand’s universities are in the top 3% of the world, meaning that education here is high-quality and diplomas are worldwide recognized. Another amazing fact is that New Zealand as a multicultural country offers a safe environment for students to study and grow. They are one of the friendliest cultures and with almost no crime, thus a perfect opportunity for everyone in search of life experiences and knowledge. In this article, we will be talking about the best medical schools in New Zealand.

See Also: Cheap Universities in New Zealand

Can international students enroll in medical schools in New Zealand?

Yes, according to Otago University, international students can enroll in medical schools in New Zealand. Not only that they can enroll, but this might be the most popular country in the world for international students, as this university states that over 3,000 students from over 100 countries study there.

Being a multicultural, modern, and friendly country, it comes as no surprise why students chose this place in particular. The education is extremely well organized and life is an adventure in New Zealand. To add to all of this, English is used everywhere and classes are also in this universal language.

Check Also: Available Programs for International Students

What is the medical curriculum like in medical schools in New Zealand?

According to Otago University, the medical curriculum in New Zealand consists out of 6 years. The first year is called The Health Sciences First Year or HSFY and all students are required to finish it before moving on with their studies. It’s a general course that will prepare the students for the next five years of medical education and provide a good foundation for degrees called the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MB ChB).

In years 2 to 4, students will broaden their knowledge and enter a clinical part of education, with carefully monitored classes and examples. In the years 4 to 6 students are well on the path of becoming doctors and clinical studies become more serious, as they are in direct contact with patients. The sixth and the last year resemble an internship and it is called Trainee Intern (TI) year.

Learn More: How to Become a Medical Doctor in New Zealand

Best Medical Schools in New Zealand

1. University of Otago

The University of Otago was established in 1869 and is the best medical school in New Zealand. This university has been research-led from the start and even today offers amazing opportunities for students all around the world. The main campus is in Otago, but this university also has 4 other campuses in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Invercargill.

Medicine is one of many faculties at the University of Otago, and it represents one of the most competitive ones. Enrolling in the first year is difficult for national and international students, as the available places are limited. After the initial HSFY (Health Science First Year) the student can enroll in one of many medical studies and continue their education. But this is also a hard step to take as the competition becomes fiercer, so grades and extracurricular activities are important. The University of Otago promotes a hands-on and clinical approach to studies, and students will be able to be a part of many research programs.

2. University of Auckland

The University of Auckland was founded in 1883 as a public research university. This top medical school in New Zealand has over 40,000 students on 5 campuses, and it’s always on the top of the list for the best universities in the world.

The medical department of the University of Auckland offers amazing opportunities for learning and research, with dozens of clinics available for practical learning like health and rehabilitation, nutrition, hearing, optometry, psychology, and many other clinics. The university also has a brain bank, only one in New Zealand where over 400 brains are bequeathed for medical school and research. Some of them have rare diseases that can provide vital information on how to prevent them in the future.

3. Massey University

The Massey University, one of the best medical schools in New Zealand, was established in 1927 and there are over 30,000 students there, with over 3,000 of them being international from 100 countries. The medical programs in this university include psychology, nursing, biological sciences, population health and policy, and even Maori knowledge. They are combining old values and modern medicine to ensure the graduates are ready for everyday challenges in the medical profession.

4. University of Canterbury – Department of Health

The Department of Health, University of Canterbury, is at the frontline, preparing people for diverse roles in the health sectors. The school has successfully trained nurses, health promoters, psychologists, etc., to become health providers who strongly focus on the well-being of patients and are also committed to promoting wellness, good health care, and the prevention of ailments.

The department has a wide selection of non-clinical and clinical health experts responsible for ensuring students gain professional work ethics and experience. Students are also trained to see a connection between providing quality healthcare services and the overall improvement of people’s health.

The University of Canterbury, Department of Health offers undergraduate programs in Nursing, Psychology, Public health, and social work. It also offers Masters in Child & Family Psychology, Counselling, Spatial Analysis for Public Health, Spatial Analysis for Public Health, and Sport Science. The department also offers postgraduate certifications and diplomas for health practitioners who are looking to improve their professional practice in health-related fields.

And to improve students’ performance and techniques during their time in the department, the school provides state-of-the-art facilities and a dynamic environment. Students also have access to gyms alongside their classroom and other sport-related technologies.

5. Auckland University of Technology – School of Health Science

Auckland University of Technology, School of Health Science is dedicated to helping graduates build a career in the health sector. Students are exposed to extensive practical experience that makes them some of the most sought-after personnel in medicine. Students also get the opportunity to experience different health scenarios and practice how to handle them at the campus health clinic, where services like oral health, physiotherapy, etc., are available, and upon graduating, they are equipped with proper workplace practice and the proper way to treat people in various health situations.

The school offers a Bachelor of Health Science in Midwifery, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Oral Health, and Podiatry. It also offers Bachelor’s degrees in Case Management, Counselling, Health Management, Paramedicine, Perioperative Practice, Psychology, and Public and Environmental Health. Graduates looking to further their studies also have the opportunity to obtain a Master’s in Health Practice, Nursing Science, Physiotherapy Practice, Philosophy, and Public Health. Students can also acquire Doctorate in Philosophy as well as postgraduate diplomas and certificates in various courses.

In addition, AUT School of Health Science also prioritizes research, the reason why it has some of the world-leading researchers in different parts of health science engaging its students, offers research degrees, and ensures students have access to research expertise to guide them through their studies.

6. Victoria University of Wellington – Wellington Faculty of Health

The Wellington Faculty of Health was established in 2017, making it one of the newest faculty in the institution. It was established to provide innovative ways of delivering health education and research by bringing together some of the most brilliant teachers and researchers who can train as many that are interested in becoming professional health practitioners and are also interested in improving the health sector.

The Faculty has two schools – the School of Health and the School of Nursing, Midwifery, and Health Practice. The School of Health offers undergraduate Bachelor in Health as well as specialized programs certifications. While the School of Health and the School of Nursing, Midwifery, and Health Practice offer Bachelor of Midwifery to interested applicants.

To ensure that students get the best academic experience, Wellington collaborates with several health agencies and academic institutions offering expertise in the area of rheumatic fever and penicillin, safe ethics, life care, body donation, fetal auscultation, patient care, and values-based care.

7. The University of Waikato – Te Huataki Waiora School of Health

Te Huataki Waiora School of Health was established as one of the schools of the University of Waikato to be an environment where students who want to become medical practitioners can acquire the skills needed to be health providers and personnel interested in finding solutions to health-related challenges and providing solutions that would improve the health sector.

Te Huataki Waiora School of Health offers multi-disciplinary, robust, and stimulating programs to create experts with a clear career path and are also employable. The school offers a Bachelor of Nursing, a Bachelor of Health with majors in Biomedical Sciences and Population Health, and a Bachelor of Health, Sport, and Human Performance with majors in Human Performance Science, Community Health, and Human Performance Science. The school also offers Masters in Health, Sport, and Human Performance and Ph.D. programs through which graduates can support their skills and improve their knowledge.

During the program, students have access to world-class facilities and researchers who provide enough support to ensure students are experts in their areas of specialization. The school also offers flexible degree opportunities for students who might not be able to fully commit to the program or live somewhere far.

8. Eastern Institute of Technology – Department of Nursing &Health Science

Eastern Institute of Technology is one of the leading universities in New Zealand, and its Department of Nursing & Health Science offers some of the best programs in medicine and healthcare, which are designed to prepare students to be some of the best healthcare providers in the world. Students also have access to world-class facilities and brilliant lecturers and professors.

Some of the programs offered at the school include Bachelor’s degree in Nursing, a Master’s degree in Nursing (Nurse Practitioner), Nursing Science, and Health Science, as well as short courses, postgraduate certification, and diplomas. The school also offers several scholarship opportunities that would assist students during their programs.

 

To recap, New Zealand is known for its modern teaching approach, with lots of practice and hands-on experience. As a medical student and a future doctor, this might just be the thing that separates you from your peers who graduate in some other country. One more beneficial thing about the New Zealand universities is the language, as all the classes are in English. This is great for international students who can study and perfect the language at the same time. If we add amazing nature and weather there are plenty of reasons to choose this country to get your diploma. You can also apply for a number of New Zealand government scholarships to help you pay for your studies.

 

We hope that this article on the best medical schools in New Zealand was helpful. If you are interested in knowing more, check out the Available Programs for International Students!

About the Author: Hyun Lee

Hyun is the founder at Global Scholarships. He has received a full-tuition scholarship at Birmingham-Southern College as well as $1,000 Burger King Scholarship for his undergraduate degree and has been offered a fully funded scholarship consisting of tuition, living stipend, and health insurance for computer science Ph.D. program at North Carolina State University. Read more about his scholarship journey here.

Share this article via

Leave A Comment