University of Auckland

What you'll study

The MBChB combines foundational biomedical science with progressive clinical experience across hospitals, primary care and community settings. Early years emphasise anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, cell biology and the development of clinical and communication skills through tutorials, practical classes and simulation.

As you progress you will study core clinical disciplines including general medicine, surgery, paediatrics, obstetrics and gynaecology, psychiatry, emergency medicine and general practice. Teaching integrates pharmacology, pathology, diagnostic reasoning, public health, epidemiology and clinical ethics. There is explicit curriculum content on Māori and Pacific health, cultural competence and health inequities.

Clinical learning occurs through ward-based placements, outpatient clinics, community and primary care attachments, and rural health rotations. Students undertake case-based learning, objective structured clinical examinations (OSCEs), workplace-based assessment and reflective practice. The programme also includes opportunities for research projects, electives and interprofessional education with other health disciplines.

Entry requirements

Entry is competitive and applicants must demonstrate strong academic performance. School-leavers typically progress via the Health Sciences First Year (HSFY) or an equivalent preparatory pathway with required science subjects. Graduates with a prior degree may apply through the graduate entry pathway. All applicants are assessed on academic results, a national admissions test (applicants should check current test requirements), and selection interviews or multiple-mini interviews.

Applicants must also meet health and character requirements such as immunisation and police checks, and demonstrate communication skills, professionalism and a commitment to medical practice. International applicants should consult the university for specific equivalency and visa requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates are eligible to enter the provisional registration pathway and undertake the required internship year before full registration as medical practitioners. After internship, doctors enter structured postgraduate training to specialise in areas such as general practice, internal medicine, surgery, paediatrics, obstetrics and gynaecology, psychiatry, emergency medicine and others.

Career pathways also include rural and community medicine, academic medicine and clinical research, public health, Māori and Pacific health leadership, and health policy or management roles. The degree provides a foundation for lifelong learning and postgraduate examinations required for specialist colleges.

Why study at University of Auckland

The University of Auckland offers clinical teaching across a broad network of tertiary hospitals, regional hospitals and community providers, giving students exposure to a wide range of patient populations and clinical conditions. The curriculum emphasises culturally responsive care with dedicated teaching on Māori and Pacific health to prepare graduates for practice in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Students benefit from modern simulation facilities, interprofessional learning opportunities and active research groups across clinical and population health disciplines. Strong links with local District Health Boards and rural providers support diverse clinical placements and elective options, while academic staff active in research offer opportunities for student involvement in clinical and translational projects.