HealthSci and Biomed Rank Scores: What Do You Need and What Do They Mean?

Harry Lee | 5 December 2025

If you’re a high school student aiming for a Premed pathway in NZ, it’s important to know what “rank score” benchmarks exist. They vary depending on the first-year programme and the university.

University of Auckland (HealthSci and Biomed Rank Scores)

  • For first-year entry into BSc specialising in Biomedical Science (Biomed), the official requirement for guaranteed school‑leaver entry is an NCEA rank score of 280 (or equivalent CIE 310 / IB 33).

  • For first-year entry into HealthSci (BHSc), the guaranteed entry requirements are:
    • NCEA rank score 250 (minimum of 18 credits at Level 3 in one of English, Geography, History, Classical Studies, History of Art, Te Reo Māori (or Te Reo Rangatira), or Social Studies + minimum of 18 credits in one of Biology, Chemistry, or Physics).
    • CIE rank score 300 (with one of English, Geography, History, Classical Studies, and one of Biology, Chemistry, or Physics at full A Level).
    • IB: Score 33 (similar subject requirements to NCEA/CIE).
  • If you meet these thresholds, you are eligible for Biomed or HealthSci. However, entry into first year Premed does not guarantee later admission into 2nd year medicine, since medical school admission at the University of Auckland solely depends on your GPA (60%), UCAT (15%), and Multiple-Mini Interview (25%) in your Premed year.

University of Otago – Health Sciences First Year (HSFY)

  • Open entry to everyone and their dog as long as they pass Year 13.

  • Entry into HSFY also does not guarantee later admission into 2nd year medicine. Given that you have already met the UCAT thresholds, admission to Otago medical school is solely dependent on your academic score (average % of all 7 / 8 of your papers).

Note: Yes, this mean that your grades and achievements in high school do not matter at all, both on paper and at the point of applying to medical school at both Auckland and Otago.

 If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the uncertainty and competition, having someone who’s been there and done that to support you can make a difference. CrashMed’s services are tailored to NZ premed students and can support you in all aspects of your medical school application. If you are serious about preparing for University of Auckland Medical School Entry and want targeted guidance across GPA, UCAT and MMI, explore our CrashMed Bootcamp.

Want to find out more info about medicine admissions? Check out our guide on entering medical school at the University of Auckland and our comparison of Biomed and HealthSci.