Studying Medicine in New Zealand as an International Graduate: University of Auckland (UoA)

Harry Lee | 6 January 2026

Are you an international graduate considering New Zealand for your medical education? Here’s a breakdown of the application process, interview details, and other essential information, based on both the official university guidelines and real-life experiences from current international graduate medical students at University of Auckland medical school.

1. Academic Requirements for International Graduate Applicants

    • Completed a relevant degree (e.g. Biomedical Science, Biological Science) from a recognised university, either in New Zealand or overseas.
    • Invitation to interview is based on academic achievements. No official GPA cut-off or requirement is provided by the University. This means that the actual GPA required for acceptance may vary from year to year based on the pool of applicants. However, from anecdotal evidence it seems like a 6.0+ GPA equivalent is needed to be competitive for an interview.

2. No UCAT Required for International Graduates

You can breathe a sigh of relief: you do not need to take the UCAT ANZ. This is confirmed by UoA’s official admissions guidance, which specifies that international graduate applicants follow a different selection path that does not include the UCAT requirement.

3. The Application Process (anecdotal evidence)

Straight-forward process for international graduate students. The university requires you to upload:

    • Your official transcript from your completed degree.
    • Any other required documents (e.g., proof of English proficiency if necessary).

This application process is fast, and multiple applicants report it taking just 10 minutes to complete, given that your documents are ready. You will be notified by email of the interview date if you have been shortlisted.

4. The Interview: What to Expect

Contrary to what some might expect, UoA does not use the Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) format for international graduate-entry applicants. Instead, a panel interview is conducted as an online interview via Zoom.

Here’s what you need to know about the interview:

    • Format: Officially, the interview lasts 15 minutes. However, some applicants found that their interview turned out to be longer than expected – up to 45 minutes, but this might be about fostering a relaxed environment and getting to know the applicant.
    • Interviewers: There are usually two or three interviewers who participate in the interview.
    • Content: The interview is designed to be conversational. Interviewers will ask questions about your personality, experiences, and your motivation for studying medicine. There’s a focus on understanding who you are as a person and why you want to pursue a career in medicine, rather than focusing on specific knowledge or ethical questions like the MMI. Some topics that are commonly discussed includes your previous degrees, ethics, public health, and rural medicine. It is definitely less pressuring than an MMI but we would still recommend you prepare properly.

5. Programme Details and Tuition Fees (2026) for International Students

    • 5-year MBChB programme, 2 years of pre-clinical followed by 3 years of clinical placements.
    • $86,561 NZD per year as of 2026 (approx. $50,000 USD), this is subjected to annual change.
    • There might be additional fees include Student Services Fee (up to around $1,000 NZD per year)

Living costs in Auckland should also be considered, with the average student required to budget an additional $20,000 NZD per year for accommodation, transport, food, and other expenses. This means that total costs can easily exceed $100,000 NZD per year ($55,000 – 60,000 USD) for an international student.

Need Support with Your Application?

If you’re considering applying to study medicine at the University of Auckland and would like expert guidance, we are here to help. We have a network of international graduate medical students who have successfully navigated this process and are available to support you. Feel free to reach out to us to learn more about how we can assist you on your journey to medical school in New Zealand!

Disclaimer:

This blog is based on publicly available sources and personal experiences shared by international graduate medical students. While we strive for accuracy, it should not replace official guidance from the University of Auckland. We highly recommend verifying all information with the official University of Auckland website or contacting the university directly for the most up-to-date details. We cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies or changes to the admissions process, fees, or other details provided.