Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MB ChB)

Summary

The Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MB ChB) degree is commonly referred to as the 'medical degree'. School leavers enrol at Otago for the common Health Sciences First Year course and then apply for admission to second year medicine.

Graduates may also apply for admission at second year. If successful, students will complete a further five years, then after graduation work for another year under probation in order to gain general registration.

There is a wide range of specialisation available in the public and private sectors, involving research, academic medicine, public health, clinical medicine and other areas. Specialties include Cardiology, Oncology, Paediatrics, Psychological Medicine, Surgery, Pathology, Public Health, General Practice and many others. Most doctors complete postgraduate training in their chosen specialty.

Medicine is a respected, rewarding, and truly international career.

More detailed information about the MB ChB can be found on the Otago Medical School website:

• Otago Medical School website

Information for new applicants

Applications for admission to Medicine via the HSFY and Graduate categories:
Open: 1 July 2025
Close: 14 August 2025

Applications for admission to Medicine via the 'Alternative' category:
Open: 1 April
Close: 1 May

Information regarding the guidelines for admission can be found on the following website.
Division of Health Sciences