University of Otago Medical School

- Dunedin, New Zealand
Abroad

General Information

The Otago Medical School (OMS), part of the University of Otago, is New Zealand’s oldest and most prestigious medical school. While the University is headquartered in Dunedin, its clinical training spans across three main campuses (Dunedin, Christchurch, and Wellington) to provide a comprehensive healthcare education.

General Info

  • Established: 1875.

  • Location: 270 Great King Street, Dunedin (and clinical campuses in Christchurch/Wellington).

  • Degree Awarded: MB ChB (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery).

  • Duration: 6 years.

  • Language of Instruction: English.

  • Accreditation: Fully accredited by the Medical Council of New Zealand and the Australian Medical Council. It is listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS).

Campus Facilities

  • Early Learning in Medicine (ELM): The first three years are based in Dunedin. The curriculum is integrated, combining basic sciences with clinical relevance from the outset.

  • Advanced Learning in Medicine (ALM): Years 4 to 6 are the clinical years. Students are split between the three campuses: Dunedin, Christchurch, and Wellington.

  • Culture: Otago is famous for its vibrant "Scarfie" student culture and its historic "Clocktower" campus, which is consistently ranked among the world's most beautiful.

Hospital & Medical Facilities

Leading tertiary care hospital attached to the institution

  • Dunedin Public Hospital: A major 350+ bed tertiary hospital located immediately adjacent to the medical school. It serves as the primary teaching site for those based in Dunedin.

  • Regional Networks: Students also rotate through smaller hospitals (like Southland Hospital in Invercargill) and rural health centers to experience a variety of medical settings.

  • Trainee Intern (TI) Year: Year 6 is an "apprenticeship" year where students act as Trainee Interns, receiving a state-funded stipend and assuming high-level responsibility in patient care.

    • Fee Structure

    State University Affordability

    Tuition for medicine is significantly higher for international students compared to domestic NZ citizens.

    • International Tuition Fee (Years 2–3): Approx. $92,125 NZD per year.

    • International Tuition Fee (Years 4–6): Approx. $105,285 NZD per year.

    • Student Services Fee: Approx. $1,100 NZD per year.

    • Health Sciences First Year (HSFY): For those entering through the first-year pathway, the cost is roughly $36,000 – $40,000 NZD.

    City Details

    • The "Edinburgh of the South": Dunedin is a student city where roughly 20% of the population is associated with the University.

    • Transport: The campus is centrally located and highly walkable. For clinical rotations, students often use local buses (subsidized for students) or personal vehicles.

    • Climate: Temperate/Maritime. Expect cool, crisp winters and mild summers. Warm clothing is essential.

    • Safety: One of the safest cities in New Zealand, with a strong community feel.

    Hostel & Mess

  • Residential Colleges: Dunedin is renowned for its 15 residential colleges (e.g., St Margaret's, Knox, or University College). These are fully catered, meaning 3 meals a day are provided.

    • Cost: Approx. $20,000 – $22,000 NZD per academic year (40 weeks).

  • Flatting (Private Housing): From Year 2 onwards, most students move into "flats" (shared houses).

    • Rent: $180 – $320 NZD per week per person.

  • Mess/Dining: Colleges offer diverse menus. Students in flats typically self-cater, budgeting around $100 – $150 NZD per week for food.

    • Miscellaneous

    • Pathway: Most students enter via the Health Sciences First Year (HSFY). High grades across all 7 papers and a valid UCAT ANZ score are required.

    • Graduate Entry: Candidates with a prior degree can apply under the "Graduate Category."

    • International Quota: Places for international students are strictly limited (often fewer than 20 per year).

    • NEET (For Indians): Mandatory for Indian citizens intending to return to India to practice.

    • Internship: After graduation, international students are not guaranteed a "house officer" (internship) position in NZ; priority is given to domestic graduates.

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    Frequently Asked Questions

    Students must typically have a minimum of 50% marks in PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) in the 12th standard (40% for reserved categories) and must have qualified NEET in the current or previous two years, as per NMC guidelines.

    The duration is generally 6 years in total, which includes 5 years of academic study (54 months) and 1 year of compulsory internship (12 months), fully complying with the latest National Medical Commission (NMC) rules.

    The process is simple: 1. Submit scanned documents (10th, 11th, and 12th mark sheets, NEET result, Passport scan, and a recent passport-size photograph with a white background). 2. Receive the Admission Letter from the University. 3. Process the Invitation Letter for Visa. 4. Complete the Visa application with our assistance.

    Yes, all our partner universities are recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the National Medical Commission (NMC). Graduate doctors can also write major global licensing exams such as USMLE (USA), PLAB (UK), AMC (Australia), and the FMGE/NExT exam for India.

    While most universities admit based on your 12th marks and NEET qualification, some may require a simple online entrance test or interview. We will guide you through any such requirement.

    Fees typically cover the Tuition Fee, Hostel Fee, Medical Insurance, Visa Extension, and administrative charges. A detailed, transparent fee structure showing Tuition Fee, Hostel Fee, Mess Charges, Visa/Invitation Fee, and Medical Assurance Fee for each country and university will be provided upfront.

    Payment schedules are determined by the individual university. Some universities allow semester-wise payments, while others require annual payments. We will provide clear guidance on the university's official payment schedule.

    We are committed to transparency. All costs, including consultation charges and university expenses, are detailed in your offer letter. We strongly advise against any form of donation.

    Yes, we coordinate group departures for students and assist with flight ticket booking. Our representative will meet the students at the destination airport and provide transport to the university hostel.

    Hostels offer secure accommodation with separate facilities for boys and girls. Indian meals are generally cooked and served by Indian caterers within the hostel premises or mess hall to ensure a suitable diet for students.

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