University of Otago Medicine
Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB)
MedPath is an independent study resource and is not affiliated with University of Otago or UCAT ANZ. Always confirm current requirements on the official admissions page.
University of Otago uses the UCAT ANZ for medicine entry (Dunedin). Otago gives the UCAT light weight — often a threshold or tiebreaker rather than a major factor.
Medicine at Otago
How the UCAT is used here
Otago gives the UCAT light weight — often a threshold or tiebreaker rather than a major factor.
ATAR and selection thresholds
Entry via Health Sciences First Year (>= 65% average), then selection by academic score into 2nd-year MBChB. UCAT ANZ is a threshold only (2026 entry: VR >= 20th percentile, SJ >= 10th percentile) and is not weighted in selection. No interview for HSFY/Graduate entry. Maori and Pacific (NZRIPO) equity admission ("Mirror on Society").
Structured pass/competitive thresholds are being verified for this programme.
What applicants have reported
STUDENT-REPORTED (Med Students Online, structured HSFY per-year threads; anecdotal, moderate, NOT official). NZ: the real cutoff is the Health Sciences First Year 'best 7 papers' grade average, NOT UCAT. General-category cutoff ~90-91% (OIA-corroborated 2024 first-round 90.86%, waitlist 89.29%); Maori/Pacific/Rural equity categories much lower (~65-70%). UCAT is a pass/fail threshold only (VR >= ~20th percentile, SJ >= ~10th percentile) and not weighted.
Rural and Indigenous pathways
New Zealand Rural Origins equity group — 4+ years rural NZ schooling or residence (Geographic Classification for Health, Rural 1-3); optional Year-5 Rural Medical Immersion Programme (not bonded).
University of Otago offers an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (or, in NZ, Māori and Pacific) entry pathway. Confirm eligibility and the application process at the source.
Interview format
No interview is used for this pathway.
When you sit the UCAT
The UCAT is sat once a year and your single result goes to every consortium university you apply to. Booking windows, the testing period and fees are the same wherever you apply.
UCAT key dates & cost →Lift your UCAT for Otago.
One score goes to every school on your list. Drill the traps that move your percentile most.
Otago Medicine FAQ
Does University of Otago require the UCAT for medicine?+
Yes. University of Otago uses the UCAT ANZ as part of selection for Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB), alongside your academic record.
How much does the UCAT count at Otago?+
University of Otago gives the UCAT light weight — often a threshold or tiebreaker rather than a major factor.
What do you need to get into medicine at Otago?+
Entry via Health Sciences First Year (>= 65% average), then selection by academic score into 2nd-year MBChB. UCAT ANZ is a threshold only (2026 entry: VR >= 20th percentile, SJ >= 10th percentile) and is not weighted in selection. No interview for HSFY/Graduate entry. Maori and Pacific (NZRIPO) equity admission ("Mirror on Society").
Does Otago interview medicine applicants?+
No interview is used for this pathway.