How Can I Help My Child Get Into Medicine?

Studying Medicine in NZ

There are two universities that offer Medicine: the University of Auckland and the University of Otago.

Your child will need to complete one year of university study before applying to Medicine. During that first year, they must:

• Complete all required core units and papers
• Achieve the minimum GPA
• Sit the UCAT

The UCAT is designed to help universities identify students with the skills and personal qualities suited to a career in Medicine.

First-year study options include:

• University of Auckland: Health Sciences or Biomedical Science
• University of Otago: Health Sciences First Year (HSFY)

If your child meets the required NCEA/CIE/IB points, they are guaranteed entry into their chosen first-year programme.

Applying to both universities for first year will not disadvantage your child.

For guidance on which university and medical school to choose, check out our blog.

Studying Medicine in Australia

There is another major pathway that many families are unaware of: applying to study Medicine in Australia.

While it’s completely understandable that many students prefer to stay close to family and friends, it’s important to be aware of every option available.

Some key advantages include:

• Your child can apply straight out of Year 13, potentially starting their medical degree a year earlier.
• They can apply to 21 universities, significantly increasing their chances of gaining entry (compared to being limited to Medicine at just one university in New Zealand per application cycle).
• They can apply to medical schools more than once (unlike at Auckland and Otago).
• They can choose from a broad range of internationally recognised medical schools and may qualify for domestic status.

Unfortunately, misinformation from Otago and Auckland universities means that many students are not even aware of this pathway.

You can read more about studying Medicine in Australia to explore whether this could be the right option for your child.

Is Medicine Right for Your Child? If you’re reading this, your child likely believes they have the work ethic and academic ability to gain admission to medical school. Before they commit, it’s important that you both understand what lies ahead.

Aptitude

Medical entry criteria are designed to ensure students possess the right attributes.

Your child’s academic score or GPA measures their mastery of core subjects. The UCAT evaluates cognitive and emotional reasoning skills, along with their ability to perform under pressure. Interviews assess leadership, teamwork and empathy — all essential qualities for a doctor.

Passion

Medicine requires more than strong grades — it requires genuine motivation.

Encourage your child to explore the realities of medical practice by researching different specialties and reading doctors’ career stories. Dr Ray Boyapati shares his experiences and passion for medicine in our UCAT workshop, giving students valuable insight into the profession.

Commitment

Medicine involves a substantial long-term commitment.

In addition to 6–8 years of university study, it can take a further four to ten years of supervised training before a doctor is licensed to practise independently as a specialist.

Beyond training, the responsibility of caring for patients requires resilience, sacrifice and continuous professional development.

Understanding

Before your child decides to pursue medicine, encourage them to speak with practising physicians, read widely, and thoroughly research the entry pathway.

Students seeking hands-on insight can join Dr Adam Braithwaite at MedSummit Summer School — a 4-day in-person mentoring and work experience programme (limited places).

Applying to Medicine in NZ

Once your child has enrolled in and begun their first year of university study at either the University of Auckland or the University of Otago, they can apply to enter Medicine in their second year.

Applications are submitted through the relevant university website during Semester One of first year. This is the primary and highly competitive application round.

Each university assigns its own weighting to academic results, UCAT scores and interviews, so it’s essential that you understand how these components combine to determine eligibility. Before applying, ensure you have the latest information by contacting the admissions office of each course directly.

Applying to Medicine in Australia

If your child is also applying to Australia, applications must be submitted through the relevant Tertiary Admissions Centre (each state operates its own system). Deadlines usually fall in late September each year.

Given the competitive and subjective nature of interviews, applying broadly across multiple medical schools can significantly improve your child’s chances of securing an offer.

You can read our Free University Admission Guide for further details on the process.

For entry into Medicine at the University of Auckland and Dentistry at the University of Otago, students must successfully complete an interview.

These interviews allow universities to assess the personal attributes required in future healthcare professionals. Academic performance alone is not enough — universities want to see communication skills, ethical reasoning, empathy and professionalism.

It’s important for your child to understand that this is not a casual conversation. They are competing against other strong applicants, and preparation makes a significant difference.

After the hard work of first-year study, GPA pressure and UCAT preparation, it’s natural for students to feel anxious about interviews. However, interviews can be prepared for systematically. With structured practice and the right strategies, students can walk in feeling composed and confident.

MedEntry provides resources, training and personalised guidance to help students perform strongly at interview. We also offer free foundational information addressing common interview questions and concerns.

Medical Interviews & MMI

Medicine is one of the most carefully regulated professions. After medical school, graduates must complete at least four additional years of supervised practice before they can practise independently. The early stages of a doctor’s career typically involve working as an intern, then as a Resident Medical Officer, and later as a Registrar in their chosen specialty.

As a parent, it’s natural to focus on the long years of study and training ahead. The pathway is undeniably demanding — academically, emotionally and personally.

However, it’s important to recognise the significant rewards. Many doctors speak passionately about the privilege of practising medicine. It is intellectually stimulating, offers strong job security, competitive remuneration and the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives every day.

The career involves constant learning, regulatory responsibility, long hours and personal sacrifice. Yet the consistently high number of applicants each year — and the increasing competitiveness of entry — reflect how desirable medicine remains as a career in New Zealand.