The New Zealand Graduate School of Medicine will introduce a new, proven model of medical education to New Zealand, with entry pathways that will attract people who want to become primary care doctors in rural and regional communities.
The New Zealand Graduate School of Medicine will offer a four-year graduate-entry programme, similar to many of the best medical schools internationally.
Students will spend their first year at our Hamilton campus intensively studying biomedical sciences and the social determinants of health through a case-based learning framework. A digital-first pedagogy underpins this teaching, with students having access to the leading digital anatomy tools.
Academic learning will be reinforced through multidisciplinary clinical simulation in a new state-of-the-art facility.
In Years 2-4, students will be based in regional communities throughout New Zealand to undertake the clinical placement programme. Students will gain experience in a range of clinical learning environments, including regional hospitals, general practices, acute care providers, and other community based health services.
N.B. The exact details of the entry requirements and selection process will be published once the programme has gained accreditation. The information below is provided in good faith, but is indicative and subject to change.
The entry requirements and selection processes will be designed to ensure a cohort of medical students who reflect the New Zealand population and are most likely to choose primary care specialities in rural and regional communities.
As a graduate-entry programme, applicants must have a previous Bachelor’s qualification (or be in their final year of study) with a B grade average. Consistent with our commitment to diversify the medical workforce, graduates from all fields of study will be eligible to apply. However, students will also need to achieve a passing mark in GAMSAT, which is a standardised medical admissions assessment that considers an applicant’s background knowledge of science, social science, and written communication.
Collectively, these grade threshold entry requirements are designed to ensure students have the necessary academic ability to successfully complete the medical programme. Eligible students will then be invited to attend admissions interviews.
The first year of the programme will be based at the University’s Hamilton campus. The clinical placement programme in Years 2-4 will be delivered in hospitals, primary care practices and other health service providers in regional communities nationwide.
The University is working to establish a network of clinical placement opportunities in regional and rural communities across Aotearoa New Zealand. Further details are expected to be made available in late-2026.
Yes, we’re committed to improving access to medical education in New Zealand.
No, graduates with a B grade average from all fields of study will be eligible to apply. However, applicants will also need a passing score in GAMSAT, which is a standardised medical admissions assessment that considers an applicant’s background knowledge of science, social science, and written communication.
The Graduate Medical School Admissions Test (GAMSAT) is a standardised test developed to assist with the selection of students to graduate-entry medical and health sciences programmes. It consists of three sections:
Applications for our initial cohort will open mid-2027 and you will be able to apply through the University of Waikato website. Final entry criteria and fee information will be available at this time.
Building of the New Zealand Graduate School of Medicine is due to start this year on our Hamilton campus, where students will spend their first year intensively studying biomedical sciences and the social determinants of health through a case-based learning framework.
If you have a question for us, or you’d like to receive occasional updates on progress, or you’d like to support the programme or you’re considering studying medicine in the future, enter your details and we’ll keep in touch.
Waikato to work with regional health education experts to shape med school curriculum
A newly signed MOU will see the New Zealand Graduate School of Medicine team collaborate with programme staff from the University of Wollongong to develop the medical school's curriculum.
Foundations laid for med students to thrive in the regions
Together with the Whanganui District Council, Health New Zealand and regional health providers, the University will explore opportunities for more medical students to train in Whanganui, Rangitīkei, Ruapehu and South Taranaki.
Leading health experts to advise on new medical school
The New Zealand Graduate School of Medicine's Medical Advisory Board comprises representatives from across the country's health sector.
Virtual dissection table puts Waikato at the forefront of health education
Students can rotate anatomical structures, examine pathology, and practise virtual dissections, all with the swipe of a finger.
You’re currently viewing the website as a domestic student, you might want to change to international.
You're a domestic student if you are:
You're an International student if you are:
