New Zealand Medicine & Dentistry Glossary

Plain-English definitions of every term, exam and acronym you will meet applying to New Zealand medicine or dentistry — UCAT‑ANZ, HSFY, MAPAS, Kira Talent MMI, MBChB, BDS, NCEA, MCNZ and more. Curated by current medical-student tutors. 36 terms covered.

Entry pathways & admission schemes

What is HSFY (Health Sciences First Year)?

HSFY (Health Sciences First Year) is the principal domestic entry pathway to medicine and dentistry at the University of Otago, and the equivalent first year for Otago-enrolled BDS applicants. Students complete seven prescribed first-year papers (BIOC 192, CELS 191, CHEM 191, HUBS 191, HUBS 192, PHSI 191, POPH 192) full-time at Otago's Dunedin campus. For MBChB, selection is based on academic ranking alone (no interview); for BDS, shortlisted students are invited to a structured Zoom interview. Minimum pass mark in each paper is 60%, and UCAT-ANZ must meet a minimum threshold for MBChB entry (Verbal Reasoning ≥ 20th percentile; SJT > 10th percentile for 2026 entry).

What is MAPAS (the Māori and Pacific Admission Scheme)?

MAPAS (the Māori and Pacific Admission Scheme) is the University of Auckland Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences (FMHS) admission scheme for applicants with verified Māori or Pacific whakapapa/ancestry who are NZ citizens or permanent residents. MAPAS applicants complete both the standard MMI and a separate five-station MAPAS Specialty Interview conducted by the MAPAS Admissions Panel, which evaluates academic ability alongside personal qualities and support networks. A separate MH04 form must be submitted by the MAPAS deadline. At Otago, Māori and Pacific applicants are supported under the Te Kauae Paraoa policy within the standard HSFY, Graduate and Alternative categories — there is no separately branded MAPAS scheme at Otago.

What is RRAS (the Regional Rural Admission Scheme)?

RRAS (the Regional Rural Admission Scheme) is an Auckland FMHS admission sub-scheme for applicants with a rural/regional schooling background. Eligibility requires either five or more years of primary education (Years 1–8) at a rural/regional school, or three or more years of secondary education (Years 9–13) at such a school, as defined by Statistics New Zealand's 2020 Urban Accessibility framework. Evidence must be provided by an official letter from the school principal. RRAS applicants meet the same academic requirements as the general category but are ranked separately for interview invitations and offers. RRAS students gain access to Auckland's Rural Stream in Phase 1 of the MBChB.

What is the Graduate Category at Auckland?

The Graduate Category at Auckland is the Auckland MBChB entry pathway for applicants who have completed a qualifying degree at a recognised university — with the final year of full-time study no more than five years before the application year — and whose degree included papers equivalent to CHEM 110, BIOSCI 107, MEDSCI 142 and POPLHLTH 111. A cumulative GPA of 6.0 (B+ on the NZ 0–9 scale) is required. Domestic graduate applicants sit UCAT-ANZ; up to 30 international graduate places are available annually.

Related guide: Auckland MBChB guide →

What is the Alternative Category at Otago?

The Alternative Category at Otago is the University of Otago entry pathway for applicants who previously completed a NZ university degree but are no longer eligible under the Graduate category (degree completed more than three years ago), or who hold an overseas degree at NZQF Level 7 or above completed at least three years prior. Applicants must demonstrate health-related professional experience; allied health professionals are recommended to have at least five years' experience, preferably two or more years in New Zealand. UCAT-ANZ is not required. Shortlisted applicants attend a 40-minute structured Zoom interview. Applications open 1 April and close 1 May each year — a different window from the HSFY/Graduate deadlines.

Related guide: Otago MBChB guide →

Admissions tests & assessments

What is the UCAT-ANZ (University Clinical Aptitude Test for Australia and New Zealand)?

The UCAT-ANZ (University Clinical Aptitude Test for Australia and New Zealand) is the ~2-hour computer-based aptitude test sat by undergraduate medicine and dentistry applicants across Australia and New Zealand, administered by the UCAT ANZ Consortium through Pearson VUE. Registration opens around March and the test is sat once in July of the application year. There are three cognitive sub-tests (Verbal Reasoning, Decision Making, Quantitative Reasoning) plus a separately-banded Situational Judgement Test (SJT). In New Zealand, Auckland MBChB weights UCAT-ANZ at 15% of the final selection ranking; Otago MBChB uses it as a threshold gate only (Verbal Reasoning ≥ 20th percentile and SJT > 10th percentile for 2026 entry). Otago BDS removed UCAT-ANZ from admissions from the 2025 intake. UK UCAT scores are not transferable.

What is CASPer (the Computer-based Assessment for Sampling Personal characteristics)?

CASPer (the Computer-based Assessment for Sampling Personal characteristics) is a 90-minute online situational judgement test from Acuity Insights, combining typed-response and video-response ethical scenarios to assess personal and professional characteristics. The University of Auckland FMHS is replacing UCAT-ANZ with CASPer from 2028 entry — the weighting formula for CASPer within the Auckland selection ranking has not yet been published. In New Zealand it is currently planned for Auckland only.

acuityinsights.com ↗

What is the Kira Talent MMI?

The Kira Talent MMI is the platform the University of Auckland FMHS uses to deliver its fully asynchronous, video-recorded Multiple Mini Interview. Applicants complete eight stations via the Kira platform — each station gives 30 seconds of reading time followed by a 3-minute recorded video response. There is no live interviewer; responses are later reviewed by assessors. Seven of the eight stations are assessed; the eighth is an administrative station for Police Vetting / Children's Act 2014 compliance only. The MMI contributes 25% of Auckland's final selection ranking.

What is an MMI (Multiple Mini Interview)?

An MMI (Multiple Mini Interview) is a circuit-format interview assessing different competencies across a series of short, timed stations. At the University of Auckland FMHS, the MMI is conducted entirely asynchronously via the Kira Talent platform (8 stations, 3.5 minutes each including reading time) and contributes 25% of the final selection ranking. MMI is used in NZ at Auckland only — Otago MBChB has no interview for HSFY or Graduate applicants, and Otago BDS uses a structured Zoom interview rather than a circuit MMI.

What is a structured Zoom interview?

A structured Zoom interview is the live video-conference interview format used by the University of Otago for two distinct applicant groups: BDS shortlisted applicants (all admission categories), interviewed in late September or early October, and Alternative Category MBChB applicants, interviewed after the 1 April – 1 May application window. The Alternative Category interview runs for approximately 40 minutes; the duration and station count for BDS are not published. Weighting in the final ranking is not published for either pathway.

What is the SJT (Situational Judgement Test)?

The SJT (Situational Judgement Test) is a separately-banded sub-test of UCAT-ANZ, scored as a band (Band 1–4 where Band 1 is highest) rather than as a numeric score. At Otago MBChB, the SJT must be above the 10th percentile — a threshold, pass-fail requirement — for 2026 entry, and once met the band score has no further weighting in academic ranking. Auckland MBChB uses the full UCAT-ANZ score (including SJT) as part of the 15% UCAT-ANZ component.

What is the UCAT ANZ Consortium?

The UCAT ANZ Consortium is the group of Australian and New Zealand universities that jointly commission and use UCAT-ANZ for admissions. The New Zealand member universities are the University of Auckland and the University of Otago. The test is administered by Pearson VUE at authorised test centres. ACER administered the predecessor UMAT; Pearson VUE took over with the rebranding to UCAT-ANZ.

ucat.edu.au ↗

Medical & dental qualifications

What is an MBChB (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery)?

An MBChB (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery) is the entry-level medical degree awarded in New Zealand, conferred as a conjoint bachelor's qualification. Both the University of Auckland (6 years, first-year gateway via BHSc / BSc Biomed) and the University of Otago (6 years, first year via HSFY) award the MBChB — each admits roughly 317 domestic students per year. New Zealand uses "MBChB" rather than the UK "MBBS". The MBChB qualifies graduates for registration with the Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ) after completing a postgraduate year one (PGY1) intern year.

What is a BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery)?

A BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery) is the entry-level dental degree in New Zealand, awarded only by the University of Otago — the country's sole dental school. The BDS is a five-year programme: Year 1 is HSFY at Otago's Dunedin campus; Years 2–5 are the clinical BDS at the Faculty of Dentistry in Dunedin. UCAT-ANZ is not required for BDS (removed from 2025). Shortlisted BDS applicants attend a structured Zoom interview. Graduates register with the Dental Council of New Zealand.

Related guide: Otago BDS guide →

What is the BHSc (Bachelor of Health Sciences)?

The BHSc (Bachelor of Health Sciences) is a three-year undergraduate degree at the University of Auckland that serves as one of two first-year gateway pathways into the Auckland MBChB. School-leaver applicants to MBChB enrol in Year 1 of BHSc and take the prescribed FMHS courses full-time. The NCEA rank score guideline for competitive BHSc entry is 250+. Students who are not selected for MBChB may continue the BHSc as a standalone degree.

What is the BSc Biomed (Bachelor of Biomedical Science)?

The BSc Biomed (Bachelor of Biomedical Science) is a three-year undergraduate degree at the University of Auckland that serves as the second first-year gateway pathway into the Auckland MBChB, alongside BHSc. School-leaver applicants enrol in BSc (Biomedical Science) in Year 1 and complete the prescribed MBChB courses. The NCEA rank score guideline for competitive BSc Biomed entry is 165+, lower than the BHSc guideline of 250+. Students not selected for MBChB may continue the BSc Biomed as a standalone degree.

Academic credentials

What is NCEA (the National Certificate of Educational Achievement)?

NCEA (the National Certificate of Educational Achievement) is New Zealand's national secondary-school qualification, assessed at three levels: NCEA Level 1 (Year 11), Level 2 (Year 12) and Level 3 (Year 13). Credits are earned by demonstrating competency in standards — either internally assessed (school-based) or externally assessed (NZQA exams). University Entrance is typically achieved at Level 3. NCEA Level 3 is the most common qualification held by domestic applicants to Auckland's BHSc / BSc Biomed gateway programmes.

What is an NCEA rank score?

An NCEA rank score is a numerical score calculated by NZQA from a student's best 80 Level 3 NCEA credits, with bonus points for subject and course endorsements (Merit and Excellence). The University of Auckland uses the rank score to rank competitive applicants to BHSc (guideline 250+) and BSc Biomed (guideline 165+). The rank score rewards higher grades within Level 3 credits, distinct from a raw credit count. Cambridge International and IB results are converted to an NZQA-assessed rank-score equivalent.

What is the Cambridge International A-Level?

The Cambridge International A-Level is a widely recognised overseas qualification offered by Cambridge Assessment International Education and sat by some New Zealand schools as an alternative to NCEA. Cambridge grades are assessed for NZQA equivalency, producing a rank score used by the University of Auckland for BHSc / BSc Biomed entry alongside NCEA applicants. The University of Otago accepts Cambridge A-Levels via NZQA-assessed equivalency for HSFY entry.

What is the IB (International Baccalaureate)?

The IB (International Baccalaureate) is a two-year pre-university Diploma Programme recognised internationally and offered by some NZ schools. NZ universities assess IB results for University Entrance equivalency, producing a rank-score equivalent for Auckland BHSc / BSc Biomed entry. The University of Otago accepts IB via NZQA equivalency for HSFY admission. IB Higher Level scores are broadly comparable to Cambridge A-Level, though exact conversion factors vary by subject and grade.

What is University Entrance (UE)?

University Entrance (UE) is the minimum qualification required to enrol in a New Zealand university undergraduate degree, granted by NZQA. It is achieved by gaining NCEA Level 3 (at least 14 credits at Level 3 or above in each of three approved subjects) plus 10 literacy credits and 10 numeracy credits at Level 1 or above. All applicants to Auckland's BHSc and BSc Biomed must hold University Entrance, or an accepted overseas equivalent assessed by NZQA or the university.

nzqa.govt.nz ↗

What is GPA (Grade Point Average) in New Zealand?

GPA (Grade Point Average) in New Zealand is measured on a nine-point scale (0 = Fail, 5 = C+, 6 = B, 7 = B+, 8 = A, 9 = A+) — distinct from the Australian 7-point scale and the US 4.0 scale. Auckland MBChB requires a cumulative GPA of 6.0 (B+) across the prescribed first-year papers (first-year pathway) or from the qualifying degree (graduate entry). Otago uses first-year HSFY academic performance to rank MBChB applicants.

What is the NZQF (New Zealand Qualifications Framework)?

The NZQF (New Zealand Qualifications Framework) is the NZQA's framework that orders all New Zealand qualifications on a ten-level scale by complexity and type. Level 7 corresponds to a bachelor's degree; Level 8 to a postgraduate diploma or honours degree; Level 9 to a master's degree. Relevant to NZ admissions: Otago's Alternative Category requires an overseas degree at NZQF Level 7 equivalent or above.

nzqa.govt.nz ↗

Regulators & health system

What is the MCNZ (Medical Council of New Zealand)?

The MCNZ (Medical Council of New Zealand) is the statutory body responsible for the registration and regulation of medical practitioners in New Zealand. It sets the standards of clinical competence, cultural competence and ethical conduct required for registration, and grants provisional (intern year) and general registration. All MBChB graduates must complete a supervised postgraduate year one (PGY1) before applying for general registration. MCNZ also governs the registration of overseas-trained doctors who wish to practise in New Zealand.

mcnz.org.nz ↗

What is the Dental Council of New Zealand?

The Dental Council of New Zealand is the statutory body that registers and regulates dentists, dental specialists, dental therapists, dental hygienists and dental technicians in New Zealand. All BDS graduates must apply to the Dental Council for registration before they can practise. The Council sets competency standards and manages fitness-to-practise matters.

dcnz.org.nz ↗

What is Te Whatu Ora — Health New Zealand?

Te Whatu Ora — Health New Zealand is the national health agency formed in 2022 when the previous 20 District Health Boards (DHBs) were merged into a single national entity. It funds and oversees most of New Zealand's public health services, employs most hospital doctors (including intern-year placements), and commissions primary care. It is frequently referenced in interview and ethics questions about NZ's health system structure, equity and workforce distribution.

tewhatuora.govt.nz ↗

Clinical training

What is a DHB (District Health Board)?

A DHB (District Health Board) is one of the 20 regional authorities that were responsible for planning, funding and delivering New Zealand's health and disability services before the 2022 health reforms. DHBs were disestablished on 1 July 2022 and replaced by the single national entity Te Whatu Ora — Health New Zealand. Understanding DHB history is useful for interview questions about NZ health system reform and workforce distribution.

What is PGY1 (Postgraduate Year One)?

PGY1 (Postgraduate Year One) is the supervised intern year completed by all New Zealand MBChB graduates before they can apply for general registration with MCNZ. PGY1 doctors rotate through approved training posts in hospitals overseen by Te Whatu Ora. Provisional registration, granted after MBChB graduation, enables the PGY1 year; general registration is granted on successful completion.

Māori, Pacific & cultural concepts

What is Te Tiriti o Waitangi (the Treaty of Waitangi)?

Te Tiriti o Waitangi (the Treaty of Waitangi) is the founding document of New Zealand, signed in 1840 between the British Crown and Māori rangatira (chiefs). It is a central principle across New Zealand health education and clinical practice: it affirms the partnership between the Crown and Māori and underpins obligations around health equity and Māori self-determination (tino rangatiratanga). Both Auckland and Otago medical and dental curricula include Te Tiriti principles as a core learning area, and knowledge of the Treaty is routinely assessed in NZ medical admissions interviews.

waitangitribunal.govt.nz ↗

What is Hauora Māori?

Hauora Māori is a Māori philosophy of health and wellbeing encompassing four interconnected dimensions: taha wairua (spiritual), taha hinengaro (mental and emotional), taha tinana (physical) and taha whānau (family and social). Hauora underpins the health-as-holistic-wellbeing model in New Zealand public health and is central to the cultural component of both the MBChB curriculum and NCEA Health Education. Interview questions about NZ health equity often reference hauora as the alternative to a biomedical-only model of care.

What is Te Kauae Paraoa?

Te Kauae Paraoa is the University of Otago's equity admission framework for its Health Sciences professional programmes. Under the Mirror on Society policy — administered with the Te Kauae Paraoa approach for Māori and Pacific applicants — Otago aims for its health workforce to reflect the communities it serves, recognising equity groups including Māori, Pacific, rural-origin, low-socioeconomic and refugee-background applicants within the standard HSFY, Graduate and Alternative categories. Unlike Auckland, Otago does not run a separately branded MAPAS scheme.

What is cultural safety?

Cultural safety is an approach to health practice, originating in New Zealand nursing and coined by Irihapeti Ramsden, in which safety is defined by the recipient of care rather than by the practitioner. A culturally safe encounter is one in which the patient does not experience their cultural identity, social position or values being diminished, challenged or denied. MCNZ embeds cultural safety requirements in its competency standards. It is distinguished from cultural awareness and cultural competence by its patient-defined, power-aware framing.

What is Pasifika (Pacific Peoples in New Zealand)?

Pasifika (Pacific Peoples in New Zealand) is the collective term for New Zealanders with Pacific Island heritage, including Samoan, Tongan, Cook Islands Māori, Fijian, Niuean, Tokelauan and other Pacific communities. Pasifika peoples experience significant health inequities in New Zealand. Auckland FMHS's MAPAS scheme explicitly includes Pacific applicants, and Otago recognises Pacific students as an equity group under its Mirror on Society / Te Kauae Paraoa policy. Both schools aim to increase Pasifika representation in the medical and dental workforce.

Other (context & comparison)

What is CASPer at Auckland from 2028?

CASPer at Auckland from 2028 is the University of Auckland FMHS plan to replace UCAT-ANZ with CASPer as the non-academic assessment in its MBChB selection model. For entry years up to and including 2027, UCAT-ANZ remains the assessment used (weighted 15% at Auckland). Applicants should confirm the live model against the official Auckland FMHS admissions page for their intended year of entry, as the CASPer weighting has not yet been published.

What is MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery)?

MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery) is the naming used for the entry-level medical degree in the UK and at some Australian schools. New Zealand medical schools award the MBChB, not the MBBS. The degrees are functionally equivalent for registration purposes but the nomenclature differs. UK or Australian graduates holding MBBS qualifications may pursue registration with MCNZ via the overseas-trained doctor pathway.

What is the GAMSAT (Graduate Medical School Admissions Test)?

The GAMSAT (Graduate Medical School Admissions Test) is the graduate-entry admissions test used by most Australian graduate-entry MD programmes. It is not used by any New Zealand medical school — NZ graduate applicants sit UCAT-ANZ instead, until CASPer replaces it at Auckland from 2028. It is listed here for clarity only: GAMSAT scores from an Australian sitting cannot be used for NZ applications.

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Reviewed by Isaac Butler-King, medical student at the University of Glasgow. Last reviewed: 4 September 2026