Otago Health Sciences
First Year
HSFY is the principal entry pathway to the University of Otago MBChB and BDS programmes — seven compulsory papers where selection is decided almost entirely on academic rank. Here is how the papers, rank calculation, UCAT-ANZ gate and competitive score ranges actually work.
7
Prescribed Papers
65%
Minimum Average
95+
Competitive Target
What is HSFY?
A purpose-built gateway year offered only at the Dunedin campus — not a standard first year of a degree.
HSFY is a dedicated full-year programme that feeds into the health professional programmes (MBChB, BDS, BPharm and others). You enrol in HSFY as your full-time study load and complete all 7 compulsory papers across two semesters. An optional 8th paper is available in Semester 2, but it does not substitute for any of the 7 prescribed papers.
There are no secondary school subject prerequisites mandated for HSFY admission — you simply need to meet Otago's general undergraduate entry requirements. That said, strong Year 13 Biology, Chemistry and Physics is widely regarded as essential preparation for the content demands.
HSFY is offered only in Dunedin. If you want to stay in Auckland, this is not your pathway — see the NZ medical school pathway guide for the Auckland First Year comparison.
The 7 prescribed HSFY papers
The 7 compulsory papers you must complete in HSFY. All are required for MBChB and BDS eligibility, and all count equally toward your rank.
Biochemistry
Molecular biology, metabolism, enzyme kinetics and cell biochemistry.
Cell Biology
Cell structure and function, cellular signalling and genetics.
Chemistry
General and organic chemistry foundations relevant to biological systems.
Human Body Systems 1
Anatomy, histology and physiology — first semester.
Human Body Systems 2
Anatomy, histology and physiology — second semester.
Physics
Biomedical physics underpinning medical imaging and physiology.
Population Health
Epidemiology, public health, equity and NZ health systems.
Source: University of Otago HSFY papers page. Verify current paper codes at otago.ac.nz each cycle, as occasional updates are made.
Academic rank calculation
Your selection rank is the average of your best 7 paper scores on a 0–100 scale — papers are weighted equally, with no bonus for any one subject.
Eligibility thresholds
- Pass all 7 prescribed papers with a minimum average mark of 65%.
- Have no mark below 60% in any prescribed paper at first attempt.
If you take the optional 8th paper, only your best 7 scores are used — it cannot hurt your rank but may improve it by displacing a weaker result.
Approximate offer range for the 2026 cycle (0–100 scale, from OIA-released data).
Approximate range for rural-pathway offers; 27 domestic students accepted via this sub-pool.
These ranges are derived from OIA-released data and are approximate — they vary year to year and are not officially published cut-offs. Plan to target 95+ for the general pool.
UCAT-ANZ at Otago HSFY
For Otago MBChB, UCAT-ANZ is a pass/fail threshold only — clearing it adds nothing to your rank, but missing it makes you ineligible regardless of your academic score.
2026 threshold
- Verbal Reasoning: at or above the 20th percentile.
- Situational Judgement Test (SJT): above the 10th percentile.
UCAT-ANZ is not required for international HSFY applicants, and not required for Otago BDS (removed from the 2025 intake onwards).
HSFY for BDS (dentistry)
BDS and MBChB both use HSFY as the primary entry pathway, but selection differs in important ways.
| Factor | MBChB | BDS |
|---|---|---|
| UCAT-ANZ | Required (threshold gate) | Not required (removed from 2025 intake) |
| Interview | No interview (HSFY / Graduate categories) | Yes — Zoom interview (~350 invitations per cycle) |
| Selection method | Academic rank only (after UCAT gate) | Academic score + interview (weighting not published) |
| Cohort size (approx.) | ~317 domestic per year | Not separately published; set annually by Council |
| Clinical years location | Dunedin, Christchurch or Wellington (Years 4–6) | Dunedin only (Years 2–5) |
If you are applying for BDS only, you do not need to sit UCAT-ANZ. If you apply for both in the same cycle, you sit UCAT-ANZ for MBChB but it does not affect your BDS selection.
HSFY vs Auckland First Year
Often the most important strategic decision for school-leavers. There is no universally correct answer — it depends on your strengths, location and risk tolerance.
Otago HSFY suits you if…
- You are a highly consistent exam performer.
- You prefer a purely academic selection (no interview at this stage).
- You are comfortable relocating to Dunedin for the year.
- You accept clinical years assigned to Dunedin, Christchurch or Wellington.
Auckland First Year suits you if…
- You perform well under both academic and communicative pressure.
- You want to remain in Auckland.
- You are a strong verbal communicator.
- You are eligible for and interested in MAPAS or RRAS.
You can apply to both, but it is logistically complex. Note the test prep differs too — Otago uses UCAT-ANZ as a pass/fail gate; Auckland weights it 15%. See the full comparison in the NZ medical school pathway guide.
Common HSFY pitfalls
The mistakes that quietly cost places, even for strong students.
Treating 65% as the target
65% is the minimum to stay in the selection pool — not a competitive score. Offers in the general pool typically go to 93–99. Aim consistently above 90 in every paper.
Failing to meet the UCAT threshold
Even a 99-average student is ineligible for MBChB if they miss the UCAT Verbal Reasoning 20th-percentile gate. Sit UCAT-ANZ seriously and prepare properly.
Underestimating POPH 192
Population Health is equally weighted with the science papers. Students who focus only on the sciences let a weak POPH result pull their average below the competitive range.
Missing paper-specific thresholds
A single paper below 60% at first attempt removes you from MBChB eligibility for that cycle — even with a 65%+ average. There is no in-year retake. Study all 7 consistently.
Ignoring the branch-campus assignment
After entry to MBChB you are assigned to Dunedin, Christchurch or Wellington for Years 4–6 — you cannot choose. Factor this into your school decision at the outset.
HSFY application timeline
Key dates across the HSFY year (based on the 2026 cycle — verify with Otago each year).
- 1Before HSFY
Enrol at the University of Otago and complete secondary qualifications meeting general undergraduate entry requirements.
- 2March (HSFY year)
Register for UCAT-ANZ — registration typically opens in March for the July test window.
- 3July (HSFY year)
Sit UCAT-ANZ.
- 41 July
MBChB and BDS applications typically open.
- 5~13 August
HSFY application deadline (MBChB and BDS), including UCAT-ANZ results for MBChB.
- 6September–October
BDS shortlisted applicants invited to a Zoom interview.
- 7~18 December
Offer notifications from both the MBChB and BDS programmes.
Frequently asked questions
Related NZ guides
Get into Medical School NZ
Complete front-door guide including the HSFY vs Auckland First Year comparison.
NCEA / Cambridge / IB credentials
Rank-score calculation and equivalency for NZ secondary qualifications.
Otago dental school guide
BDS entry, interview and fees at New Zealand’s only dental school.
NZ vs Australia medicine
Compare pathways, tests, fees and equity schemes across both countries.
Get help with your HSFY strategy
One-to-one coaching for UCAT-ANZ preparation, HSFY paper prioritisation and — if you are applying for BDS — Zoom interview preparation.