The University of Otago offers a range of Health Sciences undergraduate professional programmes (HSUPP). Each professional programme has specific entry pathways. Most offer entry through Health Sciences First Year (HSFY), as well as Graduate and Alternative categories. Some programmes also allow entry directly from secondary school or after one or more years of university study. These programmes are designed for students aiming for professional registration in health-related careers such as dentistry, medicine, pharmacy, physiotherapy, and related fields.
Programme entry pathways:
- Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) – HSFY, Graduate, Alternative
- Bachelor of Dental Technology (BDentTech) – Secondary School, One Year of University Study, Two or More Years University Study, Graduate, Alternative
- Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science (BMLS) – HSFY, Two or More Years University Study, Graduate, Alternative
- Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MB ChB) – HSFY, Graduate, Alternative (Alternative for domestic students only)
- Bachelor of Oral Health (BOH) – Secondary School, One Year of University Study, Two or More Years University Study, Graduate, Alternative
- Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm) – HSFY, Two or More Years University Study, Graduate, Alternative
- Bachelor of Physiotherapy (BPhty) – HSFY, Two or More Years University Study, Graduate, Alternative
- Bachelor of Radiation Therapy (BRT) – Secondary School, One Year of University Study, Two or More Years University Study, Graduate, Alternative
Applicants are assessed under the pathway that best fits their academic background and previous study. Consult the Guidelines for Admission for your chosen programme to confirm eligibility requirements and required supporting documentation.
Equity pathways
The Health Sciences Professional Programmes at the University of Otago promote equity by supporting applicants from under-represented groups. Equity groups include Māori, New Zealand Resident Indigenous Pacific Origins (NZRIPO), Socioeconomic, Refugee Background, and New Zealand Rural Origins. Each group has specific eligibility criteria and requires supporting documentation, such as verified ancestry, school information, or evidence of residency. These equity pathways are supported by the Admissions Policy for Health Professional Programmes, which aims to improve health outcomes by fostering a health workforce that reflects the communities it serves.
Refer to the specific programme page for full details:
Guidelines for admission to Health Sciences professional programmesApplication dates and changes
In 2025, applications for HSUPP opened on 1 July and closed on 14 August for entry in the following year. While the opening date will be on 1 July every year, the closing date will change each year and will always be on a Thursday. Check application dates carefully, as late applications are not normally accepted.
The exception to this is for the "Alternative" entry category for Medicine, which is open for applications between 1 April and 1 May for entry in the following year.
You are also encouraged to review any published admission changes before applying, including updates to prescribed courses, scoring methods for certain admission categories, or testing requirements, as these may affect eligibility or selection.
If you need to amend an already-submitted application before the closing date, contact AskOtago.
Course advice and planning
Seek course advice if you wish to discuss which programme is right for you. Course advice and degree planning support is available to both future and current students through Student Development and Schools' Liaison teams. Advisers can help you:
- Understand programme and entry pathway options
- Plan a first year or longer-term degree structure
- Decide whether a Health Sciences professional programme aligns with your goals
- Understand alternative study pathways if your plans change
Advice is available year-round, including before you apply. You can book appointments, attend drop-in sessions, or request advice remotely if you are unable to visit campus:
Course advice for new and returning studentsCourse approval and enrolment
Course approval for many HSUPP is an automated process and is due to begin in eVision from 15 December 2025. If you are new to the programme, you will need to have accepted an offer of place in the programme first. The final stage to enrolment is the Declaration, which will be available from 1 January 2026. You will receive an alert in eVision at each stage of your course approval with guidance on what to do next.