This article will focus on what all international students need to know when looking to study dentistry in New Zealand. We aim to inform you about entry requirements, fees, application procedures, deadlines, and more.

OVERVIEW

There is a limited number of universities that provide a course in dentistry taught at an undergraduate level. One of the best choices is the university of Otago which teaches a Bachelor of Dental Surgery.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

• You need to score an A/A* in all three of your A-levels. At least two of these subjects should be in science, mainly biology or chemistry. The third should be but doesn’t have to be in physics or maths.
• If you come from a non-English speaking country, you will need to prove your English language proficiency. There are several tests you can take for this; the most famous ones are IELTS or the TOEFL. If you take the IELTS, the University of Otago requires you to score at least 6.0, with no less than 5.5 in each section. If you take the internet-based TOEFL test you will need to score at least 80, and if you take the paper-based one you will need to score at least 550 points.
• If you come from an English country, like England, you will need to have scored at least a C in English language and English literature.

ENTRANCE EXAM

• In New Zealand, you’ll most likely either have to take and pass the GAMSAT or the UCAT ANZ, in order to be accepted onto a dentistry course. These exams test your scientific knowledge, problem solving skills, writing skills and critical thinking skills. The GAMSAT costs around £300, or £270 if you take it in the UK. The UCAT ANZ costs around £200, or £300 if you take it abroad.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

In most cases you will be able to apply directly to the universities website. The documentation you will be asked to provide include:

• A copy of your passport
• Evidence of your grades and other academic achievements
• As mentioned previously, if you come from a non-English speaking country you will also need to provide evidence of your English proficiency.
• One or two reference letters
• A letter of motivation
• Evidence of how you will be paying for the tuition (i.e., bank statements)

APPLICATION DEADLINE

Depending on when your course starts you will either need to apply between October and December, or March and early July.

FEES FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

As an international student in New Zealand, you should expect to pay between £11,000 and £17,000.

SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

The New Zealand government provides a scholarship for international students studying in New Zealand. This scholarship with fully cover the student’s tuition fees. You will also receive about £260 to cover living expenses.

We hope this article came in handy when deciding if New Zealand is the right choice for you. If you would like to read up on other countries, please don’t hesitate to check out our other work on this topic.