Application for Admission to Health Sciences Professional Programmes, Division of Health Sciences, University of Otago

Health Sciences, University of Otago, New Zealand

Guidelines for Admission

Application for Admission to Health Sciences Professional Programmes for 2012

Dentistry
Medical Laboratory Science
Medicine
Pharmacy
Physiotherapy

You are required to read these Guidelines before submitting your application.

APPLICATION PROCESS 2012
MAIN CATEGORIES
SUB-CATEGORIES
DISCLAIMER

1 Application Process 2012

1.1 How to apply
You must complete an application form on-line (link below).

You may apply for more than one professional programme. Each professional programme has a separate Admissions Committee; all applications are assessed independently.

1.2 Declarations Form and Other Required Documentation
To complete and authenticate your on-line application you must sign, date and return the Declarations Form to the Health Sciences Admissions Office. Failure to provide the Declarations Form will result in your application being withdrawn.

You must also send certified photocopies of all other required documentation, such as those of academic achievement (transcripts), birth certificates, citizenship etc. to the Health Sciences Admissions Office. Do not send originals. The following people may witness documents as true copies of the original: Justice of the Peace, Kaumatua, District or High Court Official, Notary Public, School Principal or Guidance Counsellor, Solicitor, University administrative staff or a Liaison Officer of any University.

Supporting documentation should be single sided and either stapled or paperclipped (please avoid using folders).

For details regarding other Required Documentation, consult the appropriate checklist, available at the end of each Main Category of Admission Section.

1.3 Application Deadlines
The on-line application form must be submitted by 1 October 2011, 5pm NZST. The Declarations Form and other required documentation MUST also reach the Health Sciences Admissions Office by 1 October 2011, 5pm NZST.

Important Note

From 2012 (for entry in 2013 onwards) the closing date for application will be changing to:

15 September

The deadline for application under the Other Category for Medicine closed on 1 May 2011. For admission to Medicine under the Other Category in 2013 the application deadline will be 1 May 2012.

1.4 Enrolment/Registration

ALL applicants must enrol/register at the University of Otago.
Transferring – If you have previously studied at another university in New Zealand and have not previously studied at the University of Otago: Closing Date 10 December 2011.
Returning – If you have previously studied at the University of Otago: Closing date 15 January 2012.
For enrolment details visit www.otago.ac.nz, email university@otago.ac.nz or phone 0800 80 80 98 (within NZ) or 0064 3 479 7000.

1.5 Confirmation of Receipt of Application
After you submit your on-line application form, you will automatically receive an email confirming receipt of your application. This confirmation email will contain all details submitted and give you an application number. Once submitted, your details cannot be viewed or modified. However, if any of your information is incorrect or needs to be changed please contact the Health Sciences Admissions Office and quote your application number.

If you do not receive a confirmation email within 24 hours, please contact the Health Sciences Admissions Office.

IMPORTANT: Some free email accounts such as Hotmail and Yahoo may delete our emails as spam. We strongly recommend that you use your current University email account (if applicable) or another trusted email address to ensure that the email confirming receipt of your application reaches you.

The Division of Health Sciences will not be held responsible for any communication problems because of failure to provide an appropriate email address.

1.6 Outcome of Application
You will be advised of the outcome of your application by email no later than 11pm (NZST) on Friday 23 December 2011.

In order to ensure that the outcome of your application reaches you, your application form must include an email address that you will have access to around this time. The Division of Health Sciences will not be held responsible for any communication problems because of failure to provide an appropriate email address.

Given the short time frame between the release of examination results and Christmas, the Health Sciences Admissions Office will be extremely busy processing applications to ensure the outcome of your application is emailed out to you by 23 December 2011. Therefore, telephone calls to the Health Sciences Admissions Office may not be answered from 19 December 2011 – 6 January 2012.

However, if you have a question regarding your application, you are able to contact us at:

Health Sciences Admissions Office
Fax: 0064 3 479 5058
Email: health-sciences@otago.ac.nz
Postal: Health Sciences Admissions Office
P O Box 56
Dunedin 9054
New Zealand

All correspondence must include your application number.

The Health Sciences Admissions Office will be closed from 23 December 2011 – 6 January 2012.

1.7 Accepting or Declining Offers
Your Outcome of Application email will tell you:

if you have been offered a place or
if your application has been unsuccessful or
if you are on a waiting list for one or more of the professional programmes.

To accept your offer(s) you must complete an on-line response to offer. Details of how to access and complete this process will be included in your Outcome of Application email. Even if you do not wish to accept any offer made to you, you must still complete the on-line response to offer process.

The deadline for accepting or declining offer(s) to professional programmes for 2012 is 5pm (NZST) Wednesday 11th January 2012.

Please think carefully before making your decision; once you have declined an offer(s) there is no opportunity to have the offer(s) reinstated after 5pm (NZST) Wednesday 11th January 2012.

1.8 What is the Waiting List?
If your Outcome of Application email indicates that you have been placed on the Waiting List for a particular professional programme you will be contacted should a place in that professional programme become available. Waiting Lists are programme-specific and you may not ask to be included on any professional programme waiting list other than the one(s) specified in your email. You can be offered a place from a Waiting List right up to the time classes begin. Therefore, you must make sure that you continue your enrolment process for an alternative programme of study. You will be contacted by email shortly after 31 March 2012 to advise you when the Waiting Lists have officially closed.

1.9 Deferral of Entry
Deferral of entry may only be requested by successful candidates in the Competitive Graduate Category or Alternative Category who wish to complete current academic study (eg. an honours year) that in the opinion of the Admissions Committee will enhance a student's future study in the chosen professional programme to which they have been admitted.

Applicants must have their personal and financial affairs in order when they apply so that if their application is successful, they are able to take up a place at the start of the first semester.

1.10 English Language Requirements
Entry to the professional programmes is subject to candidates meeting a specified English language requirement prior to enrolment into any second year classes.

1.11 Citizenship/Residency Status
The Health Sciences Admissions Committees require all candidates applying for admission to second year professional programmes to fulfil the following residency and study conditions:

All applicants, other than International Students, must be resident in New Zealand and have New Zealand or Australian citizenship or permanent residency status at the time of application for admission to the professional programmes.

All applicants who meet the above conditions are referred to as Domestic Students.

1.12 International Students
International Students are defined as all those students who require a student visa to study in New Zealand. In any given year a limited number of places in the second year professional programmes may be available to International Students. To be eligible to apply for admission into a Health Sciences professional programme(s), International Students must have completed all necessary prerequisites at a minimum standard, which is determined on a yearly basis.

Should an International student’s residency status change prior to notification of the application outcome, he or she must notify the Health Sciences Admissions Office immediately and will have to compete for admission with other Domestic Students.

Before medical graduates can practise as a doctor in New Zealand they must register with the Medical Council of New Zealand and complete one year of supervised practice in a hospital. There are limited, if any, places available for International Students who will normally complete registration requirements in their home country.

For further information International Students should contact the International Office, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin, or email: international.admissions@otago.ac.nz.

1.13 Important Dates

On-line application closing date 1 October 2011
Oral Assessment/Interview held October/November 2011
University of Otago Enrolment Deadlines

Transferring: 10 December 2011
Returning: 15 January 2012

Outcome of Application emails sent out on 23 December 2011
Accepting or declining places closing date 11 January 2012
Health Sciences Admissions Office closed from 23 December 2011 – 6 January 2012.

2nd year start dates:

Dentistry: To be advised
Medical Laboratory Science: 27 February 2012
Medicine: 15 February 2012 Orientation session (compulsory attendance - no exceptions, failure to attend may result in loss of place)
Pharmacy: 27 February 2012. Camp dates 13th - 14th February 2012.
Physiotherapy: 27 February 2012 (camp dates TBA)

Students who fail to attend classes on the start date risk losing their place.

1.14 Health and Disabilities
Applicants with a health condition and/or disability that may affect whether or not they are able to meet the requirements of a programme or obtain professional registration should contact the Health Sciences Admissions Office or the University’s Manager of Disability Information and Support – www.otago.ac.nz/disabilities.

Health conditions include:

Physical conditions
Mental conditions
Psychological conditions

1.15 Criminal Offences
Applicants who have been charged with a criminal offence (including drink driving) must inform the Health Sciences Admissions Office. As some convictions may prohibit registration, applicants are advised to consult the regulations of the appropriate registering professional body:

Medicine www.mcnz.org.nz
Dentistry www.dentalcouncil.org.nz
Pharmacy www.pharmacycouncil.org.nz
Physiotherapy www.physioboard.org.nz
Medical Laboratory Science www.mlsboard.org.nz

1.16 Culturally-Sensitive Issues
All students must participate in laboratory, practical and clinical activities, including those that may be unusual in some cultures. In the professional programmes, some aspects of the teaching will require individuals to practise certain techniques on each other that may involve partially undressing or body contact with other students. Training occurs under close supervision and all students are required to participate, as it is essential for their acquisition of clinical skills.

1.17 First Aid Certificate
All candidates applying for entry into the Professional Programmes (Dentistry, Medical Laboratory Science, Medicine, Physiotherapy and Pharmacy) must provide the Health Sciences Admissions Office with a certified copy of an appropriate New Zealand First Aid Certificate.

Applicants must gain this qualification through a NZQA registered training provider who is authorized to assess NZQA first aid standards.

From January 2011, students can submit a First Aid Certificate which included NZQA standards 26551 and 26552. However until December 2013 a valid Certificate which meet NZQA standard 6400 will be accepted.

If unsure, please check with your provider that your intended course meets the above requirements

First Aid Certificates are required as part of your Professional Programme applications by 1 October.

Please be aware that first aid courses fill up quickly during the second semester. We recommend taking a course during the first semester.

The following website are useful for information on gaining a First Aid Certificate:

www.stjohn.org.nz - First Aid Level Two
www.redcross.org.nz - Comprehensive First Aid Course
www.meditrain.co.nz - Workplace First Aid

1.18 UMAT
All applicants in Dentistry, Medical Laboratory Science, Medicine and Physiotherapy must sit the Undergraduate Medical and Health Sciences Admissions Test (UMAT) to be eligible to apply for admission to these professional programmes.

New Changes to UMAT for 2012

From 2012 UMAT scores will only be valid for ONE year. For example, results from UMAT 2012 will be valid for application to enter Medical Laboratory Science, Medicine, Dentistry or Physiotherapy beginning in 2013 but not in 2014.

Please note that the change will not affect candidates who sat UMAT2011 under the previous policy. UMAT2011 Scores will still be accepted for courses commencing in 2013.

Further information can be found on the ACER Website

1.19 Oral Assessment / Interview
Oral Assessment/Interview is used as part of the selection criteria for admission to Dentistry and Physiotherapy. This is a structured interview process. All interviewees are given the same basic questions in the same order.

The Oral Assessment/Interview for University of Otago enrolled applicants will be held in Dunedin from 4 – 14 October 2011. Applicants from other Universities or applicants that are not currently enrolled at a University will be interviewed in Dunedin in mid-late November 2011.

Interviewees will normally be interviewed by one staff member and one community representative or lay person.

Interview topics are:

Motivation
Decision Making
Communication Skills

Interview scores will NOT be released.

1.20 Immunity Status
Because of the nature of their practice, health professionals are required to take steps to ensure they neither acquire infections from their patients nor transmit infections to patients.

All applicants who apply to the second year, or any subsequent year, of any of the Health Sciences professional programmes will be required to provide evidence of their serology status to the following infections:

Hepatitis B and C, measles, mumps, rubella and varicella.
Applicants will be expected to make arrangements with their local general practitioner to undertake serology (blood) tests, and vaccinations if required. In the case of both International and New Zealand-based students, the general practitioner visited must be New Zealand-based.
Those applying in the Second Year of University Study, Competitive Graduates or Alternative Categories are required to complete and include with their application the Immunity Status Form (Form D).

1.21 HIV-AIDS
To summarise the current policy of the University, students who recognise they are at particular risk of HIV infection have a responsibility to be tested for HIV infection. Students who test positive have a duty to seek and act on expert advice on occupational matters that may affect them and their patients.

1.22 Domestic Place Numbers
The maximum number of Domestic Student places available across all admissions categories for 2012 are:

Dentistry: 54
Medical Laboratory Science: 60
Medicine: 254
Pharmacy: 120
Physiotherapy: 120

1.23 Special Examinations

Applications from students sitting special examinations will be placed on hold until the special examination results are released. Once you receive your special examination results you must immediately advise the Health Sciences Admissions Office to ensure the processing of your application is completed. We do not receive special examination results automatically.

2 Main Categories

2.1 Entry from the University of Otago Health Sciences First Year (HSFY)

Please Note
As a returning student you must complete a University of Otago registration form for 2012 by 15 January 2012. Your first choice of programme should be noted as your programme of study for 2012 and your second choice should be entered in the alternative course field.

2.1.1 Dentistry

An applicant must pass all the papers prescribed for the HSFY programme and achieve with a B (70%) grade point average (GPA) or better, with no paper grade less than a B- (65%).

The total number of 2011 applicants that will be invited to undertake an Oral assessment/interviews will be 300. The main round of interviews will be held in Dunedin from 4 - 14 October 2011.

The final determining factor for selection for an applicant that has met all three admission criteria will be GPA.

2.1.2 Medical Laboratory Science

An applicant must pass all the papers prescribed for the HSFY programme and achieve a B (70%) grade point average (GPA) or better and have a current UMAT result.

2.1.3 Medicine

An applicant is required to achieve a B grade (70%) or better in all of the papers prescribed for the HSFY programme and a current UMAT result. Selection into Medicine is determined by a combination of an applicant’s grade point average (GPA) in HSFY (two-thirds weighting) and weighted UMAT result (one-third weighting).

UMAT Weighting for entry into Medicine:

Section 1 Logical Reasoning and Problem Solving 45%
Section 2 Understanding People 45%
Section 3 Non-Verbal Reasoning 10%

The final ranking cutoff scores will NOT be released.

Important note

When applying for Medicine a candidate may apply once only using this category (refer University of Otago Calendar 2012, page 613).

2.1.4 Pharmacy

An applicant must pass all the papers prescribed for the HSFY programme. Selection is competitive and based on the grade point average (GPA) achieved in HSFY.

2.1.5 Physiotherapy

An applicant must pass all the papers prescribed for the HSFY programme and achieve a B- (65%) grade point average (GPA) or better, normally with no paper grade less than a C (55%). Having achieved the academic threshold, selection is based on performance in UMAT and an Oral Assessment/Interview. The main round of interviews will be held the week beginning 10 October 2011. The final determining factor for selection for an applicant that has met all three of the admission criteria will be GPA.

2.1.6 HSFY Checklist

Completed on-line application form.
Signed and dated Declarations form.
Completed Immunity Status Form (if not already provided during the year), included as part of the HSFY information Manual booklet January 2011 with lab results attached (Form D).
Certified Copy of First Aid Certificate (all Programmes, Pharmacy and Dentistry previously exempt)
Mäori sub-category (Form A).
NZRPO sub-category (Form B).
New Zealand Rural Origins - Medicine only (Form C).
UMAT ID number (Dentistry, Medical Laboratory Science, Medicine & Physiotherapy).

2.2 Second Year of University Study

Please note
You must complete a University of Otago registration form for 2012. For details phone 0800 80 80 98.

Transferring – 10 December 2011
Returning – 15 January 2012

Applications for admission under the Second Year of University Study category will not be accepted from students currently enrolled in another professional programme, namely Dentistry, Oral Health, Dental Technology, Medical Laboratory Science, Radiation Therapy, Medicine, Pharmacy and Physiotherapy.

Unsuccessful applicants from the HSFY programme who have completed two or more years of full-time study at a university in New Zealand in the biological sciences, including the equivalent of the papers prescribed for the University of Otago's Health Sciences First Year Programme will be considered for entry into Dentistry, Medical Laboratory Science, Pharmacy and Physiotherapy. The Admissions Committees will count 126 points (7 papers) achieved in each year of study.

Students are advised that their second year of study should include at least 54 points at 200 level. Medicine does not accept applications from this category.

Specific details for admission to relevant professional programmes follow:

2.2.1 Dentistry

Applicants are required to have a minimum of a B (70%) grade point average (Otago equivalent). The second-year papers (200 level) should be in the broad category of biological sciences and must be approved by the School of Dentistry (health-sciences@otago.ac.nz ) at the beginning of semester one.

An applicant must have achieved a current result in all three of the UMAT sections at a threshold level determined annually by the Dental Admissions Committee, to proceed to Oral Assessment/Interview. The total number of 2011 applicants that will be invited to undertake an Oral Assessment/Interview will be 300.

The Oral Assessment/Interviews for University of Otago enrolled applicants will be held in Dunedin from the 4 – 14 October 2011. Applicants from other Universities or applicants that are not currently enrolled at a University will be interviewed in Dunedin in mid-late November 2011.

The final determining factor for selection for an applicant that has met all three admission criteria will be GPA.

2.2.2 Medical Laboratory Science

Applicants are required to have a of a B (70%) grade point average (Otago equivalent). The second-year papers (200 level) should be in the broad category of biological sciences and have a current UMAT result.

2.2.3 Pharmacy

Selection is competitive and based on the grade point average (GPA) achieved in both years of study.

2.2.4 Physiotherapy

Applicants are required to have a minimum of a B- (65%) grade point average (GPA). Having achieved the academic threshold, selection is based on performance in UMAT and an Oral Assessment/Interview. The final determining factor for selection for an applicant that has met all three of the admission criteria will be GPA.

The Oral Assessment/Interview for University of Otago enrolled applicants will be held in Dunedin from the 10 – 14 October 2011. Applicants from other Universities or applicants that are not currently enrolled at a University will be interviewed in Dunedin in mid-late November 2011.

2.2.5 Second Year of University Study Checklist

Completed on-line application form.
Signed and dated Declarations form.
Certified Copy of Academic Records (transcripts) – We do not require copies of Otago academic records. Result notification forms are not acceptable. Certified transcripts may be obtained from the Registrar of the relevant university. Final semester results will be obtained from your university by the Health Sciences Admissions Office in November. Failure by your university to release your final semester grades in time for Admissions Committees meetings may result in your application not being processed in the current year.
Immunity Status Form with lab results attached (Form D).
Certified Copy of First Aid Certificate (all Programmes, Pharmacy and Dentistry previously exempt).
Mäori sub-category (Form A).
NZRPO sub-category (Form B).
UMAT ID number (Dentistry Medical Laboratory Science and Physiotherapy).

2.3 Competitive Graduate

Please note
You must complete a University of Otago registration form for 2012. For details phone 0800 80 80 98.

Transferring – 10 December 2011
Returning – 15 January 2012

To gain entry in the Competitive Graduate category, applicants must have completed, in the minimum academic time and within three years of the date of application, the requirements of a first degree awarded by a university in New Zealand at an academic level to be determined by the Admissions Committees from year to year. All other applicants who have completed a degree and do not meet the above requirements are considered under the Alternative category (Dentistry, Medical Laboratory Science, Pharmacy, Physiotherapy) or the Other category (Medicine).

All applicants in the Competitive Graduate category are ranked on the basis of a score derived from the grades achieved in their first degree. Applicants who have completed an honours degree immediately following a first degree will have their honours grades included in the calculation.

No preference is given to degree qualification or major subject.

The score for candidates from each university in New Zealand is calculated from a numerical value assigned to the grades scored. This numerical value is then multiplied by the point value of the paper. Scoring is based on 126 points (for example, at Otago this is equivalent to 7 x 18 point papers) in each year of academic study.

It is to every applicant's advantage to ensure that each year of study is at least equal to an Otago 126-point course. A weighting factor is applied for each year of university study.

The weighting factors for a three-year degree see the first year score multiplied by 0.5, the second year score by 1.0 and the third year score by 1.5.

In addition to the above, specific details for admission to relevant professional programmes follow:

2.3.1 Dentistry

Applicants are required to have a minimum of a B (70%) grade point average (GPA) and have passed the HSFY papers (or equivalents).

The Oral Assessment/Interview for University of Otago enrolled applicants will be held in Dunedin from the 4 – 14 October 2011. Applicants from other Universities or applicants that are not currently enrolled at a University will be interviewed in Dunedin in mid-late November 2011.

The final determining factor for selection for an applicant that has met all three admission criteria will be GPA.

2.3.2 Medical Laboratory Science

Applicants are required to have a minimum of a B (70%) grade point average (GPA) and have passed the HSFY papers (or equivalents) and have a current UMAT result.

2.3.3 Medicine

Applicants must have obtained a pass in all of the HSFY papers (or equivalents) and have a current UMAT score that is at a threshold level determined annually by the Medical Admissions Committee.

Selection for applicants who reach the UMAT threshold is competitive according to score as described above.

Please be advised that from 2011 (for entry into second year Medicine in 2012)
the Medicine Competitive Graduate Category of Admission scoring process will be based on 7 papers (126 points equivalent to Otago) in each academic year of study. However, the third and/or final year of study will be scored using only those papers at 200 level or above.

Important note

When applying for Medicine a candidate may apply once only using this category (refer University of Otago Calendar 2012, page 613).

2.3.4 Pharmacy

Applicants must have passed all the HSFY papers (or equivalents). Selection is competitive according to grade point average (GPA) as described above.

2.3.5 Physiotherapy

Applicants are required to have a minimum of a B- (65%) grade point average (GPA) and have passed the HSFY papers (or equivalents) and have a current Undergraduate Medicine and Health Sciences Admissions Test (UMAT) result. Having achieved the academic threshold, selection is based on performance in UMAT and an Oral Assessment/Interview. The final determining factor for selection for an applicant that has met all three of the admission criteria will be GPA.

2.3.6 Competitive Graduate Checklist

Completed on-line application form.
Signed and dated Declarations form.
Certified Academic Records (transcripts) – We do not require copies of Otago academic records. Result notification forms are not acceptable. Certified transcripts may be obtained from the Registrar of the relevant university. Final semester results will be obtained from your university by the Health Sciences Admissions Office in November. Failure by your university to release your final semester grades in time for Admissions Committees meetings may result in your application not being processed in the current year.
Immunity Status Form with lab results attached (Form D).
Certified First Aid Certificate (all Programmes, Pharmacy and Dentistry previously exempt).
Mäori sub category (Form A).
NZRPO sub category (Form B).
New Zealand Rural Origins form - Medicine only (Form C).
UMAT ID number (Dentistry, Medical Laboratory Science, Medicine and Physiotherapy).

2.4 Alternative Categories

The closing date for the Other Category in Medicine was 1 May 2011. Admission for Medicine in the Other Category for 2013 will close on 1 May 2012. A separate application form will be available from the website in March 2012.

Those who do not meet the requirements for entry in any of the other main categories, namely the University of Otago Health Sciences First Year, Second Year of University Study or Competitive Graduates, may apply in this category.

2.4.1 Dentistry

To gain entry under the Alternative Category in Dentistry, a candidate must meet one or more of the following criteria:

be a graduate of a University in New Zealand more than three years ago
be a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent resident who has completed a degree at an overseas University.

All applicants to Dentistry in the Alternative Category must have passed the equivalent of all papers prescribed for the University of Otago Health Sciences First Year and have achieved a minimum academic standard determined by the Dental Admissions Committee, usually a B average (University of Otago equivalent) across all papers.

The final determining factor for selection for an applicant that has met all three admission criteria will be GPA.

2.4.2 Medical Laboratory Science, Pharmacy and Physiotherapy

To gain entry under the Alternative Category in Medical Laboratory Science, Pharmacy and Physiotherapy, a candidate must meet one or more of the following criteria:

be a graduate of a University in New Zealand more than three years ago
be a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent resident who has completed a degree at an overseas University.
have health related experience

In addition to the above, specific details for admission to relevant professional programmes follow.

2.4.2.1 Medical Laboratory Science

All applicants to Medical Laboratory Science in the Alternative Category must have passed the equivalent of all papers prescribed for the University of Otago Health Sciences First Year and have achieved a minimum academic standard determined by the Medical Laboratory Science Admissions Committee, usually a B average (University of Otago equivalent) across all papers and have a current UMAT result.

Applications will be considered from appropriately qualified laboratory scientists and technicians and others who have appropriate health-related experience with not less than five years in that profession, of which at least two years must have been in New Zealand. Applicants may be required to attend an interview.

2.4.2.2 Pharmacy

All applicants to Pharmacy in the Alternative Category must have passed the equivalent of all papers prescribed for the University of Otago Health Sciences First Year and have achieved a minimum academic standard determined by the Pharmacy Admissions Committee, usually a B average (University of Otago equivalent) across all papers.

Applications will be considered from Allied Health Professionals who hold a relevant tertiary qualification (e.g. a qualified Pharmacy Technician) and have completed not less than five years of full-time work in that allied health profession. Applicants may be required to attend an interview.

2.4.2.3 Physiotherapy

All applicants to Physiotherapy in the Alternative Category must have passed the equivalent of all papers prescribed for the University of Otago Health Sciences First Year and have achieved a minimum academic standard determined by the Physiotherapy Admissions Committee, usually a B- average (University of Otago equivalent) across all papers and have a current UMAT result.

Applications will be considered from candidates with health-related experience of not less than five years in that profession, of which at least two years must have been in New Zealand.

Applicants who reach the academic and UMAT thresholds will be offered an Oral Assessment/Interview.

There will be no further weighting based on grade point average (GPA). Eligible candidates will be ranked on the basis of UMAT and an Oral Assessment/Interview.

2.4.3 Alternative Categories Checklist

Completed on-line application form.
Signed and dated declarations form.
Curriculum Vitae.
Certified copies of Bursary Examination, Sixth Form Certificate and School Certificate. If unavailable, please provide as many details as possible.
Certified copy of academic records (transcripts) of all university study (including extramural and incomplete courses).
- Result notification forms are not acceptable. Certified transcripts can be obtained from the Registrar of the relevant university.
- Applications will not be processed if complete academic transcripts are not attached.
A Certified copy of your birth certificate or passport.
A short statement outlining the reasons for wanting to enter the course headed: “Statement of reasons for wanting to enter [the name of the programme]”. This must be on one A4 page and include your name.
Names, addresses and (if available) email contacts of three people who may be contacted for a confidential reference.
Certified copy of First Aid Certificate (all Programmes, Pharmacy and Dentistry previously exempt)
Immunity Status Form with lab results attached (Form D).
Mäori sub-category (Form A).
NZRPO sub-category (Form B).
UMAT ID number (Dentistry, Medical Laboratory Science and Physiotherapy).

3 Sub-Categories

3.1 Māori – Form A
Applicants wishing to be considered under the Māori sub-category must indicate this at the time of application by ticking the Māori sub-category box on the on-line application form and completing Form A.

Successful applicants from the Māori sub-category are required to attend a mihiwhakatau (greeting) at the start of classes in Dunedin. Whanau are welcome and encouraged to attend.

3.2 New Zealand Resident Pacific Origins (NZRPO) – Form B
Applicants wishing to be considered under the NZRPO sub-category must indicate this at the time of application by ticking the NZRPO sub-category box on the application form, completing Form B and attaching a certified copy of their birth certificate.

3.3 New Zealand Rural Origins - Medicine Only – Form C
The New Zealand Government has agreed to fund extra places in the Faculty of Medicine specifically focused towards those seeking medical careers in rural practice. Applicants wishing to have their New Zealand Rural Origins status (Medicine only) considered with their application must indicate this at the time of application by ticking the New Zealand Rural Origins sub-category box on the on-line application form and completing Form C.

In order to qualify as a New Zealand Rural Origins student, applicants must meet at least one of the following criteria:

Have undertaken a significant portion of their pre-secondary education whilst living in a rural area of New Zealand.
Have spent at least three years at a secondary school in a rural area of New Zealand.
Any reasonable interpretation of the above.

The New Zealand Government has determined that for the purposes of these clauses a rural area includes those towns in New Zealand with a population of 20,000 or less. Those applicants successful in gaining a place in Medicine under the New Zealand Rural Origins sub-category may be required to complete part of their training in a rural area within New Zealand.

Students will not be bonded after graduation nor will the inclusion of the rural training increase the length of the programme.

However, applicants will be given preference for selection in the Year 5 Rural Medical Immersion Programme should applicants apply for such a placement in the 5th Year of their studies. Please be advised that the situation may arise where students who selected the Rural Origins sub-category on their application for entry to Medicine will be required to participate in this Programme.

Applicants should read the appropriate regulations in the University of Otago Calendar or on the website: www.otago.ac.nz/courses/qualifications.

4 Disclaimer

The University of Otago makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information provided on its web pages. However the matters covered, including the availability and structure of courses, are subject to regular review and no warranty or representation can be provided regarding the accuracy of such information, and the University does not accept liability for any losses or damage arising directly or indirectly from reliance on the information.

While the University of Otago takes all due care in implementing the regulations, policies and procedures that relate to the admissions process, it reserves the right to correct any administrative errors that may occur.

Important Note

From 2012 (for entry in 2013 onwards) the closing date for application will be changing to:

15 September

Guidelines for Admission

Application for Admission to Health Sciences Professional Programmes for 2012

Table of Contents

1 Application Process 2012

2 Main Categories

2.1 Entry from the University of Otago Health Sciences First Year (HSFY)

2.1.1 Dentistry

2.1.2 Medical Laboratory Science

2.1.3 Medicine

2.1.4 Pharmacy

2.1.5 Physiotherapy

2.1.6 HSFY Checklist

2.2 Second Year of University Study

2.2.1 Dentistry

2.2.2 Medical Laboratory Science

2.2.3 Pharmacy

2.2.4 Physiotherapy

2.2.5 Second Year of University Study Checklist

2.3 Competitive Graduate

2.3.1 Dentistry

2.3.2 Medical Laboratory Science

2.3.3 Medicine

2.3.4 Pharmacy

2.3.5 Physiotherapy

2.3.6 Competitive Graduate Checklist

2.4 Alternative Categories

2.4.1 Dentistry

2.4.2 Medical Laboratory Science, Pharmacy and Physiotherapy

2.4.2.1 Medical Laboratory Science

2.4.2.2 Pharmacy

2.4.2.3 Physiotherapy

2.4.3 Alternative Categories Checklist

3 Sub-Categories

4 Disclaimer