Serving communities, creating solutions, impacting change.

By studying Pacific and Global Health at the University of Otago, you will grow a strong understanding of how global health issues impact developed and developing countries.

With a particular focus on Pacific peoples, you will learn more about New Zealand's diverse cultures and concepts of well-being, how human health has been impacted by historical and contemporary challenges, and learn and design positive solutions to improve the health and well-being of Pacific peoples.

Learn in an immersive environment

• Meet and learn first-hand from the community and global health leaders
• Learn by participating in various Pacific cultural practices
• Gain an understanding of holistic approaches to health and well-being
• Gain global strategies and perspectives on health and well-being, and use these to serve Pacific families and communities
• Celebrate and encourage diversity and inclusion in the learning environment

Specifically, you will learn:

• How to effectively engage with Pacific peoples and New Zealand's communities to develop and create positive solutions within the context of health care and its provision at a population level
• Historical, social, and cultural contexts to Pacific peoples and Zealand's people's health, as well as strategies for developing solutions that have a positive impact on the health and well-being of Pacific peoples
• How to apply Pacific belief systems, values, principles, and ethical approaches related to health
• How health challenges are approached in a global context in a variety of developed and developing countries
• How to develop meaningful and impactful solutions for addressing global health challenges that affect communities in developing countries

Note: The Bachelor of Health Sciences (BHealSc) is different from Health Sciences First Year (HSFY). 

BHealSc does not lead to entry into the professional Health Sciences programs.

If you are intending to apply for one of the Health Sciences professional programs based on your performance in your first year of study, you need to enroll in the Health Sciences First Year course.

• Academic Transcripts
• Educational Credential Evaluators report (ECE) (If required)
• Proof of your identity (Full name, date of birth, and nationality)
• Certified/notarised copy (passport or birth certificate)
• English Language Proficiency (If Available)

Undergraduate entrance requirements

The university recognizes many other qualifications as equivalent to the New Zealand qualification for entrance. 

To check if the university recognizes your previous studies, determine the country where you gained the qualification. Countries entrance requirements example:

China entrance requirements:

Senior High School graduation and one year of successful study at a recognized institution of university standing; 
Or Senior High School graduation and completion of a diploma with high passing grades at a recognized institute or university.

Students with the requisite scores in Gaokao may be given direct entry to bachelor degree programme.

India entrance requirements:

Minimum overall average of 75% in the All India Senior School Examination (CBSE) or Indian School Certificate Examination (CISCE) with a minimum of 70% in English.

The scores are calculated on the best four academic subjects excluding local languages and non-academic subjects.

Iran entrance requirements:

One year of successful study at a recognized institution of university standing, or successful completion of a University of Otago Foundation Year programme or equivalent.

The university also accepts the following international qualifications:

• International Baccalaureate: IB Diploma with a minimum of 24 points.
• Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) GCE Advanced Levels: minimum Numerical Score of 8.
• Northern Consortium United Kingdom (NCUK) International Foundation Year (IFY)
• Satisfactory completion of one year's study at a recognized tertiary institution.

Health Sciences – Recommended Background Subjects to Year 13: Biology, Statistics, Language-rich, Sciences, Chem, Health.

Pathway programme

Study in your chosen subject area and gain a university entrance qualification

The University of Otago Pathway programme offers a university entrance qualification within two 13-week semesters, called the Foundation Studies Certificate (FSC) for domestic and international students.