Make a difference through collective action for a healthier world and Aotearoa.

The University of Otago's expertise in public health is nationally and internationally recognized.

Learn from inspirational teachers and explore aspects that influence health and health equity, such as housing, climate change, wealth distribution, policies, systems and power, and public health responses to them.

Public health is a diverse and vital area. Issues that influence public health are often changing and knowledge is constantly evolving.

Healthier environments, people, and communities

With a focus on the health of populations and communities, public health looks at how humans can prevent and control diseases, prolong life, and promote health.

Public Health involves collective action across sectors and disciplines with a strong focus on reducing ethnic and socioeconomic inequities in health.

You can study Public Health as a major in the three-year Bachelor of Health Sciences degree (BHealSc).

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.