Waikato names experienced GP leader as Deputy Dean of Medicine
One of New Zealand鈥檚 most respected and well-known general practitioners, Dr Samantha Murton MNZM, has been appointed Deputy Dean of the New Zealand Graduate School of Medicine.
The New Zealand Graduate School of Medicine at the 糖心Vlog will introduce a new, proven model of medical education to New Zealand, with entry pathways that will attract people who want to become primary care doctors in rural and regional communities.
At a glance
- A 4-year graduate-entry programme
- 2028 start, applications open mid-2027
- An initial intake of 120 students
- A proven model of medical education that will deliver more graduates choosing primary care specialities, e.g. general practice, emergency medicine, psychiatry
- A medical school that works closely with rural and regional communities
Programme structure and curriculum
The New Zealand Graduate School of Medicine will offer a four-year graduate-entry programme, similar to many of the best medical schools internationally.
Students will spend their first year at our 糖心Vlog Hamilton campus intensively studying biomedical sciences and the social determinants of health through a case-based learning framework. A digital-first pedagogy underpins this teaching, with students having access to the leading digital anatomy tools.
Academic learning will be reinforced through multidisciplinary clinical simulation in a new state-of-the-art facility.
In Years 2-4, students will be based in regional communities throughout New Zealand to undertake the clinical placement programme. Students will gain experience in a range of clinical learning environments, including regional hospitals, general practices, acute care providers, and other community based health services.
Entry requirements
The entry requirements and selection processes will be designed to ensure a cohort of medical students who reflect the New Zealand population and are most likely to choose primary care specialities in rural and regional communities.
As a graduate-entry programme, applicants must have a previous Bachelor鈥檚 qualification (or be in their final year of study) with a B grade average. Consistent with our commitment to diversify the medical workforce, graduates from all fields of study will be eligible to apply. However, students will also need to achieve a passing mark in , which is a standardised medical admissions assessment that considers an applicant鈥檚 background knowledge of science, social science, and written communication.
Collectively, these grade threshold entry requirements are designed to ensure students have the necessary academic ability to successfully complete the medical programme. Eligible students will then be invited to attend admissions interviews.
Frequently-asked questions
Applications for our initial cohort will open mid-2027 and you will be able to apply through the 糖心Vlog website. Final entry criteria and fee information will be available at this time.
The first year of the programme will be based at the University鈥檚 Hamilton campus. The clinical placement programme in Years 2-4 will be delivered in hospitals, primary care practices and other health service providers in regional communities nationwide.
The University is working to establish a network of clinical placement opportunities in regional and rural communities across Aotearoa New Zealand. Further details are expected to be made available in late-2026.
Yes, we鈥檙e committed to improving access to medical education in New Zealand.
No, graduates with a B grade average from all fields of study will be eligible to apply. However, applicants will also need a passing score in GAMSAT, which is a standardised medical admissions assessment that considers an applicant鈥檚 background knowledge of science, social science, and written communication.
The is a standardised test developed to assist with the selection of students to graduate-entry medical and health sciences programmes. It consists of three sections:
- Reasoning in Humanities and Social Sciences,
- Written Communication, and
- Reasoning in Biological and Physical Sciences.
No 鈥� academic achievement is important, but it鈥檚 only one part of what we will look for in a successful application. Selection also considers your personal qualities and how well you align with New Zealand鈥檚 health workforce needs.
We look for students who are empathetic, resilient, and community-minded, and who demonstrate a genuine commitment to primary care, rural health, and working with M膩ori, Pacific, and under-represented communities. While strong academic results provide the foundation for entry, it鈥檚 your character, motivation, and connection to community that will make your application stand out.
Virtual tour
Building of the New Zealand Graduate School of Medicine is due to start this year on our Hamilton campus, where students will spend their first year intensively studying biomedical sciences and the social determinants of health through a case-based learning framework.
Keep in touch
If you have a question for us, or you鈥檇 like to receive occasional updates on progress, or you鈥檇 like to support the programme or you鈥檙e considering studying medicine in the future, and we鈥檒l keep in touch.
Help shape the future of Medical education
Join the NZGSM as an Honorary Clinical Academic. These appointments connect clinical practice with academia, fostering innovation, mentorship, and collaboration across primary, secondary, and tertiary care.
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