Bachelor

Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) is a five-year undergraduate medical degree that trains doctors to practise medicine in Papua New Guinea and the Pacific region. Year 1 is the Science Foundation Year, which prepares students in the basic sciences. Years 2 through 5 deliver an integrated, problem-based curriculum organised around five learning domains: Community Medicine (Public Health), Individual Medicine (Prevention, Diagnosis & Management), Professional and Personal Qualities & Skills, Critical Analysis & Information Management, and Life-Long Learning & Teaching Skills.

The program is community-oriented and emphasises independent learning. Students develop competencies in clinical reasoning, diagnosis, and management across all major body systems while building strong foundations in public health, research methods, and professional ethics relevant to PNG's health context.

The MBBS is jointly offered through UPNG and Pacific Adventist University. Annual intake is capped at 65 places across all categories.

Entry Requirements

Admission to the MBBS is highly competitive. Applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:

  • A GPA of 3.5 or above from the Science Foundation Year; or a higher GPA with a First Sciences Degree.
  • Non-school leavers must have a minimum of two years' relevant service experience.
  • Selection quotas apply: 50 places for UPNG, 5 for Pacific Adventist University, 5 for Pacific Island Universities, and 5 for non-school leavers.
  • All applicants must satisfy the University's general admission requirements and health clearance standards.

Career Opportunities

After completing the MBBS, graduates undertake a two-year residency at a major PNG hospital before qualifying for registration as a medical doctor. After residency, doctors may be posted to various hospitals across Papua New Guinea, establish a private practice, or work as a general practitioner (GP). Experienced doctors can apply for specialist training in fields such as surgery, paediatrics, obstetrics, internal medicine, or other clinical specialties.

Women are particularly encouraged to apply for the MBBS, as there is a significant shortage of female doctors in Papua New Guinea.

Course Structure

Year 2

  • 2.24601Community Medicine Year 2
  • 2.24602Individual Medicine Year 2
  • 2.24603Professional Skills Year 2
  • 2.24604Critical Analysis & Information Management Year 2
  • 2.24605Life-Long Learning & Teaching Skills Year 2

Year 3

  • 2.34601Community Medicine Year 3
  • 2.34602Individual Medicine Year 3
  • 2.34603Professional Skills Year 3
  • 2.34604Critical Analysis & Information Management Year 3
  • 2.34605Life-Long Learning & Teaching Skills Year 3

Year 4

  • 2.44601Community Medicine Year 4
  • 2.44602Individual Medicine Year 4
  • 2.44603Professional Skills Year 4
  • 2.44604Critical Analysis & Information Management Year 4
  • 2.44605Life-Long Learning & Teaching Skills Year 4

Year 5

  • 2.54601Community Medicine Year 5
  • 2.54602Individual Medicine Year 5
  • 2.54603Professional Skills Year 5
  • 2.54604Critical Analysis & Information Management Year 5
  • 2.54605Life-Long Learning & Teaching Skills Year 5

Course codes shown are indicative. Please contact the School directly for official course codes and credit information.