We need your voice—right now—to make a real impact on New Zealand’s healthcare system. Share this petition with friends, family, and anyone who cares about equity in clinical admissions for our future healthcare professionals!

Why are we here:

The University of Auckland’s 2025 clinical admissions cycle has highlighted serious equity concerns in the allocation of Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) offers. Recent changes to the GPA calculation method for first-year applicants have unintentionally resulted in a sharp decline in graduate applicants receiving interviews, let alone admission. This is especially concerning given the historical importance of graduate students, who bring valuable experience, maturity, and diverse academic backgrounds to the clinical cohorts.

Clinical training is already one of the most challenging and competitive pathways in the country, yet these new limitations risk making entry appear unachievable for many capable students. The issue is compounded by a lack of transparency in how admission criteria and seat allocations are determined, leaving both pathways uncertain about their standing.

Students Advocating for Fair Clinical Admissions (SAFCA) is a student-led advocacy initiative committed to ensuring equity, fairness, and transparency in the clinical admissions process at the University of Auckland. We believe that all applicants—whether through the first-year pathway or the graduate pathway—should be assessed on a level playing field that reflects their effort, achievement, and potential as future clinicians. 

What this petition proposes to act on:

The establishment of separate applicant pools and ranking systems for first-year and graduate pathways, ensuring that both cohorts are assessed fairly within their respective contexts. 

• Designate a fixed number of seats for each entrant category in separate pools.
• Develop separate ranking metrics that reflect the strengths of each pathway.
• Define clear eligibility criteria for each pool.
• Regularly review the outcomes of these changes to ensure that they remain fair. 

Clear disclosure of seat allocations and admissions criteria across pathways to improve transparency, reduce uncertainty, and strengthen trust in the admissions process.

• Accessible documentation for entry requirements and historical admissions on the University of Auckland website.
• Regular student consultation, where admissions staff meet with students to provide answers and clarity.

Disclaimer:

SAFCA is an independent, student-run advocacy group. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or acting on behalf of the University of Auckland or any official professional body. Our sole intention is to raise awareness of structural inequities, foster constructive dialogue, and propose solutions that benefit all applicants fairly. We do not intend to defame, disparage, or harm any individual, group, or institution. 
This is in relation to general entry only, and by no means is it looking to change the way entrance schemes are assessed. 

For further updates:

Instagram: safca_2025 

Email: safca2025@gmail.com