The number of Maori students enrolled in the School of Medicine at Otago University has more than doubled in recent years.
The university is putting the rise it down to the Tu Kahika course to help students qualify to study health science and Te Whakapuawai, which began supporting Maori students through health science in 2011.
Division of Health Sciences Associate Dean Maori Jo Baxter says since then, the number of Maori who have passed health science and gained entry into the School of Medicine has more than doubled to 45.
Ms Baxter says the rise has been seen across other health professionals too and notes Maori students are performing well overall.
Meanwhile, the Medical Council's latest workforce survey shows the number of Maori working as doctors is remaining stubbornly low, at 2.9%.
