Dear University of Otago,

I am writing under the Official Information Act to request data regarding students from the Rural Origins equity group who were admitted into the Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) and Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MB ChB) programmes for the 2025 cohort, via the Health Sciences First Year (HSFY) pathway.

Specifically, I would appreciate information on:

The number of Rural Origins students admitted into each programme (BDS and MB ChB),

The average and minimum GPA or score of those admitted under this equity category (for each programme),

Any available aggregate data on UCAT scores, interview scores (if applicable), or other relevant admissions metrics used in selection,

Comparative figures (general category averages) if available and not withheld under section 9(2)(a) of the Act.

I understand that personal identifying details will be withheld, but I am specifically seeking numerical data only to better understand admissions outcomes for applicants from rural backgrounds like myself.

Thank you in advance.

Yours faithfully,
A.J.