Several educational institutions in New Zealand offer nursing programs accredited by the Nursing Council. Aspiring nurses choosing to study nursing in New Zealand can expect to be immersed in a healthcare environment that values quality, patient-centered care, innovation, and inclusivity. Nursing programs in New Zealand aim to provide students with a thorough theoretical understanding and practical hands-on experience. To guarantee that graduates are adequately equipped to fulfill the changing demands of the industry, the curriculum frequently incorporates the most recent developments in healthcare. Students gain a comprehensive understanding of healthcare practices by being exposed to a variety of clinical situations.
The nursing courses in New Zealand are available at both undergraduate and graduate levels. The undergraduate or bachelor’s courses in nursing last 3 years whereas the postgraduate or master’s level courses last 2 years. Upon completion of an undergraduate course in nursing, the graduates must pass the Nursing Council of New Zealand’s state examination to become a registered nurse to start practicing in the country. Graduates who wish to go for advanced roles in the field of nursing can pursue a master’s program in nursing for professional growth in the industry.
Overview of Study Nursing in New Zealand
| Number of universities | ~15 (source: New Zealand Nurses Organization) |
| Course levels | Undergraduate and postgraduate |
| Duration | 3 years (undergraduate) and 2 years (postgraduate) |
| Annual tuition fees for international students | NZ$35,000 to 65,000 |
Ranking of Best Universities for Nursing in New Zealand
| University Name | QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023: Nursing | Shanghai 2023 Global Ranking of Academic Subjects: Nursing |
| University of Auckland | 51-100 | 101-150 |
| University of Otago | 51-100 | 101-150 |
| Massey University | 101-150 | 101-150 |
| Auckland University of Technology (AUT) | 151-181 | 201-300 |
University of Auckland
This public research university in Auckland, New Zealand is one of the top universities in the country. The University of Auckland has a rich history dating back to 1883 and is one of the largest universities in New Zealand, spanning 6 campuses. It is the only university with both health science and engineering faculties. It is a member of Universitas 21, the Association of Pacific Rim Universities and Worldwide Universities Network.
The Medical and Health Sciences Department at the University of Auckland offers several programs in nursing–one undergraduate and 3 postgraduate programs. BNurs is an undergraduate program comprised of a foundation year and two core courses. BNurs(Hons) is for high-achieving nursing graduates who have already completed their Bachelor of Nursing course and want to enhance their skills. MNurs and MNSc are two postgraduate courses for nurses who wish to step up in their fields by advancing their knowledge and skills. All the nursing courses at the University of Auckland are approved by the New Zealand Nursing Council.
| Course Name | Duration | Annual Tuition Fees (International Students) |
| Bachelor of Nursing (BNurs) | 3 years | NZ$39,211 |
| Bachelor of Nursing (Honours) [BNurs(Hons)] | 1 year | NZ$50,564 |
| Master of Nursing
(MNurs) |
Varies | NZ$50,564 |
| Master of Nursing Science (MNSc) | 2 years | NZ$50,564 |
University of Otago
The University of Otago, a public research university founded in 1869, is the oldest in New Zealand and Oceania. It is ranked in the top 1% worldwide by the QS World University Rankings. The university has also achieved the highest possible rating of 5 Stars Plus in the QS global university performance ratings. The academic departments and schools at the University of Otago are divided into four divisions: Health Sciences, Humanities, Sciences, and Commerce. Students can choose from over 140 undergraduate and 200 postgraduate programs offered by the university. It hosts 3,000 international students from 100 countries around the world.
The Department of Nursing at the University of Otago is ranked in the top 100 nursing schools in the world. It offers a postgraduate course in nursing and other postgraduate diplomas and certificate courses. The Master of Nursing Science (MNSc) program is accredited by the New Zealand Nursing Council and the National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation in the USA. The course is taught at the Christchurch campus and follows a hybrid model of teaching and learning. Students will have access to the latest nursing research and technology and the Christchurch Simulation Centre where they can undertake 1,100 to 1,500 hours of clinical practice.
| Course Name | Duration | Annual Tuition Fees (International Students) |
| Master of Nursing Science (MNSc) | 2 years | NZ$47,095 |
Massey University
It is a government-funded multicampus university based in New Zealand. Originally founded as a small agricultural college in Palmerston North, the institution has grown to become the largest residential university in New Zealand. Massey University received its university status in 1964. The university is ranked at position 239 in the QS top 300 universities in the world and also has a 5+ star rating in the QS world university rankings.
The nursing programs at Massey University are ranked at position 101-150 in the 2023 QS subject rankings as well as the 2023 Shanghai subject ranking. It offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and certificate courses in nursing.
| Course Name | Duration | Annual Tuition Fees (International Students) |
| Bachelor of Nursing – BN | 3 years | NZ$35,840 |
| Nursing – Master of Health Science | 2 years | NZ$53,030 to 66,150 |
| Master of Nursing – MN | 2 years | NZ$53,030 to 66,150 |
Auckland University of Technology (AUT)
AUT or the Auckland University of Technology is a prominent and innovative institution of higher education in Auckland, New Zealand. Since its founding in 2000, AUT has become well-known for its dedication to delivering excellent education and promoting outstanding research. The university offers more than 250 undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including health sciences, business, arts, engineering, and more. AUT is well-regarded for its health sciences programs, including nursing and other healthcare-related fields. AUT is in the top 1% of universities worldwide and among the top 50 universities under 50 years of age, according to Times Higher Education.
AUT offers both undergraduate and graduate programs in nursing at its South Campus. The students enrolled for the Bachelor of Health Science (Nursing) must complete 1,200 hours of practical experience in hospitals and the community.
| Course Name | Duration | Annual Tuition Fees (International Students) |
| Bachelor of Health Science (Nursing) | 3 years | NZ$39,646 |
| Master of Nursing Science | 2 years | NZ$43,646 |
Admission Requirements to Study Nursing in New Zealand
Undergraduate
- High school education (International Baccalaureate Diploma, General Certificate of Education (GCE) Advanced Level, Cambridge International Examinations (CIE), etc.)
- English language proficiency test score (IELTS Academic 6.0-6.5, TOEFL iBT 80, Cambridge English Qualification B2, Pearson Test of English 50)
- Academic transcripts
- Student visa
- Personal interview
Postgraduate
- A bachelor’s degree in nursing or equivalent with a minimum grade average of B or a postgraduate diploma/certificate in nursing or equivalent
- Must have professional experience in a relevant nursing specialty (minimum of two years)
- CV
- English language proficiency test score (IELTS Academic 6.5-7.0, TOEFL iBT 90, Cambridge English Qualification C2, Pearson Test of English 60)
- Academic transcripts
- Student visa
- Personal interview
Career Options After Nursing in New Zealand
Nursing is a well-rewarding career in New Zealand. After completing a bachelor’s nursing program, graduates can register as nurses with the Nursing Council of New Zealand to become a registered nurse. However, they must pass the Nursing Council of New Zealand’s state examination to become a registered nurse. Graduates who seek advanced practice roles in the field of nursing can go for postgraduate master’s degree courses in nursing. The healthcare sector in New Zealand offers numerous options for professional growth and specialization. Some prominent career paths include
- Community nurse
- Gerontology nurse
- Advanced nurse practitioner
- Mental health nurse
- Nurse educator
- Intensive care nurse
- Nurse researcher
- Primary healthcare nurse
- Pediatric nurse
To become a registered nurse practitioner with prescribing rights in New Zealand one must be registered with the Nursing Council of New Zealand, have a minimum of four years of experience, completed a clinically focused master’s degree program or equivalent approved by the Nursing Council of New Zealand, and passed a Nursing Council assessment of nurse practitioner competencies. As per the statistics provided by the New Zealand Job Search, registered nurses in the country earn an average of NZ$59,834 to 83,186 per year.
Conclusion
The ongoing shortage of experienced and qualified registered nurses in New Zealand makes it an attractive destination for international students to study nursing. Students can choose to study nursing at several of the universities in the country. The most prominent ones and highly ranked on a global scale are the University of Auckland, the University of Otago, Massey University, and Auckland University of Technology (AUT). They offer courses at bachelor’s and master’s levels for international students. The welcoming and multicultural society of New Zealand provides an ideal backdrop for international students to study nursing in New Zealand. For more information kindly contact the admission experts at Gyanberry. They will assist you with your admission queries. To contact them book a video appointment.
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