NZ Recommend Majors
Nursing
Bachelor of Nursing
Nursing
Bachelor of Nursing
Nursing programmes in New Zealand are designed to train future nurses with strong professional nursing knowledge while preparing skilled healthcare professionals for New Zealand’s fast-changing healthcare sector and advancing medical technology. Most universities align their curriculum with the Nursing Council of New Zealand registration requirements, supporting consistently high exam pass rates. Nursing in New Zealand offers strong employment prospects, competitive salaries, and stable career pathways. After graduation and successful employment, graduates may become eligible to apply for New Zealand permanent residency, making nursing courses in NZ a popular choice for international students.
Graduation Programmes
Auckland University of Technology – AUT (Auckland)
Bachelor of Health Science, Nursing Level 7 – 3 years
- IELTS overall 6.5 (each 6.5)
- 3-year Post-Study Open Work Visa
- Nurse
Ara Institute of Canterbury – ARA (Christchurch)
Bachelor of Nursing Level 7 – 3 years
- IELTS overall 6.5 (each 6.5, Listening 7.0) or English exemption programme
- 3-year Post-Study Open Work Visa
- Nurse
Waikato Institute of Technology – Wintec (Hamilton)
Bachelor of Nursing Level 7 – 3 years
- IELTS overall 6.5 (each 6.5, Listening 7.0) or English exemption programme or institution’s own test
- 3-year Post-Study Open Work Visa
- Nurse
Career Pathways After Graduation
In New Zealand, a wide range of healthcare facilities operate, including public hospitals, private hospitals, specialist hospitals, general clinics, and aged care nursing homes. For nursing in New Zealand, students who complete a 3-year Bachelor of Nursing and pass the Nursing Council of New Zealand registration examination can become a registered nurse in NZ and access strong employment opportunities across different hospital departments. As New Zealand employers often prefer nurses with practical experience, many graduates begin their careers in private clinics or aged care settings before moving into larger general hospitals. Through overseas nursing registration, New Zealand-registered nurses may also explore nursing career opportunities in Australia, the UK, and Canada.