Study Nursing in New Zealand: Guide for International Students

While many people know New Zealand because of sports, the country focuses highly on education and healthcare, specifically nursing. Nursing is the largest regulated health workforce in New Zealand, forming over 50% of the regulated workforce population. This builds a strong foundation for students looking for a career in Nursing. So, let us see what studying Nursing in New Zealand can bring to the table and what are the intricate aspects associated with it.

Why Study Nursing in New Zealand

Nursing is a rewarding and challenging career that offers numerous opportunities to work in various settings and roles, such as community health, public health, geriatric medicine, or mental health. Here are some of the top reasons why you should study Nursing in New Zealand:

• You get to choose from different levels of education and practice scope, such as enrolled nurse, registered nurse, or nurse practitioner. This increases your chances of gaining practical knowledge.
• Nursing courses in New Zealand aim to produce graduates with strong academic and practical skills in all areas of nursing. This ensures you gain quality education and skills and can help you land a better-paying job compared to others.
• Most New Zealand universities are ranked in the top 3% of global universities. This further ensures that students will get a quality education.
• You can pursue further research opportunities and academic careers in nursing, as New Zealand has many institutions offering doctoral programs in nursing.
• You can attain a competitive advantage in the global healthcare job market, as New Zealand nursing qualifications are considered and respected internationally.
• The income prospects are decent in New Zealand, with the average annual salary going up to $75,000 (INR 3,807,498).

Cost of Studying Nursing Courses in New Zealand 

For undergraduate programs, overseas students may have to pay between $28,000 and $39,211. For international master's students, the annual fees range from $32,500  to NZ$50,564. While domestic students mostly pay lesser fees than international students, it is usually the same for PhD. The fees for a PhD range from NZ$6,500 to NZ$9,000.

Nursing Courses in New Zealand: Admission Requirements

The eligibility requirements to study nursing in New Zealand vary depending on the level and scope of practice you wish to pursue. Some general requirements are as follows:

1. To become an enrolled nurse, you must complete a Nursing Council-approved Diploma in Enrolled Nursing program (NZQA Level Five program) from a polytechnic or institute of technology.
2. To become a registered nurse, you must complete a Nursing Council-approved Bachelor of Nursing/Bachelor of Health Science program (NZQA Level Seven program) from a polytechnic, institute of technology, or university.
3. To become a nurse practitioner, you must:
   1. Be registered with the Nursing Council of New Zealand in the registered nurse scope of practice.
   2. Have a clinically focused master’s degree program approved by the Nursing Council of New Zealand or equivalent qualification.
   3. Pass a Nursing Council assessment of nurse practitioner competencies and criteria.
4. For internationally qualified nurses or New Zealand registered nurses without a current practicing certificate, you may need to complete a Competence Assessment Program (CAP) before beginning work in New Zealand.
5. You also need to meet the visa requirements of Immigration New Zealand (INZ), which may vary depending on your country and the purpose of your visit.

Top Universities for Nursing Courses in New Zealand 

Here are the top universities for nursing courses in New Zealand based on the QS Rankings:

Other universities where international students can pursue bachelor’s or master’s degrees in Nursing include Wintec University and Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology.

Career Prospects After Pursuing Nursing in New Zealand

Below are some high-paying jobs that nursing graduates can expect in New Zealand, along with their average annual salaries.

Source: Pay Scale, January 2024

Conclusion

Studying nursing in New Zealand offers a mix of challenging academics, diverse cultures, and opportunities to contribute to healthcare. Whether you want to be a nurse, specialize in a certain medical area, or do research, New Zealand provides a supportive and enriching learning experience.

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