Bachelor of Nursing

Academic requirements

You must have completed at least one of the following:

• Achieved University Entrance:
  • 3 subjects – at NCEA Level 3 or above, made up of 14 credits each, in three approved subjects
  • Literacy – 10 credits at NCEA Level 2 or above, made up of 5 credits in reading and 5 credits in writing
  • Numeracy – 10 credits at NCEA Level 1 or above, made up of Achievement standards – specified achievement standards available through a range of subjects, or Unit standards – package of three numeracy unit standards(26623, 26626, 26627 – all three required)
  • A minimum of 12 credits at NQF Level 2 or higher from one science subject (Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Science)
  • All applicants must provide evidence that they have the necessary English language proficiency required for the Programme as demonstrated by the equivalence of 10 credits at NCEA Level 2 or above, made up of 5 credits in reading and 5 credits in writing 
• ​Successful completion of the Certificate of University Preparation with a minimum of 60% in Foundation Human Bioscience.

• University Entrance Literacy: 10 credits at Level 2 or above in English or Māori (5 in Reading, 5 in Writing); or
• Evidence of English language proficiency as outlined in the NZQA Rules on the Unitec English Language Requirements for International Students Web-page.

Don’t meet these Academic requirements?

• If you don’t meet the academic criteria, our Bridging Education Programmes can help you qualify. Apply online, and we’ll be in touch about your next steps.
• If you don’t meet the above criteria, special or discretionary admission may apply; your eligibility will be determined at the interview. 

Non-academic requirements

• Two forms of ID and evidence of any name changes if applicable (these should confirm that you are, or will be, 16 years old at the start of the programme);
• A personal statement describing why you’re passionate about nursing and any life experiences that might enhance your application;
• A self-declaration of medical conditions;
• Consent to a safety check as set out in the Children’s Regulations 2015, which includes:
  • Completion of an NZ police vetting form;
  • The names of two referees whom Unitec or your placement provider can contact (if applicable);
  • A CV showing a chronological summary of your work history for the past 5 years and the name of any professional organisations, licensing authorities, and registration authorities that you have been or are a member of (if applicable).

When you receive an offer of place:

1. Attend a face-to-face interview;
2. Complete or provide a current First Aid certificate from an OSH-approved source (a requirement for clinical placements). Find out more about Unitec's First Aid course here;
3. Meet various Health Authority requirements, including providing evidence of immune status;
4. If you have studied an undergraduate nursing programme at another New Zealand tertiary provider, you must submit a confidential report from the institution from which you are transferring;

Note on referees: One referee needs to be an employer where you have worked with the public, and one from a teacher (or similar) who can discuss your character.

For more information, download the programme regulations (PDF 540 KB)

Academic requirements 

Applicants must be at least 16 years of age when they begin their studies, and they should meet the country-specific admission requirement or have completed one of the following:

And English entry requirements;

​If English is not your first language, you will also need at least one of the following qualifications:

• IELTS (Academic) with an overall score of 6.5 with minimum band scores of 6.5 in speaking, reading, writing, and listening – we have an IELTS Preparation short course available, as well as an IELTS test center on-campus;
• Completion of the New Zealand Certificate in English Language (Level 5); or
• Completion of tertiary study, Bachelor's degree or higher, with English as the language of instruction from providers in New Zealand, Australia, Canada, the Republic of Ireland, South Africa, the United Kingdom, or the United States; or
• University Entrance Literacy: 10 credits at Level 2 or above in English or Māori (5 in Reading, 5in Writing); or
• Evidence of English language proficiency as outlined in the NZQA Rules on the Unitec English Language Requirements for International Students Web-page.

Don’t meet these Academic requirements?

• If you don’t meet the academic criteria, our Bridging Education Programmes and English Language programmes available can help you qualify. Apply online, and we’ll be in touch about your next steps.
• If you don’t meet the above criteria, special or discretionary admission may apply; your eligibility will be determined at the interview. 

Non-academic requirements

• Two forms of ID and evidence of any name changes if applicable (these should confirm that you are, or will be, 16 years old at the start of the programme);
• A personal statement describing why you’re passionate about nursing and any life experiences that might enhance your application;
• A self-declaration of medical conditions;
• Consent to a safety check as set out in the Children’s Regulations 2015, which includes:
  • Completion of an NZ police vetting form;
  • The names of two referees whom Unitec or your placement provider can contact (if applicable);
  • A CV showing a chronological summary of your work history for the past 5 years and the name of any professional organisations, licensing authorities, and registration authorities you have been or are a member of (if applicable).

When you receive an offer of place:

1. Attend a face-to-face interview;
2. Complete or provide a current First Aid certificate from an OSH-approved source (a requirement for clinical placements). Find out more about Unitec's First Aid course here;
3. Meet various Health Authority requirements, including providing evidence of immune status;
4. If you have studied an undergraduate nursing programme at another New Zealand tertiary provider, you must submit a confidential report from the institution from which you are transferring;

Note on referees: One referee needs to be an employer where you have worked with the public, and one from a teacher (or similar) who can discuss your character.

For more information, download the programme regulations (PDF 540 KB)