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)