Graduate Certificate in Nursing
Course details
| NZQF Level | 7 |
|---|
About the course
This programme offers a wide range of short professional development courses designed for Registered Nurses working in today’s complex clinical environments. You can complete individual courses for professional development or combine 60 credits to gain the Graduate Certificate in Nursing.
New Zealand Registered Nurses can begin studying towards the Graduate Certificate as soon as they’ve completed their undergraduate nursing qualification.
Key highlights
Flexible study » Choose from fully online or blended options (face-to-face and online). Face-to-face content is delivered over three to five days at our Manawa campus near Christchurch Hospital. The programme is designed to be studied part-time.
Build clinical competence and confidence » Courses support the Nursing Council of New Zealand’s standards of competence and strengthen your skills in planning and coordinating complex patient care.
Choose your own pathway » Study individual courses (5-10 credits) as standalone professional development or complete 60 credits within six years to achieve the Graduate Certificate in Nursing.
2026 Schedule
Explore the 2026 schedule of courses and upcoming dates in the documents section.
Important information
This programme is intended for New Zealand Registered Nurses.
Online applications are not available for this programme. Please contact us and we’ll guide you through the enrolment process.
For programme details, study advice or course selection support:
Gayle Rose Graduate Certificate Programme Coordinator [email protected]
Kirsty Donaldson Head of Nursing/Portfolio Manager [email protected]
Entry requirements
Academic Requirements
This qualification is open to New Zealand Registered Nurses holding a current Practising Certificate issued by the New Zealand Nursing Council. Additional information is specified for some courses.
Alternative Requirements
Individual courses may, by request, be taken by other professionals with qualifications in a specialty area.
English Requirements
What if English is not my first Language?
Overall IELTS 6.0 Academic
- 5.5 Listening
- 5.5 Reading
- 5.5 Writing
- 5.5 Speaking
If English is not your first language, we want to make sure that you will be successful in your chosen programme of study.
- Please provide a result from a test or qualification on the acceptable alternatives
- English Proficiency Outcomes Chart.
- If you are a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent Resident, complete an Admission and Enrolment form and Ara will contact you regarding a free assessment.
- If you are not a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent resident, please book a PTE Academic test through the Ara Examination Centre or complete an NZQA-approved English language test in your home country.
- IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form and are valid for two years from the date of the test.
- What if I have achieved NCEA Level 3 University Entrance?
- You do not need to provide additional evidence of English Language skills.
About the provider
Ara Institute of Canterbury is recognised as one of New Zealand’s leading tertiary institutes. Specialising in applied, vocational and professional training, it offers more than 150 courses from foundation to postgraduate level.
Ara caters to a diverse range of learners; from school leavers and career changers to professionals wanting to upskill and individuals seeking to re-enter the workforce.
All Ara students benefit from the Ara Advantage: relevant courses, taught by inspirational mentors in real-life learning environments. Almost every Ara programme includes work-integrated learning. Work placements, apprenticeships, industry-based projects and internships ensure students are work-ready when they graduate.
Across its six campuses, Ara’s dedicated tutors and non-academic staff support students throughout their study journey. A comprehensive range of student services - such as financial assistance, learning support, health and wellbeing services, accommodation, childcare and student events – contributes to the success of every student.
It also has six additional small community hubs which deliver free digital upskilling and personal development courses.