About the course

Kick-start your career and move into nursing. Join an intensive programme committed to excellence.

Broaden your skills for a rewarding profession

Nurses work in partnership with people and whānau across diverse health settings, responding to the evolving healthcare needs of our diverse communities.

The Master of Nursing Practice is a graduate-entry programme for degree holders from any discipline. It leads to registration with the Nursing Council of New Zealand and opens the door to a meaningful career as a registered nurse in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Scholarships

You can apply for a postgraduate scholarship offered by the University to help fund your studies.

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Meet the skills shortage

There is a global shortage of highly skilled healthcare professionals, and New Zealand is no exception. Meet the challenge by acquiring the skills to become a registered nurse, and help meet the needs of this vital sector.

When you complete the MNursPrac, you’ll be eligible to sit the Nursing Council of New Zealand’s State Final Examination to become a registered nurse in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Gain a Master’s degree and kick-start your career

This intensive nursing programme builds on your skills and knowledge. You will engage in 1,100 hours of clinical practice, allowing you to develop clinical competence and acquire skilled nursing knowledge.

Our degree focuses on three pillars that underpin the curriculum and lead to safe, competent, and effective nursing practice. These pillars are

a commitment to care
a commitment to nursing scholarship
a commitment to the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

Our programme is based on the concepts of mahi tahi (partnership) and whai wāhi (participation), so you’ll be supported for the best possible start to your career.

Scholarships for international students

We are currently offering a NZ$10,000 VUW Postgraduate International Scholarship to all eligible international students enrolling in a Master’s degree or Postgraduate Diploma programme. Your scholarship will be processed automatically when your programme application is accepted, and the amount will be deducted from your tuition fees.

The study experience

You’ll be part of a small cohort of students who journey together through the degree. Your time will be spent between block style classes (condensed into a few days at a time), tutorials, and clinical learning experiences with health care providers, under the supervision of a registered nurse. The principles of Tuakana-Teina will be used to support both your academic and clinical development.

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Entry requirements

Domestic entry requirements

A Bachelor’s degree with an average grade of at least B+ in the final year of study

English language requirements

You may also be required to demonstrate your proficiency in English.

About the provider

Victoria University of Wellington, full name Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, was founded in 1897 and is one of New Zealand’s largest and most prestigious universities. The University is located in the heart of New Zealand’s vibrant capital city and its three city campuses are all within easy walking distance of one another, as well as local attractions, shopping districts, and cafés.

The University’s central location gives students access to a variety of national organisations in the areas of business, government, politics, culture and heritage, the arts and filmmaking industry, as well as the science and technology communities. Wellington is a compact city where students can easily explore nature trails, beaches, galleries, museums, and events. It is multicultural, safe, friendly, and has a reputation for great food and coffee—it regularly ranks as one of the world’s most liveable cities.

Victoria University of Wellington at a glance

Top 1% of the world's universities for research quality and teaching
170+ subjects
20 undergraduate programmes and 180 postgraduate programmes
40+ research institutes and 4 libraries
3,000 of our 17,000 students are international students, from 120+ countries
130+ clubs and societies
5+ stars from the latest QS Stars Rating of Excellence
#1 in New Zealand for research intensity (in the latest assessment of the Performance-Based Research Fund)
Wellington School of Business and Government is one of an elite group of commerce faculties worldwide that hold the Triple Crown of international accreditations of EQUIS, AACSB, and AMBA
Top 2% of the world’s universities (QS World University Rankings 2026)
Top 100 in the world in 7 subjects (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025)

Graduate outcomes*

Of the graduates who responded that they are currently working full time, 91% were employed prior to or within 6 months of degree completion.
67% were in full-time employment.

*Based on those who completed the 2023–2024 Graduate Destinations Survey.

Entry requirements

To study at Victoria University of Wellington, international students need:

a good command of the English language
a good record of academic achievement.

Entry requirements are provided under each programme. The University considers each student’s academic and English-language background when assessing applications. If a student doesn’t meet entry requirements, our team can help them meet their study goals.

If a student doesn’t meet the entry requirements for:

English language - Students can apply for our English for Academic Purposes programme
Undergraduate study - Students can apply for our Foundation Studies programme
Postgraduate study - Students can talk to us to help build a pathway to their degree

Student support

The University offers complete support for students through a range of wellbeing and learning services. These include a specialised international team that is dedicated to supporting students during their studies, which helps international students meet new friends and settle into university and Wellington life.

Some of the support services include:

dedicated international student orientation and events
a free arrival meeting service at the airport
the International Buddy Programme, where you get paired with a ‘buddy’ from the get-go

Students can make the most of the many opportunities to get involved in different communities, embrace new experiences, and develop skills for their future careers. The university encourages all students to develop strong global citizenship skills through their studies and extracurricular programmes such as the Kitea Impact Programme, which is also free to join.