New Zealand Diploma in Enrolled Nursing (Level 5)

Academic requirements

NCEA Level 2, which must include 12 credits in Level 1 Mathematics and 12 credits in Level 2 Science subjects, or New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 3) or Otago Polytechnic Health Pathway or A New Zealand Certificate at Level 4 or above in a relevant health or science subject e.g. exercise, massage therapy, sport, or A recognised equivalent (e.g. bridging or pre-health programme).

International requirements and equivalence

For assessments other than NCEA (e.g. International Baccalaureate; Cambridge Examination), you will be assessed for academic entry equivalency.

This information is available by country on our Equivalent academic entry requirements page.

Discretionary entry This is an alternative pathway for applicants who do not meet standard entry criteria.

This is at the discretion of the Head of Nursing and is dependent on availability of places in the programme.

Additional requirements

Along with completing our application form, you will need to supply: a cover letter including your reasons for wanting to study this programme and any skills and experience a CV a health declaration, and two referee reports (demonstrating your academic, community and work-related skills).

You may also have to undertake an interview.

Please note To be able to do the clinical components of this programme, you'll need to meet various Health Authority requirements.

You will also need to buy a uniform.

As required by the Children's Act 2014, students who may work with children during the course of their study must be safety checked.

Safety checking includes reference checking, work history, identity check, police vetting, and an overall assessment of the applicant's safety to work with children.

If you are accepted into this programme, you will need to give consent and complete paperwork for Police Vetting.

Applicants who have lived in countries other than New Zealand need to provide a Police Clearance from each country upon application.

English Language requirements

If English is not your first language, you must provide: New Zealand University Entrance OR Overall IELTS 6.5 (academic, no band score lower than 6.5) achieved in one test completed in the last two years, OR Occupational English Test (OET) with a C+ band/score in each section in one sitting.

Please note Tests must be from an outside organisation.

The Pearson Test of English (PTE) is not accepted by the Nursing Council of New Zealand for English Language proficiency.

If you need to improve your English Language skills, we offer a wide range of English programmes.

Health and vaccination information You must be physically and psychologically able to engage in diverse clinical nursing practices in New Zealand, including acute hospital, community and mental health settings during this programme.

If you are accepted into this programme, you will need to supply evidence of your vaccination status.

Most placement providers will require evidence from you that you are fully vaccinated and have immunity for tuberculosis, varicella, measles, hepatitis B and pertussis (within the last 10 years).

Evidence of immunity to vaccine preventable diseases is ascertained by a blood test and your vaccination records.

Placements are an integral part of this programme, and you’ll need to complete the vaccine requirements to be able to successfully achieve your qualification.

If you have concerns or questions about this requirement, please feel free to contact us.

Please note: Occasionally, clinical providers request additional information on health status.

During your clinical placements, you will be exposed to risks commonly associated with the health services.

These are broad and include personal injury such as a needle-stick, through to potential harms to service users which may be reported to the Health and Disability Commissioner.

Selection process

Student selection is the responsibility of the New Zealand Diploma in Enrolled Nursing Selection Committee.

Criteria for assessing suitability are: Academic records that meet the entry criteria References that identify applicants as highly suitable (both referee reports will be considered as they are expected to identify strengths in different areas) A CV that is congruent with referee reports and academic transcripts.

English Language requirements

are met (international or English as a second language).

Selection process

for pre-registration students to the New Zealand Diploma in Enrolled Nursing (Level 5) Each application is considered by the New Zealand Diploma in Enrolled Nursing Selection Committee who may interview applicants.

Following the assessment of the applications, applicants are placed into four groups: Place offered pending results of Police Vetting Wait-listed Waiting results Place not offered.

All applicants will be notified of the outcome of their completed application.

The number of places available in any one year is subject to clinical placement availability.

Should the number of applicants who meet the selection process requirements exceed the available places, applicants will be placed on a prioritised waitlist.

Applicants are welcome to make an appointment with the New Zealand Diploma in Enrolled Nursing Selection Committee Chairperson to discuss the outcome of their application.

Please note There is an affirmative action policy in regard to applicants who identify as Māori and meet the stated entry criteria.

The reason for designing the entry criteria and selection process as described is to meet entry criteria as per the Nursing Council of New Zealand requirements.

Affirmative action for Māori and Pacific Peoples is to meet the Ministry of Health's goal to increase the number of Māori and Pacific health professionals.