Course details

NZ Diploma in Enrolled Nursing
NZQF Level 5

About the course

If you're considering a career in nursing, a diploma is a great study option. This diploma equips you with knowledge in nursing, social sciences, and the structure and function of the human body. You will gain hands-on experience in simulated learning environments, allowing you to apply your skills in practice settings such as rehabilitation, acute care, and mental health.

Programme Outline

The NZ Diploma in Enrolled Nursing (NZDipEN) is a full-time, 18 month, programme that offers you a stimulating undergraduate diploma level of study and provides a pathway to your professional qualification as a New Zealand enrolled nurse.

Nurses are in very high demand right across the country. To help address this situation, the scope of practice for enrolled nurses is currently under review and will broaden significantly so that they can work in almost any area of health care that requires nurses.

This programme is for those who want to work in clinical settings as an enrolled nurse and a valued member of the health team.

After completing this programme you will be able to apply to the Nursing Council of New Zealand to be registered as an Enrolled Nurse.

For NZ Citizens and Permanent Residents

*Enrolment into this programme will be subject to Final Nursing Council Registrant Quality Committee sign off.

This qualification is designed for school leavers, and people already employed, or intending to be employed in the health sector.

Subject Areas:

  • Nursing as a profession
  • Social science
  • Structure and function of the human body
  • Clinical skills
  • Foundations for enrolled nursing practice
  • Acute care
  • Mental health and addictions
  • Rehabilitation and community

Entry requirements

Entry Requirements


The NZDipEN is a clinically focused academic programme that provides preparation for entry to the Register of Enrolled Nurses in New Zealand.

To become an enrolled nurse, you must demonstrate integrity, empathy, and a strong commitment to lifelong learning. A spirit of inquiry, a mature outlook, and a deep sense of responsibility are essential.

Additionally, you should possess a genuine desire to care for others and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team.

A face-to-face interview may be part of the application process.

The following regulations apply to the NZDipEN at EIT.

Academic Entry Requirements

The academic entry requirements for the NZDipEN are:

Achievement of NCEA Level 2 which must include 12 credits in Level 1 Mathematics, or

Achievement of the EIT NZ Certificate in Study and Employment Pathways (Level 3 or Level 4) or equivalent, or

Evidence of the ability to succeed in the programme, as determined by the NZDipEN Admissions Committee.

General Entry Requirements

All applicants are required to:

Provide two confidential references from people who are able to affirm that the applicant is of good character and reputation.

Provide evidence of a current Comprehensive First Aid Certificate, or evidence of enrolment/intention to complete.

Provide a Ministry of Justice Criminal Convictions record. (Note: A prior conviction may not necessarily exclude an applicant from admission. In the case of a prior conviction, EIT will discuss with the applicant the NCNZ requirements for application to gain NCNZ registration as an enrolled nurse.)

Complete a health declaration that they possess a level of health and abilities commensurate with achieving nursing practice competencies in the programme. (Note: Further health-related reports may be requested with the consent of the applicant.)

Applicants are required to complete the above-mentioned health and Ministry of Justice Criminal Conviction checks at the beginning of the programme. A Ministry of Justice Criminal Conviction check must also be completed prior to sitting the NCNZ State Final Examination.

Alternative Entry Requirements

Applicants who are unable to evidence that they meet Academic Requirements, but who can demonstrate acquired skills for tertiary study gained through study, work and/or life experience, may be approved for alternative entry. This may include Recognition of Prior Learning.

Selection Process

Applications that meet both entry and preference criteria will be accepted pending available places on a ‘first come, first served’ basis. Applications that do not meet one or more of the criteria will be reviewed by the NZDipEN Admissions Committee for the allocation of remaining available places. As part of the selection process, an applicant may be required to attend an interview.

English Language Entry Requirements

Applicants from countries in which English is not the primary spoken language must demonstrate an acceptable level of English language fluency prior to acceptance in the programme. Ways in which English language fluency may be demonstrated include:

Completion of a programme of study in which English was the language of instruction (conditions apply*); or

Approved scores on IELTS tests, namely an Academic score of 6.5 with no band lower than 6.5 achieved in a single test within the preceding year (or accepted international equivalents).

*See NZQA English language entry requirements for international students at https://www.nzqa.govt.nz/providers\-partners/qa\-system\-for\-teos/english\-international\-students/

*This course is not available to international students.

About the provider

The Eastern Institute of Technology (EIT) offers you over 160 qualifications from certificate and diploma, to degree and postgraduate level at campuses in Hawke's Bay, Tairāwhiti (Gisborne) and Auckland. Or learn at one of our Regional Learning Centres situated in Hastings, Maraenui, Ruatoria, Waipukurau and Wairoa. EIT Hawke's Bay is one of New Zealand's most attractive campuses with superb architecture and shaded outdoor areas for study on warm days. EIT Tairāwhiti two campuses are located in the heart of Gisborne, near the Taruheru River, and you can get more central than EIT Auckland location on Queen Street! When you choose to study at EIT you'll get the kind of experiences that will help you gain the knowledge and skills to get ahead, whether you want to break into your chosen career or change direction in life.

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