Course details

Bachelor of Veterinary Nursing
NZQF Level 7

About the course

The Bachelor of Veterinary Nursing is an extension of the New Zealand Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (Companion Animal) programmes.

First Year: You can learn the fundamentals of animal nursing, with lots of opportunities to put theory into practice within select clinical environments*.*

Second Year: you'll have the opportunity to gain voluntary registration as a veterinary nurse, and develop technical skills and medical knowledge through practical experience to become an effective veterinary nurse within a professional team.

Third Year: You'll take your learning one step further by developing research and critical thinking skills. You will have the opportunity to work on a real world research project relevant to the veterinary industry.

Entry requirements

What you will need to study this programme.


Domestic students

Academic requirements

To be eligible, you must have completed at least one of the following:

  • 42 credits at NCEA Level 3 or higher, including:

    • 14 credits in each of two science-related subjects
    • 14 credits in another approved subject

    (view a list of approved subjects on the NZQA website)

    • At least 8 credits in English or Te reo Māori at Level 2 or higher
      • 4 credits in reading
      • 4 credits in writing
    • At least 14 credits in Mathematics or Pangarau at Level 1 or higher

Non-academic requirements

You need to provide 4 supporting documents with your application.

Fill in the following forms:

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 talk about your character.

Referee Requirements You must provide two referees:

  • One from an employer where you have worked with the public
  • One from a teacher or similar, who can speak to your character

Additional Pathways You may also qualify through cross-crediting if you have completed:

Don’t meet these Academic requirements?

For more information, download the programme regulations (PDF 464 KB)


International students

Academic requirements

Applicants must be at least 16 years of age when they begin their studies, and they should meet the country-specific admission requirement or have completed one of the following:

And English entry requirements;

​If English is not your first language, you will also need at least one of the following qualifications:

    • An equivalent of IELTS (Academic) with minimum band scores of 6.0 with no band score lower than 5.5 or

Don’t meet these Academic requirements?

Non-academic requirements

You need to provide 4 supporting documents with your application.

Fill in the following forms:

Referee Requirements You must provide two referees:

  • One from an employer where you have worked with the public
  • One from a teacher or similar, who can speak to your character

For more information, download the programme regulations (PDF 464 KB)


About the provider

Unitec is New Zealand’s largest institute of technology offering a wide range of work-oriented programmes and short courses. We offer leading employment-focused education at our two campuses in Mt. Albert, and Waitākere. At Unitec we think the traditional view of spending hours in a lecture theatre is out-dated. And that's why we approach learning differently. With our unique combination of world-class theory and hands-on experience, you'll get the skills to meet the changing needs of employers. And because our tutors are industry-based, they know what it takes to make it in the real world. We offer a friendly and diverse learning environment with flexible study programmes, lots of support, and hands-on experience to build the skills you need for your career and your future.

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