Bachelor of Veterinary Nursing
Course details
| 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.
If you have already completed the New Zealand Certificate in Animal Technology (Veterinary Nursing Assistant), you automatically meet the entry requirements for the second year of the Bachelor of Veterinary Nursing (dependent on placement numbers).
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.
If you have already completed Unitec’s New Zealand Diploma in Veterinary Nursing programmes, you would automatically meet the entry requirements for the third year of the Bachelor of Veterinary Nursing.
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.
Highlights
- You’ll have lots of work experience; in your first two years you’ll complete at least 750 hours of work experience, and you can also extend this in your third year
- You’ll have the opportunity to do your placements in interesting organisations ranging from the New Zealand Centre for Conservation Medicine at Auckland Zoo, to a specialist veterinary hospital, to your community first opinion veterinary clinic.
- You’ll build advanced technical skills through a significant amount of clinical practice at your choice of small animal veterinary clinics across Aotearoa
- You’ll develop an advanced understanding of what’s considered best practice in a clinical environment, and the ethical and welfare implications of veterinary care
- You’ll have opportunities to conduct a supported and collaborative research project
- You’ll learn from experienced lecturers who are knowledgeable in veterinary medicine /science, animal health and welfare, microbiology, genetics, and animal behaviour
- You’ll benefit from a varied learning approach that includes practical sessions, group work, online/small group tutorials, and one-on-one supervision
Career Options
- Breeding centre manager
- Qualified veterinary nurse (with opportunities to advance to senior levels)
Annual Tuition Fees
Domestic/NZ students
$8,224
(Approximate fees only - includes GST but excludes the Compulsory Student Services Fee (CSSF) levy. Your final study costs depends on a number of factors including the courses you select to study. View options for funding your study and fees-free eligibility)
International students
$26,415 (NZD) (approximate fees for 120 credits) Save upto $2,000 (NZD) with Unitec International Study Grant 2026.Terms and conditions apply.
Semester Dates
Sem 1 2026: 23 Feb – 28 Jun
Sem 2 2026: 20 Jul – 22 Nov
For course and class timings, refer to the specific course webpage.
For StudyLink purposes, please ensure your application states your earliest.
For specific semester dates by study options, please see the detailed “Study options schedule” below
Downloads and resources
Programme regulations - Bachelor of Veterinary Nursing Veterinary Nursing Student Application Clinic recommendation Veterinary Nursing Student Declaration_Application Ministry of Justice third party request for criminal conviction history Order a personalised brochure Scholarships and awardsStudent LifeFor Māori studentsFor Pacific studentsFor International students
Entry requirements
You must have completed at least one of the following:
- New Zealand Certificate in Animal Technology (Veterinary Nursing Assistant) (cross-crediting is available), or
- New Zealand Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (Companion Animal) (cross-crediting is available), or
- NCEA entry requirements;
- NCEA requirements are a minimum of 42 credits achieved at NCEA Level 3 or higher, including:
- 14 credits in an approved subject
- 14 credits in another approved subject (view a list of approved subjects on the NZQA website)
- 14 credits from up to 2 other subjects.
- a minimum of 8 credits achieved at NCEA Level 2 or higher in English or Te reo Māori (4 in reading, 4 in writing), and
- a minimum of 14 credits achieved at NCEA Level 1 or higher in Mathematics or Pāngarau.
And meet one of the English entry requirements;
- University Entrance Literacy: 10 credits at Level 2 or above in English or Māori (5 in Reading, 5 in Writing); or
- Evidence of English language proficiency as outlined in the NZQA Rules on the Unitec English Language Requirements for International Students Web-page.
Don’t meet these Academic requirements?
- If you don’t meet the academic criteria, our Bridging Education Programmes can help you qualify. Simply apply online, and we’ll discuss your next steps.
- If you don’t meet the above criteria, special or discretionary admission may apply; your eligibility will be determined at the interview.
Non-academic requirements
You need to provide 4 supporting documents with your application.
Fill in the following forms:
- Referee details form
- Ministry of Justice criminal conviction history form
- Medical declaration form
- Veterinary Clinic Recommendation
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.
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.