Bachelor of Nursing
Course details
| NZQF Level | 7 |
|---|
About the course
International applications for semester 1, 2026, are now closed.
Our Bachelor of Nursing is underpinned by a belief that in today’s constantly changing healthcare environment, people, their whānau, and their community’s complex and diverse health needs require nurses who are well-educated, research-informed, and adept in critical thinking.
We believe the best way to develop and train nurses is through a balance of thinking and doing, so you’ll get to apply your learning in a range of health-related areas and on placements at a variety of hospitals and health centres across the Auckland region. This is to ensure you graduate confident and work-ready.
Our Bachelor of Nursing is the only programme in West Auckland which prepares you for registration as a nurse and is approved by the Nursing Council of New Zealand.
Bachelor of Nursing highlights
- Learn from an experienced and multi-cultural team, many of whom still work in clinical nursing practice, and whose value of partnership and care is reflected in quality teaching, support, and innovative curriculum delivery.
- We’re proud to attract a diverse student population which reflects our local population.
- Practice what you’ve learnt in a range of health-related areas, at a variety of hospitals and health centres across the Auckland region. Placement experiences range in disciplines (from acute care, surgery and medicine to rehabilitation/disability, preventative care, mental health and primary care). Locations include but are not limited to WDHB, the Mason Clinic, and primary health care organisations.
- Access to the Waitākere Hospital Awhina Simulation Centre.
- Over the three years of your degree, you’ll complete a minimum of 1100 hours of practice placements and approximately 100 hours in the Awhina Simulation lab at Waitākere Hospital. In your final year, you’ll work rostered nursing duties as you transition into professional nursing practice.
Programme content includes:
- Human biology and nursing skills
- Pharmacology
- Effective assessment, management and communication of patient care
- Specialist areas of nursing including care (medical and surgical), primary care, mental health, and family and community nursing. All contexts of nursing are evidence-based, ensuring the most current practice standards.
- Evaluation of ethical dilemmas in clinical nursing practice
- Exploration of the role and application of technology in the healthcare environment
Scholarship
We have wide rage of scholarships available to find out more information click below!
What next?
Once you’ve successfully completed this programme, and successfully passed the Nursing Council of New Zealand state exam, you’ll be eligible to become a registered nurse.
Career Options
- District nurse
- Nurse educator
- Plunket nurse
- Practice nurse
- Public health nurse
Annual Tuition Fees
Domestic/NZ students
$8,200 (NZD)
(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
$30,185 (NZD) (approximate fees for 120 credits)
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 course start date.
Downloads and resources
Programme regulations - Bachelor of Nursing NZ Police Vetting Form (PDF 878KB) 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:
- Achieved University Entrance:
- 3 subjects – at NCEA Level 3 or above, made up of 14 credits each, in three approved subjects
- Literacy – 10 credits at NCEA Level 2 or above, made up of 5 credits in reading and 5 credits in writing
- Numeracy – 10 credits at NCEA Level 1 or above, made up of Achievement standards – specified achievement standards available through a range of subjects, or Unit standards – package of three numeracy unit standards(26623, 26626, 26627 – all three required)
- A minimum of 12 credits at NQF Level 2 or higher from one science subject (Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Science)
- All applicants must provide evidence that they have the necessary English language proficiency required for the Programme as demonstrated by the equivalence of 10 credits at NCEA Level 2 or above, made up of 5 credits in reading and 5 credits in writing
- Successful completion of the Certificate of University Preparation with a minimum of 60% in Foundation Human Bioscience.
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. Apply online, and we’ll be in touch about 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
- Two forms of ID and evidence of any name changes if applicable (these should confirm that you are, or will be, 16 years old at the start of the programme);
- A personal statement describing why you’re passionate about nursing and any life experiences that might enhance your application;
- A self-declaration of medical conditions;
- Consent to a safety check as set out in the Children’s Regulations 2015, which includes:
- Completion of anNZ police vetting form;
- The names of two referees whom Unitec or your placement provider can contact (if applicable);
- A CV showing a chronological summary of your work history for the past 5 years and the name of any professional organisations, licensing authorities, and registration authorities that you have been or are a member of (if applicable).
When you receive an offer of place:
- Complete or provide a current First Aid certificate from an OSH-approved source (a requirement for clinical placements). Find out more about Unitec’s First Aid course here;
- Meet various Health Authority requirements, including providing evidence of immune status;
- You may be required to attend a face-to-face interview;
- If you have studied an undergraduate nursing programme at another New Zealand tertiary provider, you must submit a confidential report from the institution from which you are transferring;
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 discuss 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.