About the course

This programme is ideal if you want to go on to higher-level study in nursing. You’ll learn the relevant literacy, numeracy and biological science skills you will need to excel in your dream career. While this certificate programme is not equivalent to University Entrance, successful completion will allow you to progress to higher-level programmes.

In this programme, you’ll also learn more about the anatomy of the body, psychology, how to calculate drug quantities, and key research skills which will set you ahead of the pack for an exciting healthcare career.

Highlights

Tailored content for Unitec’s Bachelor of Nursing; this means the content is highly relevant to the Unitec programme in which you want to enter;
In this programme you’ll already be a part of a Nursing student body – you’ll be learning with other aspiring nurses;
A chance to complete a collaborative project in order to develop the skills you’ll need for a career in nursing;
A mix of classroom sessions, practical workshops, guest speakers, discussions, presentations and online learning;
Learn from an experienced and multi-cultural team whose value of partnership and care is reflected in quality teaching, support, and innovative curriculum delivery
A chance to take engage with Unitec’s marae, a great setting to explore mātauranga Māori and the role of culture in communication.

Where to from here?

Upon successful completion of this programme, you can apply for study in Unitec’s Bachelor of Nursing, where you will be eligible to become a registered nurse.

Please note: International students who graduate will NOT be eligible for a post-study work visa upon completion of this programme.

Career Options

This programme prepares you for study toward a career in nursing

Annual Tuition Fees

Domestic/NZ students

$3,410

(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

$13,207 (NZD) (approximate fees for 60 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 - New Zealand Certificate in Study and Employment Pathways (Level 4) – Healthcare Order a personalised brochure Scholarships and awards Student Life For Māori students For Pacific students For International students

Entry requirements

To apply for this programme, you must meet the following criteria:

Academic requirements
General admission, special admission, or discretionary admission requirements
English language requirements
You will need to complete a pre-entry Skills Review session

Academic Requirements

To be eligible for the Healthcare Pathway, you must meet one of the following:

UE numeracy or equivalent
A minimum total of 40 NCEA Level 2 credits across four approved subjects, including a minimum of:
- 12 credits in English at Level 1 or higher
- 12 credits in Science at Level 1 or higher

Or

A relevant qualification at Level 3 on the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework (NZQCF) or an equivalent international qualification (e.g., International Baccalaureate or Cambridge)

Or

The New Zealand Certificate in Study and Employment Pathways (Level 3) (previously known as the New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 3)), including FSTU 3921 Bioscience)

General Admission

You’ll be 16 years old or older when the programme starts.
If you’re under 16, you’ll need to complete an Early Release Exemption form.

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.

Video

External links

Provider's course page

Course details