How to Get a Nursing Qualification in New Zealand

New Zealand is one of the best countries for those who want to pursue Nursing. Especially for those aspiring nurses who are looking to start an amazing journey in nursing in New Zealand.

Did you know that Nursing is on the Green List of occupations and also offers a NZ Skilled Migrant Pathway? Be it a healthcare professional, nursing student, or someone who is considering to switch in their career, getting to know the correct pathway to becoming a registered nurse in New Zealand is important.

Why Choose Nursing in New Zealand?

New Zealand is known for its best and strongest healthcare system coming with a lot many opportunities for nurses. New Zealand understands the importance of skilled healthcare professionals therefore it gives a supportive atmosphere for both growth as well as development. Moreover, its natural beauty and high standards of life make it a more attractive destination for many people.

Who can Apply for Nurse Registration in NZ?

A professional degree in Nursing aims to train students to let them practice as nurses be it in a medical or healthcare facility. Nursing means taking care of patients and supporting them throughout their complete recovery from the beginning till the end.

Students having a background in the Science Stream can straight away apply for Nursing after completing their 12th Grade. Similarly, the course is also for students who have completed their graduation or Bachelor’s. If students want to get expertise in advanced skills then they can choose a Master’s course in Nursing from a reputed institute.

International students who want to pursue Nursing in New Zealand can choose from many options, both at the Bachelor’s and Master’s levels. Some of the highly preferred Nursing courses in New Zealand are listed below:-

BSc Nursing in New Zealand

1. Conjoint Degree in Health Sciences and Nursing
2. Honours Degree in Nursing
3. Dual Degree in Nursing and Science
4. Veterinary Nursing Program

MSc Nursing in New Zealand

1. Master’s Degree in Health Practice with a Focus on Nursing
2. Advanced Nursing Practice – Master’s Qualification
3. Master’s Program in Nursing Science
4. Health Science Specialization in Advanced Nursing Practice

Study Expenses for Indian Students Studying Nursing Courses in New Zealand

The cost/fee structure for Nursing courses given by New Zealand universities is different for each course. The global ranking, curriculum design and other factors also play an important role in the overall impact of the program.

Nursing fees in New Zealand for international students mostly range between 35,000 NZD and 38,000 NZD approximately for international students who are at the undergraduate level. Whereas for master’s graduates, the cost is a bit higher, it ranges between 32,000 NZD to 50,000 NZD annually.

Eligibility Criteria for an Undergraduate Nursing Degree in New Zealand

• Firstly, a statement of purpose is required which highlights why you (the applicant) want to pursue Nursing from the applied university in New Zealand.
• A letter of recommendation or reference letter, a minimum of 2.
• A certificate showing the applicant’s secondary schooling or grade 12th completion.
• Completion of Grade 12 in the Science stream with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, achieving at least 75% overall.
•  An updated resume.
• A minimum of 6.0 in IELTS to show proficiency in the English language.
• Past academic transcripts.

Eligibility Criteria for Postgraduate Nursing Degree in New Zealand

• A minimum of 6.5 scores in IELTS to show proficiency in the English language.
• An updated Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• A statement of purpose.
• Need to show at least 2 years of previous work experience.
• All official academic transcripts from institutions studied so far.
• A Bachelor’s degree in Nursing or a related field of study with a minimum grade of B or higher.

Student Visa Guidelines for Indian Nationals Studying in New Zealand

Indian students planning to pursue a course in Nursing must apply for a New Zealand Student Visa. Here are the following documents you may require:-

• Firstly, the applicant must have a letter of acceptance or offer from the applied university of New Zealand.
• A current valid passport for travelling to New Zealand.
• Then comes a medical report, and a character certificate.
• A copy of the SOP should be provided to the university during the application process.
• Proof of payment of tuition fee of the course for the applied university.
• Proof of sufficient funds to support the entire duration of stay in New Zealand.

The Process for Internationally Qualified Nurses

The Nursing Council of New Zealand has provided a clear and detailed pathway for all internationally qualified nurses, excluding those who are registered in Australia.

• Identity
• Current registrations which have been held for the past 10 years
• A nursing qualification which is equivalent to New Zealand’s qualifications
• A piece of evidence showing English language proficiency
• Post-registration nursing experience of 18,000 hours
• Before registering with the Council you must verify and confirm your documents with CGFNS.

Once the applicant’s documents are completed and verified, then they can easily apply to the Nursing Council and complete the following:-

1. Welcome to Aotearoa New Zealand Online Courses:- To ensure a culturally safe nursing practice in New Zealand, all nurses must go through
two free online courses.
2. Fitness to Practice Check:- Undergoing a criminal history check is important for all nurses.
3. Competence Assessment:- There are times when some nurses have to undergo a competence assessment.
Note - You cannot apply directly to the Council of Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) will verify the applicant’s documents first.

Future Pathways for Enrolled Nurses

The Council is constantly developing dedicated pathways for the registration of enrolled nurses. Until a new process is established, ENs follow the same method to verify the applicant’s documents and apply for registration. After this, the Council will inform you of any sort of additional requirements.