Graduate Certificate in Nursing
Develop your nursing practice with flexible professional development.
This programme offers a wide range of short professional development courses designed for Registered Nurses working in today’s complex clinical environments. You can complete individual courses for professional development or combine 60 credits to gain the Graduate Certificate in Nursing.
New Zealand Registered Nurses can begin studying towards the Graduate Certificate as soon as they’ve completed their undergraduate nursing qualification.
Key highlights
Flexible study » Choose from fully online or blended options (face-to-face and online). Face-to-face content is delivered over three to five days at our Manawa campus near Christchurch Hospital. The programme is designed to be studied part-time.
Build clinical competence and confidence » Courses support the Nursing Council of New Zealand’s standards of competence and strengthen your skills in planning and coordinating complex patient care.
Choose your own pathway » Study individual courses (5-10 credits) as standalone professional development or complete 60 credits within six years to achieve the Graduate Certificate in Nursing.
2026 Schedule
Explore the 2026 schedule of courses and upcoming dates in the documents section.
Important information
This programme is intended for New Zealand Registered Nurses.
Online applications are not available for this programme. Please contact us and we’ll guide you through the enrolment process.
For programme details, study advice or course selection support:
Gayle Rose
Graduate Certificate Programme Coordinator
Gayle.Rose@ara.ac.nz
Kirsty Donaldson
Head of Nursing/Portfolio Manager
Kirsty.Donaldson@ara.ac.nz
This qualification is open to New Zealand Registered Nurses holding a current Practising Certificate issued by the New Zealand Nursing Council. Additional information is specified for some courses.
Individual courses may, by request, be taken by other professionals with qualifications in a specialty area.
What if English is not my first Language?
If English is not your first language, we want to make sure that you will be successful in your chosen programme of study.
- Please provide a result from a test or qualification on the acceptable alternatives
- If you are a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent Resident, complete an Admission and Enrolment form and Ara will contact you regarding a free assessment.
- If you are not a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent resident, please book a PTE Academic test through the Ara Examination Centre or complete an NZQA-approved English language test in your home country.
- IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form and are valid for two years from the date of the test.
- What if I have achieved NCEA Level 3 University Entrance?
- You do not need to provide additional evidence of English Language skills.
Overall IELTS 6.0 Academic
- 5.5 Listening
- 5.5 Reading
- 5.5 Writing
- 5.5 Speaking
Funding assistance
If you face unexpected financial hardship during your studies, we have several funds that you can apply for. These are designed to enable you to continue your current course of study. We also have a wide range of scholarships and awards that can provide financial assistance.
Find out moreCareer opportunities
This is an excellent opportunity for New Zealand Registered Nurses to gain a formal qualification as recognition of your on-going professional development. You will graduate with the confidence and skills to plan and coordinate complex patient care demands.
Study pathways
Many study options are available and this certificate is recognised as essential professional development for nurses.
Recommended school subjects
- For registered nurses only
Graduate Certificate in Nursing
Develop your nursing practice with flexible professional development.
| Information | |
|---|---|
| Type | Graduate Certificate / Diploma |
| Code | CH3890 |
| Application close date | Accepted throughout the year |
| May be available for Study Visa? | Yes |
| International application close date | Accepted throughout the year for NZ RNs who are international students |
| Credits | 60 |
| Level | 7 |
| Additional Equipment/Fees | Advised before enrolment |
| May be eligible for Studylink? | Yes |
| Available Part time | Yes |
| May be eligible for Fees Free? | Yes |
| Reference | CH3890-STRU |
With an internationally-recognised Ara qualification, the world is your oyster. Our graduates can be found working and making a difference across the globe…
MoreCredit Recognition
Translate your knowledge from previous study into credits towards a new qualification.
Apply for credit recognitionDocuments
- Admission & Enrolment Form PDF, 425 KB
- International Application Form PDF, 357 KB
- Registered Nursing Timetable 2026 PDF, 334 KB
- Enrolled Nursing Timetable 2026 PDF, 304 KB
Area of Interest
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