Bachelor of Nursing (Puahou Tapuhi o Aotearoa)
Learn from experts in specialist facilities and help meet the increasing need for qualified registered nurses.
This three-year degree programme will enable you to apply for registration as a Registered Nurse with the Nursing Council of New Zealand.
You will gain an understanding of the many opportunities available for a career in nursing and be challenged to go beyond traditional health and illness care and focus on creating a supportive environment for health and wellbeing.
This programme is highly regarded nationally and combines theory with clinical experience and meets the Nursing Council of New Zealand (NCNZ) Competencies for the Registered Nurse Scope of Practice.
We will give you the opportunity to explore the diverse environments and relevant cultural understandings that nurses work within from hospitals, rest homes and health clinics to private practices and community care agencies.
Fees for 2026
University Entrance as defined by the New Zealand Qualification Authority (NZQA), and which must include:
- Three subjects at Level 3 or above, made up of:
- A minimum of 14 credits in English or Te Reo Māori or English-rich subject (such as Classical Studies, Geography, History, History of Art, Media Studies)
- A minimum of 14 credits in Biology, or Physical Education or Chemistry
- A further 14 credits at Level 3 or higher in one other approved subject or domain on the National Qualifications Framework.
OR New Zealand Certificate in Study and Employment Pathways (Level 4) Ara Pre-Health Pathway; or a recognised equivalent.
Or if you have undertaken examinations other than NCEA (e.g. International Baccalaureate, Cambridge Examination), Ara will assess your application for academic entry equivalency.
* NZQA approved subjects: see https://www2.nzqa.govt.nz/ncea/understanding-secondary-quals/university-entrance/
At application stage applicants must meet and provide the following:
A self declaration providing information regarding
- Criminal Convictions. Applicants are required to indicate whether they have been convicted of, or have been prosecuted for, a criminal offence.
- Under the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003 some types of criminal convictions may result in the NCNZ refusing to register a person as a Registered Nurse.
- Mental and Physical Conditions. Required to indicate if you have had any mental and/or physical conditions, to demonstrate you are fit for practice as a registered nurse. Under the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003
- some physical or mental conditions may result in NCNZ being unable to register a person as a registered nurse. A medical report may be requested where evidence of good health is required as per NCNZ requirements.
- Any learning disabilities or challenges that might affect participation in this programme; this will be used to activate student support sevices.
- Personal Statement. Should outline why you have chosen nursing as a career, demonstrate communication skills, describe personal qualities and self-responsibilities in relation to relevant aspects in your life experiences,
- your learning and practice which will enhance the application.
At least two written references
- The references are required to demonstrate the applicant has good character and personal attributes and that the applicant is sufficient for safe and effective practice as a registered nurse, as required by the Children's Act 2014.
- One will be a personal report and one from your school or most recent employer. Referees may not be a family member, partner or flatmate.
Consent to Disclosure of Information: Successful applicants will be required to complete a New Zealand Police Consent to Disclosure of Information form.
- The form will be sent by Ara to the Police Licensing and Vetting Service and returned in confidence to the Head of Nursing. Information on the Vetting Service is available from the New Zealand Police website
In order to participate in the clinical components of the programme, successful applicants must:
- Provide evidence of immunisation status as required by Te Whatu Ora and/or Te Aka Whai Ora Health NZ and healthcare organisations before commencing a clinical learning experience.
Complete a safety check. The safety check will be required to ensure compliance with provisions of the Children's Act 2014.
Applicants who are over 20 years of age must have evidence of academic admission or demonstrated evidence of ability to study successfully at degree level.
Applicants who are under 20 years must meet the academic requirements as listed above, as required by the Nursing Council.
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, book an IELTS or other test through the Ara Examination Centre or 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.
- The English Language requirements for this programme are higher than the minimum set by NZQA, therefore; applicants who have achieved NCEA Level 3 University Entrance may be required to provide evidence of English Language skills.
Overall IELTS 6.5 Academic
- 6.5 Listening
- 6.5 Reading
- 6.5 Writing
- 6.5 Speaking
All applicants must meet academic entry criteria
Applicants who meet academic criteria may be required to attend an interview to ensure they will meet the Nursing Council of New Zealand requirements for registration on completion of the programme.
Limits on enrolment may be applied due to health and safety reasons, availability of resourcing and/or availability of clinical practice placements.
- A selection process will take place for this programme. This will be based on application information (including referee reports, CV and personal statement)
Where the number of applications exceed the number of available places, applicants may be waitlisted.
- The waitlist order will be based on the criteria above. Preference may be given to priority groups in recognition of the commitment to inclusiveness.
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
Graduates of the Bachelor of Nursing are eligible to sit the NCNZ registration exam to become a registered nurse.
You can then choose to work in general nursing, or specialist fields such as intensive care, cancer nursing, women's health, mental health, community or elderly care.
Study pathways
Once you are a registered nurse advance your knowledge of additional clinical practice with specialisations included within the Graduate Certificate in Nursing Practice as part of your on-going professional development.
Bachelor of Nursing (Puahou Tapuhi o Aotearoa)
Learn from experts in specialist facilities and help meet the increasing need for qualified registered nurses.
| Information | |
|---|---|
| Type | Degree |
| Code | CH4088 |
| May be available for Study Visa? | Yes |
| Credits | 360 |
| Level | 7 |
| Additional Equipment/Fees | $800 text books in Year 1, $325 equipment, indemnity insurance, expenses associated with clinical placement, vaccinations/ immunisations, $240 Nursing Council for NZ exam fee Year 3. |
| May be eligible for Studylink? | Yes |
| May be eligible for Fees Free? | Yes |
| Reference | CH4088-STRU |
Fees for 2026
With an internationally-recognised Ara qualification, the world is your oyster. Our graduates can be found working and making a difference across the globe…
MoreAdditional Entry Requirements
At application stage applicants must meet and provide the following:
A self declaration providing information regarding
- Criminal Convictions. Applicants are required to indicate whether they have been convicted of, or have been prosecuted for, a criminal offence.
- Under the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003 some types of criminal convictions may result in the NCNZ refusing to register a person as a Registered Nurse.
- Mental and Physical Conditions. Required to indicate if you have had any mental and/or physical conditions, to demonstrate you are fit for practice as a registered nurse. Under the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003
- some physical or mental conditions may result in NCNZ being unable to register a person as a registered nurse. A medical report may be requested where evidence of good health is required as per NCNZ requirements.
- Any learning disabilities or challenges that might affect participation in this programme; this will be used to activate student support sevices.
- Personal Statement. Should outline why you have chosen nursing as a career, demonstrate communication skills, describe personal qualities and self-responsibilities in relation to relevant aspects in your life experiences,
- your learning and practice which will enhance the application.
At least two written references
- The references are required to demonstrate the applicant has good character and personal attributes and that the applicant is sufficient for safe and effective practice as a registered nurse, as required by the Children's Act 2014.
- One will be a personal report and one from your school or most recent employer. Referees may not be a family member, partner or flatmate.
Consent to Disclosure of Information: Successful applicants will be required to complete a New Zealand Police Consent to Disclosure of Information form.
- The form will be sent by Ara to the Police Licensing and Vetting Service and returned in confidence to the Head of Nursing. Information on the Vetting Service is available from the New Zealand Police website
In order to participate in the clinical components of the programme, successful applicants must:
- Provide evidence of immunisation status as required by Te Whatu Ora and/or Te Aka Whai Ora Health NZ and healthcare organisations before commencing a clinical learning experience.
Complete a safety check. The safety check will be required to ensure compliance with provisions of the Children's Act 2014.
See overview for moreCredit Recognition
If you have prior relevant experience or previous related study credits, you may be eligible for credit recognition towards this qualification.
Find out moreDocuments
- Admission & Enrolment Form PDF, 425 KB
- International Application Form PDF, 357 KB
- Bachelor of Nursing Additional Requirements Form PDF, 355 KB
- FAQs About Nursing PDF, 457 KB
- Referee Report 1 PDF, 237 KB
- Referee Report 2 PDF, 237 KB
Area of Interest
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