Postgraduate Nursing Courses in New Zealand
Nursing is a multidisciplinary discipline in the medical field that involves caring for, managing, treating, and preventing health conditions for patients. Nurses play a vital role in the healthcare industry as they are considered to be at the frontline of patient care. Nursing has gained immense importance and popularity in recent years, paving the way for various opportunities for international students. Here's everything you need to know about postgraduate nursing courses in New Zealand.
Postgraduate nursing courses in New Zealand: An overview
| Course type | Full-time |
| Course duration | 6 months to 2 years |
| Postgraduate nursing NZ requirements | A student with a bachelor's degree in nursing or other related studies. |
| English proficiency | IELTS: 6.0-6.5 TOEFL: 95 PTE: 64 |
| Additional requirements | Two years of clinical work experience |
| Fees range | £4,648-£19,988 |
Data updated as of June 2023
Why study nursing?
- Since the COVID-19 pandemic, nursing has gained importance and value in the healthcare industry. The field is constantly evolving and adapting to medical trends to serve the community better. Nursing professionals tend to adapt to changes and trends effectively, increasing the scope for registered nurses in the medical field.
- The World Health Organisation (WHO) says nurses contribute 50% of the global healthcare workforce. But the industry still needs over nine million more nursing graduates by 2023. This explains the high demand for nursing professionals in medicine.
- The nursing profession is a noble, rewarding position and is one of the highest-paying roles in the healthcare industry.
Why study postgraduate nursing courses in New Zealand?
- Nursing has become an in-demand profession in New Zealand in recent years. The country has a well-established healthcare industry, boasting a high employment rate, and striving to evolve and adapt to efficient trends and serve the community better.
- In addition to the international workforce shortage, New Zealand is also witnessing high requirements for nursing graduates. The increased demand is due to the population rise and the number of retiring nurses. According to the New Zealand Nurses Organisation, around 50% of nursing professionals will retire by 2035.
- New Zealand is known for its high quality of living and emphasis on a healthy work-life balance. International students have the chance to work in one of the finest destinations for nursing graduates.
What is the scope of nursing in New Zealand?
- Nurse Practitioner
- Registered Nurse
- Enrolled Nurse
Best countries to study postgraduate nursing courses abroad
Different study levels in nursing courses in New Zealand
Eligibility criteria for postgraduate nursing courses in New Zealand for international students
New Zealand universities strive to equip international students with the required knowledge and skills, providing various opportunities for a scopeful career. Before applying to any university, check if you fulfil the eligibility criteria. Here are some basic requirements for postgraduate nursing courses in New Zealand.
Eligibility requirements for postgraduate nursing NZ
| Factor | Eligibility criteria |
|---|---|
| Educational qualification | A student with a bachelor's degree in nursing or other related studies. |
| English language requirements | IELTS: 6.0-6.5 TOEFL: 95 PTE: 64 |
| Additional requirements | Two years of clinical work experience. |
| Visa | New Zealand student visa |
Data updated as of June 2023
Note: The eligibility requirements vary with every university, so checking with the educational institution before applying for the courses is important.
Student requirements for nursing courses in New Zealand
If your profile satisfies the eligibility criteria, New Zealand universities will need documents to begin the application process. Check if you have the documents below to proceed:
- Academic transcripts
- Proof of work experience
- Application form
- Passport
- Statement of purpose
- Letter of recommendation (LOR)
- Financial aid documents
- Admissions test results
- English language proficiency test scores
Visa requirements for postgraduate nursing courses in New Zealand
| Visa | Cost |
|---|---|
| New Zealand student visa | NZ $530 (The student visa fee varies with the location you are applying from.) |
Data updated as of June 2023
Documents required for international students to apply for a visa in New Zealand
- Your current passport
- A letter of acceptance from your course provider
- Evidence of work experience
- Proof of financial support
- Medical test results
- Letter of explanation (explain your purpose and requirement for visa)
Top universities for postgraduate nursing courses in New Zealand
- University of Otago
- Ara Institute of Canterbury
- Waikato Institute of Technology
- Victoria University of Wellington
- Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology
Top postgraduate nursing courses in New Zealand
- MHlth Nursing
- MHlth Midwifery
- PGDipHlth Nursing
- Graduate Diploma in Nursing
- MNSc Master of Nursing Science
- MNursPrac Master of Nursing Practice
- PGCertHealSc endorsed in Nursing (Gerontology)
- PGDipNS Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing Science
- PGCertHealSc endorsed in Advanced Clinical Nursing
- PGCertHealSc endorsed in Continence Management
Postgraduate nursing fees in New Zealand for international students
| Nursing fees in New Zealand for international students | Average fees |
|---|---|
| Minimum fees | £4,648 |
| Maximum fees | £19,988 |
Data updated as of June 2023
Cost of living for international students in New Zealand
The average annual cost of living for an international student in New Zealand is approximately NZ 20,000-25,000.
Data updated as of June 2023
Scholarships to study nursing in New Zealand
Scholarships are an important factor for international students pursuing higher education abroad. These grants reduce their financial expenses by waiving a certain amount of fee. Edvoy strives to provide the finest academic experience and has partnered with educational institutions to provide grants for students to pursue their desired courses in New Zealand. The scholarships are:
Academic Scholarship
Academic scholarships are awarded to international students with remarkable academic performance. Educational institutions choose students with significant achievements and reward them with scholarships according to their grades. These scholarships waive a student's educational expenses based on academic achievement.
Early Bird Scholarship
Early Bird scholarships are awarded to international students who accept the institution’s offer and pay a certain amount of tuition fees within a given period of time. These scholarships reduce students' financial burden by waiving a certain amount of tuition fees.
Note that Edvoy acts as a platform for you during the application process. Only the university deems your profile eligible and determines the final amount.
Job opportunities for nursing graduates in New Zealand
Nursing courses act as the backbone of New Zealand’s healthcare industry, providing various employment opportunities for students.
How much does a Registered Nurse earn in New Zealand in 2023?
The nursing profession has several career options for international students in New Zealand. The average annual salary for a Registered Nurse in New Zealand is approximately NZ 71,510.
You can earn around NZ 65,358 in entry-level roles, while experienced employees earn up to NZ 80,925 per year.
Data updated as of June 2023
What are the job opportunities for nursing graduates in New Zealand?
- Registered Nurse
- Nurse Practitioner
- Enrolled Nurse
- Clinical Nurse
- Certified Registered Nurse Anaesthetist
- Critical Care Nurse
- General Practice Nurse
- Healthcare Assistant
- Occupational Health Nurse
- Nurse Educator
Career prospects for nursing in New Zealand
- Hospitals
- Multispeciality clinics
- Palliative care
- Community health
- Child and family health
- Critical care and emergency
- Mental health
- Disability and rehabilitation
- Emergency medicine
- School-based programmes
Post-study work permit after completing postgraduate nursing courses in New Zealand
| Country | Name of post-study work visa | Length of time to stay in the country |
|---|---|---|
| New Zealand | Post-study work visa | 3 years |
Data updated as of June 2023
Related nursing courses
Top Postgraduate Nursing Courses in the New Zealand
The scope of nursing courses in New Zealand has grown significantly, and has become a widely preferred profession for international students. Here are some of the best postgraduate nursing courses in New Zealand.
- Postgraduate Diploma in Health Practice (Registered Nurse Prescribing)Ara institute of CanterburyNZ$27,277
- PGDipHealSc endorsed in Nursing (Primary Health Care)University of OtagoNZ$43,549
- Master of Nursing PracticeUniversity of Waikato€40,800
- MHlth NursingVictoria University of WellingtonNZ$32,321
- PGDipHlth NursingVictoria University of WellingtonNZ$32,321
- PGCertHealSc endorsed in Nursing (Primary Health Care)University of OtagoNZ$31,775
- MHealSc Master of Health Sciences endorsed in Nursing (Clinical)University of OtagoNZ$43,549
- Graduate Diploma in NursingAra institute of CanterburyNZ$24,857
- MHealSc Master of Health Sciences endorsed in NursingUniversity of OtagoNZ$43,549
- PGCertHealSc endorsed in Nursing (Advanced Mental Health)University of OtagoNZ$31,775
- Postgraduate Health care in New Zealand
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FAQ
- Undergraduate nursing course: 3-5 years
- Postgraduate nursing course: 6 months to 2 years
Postgraduate nursing courses in New Zealand are structured to provide excellent academic and practical experience for international students. You can pursue a master's in nursing after your undergraduate degree and valid clinical work experience. The requirements vary with every university, so make sure you check the eligibility criteria before applying for the course.
| Nursing fees in New Zealand for international students | Average fees |
| Minimum fees | £4,648 |
| Maximum fees | £19,988 |
According to the New Zealand government, a student must have completed an undergraduate or postgraduate course approved by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority Framework to become a Registered Nurse in the country.
The New Zealand government announced in late 2022 that registered nurses and midwives are eligible for the immediate pathway to permanent residence. Postgraduate nursing students can apply for permanent residence after becoming a registered nurse in New Zealand.
