Nursing in New Zealand

Start your journey into a rewarding career in Nursing with a degree from New Zealand.

Would you like to pursue a professional career that allows you to gratify your humane side while earning potential monetary rewards? Nursing can be a great choice in this case! It is one of the few professions that revolve around service to society while also letting you earn handsomely in the process. Besides, Nursing also provides a great deal of flexibility since you're free to choose the one specific field in patient care that you wish to specialise in and deal with. New Zealand is fast emerging as a popular choice among most international students to pursue a Nursing degree.

Nursing courses offered in New Zealand universities prepare students with comprehensive academic and practical skills across all nursing disciplines such as mental health, pediatrics, or oncology etc.

Why Study Nursing in New Zealand?

New Zealand has a huge demand for trained and professional nurses, which explains why students around the world widely prefer studying in New Zealand for Nursing courses. Here are some of the top reasons that international students state for pursuing Nursing in New Zealand:

1. New Zealand does not impose age restrictions on students applying to different universities for various courses. This is one of the major reasons that boosts students' confidence to apply to New Zealand universities.

2. The RoI on studying in New Zealand is relatively higher. This is because the cost of studying Nursing in New Zealand is quite affordable, and so are the living costs in the country. This, compared to the high salary range offered to Nurses, is a great attraction for students interested in pursuing Nursing in NZ.

Nursing Courses in New Zealand for International Students

A professional degree in Nursing is intended to train students to practice as a Nurse in a medical or healthcare facility. Nursing revolves around taking care of patients and assisting them in proper and complete recovery from the ailment or condition.

Students from the Science stream can directly apply for Nursing immediately after completing Grade 12. Likewise, the course is also an option for students after graduation or Bachelor's. They can choose to learn advanced skills in the domain by pursuing a Master's course in Nursing from a recognised institute.

International students applying for Nursing in New Zealand can choose from various options, both at the Bachelor's and Master's levels. Some of the highly sought-after Nursing courses in NZ include:

BSc Nursing in New Zealand

1. Bachelor of Nursing - Bachelor of Science Conjoint

2. Veterinary Nursing

3. Nursing (Honours)

4. Bachelor of Health Sciences - Bachelor of Nursing Conjoint

MSc Nursing in New Zealand

1. Master’s of Nursing Practice

2. Master’s of Nursing Science

3. Master’s in Health Practice - Nursing

4. Health Science - Advanced Nursing Practice

Cost of Studying Nursing Courses in New Zealand for Indian Students

The fee structure for different types of Nursing courses offered at NZ universities will likely vary from one course to another. The same applies to the university where the course is being pursued, its global rank, curriculum design, and other factors.

On average, Nursing fees in New Zealand for international students are likely to range between 35,000 NZD and 38,000 NZD (approx) for international students at the Undergraduate level. For Master's graduates, the fee is slightly higher - in the range of 32,000 NZD and 50,000 NZD per year (approx).

Eligibility Criteria and Admission Requirements to Study Nursing in NZ

The admission requirements for Nursing programs at New Zealand universities differ for undergraduate and postgraduate courses. Below are the criteria outlined for both Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Nursing in New Zealand for your convenience.

Nursing in New Zealand Requirements for Undergraduate Degree

1. Statement of Purpose highlighting your intent to pursue Nursing at the applied university in NZ

2. Reference letters or Letters of Recommendation (minimum 2)

3. Certificate of completion of secondary schooling or grade 12

4. Updated Resume

5. An aggregate of 75% in Grade 12 in the Science stream with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology subjects

6. A minimum of 6.0 in IELTS to prove English language proficiency

7. Prior academic transcripts

Nursing in New Zealand Requirements for Postgraduate Degree

1. A minimum of 6.5 score in the IELTS language proficiency test

2. Previous work experience of a minimum of 2 years

3. Bachelor’s degree in Nursing or a related field of study with an average of B grade or higher

4. Statement of Purpose

5. Official academic transcripts from all institutions studied at so far

6. Updated CV

Visa Requirements for Indian Students to Study in New Zealand

Before applying to a university in NZ for a course in Nursing, Indian students must apply for and obtain a New Zealand student visa. Here are the following documents you would need-

1. A Letter of Acceptance or Offer from the university you have applied to in NZ

2. Proof of payment of tuition fee for the course applied at the university

3. Current valid passport for travel to NZ

4. Proof of sufficient funds to support your entire duration of stay in the country

5. Medical report

6. Character certificate

7. A copy of the submitted SOP to the applied university
   

Top Universities / Colleges for Nursing Courses in New Zealand

According to the World University Ranking reports, New Zealand houses several highly ranked universities that have received excellent global rankings and reviews. Below are some of the top universities and nursing colleges in New Zealand based on the QS World University Rankings 2023:

Source: https://www.topuniversities.com/university-rankings/world-university-rankings/2023

Career Prospects After Pursuing Nursing in New Zealand

The Nursing industry in New Zealand holds bright and lucrative career prospects for graduates of UG and PG courses in the subject. Here are some of the high-paying jobs that are likely to open up for course graduates:

1. Clinical Nurse Manager

2. Registered Nurse

3. Nursing Manager

4. General/Operations Manager

5. System Administrator

6. Instructional Designer

After completing Nursing in New Zealand, the salary is likely between 60,000 NZD. and 85,000 NZD.

FAQs

Which city in New Zealand is best to study Nursing?

Auckland is by far regarded as one of the best and also the most popular cities in New Zealand for courses in Nursing among international graduates.

What IELTS score is required to study in New Zealand?

Most universities in New Zealand require a minimum score of 5.5 in IELTS to be eligible for admission into one of the leading institutions.

What are the different specialties available for Nursing in New Zealand?

Some of the areas that students of Nursing can choose to specialise in include:

1. Community Mental Health

2. Intensive Care

3. Elderly Care

4. Child/Adolescent Nursing

How does Nursing in New Zealand differ from other countries?

The immigration rules in New Zealand are relatively friendly to international students when compared to those in other developed nations, which makes traveling for studies extremely difficult. Besides, Nursing degrees offered in NZ are comparatively more affordable and economical in terms of tuition fees and living costs.

How long does it take to become a Nurse in New Zealand?

Most Bachelor's degrees in NZ for Nursing generally last three years, while Master's courses are two-year-long. However, this duration may vary depending on the course design.

Can Indian students apply for PR after completing Nursing in New Zealand?

Yes, Nursing is one of the highly preferred courses in New Zealand among international students, opening up opportunities for them to apply for Permanent Residency in the country upon course completion.

What are the scholarships available for international students to study Nursing in NZ?

The University of Auckland International Student Excellence Scholarship, New Zealand Excellence Awards, and JN Tata Endowment Scholarship are some funding options available for international students applying for Nursing in NZ.

Is a Nursing degree from New Zealand valid in India?

Yes, getting a degree from a globally recognised university in New Zealand holds worth and validity in India and everywhere, allowing graduates to work anywhere as Registered Nurses.

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