Best Health Courses in New Zealand for International Students

Want to study healthcare in New Zealand? You can choose from healthcare courses at different study levels.

The right course depends on the healthcare career you want and your current qualifications.

In this guide, compare healthcare courses in New Zealand, where you can study them, tuition fees, entry requirements and possible career pathways.

Popular healthcare courses in New Zealand

• Nursing

• Medical Imaging

• Health Sciences

• Health and Wellbeing

• Community Healthcare and Support

• Health Services Management

You can study towards becoming an Enrolled Nurse or Registered Nurse in New Zealand. There are also postgraduate nursing courses for further study.

Bachelor of Nursing courses

• Duration: 3 years

• IELTS score: 6.5

• Placement hours: 1,000+ hours

A Bachelor of Nursing usually takes three years of full-time study. These courses include clinical training and can prepare you to become a Registered Nurse.

Enrolled Nursing courses

• Duration: 18 months

• IELTS score: 6.5

• Clinical placement: 700+ hours

An Enrolled Nursing diploma is a shorter nursing study option. It can prepare you to become an Enrolled Nurse in New Zealand.

Good to know: What's the difference between an Enrolled Nurse and a Registered Nurse?

Both are registered nursing roles, but they have different scopes of practice. An Enrolled Nurse works under the direction and delegation of a Registered Nurse or other authorised health practitioner. A Registered Nurse has a broader scope of practice.

Your course should match the nursing role you want to work towards.

Master of Nursing courses

• Duration: Usually 1.5–2 years

• IELTS score: Usually 6.5–7.0

• Study level: Postgraduate

A Master of Nursing can have different career outcomes. Some courses help graduates from other fields work towards becoming a Registered Nurse. Others are for Registered Nurses who want to build advanced nursing skills.

Good to know: Do not choose a Master of Nursing based on the course name alone. The same course name can have a different purpose at each university.

For example, the Master of Nursing Science at the University of Auckland and Auckland University of Technology can help eligible graduates become Registered Nurses. At the Eastern Institute of Technology and Southern Institute of Technology, the Master of Nursing Science is for people who are already nurses.

Always check the entry requirements and career outcomes before you apply.

• Duration: 4 years

• IELTS score: 6.5

• Clinical placement: 1,000+ hours

Medical Imaging can prepare you for a career using imaging technology to help diagnose and treat patients. Based on our research, the University of Auckland offers this course for international students.

This course can prepare you to become a Medical Imaging Technologist. This role is also listed as a Tier 1 Green List role, which may provide a pathway to the Straight to Residence Visa if you meet the relevant immigration requirements.

• Duration: Around 1–3 years

• IELTS score: 6.5

• Study level: Undergraduate

Health Sciences courses can help you build knowledge across health and healthcare. The subjects and career outcomes can vary depending on the course you choose.

Good to know: A Health Sciences course does not always prepare you for professional registration. Check what careers the course can lead to before you apply.

This is especially important if you want to work in a regulated healthcare profession.

• Duration: Around 20 weeks to 1 year

• IELTS score: 5.5–6.0

• Study level: Levels 3–5

• Clinical/work placement: Around 100–200+ hours

Health and Wellbeing courses can prepare you for support and care roles in New Zealand. You can start with a Level 3 certificate or study a higher-level course to build more advanced skills.

Good to know: Your career options can change as you move up each qualification level.

Level 3 courses can prepare you for entry-level support roles. Higher-level study can help you build skills for more advanced support, community health or team leadership roles. 

• Duration: 2 semesters

• IELTS score: 6.0

• Study level: Level 7

• Placement: Included

A Community Healthcare and Support course can help you build skills for working in community health and support services.

• Duration: 1 year

• IELTS score: 6.0

• Study level: Level 7

• Study mode: On campus

Health Services Management is a non-clinical healthcare pathway. It can suit students who want to work on the management and administration side of healthcare.

• Duration: Usually 1–2 years

• IELTS score: 6.5

• Study level: Postgraduate

Already have a degree? A postgraduate Health Science course can help you build further knowledge and skills in health. Your study options and career outcomes will depend on the course you choose.

Good to know: A postgraduate Health Science course does not automatically qualify you for a registered health profession. Check the career outcome and registration requirements for the course before you apply. 

New Zealand has several universities that offer health courses for international students. Compare the course, fees, entry requirements and career outcomes before you choose.

Note: Course fees, entry requirements, intakes, placements and Green List settings can change. 

For the latest information based on your study goals, speak with an IDP counsellor for free course advice and help comparing your options.

Several polytechnics and institutes offer healthcare courses for international students. Nursing is one of the most common options.

Note: Course fees, entry requirements, intakes, placements and Green List settings can change. Speak with an IDP counsellor for the latest course information and help comparing your options.

For international students, healthcare courses in New Zealand can cost around NZ$18,000 to NZ$55,000 per year. Your fees will depend on your course, study level and institution.

As a general guide:

• Certificates (Levels 3–4): NZ$18,000–$22,000 per year

• Diplomas (Level 5): NZ$20,000–$25,000 per year

• Bachelor’s degrees: around NZ$35,000–$40,000+ per year

• Master’s degrees: around NZ$37,000–$55,000+ per year

These are estimates only. Your actual tuition fees may be higher or lower depending on your course and provider.

Entry requirements depend on your course and study level. In general:

Entry requirements depend on the course and study level. Clinical healthcare courses may also have extra requirements because you will work with patients during your training.

Certificate courses

Certificate courses usually require a secondary school qualification. The exact academic requirements depend on the certificate level and provider.

Diploma courses

Diploma courses may require higher secondary school qualifications. Some courses may also ask for previous study or relevant experience.

Bachelor's courses

Bachelor's degrees usually require a qualification that meets university entrance requirements.

Some healthcare courses may have extra entry requirements. These can include specific science subjects or higher English scores.

Additional requirements for healthcare students

If your course includes clinical training, you may also need to provide:

• Police or safety checks.

• Health declarations.

• Immunisation records.

• Evidence that you are fit to practise.

• References.

• A First Aid certificate.

These requirements vary by course. Check them early so you have enough time to prepare your documents.

Not sure if you qualify? An IDP counsellor can check your qualifications and English score. We can help you find health courses that match your background.

You may need an IELTS score of around 6.0 to 6.5 for many of the healthcare courses covered in this guide. However, some courses have higher requirements.

For example, some Master of Nursing programs require an IELTS Academic score of 7.0 with no band below 7.0.

Always check the English requirement for your exact course before applying.

Book IELTS

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Yes, healthcare graduates may be eligible for a Post Study Work Visa (PSWV) after completing an approved qualification in New Zealand.

Your work rights depend on what you studied:

• Degree Level 7 or higher: You can work in New Zealand after graduation.

• Non-degree Level 7 or lower: Your qualification must meet PSWV requirements, and your job must meet Immigration New Zealand's requirements.

Good to know: From 16 November 2026, PSWV eligibility will also extend to eligible students who complete a full-time NZQCF Level 7 Graduate Diploma in New Zealand and hold a bachelor's degree completed in New Zealand or overseas. 

On average, people working in health care and social assistance earn around $46 an hour (MBIE, 2024).

Here’s a simple breakdown of the salaries of different healthcare roles in New Zealand:

Sources: Jobted, ASMS and NZDF, Te Whatu Ora and NZNO, APEX and Te Whatu Ora,TEC research.

Worried about the cost of studying healthcare in New Zealand? You’re not alone, and the good news is, there are real scholarships out there that you actually have a shot at.

At IDP, we don’t just show you generic scholarships for top students. 

We help you find healthcare scholarships that match your background, goals, and budget, whether you’re applying for Nursing, Midwifery, Medicine, Public Health, or any other health course.

You can browse over 5,000 scholarships from 370+ institutions using our Find a Scholarship tool.

You can also book a consultation. Our IDP counsellors can match you with health-related scholarships you’re eligible for.

After completing an eligible health qualification in New Zealand and receiving a Post-Study Work Visa (PSWV), your next goal is usually to:

1. Find a full-time job in your field

2. Apply for a work visa or residence, depending on your occupation and visa eligibility

There are two main directions you can take:

1. Apply for a Work Visa

If your job is not yet eligible for residence, you can apply for an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV). This allows you to stay and work in New Zealand as long as you meet the criteria.

2. Apply for Residence (PR)

If your role is on the Green List, you may qualify for a fast-tracked residence visa:

• Straight to Residence Visa (Tier 1 roles only)

• Work to Residence Visa (Tier 2 roles after 2 years of work in the role)

Your eligibility depends on your job title, employer, and whether you meet the registration and qualification requirements.

What are the best healthcare courses in New Zealand for international students?

Popular options include Nursing, Midwifery, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Medical Imaging and other health sciences. The best course depends on the healthcare career you want to enter.

How much does it cost to study healthcare in New Zealand?

Healthcare courses can cost around NZ$18,000 to NZ$55,000+ per year for international students. Fees vary by qualification, course and provider.

What IELTS score do I need to study healthcare in New Zealand?

Many healthcare courses require an IELTS score of around 6.0 to 6.5, but clinical and professionally regulated courses may have specific overall and individual skill requirements.

Can international students study nursing in New Zealand?

Yes. International students can study approved nursing programmes in New Zealand if they meet the academic, English and other programme entry requirements.

Can international students study healthcare at a polytechnic in New Zealand?

Yes. New Zealand polytechnics and institutes offer healthcare qualifications to international students, including programmes in nursing and health and wellbeing.

Can I get a Post Study Work Visa after studying healthcare in New Zealand?

Yes, if you complete a qualification that meets Post Study Work Visa eligibility requirements. Your visa length and work conditions depend on the qualification you complete.

Can I get PR after studying healthcare in New Zealand?

A healthcare course does not guarantee PR. However, some qualifications can lead to healthcare occupations with residence pathways, including eligible Green List roles.

Which healthcare jobs are on New Zealand's Green List?

Several registered healthcare professions are on the Green List, including occupations in nursing, medicine and allied health. Always check the current Green List because eligible occupations and requirements can change.

Do healthcare courses in New Zealand include clinical placements?

Many clinical healthcare programmes include supervised placements as part of the qualification. The number and type of placement hours depend on the course and professional requirements.

Do I need professional registration after studying healthcare in New Zealand?

You will need registration to work in many regulated healthcare professions, such as nursing, medicine, midwifery and some allied health careers. Registration requirements depend on your profession.

How long does it take to study healthcare in New Zealand?

Healthcare courses can take from around six months for some certificates to three or more years for many bachelor's degrees. Medical and some specialist pathways take longer.

Is healthcare a good pathway to PR in New Zealand?

Healthcare can offer strong migration opportunities when your qualification leads to an eligible skilled occupation. Your PR options ultimately depend on your job, registration and the residence visa requirements you meet.