Bachelor of Nursing
If you are seeking a fulfilling career on the frontline, directly caring for those in need, a Bachelor of Nursing at Waikato is for you.
2025 Applications
- Applications for the Bachelor of Nursing starting in 2025 are now closed.
Why study the Bachelor of Nursing?
Delivered in partnership with local healthcare providers, our nursing programme combines high academic standards with extensive hands-on learning in a real healthcare setting from day one.
The programme also has a specific focus on equity, wellbeing and Māori and Pacific health with opportunities to specialise in mental health and addictions.
On a practical level, you will divide your time between our University campus in Hamilton and health providers across the Waikato and Midland region. We offer an experienced team of registered nurses and other health professionals to support your learning.
Our diverse teaching team includes active researchers who are changing the way healthcare is delivered in New Zealand and across the world. This team embraces innovative teaching and learning methods to equip the next generation of nurses with skills and knowledge to meet the healthcare needs of the whanau, hāpu, iwi of Waikato, New Zealand and global populations.
On completion of your three-year degree, you will be prepared to provide the highest quality care incorporating mental and physical health to people living in rural or urban locations, at home or in hospital.
Please note all applicants will go through a selection process. Tips for applying are here.
Career Opportunities
- Registered nurse
- Primary and community health care eg. general practice, hospice, district, community mental health
- Hospital-based care eg. neonatal units, emergency department, intensive care, acute mental health of paediatrics
Degree information
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Plan your study -
Entry Requirements Please note all applicants will go through a selection process.
The Nursing selection process includes provision of a personal statement, referee checks and a criminal record check. Selection of applicants is based on both academic background and suitability for nursing. All applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
As well as being selected as a suitable person to be a Nurse, you will need to meet the admission requirements for the University.
Tips for applying are here.
Please note that spaces are limited. Applications for admission to the 2025 Bachelor of Nursing are closed. Applications for 2026 will close on 31 August 2025.
Transfers
If you are a nursing student from another institution wishing to transfer into the Bachelor of Nursing at Waikato you will need to provide an academic transcript from your current provider along with a reference from the Head of School/qualification, and the number of clinical hours completed. Applications for transfer need to be submitted as soon as possible for the following academic year.The Bachelor of Nursing is not currently available for International Students.
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Fees and scholarships Estimated fees
$8,269 per year plus additional Ancillary Costs per year
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Domestic tuition fees
Approximate annual tuition fees and costs for domestic students enrolled in one year of full-time study.
Domestic tuition costs -
Scholarships
Visit our Scholarship finder for more information about possible scholarships.
Scholarships Finder
Relevant as of 30 October 2024.
All amounts are in New Zealand Dollars (NZD). Tuition fees shown are indicative only and may change. There are additional fees and charges related to enrolment. Please see the Table of Fees and Charges for more information. You will be sent an enrolment agreement which will confirm your fees. View information about fees free study.
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International tuition fees
Approximate annual tuition fees and costs for international students enrolled in one year of full-time study.
International tuition costs -
Scholarships
Visit our Scholarship finder for more information about possible scholarships.
Scholarships Finder
Relevant as of 30 October 2024.
All amounts are in New Zealand Dollars (NZD). Tuition fees shown are indicative only and may change. There are additional fees and charges related to enrolment. Please see the Table of Fees and Charges for more information. You will be sent an enrolment agreement which will confirm your fees.
-
Please note all applicants will go through a selection process.
The Nursing selection process includes provision of a personal statement, referee checks and a criminal record check. Selection of applicants is based on both academic background and suitability for nursing. All applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
As well as being selected as a suitable person to be a Nurse, you will need to meet the admission requirements for the University.
Tips for applying are here.
Please note that spaces are limited. Applications for admission to the 2025 Bachelor of Nursing are closed. Applications for 2026 will close on 31 August 2025.
Transfers
If you are a nursing student from another institution wishing to transfer into the Bachelor of Nursing at Waikato you will need to provide an academic transcript from your current provider along with a reference from the Head of School/qualification, and the number of clinical hours completed. Applications for transfer need to be submitted as soon as possible for the following academic year.
The Bachelor of Nursing is not currently available for International Students.
Estimated fees
$8,269 per year plus additional Ancillary Costs per year
-
Domestic tuition fees
Approximate annual tuition fees and costs for domestic students enrolled in one year of full-time study.
Domestic tuition costs -
Scholarships
Visit our Scholarship finder for more information about possible scholarships.
Scholarships Finder
Relevant as of 30 October 2024.
All amounts are in New Zealand Dollars (NZD). Tuition fees shown are indicative only and may change. There are additional fees and charges related to enrolment. Please see the Table of Fees and Charges for more information. You will be sent an enrolment agreement which will confirm your fees. View information about fees free study.
-
International tuition fees
Approximate annual tuition fees and costs for international students enrolled in one year of full-time study.
International tuition costs -
Scholarships
Visit our Scholarship finder for more information about possible scholarships.
Scholarships Finder
Relevant as of 30 October 2024.
All amounts are in New Zealand Dollars (NZD). Tuition fees shown are indicative only and may change. There are additional fees and charges related to enrolment. Please see the Table of Fees and Charges for more information. You will be sent an enrolment agreement which will confirm your fees.
Practical experience
You will undertake at least 1,100 hours of clinical experience throughout the programme. Within each trimester, there are both teaching and clinical blocks.
Please note, once you are successful at gaining a place in the Bachelor of Nursing, you will also need to complete further tasks prior to commencing Clinical Placement. These are to meet the requirements set down by the Nursing Council of New Zealand for registration as a nurse in New Zealand. You will need to:
- show you meet the immunisation standards of practice for healthcare professionals in NZ by having the Health Clearance Form completed and signed by a GP.
- Hold a current Comprehensive First Aid Certificate. Note, we offer a free First Aid course for all new nursing students at the beginning of your first trimester. This means you will have your certification before the commencement of your clinical placement.
Bachelor of Nursing with Honours
The Bachelor of Nursing with Honours - BNurs(Hons) - programme provides an option for students with high levels of academic performance, who are employed in clinical practice and who are supported by their clinical managers as having leadership potential.
Ancillary Costs
Note: There are some additional costs associated with becoming a nurse.
- University of Waikato Nursing Uniform
- Travel to Placement and parking
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Evidence of Health Clearance Status e.g. the cost of a GP/health professional fee, and cost (if any) for serology tests.