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.
Applications for the 2024 intake are now closed. Our next intake will be in 2025.
Why study a BNurs?
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.
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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Subjects Choose a subject
Browse available subjects and choose one for more information.
Browse BNurs subjects Browse available subjects and choose one for more information
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Plan your study -
Entry Requirements There are five ways you can gain admission to the University of Waikato.
- NCEA University Entrance
- Admission at entrance level
- Discretionary entrance
- University Entrance prior to 2015
- Special admission.
For full details visit Entry Requirements.
Please apply early as applicants will go through a selection process. Applications for admission to the 2025 Bachelor of Nursing will close on 31 August 2024.
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.
Please note that spaces are limited.
Transfers
If you are a nursing student from another institution wishing to transfer into the Bachelor of Nursing at Waikato, please contact us via email at nursingplacements@waikato.ac.nz before making any application. 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.As an international student studying at undergraduate level, you are required to meet English language and academic entry requirements.
View Entry requirements for undergraduate international students.
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Fees and scholarships Estimated fees
$7,801 per year plus additional Ancillary Costs per year
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Scholarships
Visit our Scholarship finder for more information about possible scholarships.
Find a scholarship -
Domestic tuition fees
Approximate annual tuition fees and costs for domestic students enrolled in one year of full-time study.
Domestic tuition costs
Relevant as of 20 February 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.
-
Scholarships
Visit our Scholarship finder for more information about possible scholarships.
Find a scholarship -
International tuition fees
Approximate annual tuition fees and costs for international students enrolled in one year of full-time study.
International tuition costs
Relevant as of 20 February 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.
-
Browse available subjects and choose one for more information
There are five ways you can gain admission to the University of Waikato.
- NCEA University Entrance
- Admission at entrance level
- Discretionary entrance
- University Entrance prior to 2015
- Special admission.
For full details visit Entry Requirements.
Please apply early as applicants will go through a selection process. Applications for admission to the 2025 Bachelor of Nursing will close on 31 August 2024.
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.
Please note that spaces are limited.
Transfers
If you are a nursing student from another institution wishing to transfer into the Bachelor of Nursing at Waikato, please contact us via email at nursingplacements@waikato.ac.nz before making any application. 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.
As an international student studying at undergraduate level, you are required to meet English language and academic entry requirements.
View Entry requirements for undergraduate international students.
Estimated fees
$7,801 per year plus additional Ancillary Costs per year
-
Scholarships
Visit our Scholarship finder for more information about possible scholarships.
Find a scholarship -
Domestic tuition fees
Approximate annual tuition fees and costs for domestic students enrolled in one year of full-time study.
Domestic tuition costs
Relevant as of 20 February 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.
-
Scholarships
Visit our Scholarship finder for more information about possible scholarships.
Find a scholarship -
International tuition fees
Approximate annual tuition fees and costs for international students enrolled in one year of full-time study.
International tuition costs
Relevant as of 20 February 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 1,704 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 Immunisation Screening 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.
Students will have a prescribed pathway: An approved paper (agreed by the workforce manager and University of Waikato) (30 points) and HLTSC582 Research Thesis (90 points). Successful completion of the Bachelor of Nursing with Honours (BNurs(Hons)) will allow students to progress directly to doctoral study. For this programme, students will be supported by an assigned clinical mentor and academic supervisor who will guide their development throughout the programme.
Documents
- Note: There are Ancillary Costs for this qualification.
- Immunisation Screening Form
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