When planning to study Nursing in New Zealand, the international students can choose a three-year professional degree at the UG level that allows a student to qualify as a General Registered Nurse or opt for a masters course that lasts for 1-2 years. This choice can be made on the basis of what previous qualifications you have. Nursing courses in New Zealand focus on producing graduates with strong academic and practical ability in all areas of nursing. Whereas, students wishing to specialise in a particular area - for example, mental health, paediatrics, or oncology - can opt for Masters of Nursing from colleges in New Zealand.
The cost to study Nursing in New Zealand at top nursing colleges in New Zealand can be around 35,000 NZD to 38,000 NZD (17.22 lakhs - 18.7 lakhs INR) per year for international undergraduate students. The international graduate students willing to pursue a Masters in Nursing in New Zealand can expect their tuition fees ranging from 32,000 NZD to 50,000 NZD (15.74 lakhs - 24.6 lakhs INR) per year. This is relatively lower than other countries like the US, UK, etc, which makes it easier for international students on a budget to find cheaper education options.
The returns offered are also good with an abundance of jobs in New Zealand. A person working as a nurse in New Zealand typically earns around 76,800 NZD (37.79 lakhs INR) per annum. Salaries range from 40,700 NZD to 117,000 NZD (20 Lakhs - 57.58 Lakhs INR) per year. You must note that these salaries can vary based on the hospital or firm you are associated with, your experience, and other factors.
Highlights
| Course | Nursing |
| Programs Available | Bachelors, Masters |
| Duration | 3 years (Bachelors) , 2 years (Masters) |
| Average Tuition Fee | Bachelors: 35,000 NZD to 38,000 NZD (17.22 lakhs - 18.7 lakhs INR) | Masters: 32,000 NZD to 50,000 NZD (15.74 lakhs - 24.6 lakhs INR) |
| Top Universities | University of Auckland; University of Otago; Victoria University of Wellington; Massey University; Auckland University of Technology |
| Top Job Profiles | Nursing Manager; Registered Nurse; Clinical Nurse Manager |
| Average Salary | 76,800 NZD (37.79 lakhs INR) per annum |
Top Universities to Study Nursing in New Zealand
Some of the best New Zealand Universities offering courses in Nursing as ranked by QS Top Universities 2023 are listed below along with the program, deadlines and cost:
| University | Programs | Admission Deadlines | Tuition Fees (NZD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Auckland | Master of Nursing | Semester 1 Deadline [Dec 8, 2022], Semester 2 Deadline [July 4, 2023] | 48,386 |
| Bachelor of Nursing | December 8, 2022 | 37,523 | |
| University of Otago | Master of Nursing | Master of Nursing - Clinical | Semester 1 Deadline [Oct 31, 2022], Semester 2 Deadline [Apr 30, 2023] | 44,852 |
| Victoria University of Wellington | Master of Nursing Science | Master of Nursing Practice | December 1, 2022 | 32,750 |
| Massey University | Bachelor of Nursing | Semester 1 [October 31, 2022], Semester 2 [May 31, 2023] | 35,840 |
| Auckland University of Technology | Bachelor of Health Science - Nursing | Starting Feb 27, 2023 [Apply as soon as possible], Starting Jul 17, 2023 [Apply as soon as possible] | 37,400 |
| Master of Nursing Science | Starting January 31, 2023 [Apply as soon as possible] | 40,900 |
Why Study Nursing in New Zealand?
Nursing in New Zealand is one of the most sought for courses in the current scenario, mainly because Australian and New Zealand- trained nurses are much in demand all over the world.
- The best thing about studying nursing from New Zealand is that the universities require minimal entry requirements. Students with moderate grades can easily get admission to the top nursing universities in New Zealand.
- Also, there is no age bar to study in New Zealand- so that’s another benefitting checkpoint in your favour if you’re planning to pursue further studies in nursing from New Zealand.
- Great ROI - The cost of living in New Zealand is approximately between 20,000 NZD to 30,000 NZD (10 Lakhs to 15 Lakhs INR). Taking into account the lower tuition fees and cost of living in New Zealand- we come to the conclusion that nursing in New Zealand can be the best option for becoming a health practitioner abroad.
Nursing in New Zealand: Eligibility Requirements
We recommend all applicants to start filing the applications as early as possible because the degrees providing specialisation in the field of health are high in demand. International students facing any difficulties while applying for admission may checkout the application process to study in New Zealand. Below we have mentioned the basic eligibility criteria for undergraduate and graduate admission for Nursing program in New Zealand:
Undergraduate Admission Requirements:
To enter the Undergraduate degree in Nursing, an international student must keep in mind the to be selected into a nursing program on the basis of a process which includes providing:
- Secondary school qualification or High school diploma or equivalent
- Overall 75% in class 12 with Biology, Chemistry, Physics
- Transcripts of all academic institutions attended previously.
- A personal supporting statement of about 300 words explaining why you chose the nursing program and why you feel you would make a good nurse. List any personal characteristics you have that demonstrate your suitability.
- English Language Requirements
- IELTS- 6.0
- TOEFL- 80
- A CV of 2-3 pages
- Two referee reports
- An interview may be required
Also Check: Exams to Study in New Zealand for International Students
Once you have been accepted into a Bachelors in Nursing program, you need to register yourself as a nurse in New Zealand by meeting all the requirements set by the Nursing Council of New Zealand. Please note that your choice of university and field of study will also affect your acceptance into the university.
Postgraduate Admission Requirements:
To enter the Postgraduate degree in Nursing, an international student must keep in mind the following:
- Bachelor’s degree with a B grade average or higher in papers at level 7
- Official verified transcripts from all the previously attended institutions
- English Language Requirements
- IELTS- 6.5
- TOEFL- 90
- CV/ Resume
- Statement of Purpose
- Proof of a minimum of 2 years of work experience at a professional level
Once you are accepted into a masters program in nursing, you will be a registered nurse (enrolled nurses are not eligible) with a practising certificate from the Nursing Council of New Zealand.
Nursing in New Zealand: Cost of Studying
For international candidates aspiring to study nursing in New Zealand, it is important to consider the cost of living abroad. The basic expenses can be distributed into three categories. These are the tuition fees of the program, and the cost of living.
Tuition Fees for Nursing in New Zealand for Indian Students
The tuition fees can range between 35,000 – 38,000 NZD (17.22 lakhs - 18.7 lakhs INR) for a BNurs and 32,000 – 50,000 NZD (15.74 lakhs - 24.6 lakhs INR) for MNurs. However, if you apply for financial aid and qualify, the fees can reduce substantially.
Master of Nursing in New Zealand Tuition Fees:
| University | Tuition Fees (NZD) | Tuition Fees (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| The University of Auckland | 48,386 | 23.81 lakhs |
| University of Otago | 44,852 | 22.07 lakhs |
| Auckland University of Technology | 40,900 | 20.12 lakhs |
| Victoria University of Wellington | 32,750 | 16.11 lakhs |
Bachelor of Nursing in New Zealand Tuition Fees:
| University | Tuition Fees (NZD) | Tuition Fees (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| The University of Auckland | 37,523 | 18.46 lakhs |
| Auckland University of Technology | 37,400 | 18.4 lakhs |
| Massey University | 35,840 | 17.63 lakhs |
Cost of Living in New Zealand
The average monthly living costs for one person range from 20,000 NZD to 30,000 NZD (10 Lakhs to 15 Lakhs INR). The cost of living in New Zealand consists of all the expenses you will have to pay for, after your arrival in the country. These include the cost of accommodation, food expenses, books & supplies, transportation, as well as other student expenses.
| Type of Expense | Cost (NZD) | Costs (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Rent | 1,500 | 73,821 |
| Groceries/Household items | 700 | 34,449 |
| Utilities | 130 | 6,397 |
| Internet | 75 | 3,691 |
| Gas/Transportation | 150 | 7,382 |
International applicants must note that the cost of accommodation and travel in New Zealand will highly depend on the type of student accommodation opted.
Nursing in New Zealand: Scholarships
For candidates aspiring to study in New Zealand, it is advisable to apply for a scholarship program or a loan offered to international students. Some of the scholarships available to all nursing international students are listed below:
| College Name | Eligibility Requirement | Benefit Amount |
|---|---|---|
| University of Auckland International Student Excellence Scholarship | All international students studying in the University of Auckland | 9,717 NZD |
| VueVille Future Technology Scholarship | All international students studying in Canada, New Zealand, Australia, Germany, UK and Singapore | 1,472 NZD |
| New Zealand Excellence Awards | All indian students studying at the graduate level in New Zealand | 8,520 NZD |
| Forktip Women’s- Innovation Scholarship | All women candidates pursuing higher education in Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand | Variable |
| JN Tata Endowment Scholarship | All indian students studying abroad | Variable |
| Bharat Petroleum Scholarship 2020 | All indian students studying abroad | Variable |
Nursing in New Zealand: Scope after Studying
New Zealand-trained nurses are involved in all areas of healthcare and can choose to specialise in particular areas, such as intensive care, community mental health, aged care, or child and adolescent nursing. Nurses can also become a specialist in particular conditions, such as diabetes, respiratory care, or cancer. Nurses in New Zealand can choose to develop careers in health management, research, and teaching. The average salary of Nurses in New Zealand is seen to be around 76,000 NZD per year which is equivalent to 37.79 lakhs INR.
Top Paying Jobs after Master of Nursing in New Zealand:
A number of Master of Nursing graduates have either successfully gained registration as nurse practitioners with prescribing rights or pursuing a Ph.D. in nursing. On average, the Master of Nursing graduates in New Zealand earn a salary of 82,000 NZD per year (40.35 lakhs INR).
| Job Profile | Average Salary (NZD) | Average Salary (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Nursing Manager | 85,068 | 41.86 lakhs |
| Instructional Designer | 77,846 | 38,31 lakhs |
| System Administrator | 76,964 | 37.87 lakhs |
| Registered Nurse (Emergency Room) | 74,880 | 36.85 lakhs |
| Registered Nurse | 68,729 | 33.82 lakhs |
Top Paying Jobs after Bachelor of Nursing in New Zealand:
The Bachelor of Nursing graduates continue with their studies after qualifying as registered nurses by undertaking a master’s degree in nursing. The graduates after completion of a Bachelor of Nursing degree in New Zealand generally have an average salary of 75,000 NZD per year (36.91 lakhs INR).
| Job Profile | Average Salary (NZD) | Average Salary (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Nursing Manager | 87,481 | 43.05 lakhs |
| General/Operations Manager | 85,858 | 42.25 lakhs |
| Clinical Nurse Manager | 76,776 | 37.78 lakhs |
| Registered Nurse | 65,327 | 32.15 lakhs |
| Registered Nurse (Emergency Room) | 60,065 | 29.56 lakhs |
Working after studying Nursing in New Zealand
Working in New Zealand as a nurse can be categorised into three broad categories- Enrolled Nurse, Registered Nurse, and Nurse Practitioner. Different levels of educational qualification are required for each nursing scope.
- You are required to complete a Diploma in Enrolled Nursing program (NZQA Level Five program) from a polytechnic or institute of technology (approved by the Nursing Council), to become an enrolled nurse in New Zealand.
- You have to complete a Nursing Council-approved Bachelor of Nursing/Bachelor of Health Science program (NZQA Level Seven program) from a polytechnic or institute of technology or a university, to become a registered nurse in New Zealand.
- Requirements to become a registered nurse practitioner in New Zealand:
- successfully completed a master’s degree program
- registration with the Nursing Council of New Zealand approved by the Nursing Council of New Zealand
- a minimum of four years of clinically focussed work experience in a specific area of practice
- successfully passed a Nursing Council assessment of nurse practitioner competencies and criteria.
Nursing in New Zealand: Bachelors vs Masters
The table below shows a comparison of Bachelor of Nursing and Master of Nursing degrees in New Zealand on the basis of program duration, cost and career prospectus.
| Base | Bachelor of Nursing | Master of Nursing |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 2 years | 3 years |
| Other Names | BSN, BNurs | MSN, MNurs |
| Tuition Fee Range | 35,000 NZD to 38,000 NZD (17.22 lakhs - 18.7 lakhs INR) | 32,000 NZD to 50,000 NZD (15.74 lakhs - 24.6 lakhs INR) |
| Develop Skills In | Communications, cognitive skills, interpersonal relationship, physical competencies, and behavioural skills | Interprofessional collaboration, Organisational leadership, Evidence-based practice, Quality and Safety |
| Popular Jobs | Nursing Manager, Clinical Nurse Manager, Registered Nurse, ICU Nurse, Obstetric and Gynaecological Nurse | Nursing Manager, Registered Nurse, Nurse Administrator, Nurse Educator |
| Average Salary | 75,000 NZD per year (36.91 lakhs INR) | 82,000 NZD per year (40.35 lakhs INR) |
Studying Nursing in New Zealand either as a Bachelor's degree or master's degree is quite affordable compared to other study abroad destinations. A bachelor of Nursing course in New Zealand may cost around 35,000 NZD to 38,000 NZD (17.22 lakhs - 18.7 lakhs INR) while a master degree generally costs between 32,000 NZD to 50,000 NZD (15.74 lakhs - 24.6 lakhs INR). The course also has very good career prospects with Bachelor of Nursing graduates earning an average salary of around 87,481 NZD (36.91 lakhs INR) per annum and Master of Nursing graduates earning an average salary of 85,068 NZD (40.35 lakhs INR) per annum.
FAQs
Ques. How much does it cost to study Nursing in New Zealand?
Ans. Cost to study Nursing in New Zealand at top nursing colleges is around 35,000 NZD to 38,000 NZD (17.22 lakhs - 18.7 lakhs INR), per year for international undergraduate students, while Masters in Nursing in New Zealand will cost somewhere around 32,000 NZD to 50,000 NZD (15.74 lakhs - 24.6 lakhs INR) per year.
Ques. What should be my TOEFL/ IELTS score to guarantee admission at the top nursing programs in New Zealand?
Ans. The Students must aim for a TOEFL iBT score of 85-95, with a 20 in each section. Some universities require an overall of 6.0 on IELTS whereas some require 6.5. Hence, all students are advised to aim for an overall score of 6.5 with no band less than 6.0.
Ques. What are the top universities to study nursing in New Zealand?
Ans. International students can study Nursing from top universities in New Zealand, such as the University of Auckland, University of Otago, Victoria University of Wellington, Massey University, and Auckland University of Technology.
Ques. Is it possible to get a job as a nurse without a CAP in New Zealand?
Ans. To become a certified nurse in New Zealand, one must have completed a Nursing Council-approved Diploma in Enrolled Nursing program (NZQA Level Five programme) from a polytechnic or institute of technology. Students with an Indian Diploma or Degree, may get NZ CPA Certifying Authority may grant you exemptions for the common papers and require you to appear only for the Australian Regulations Papers.
Ques. What qualifications are required to qualify as a nurse in New Zealand?
Ans. To become a registered nurse in New Zealand, one must complete a Nursing Council-approved Bachelor of Nursing/Bachelor of Health Science program (NZQA Level Seven programme) from a polytechnic, institute of technology or university. Different levels of educational qualification are required for each nursing scope.
Ques. What is the salary offered to a Nurse in New Zealand?
Ans. The average annual salary after a nursing degree in New Zealand varies on the education level. After a Bachelor’s in Nursing, you can earn up to 75,000 NZD (39.79 lakhs INR) per year. While after a Master’s in Nursing you can earn 82,000 NZD (43.51 lakhs INR) per year.
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