Study Nursing in New Zealand: A Complete Guide for International Student

Nursing in New Zealand is made so that the students will be able to pass well in all areas of nursing. Whereas, students wanting to specialize in a certain area, such as mental health, pediatric or oncology – can choose Master of Nursing from colleges in New Zealand.

In the world of the pandemic, New Zealand has emerged as a strong nation to have won the battle against Corona. The university also works with other universities in Europe and the United States to help them find out more about studying abroad. Additionally, The cost to study Nursing in New Zealand at top nursing colleges in New Zealand can be between 16 Lac and 18 Lac/year for international undergraduate students.

In this article, let us look at:

  1. Why Study Nursing in New Zealand?
  2. Top Universities
  3. Admissions to Study Nursing in New Zealand
  4. Language Requirements for Nursing Courses in New Zealand
  5. Cost of Studying Nursing
  6. Scholarship for Nursing Program in New Zealand
  7. Scope after Studying Nursing
  8. Salaries Offered to Nursing Graduates in New Zealand

1. Why Study Nursing in New Zealand?

Nursing in New Zealand is one of the most sought after courses in the current situation, mainly because the 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.
  • Also, there is no age bar to study in New Zealand.
  • Great ROI– 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.

2. Top Universities

Some of the best New Zealand Universities offering courses in Nursing as ranked by QS Top Universities 2021 are listed below along with the cost of the program:

QS World University Rankings 2021UniversityTuition Fees for Nursing Programs (in INR)*
81The University of Auckland17.2 lac- 22 lac
184University of Otago16 lac
223Victoria University of Wellington14.5 lac – 22lac
272Massey University16.8 lac
437Auckland University of Technology18 lac – 20 lac

3. Admissions to Study Nursing in New Zealand

We recommend all applicants to start filing the applications as early as possible because the degrees providing specialization in the field of health are high in demand.

Applications to Top Universities

Following are the application fees you require while filling in the application. Note that many New Zealand universities do not require an application fee

UniversityUndergraduate Application FeePostgraduate Application Fee
The University of Auckland85 NZD100 NZD
University of OtagoNoneNone
Victoria University of WellingtonNoneNone
Massey UniversityNoneNone
Auckland University of Technology150 NZD150 NZD

Undergraduate in Nursing

To enter the Undergraduate degree in Nursing, an international student must keep in mind 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.
  • English Language Requirements
  • A curriculum vitae of approximately three pages
  • Two referee reports
  • An interview may be required

Once you have been accepted into a nursing degree in New Zealand, you will need to register yourself as a nurse in New Zealand . This is done by meeting all the requirements set by the Nursing Council of New Zealand. Please note that the universities you choose, and the fields of study you want to do will also affect your acceptance into the university.

Postgraduate in Nursing

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
  • CV/ Resume
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Proof of 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 practicing certificate from the Nursing Council of New Zealand.

4. Language Requirements for Nursing Courses in New Zealand

To study in nursing, you will be required to submit scores of tests required to study in New Zealand.

UniversityFor Undergraduate Programsfor Postgraduate Programs
The University of AucklandIELTS– 6.0 (band score- 5.5)TOEFL- 80 (writing-21)IELTS- 6.5 (band score-6.0)TOEFL- 90 (writing-21)
University of OtagoIELTS- 6.0 (band score-5.5)TOEFL- 80 (writing-19)IELTS- 6.5 (band score-6.0)TOEFL- 95 (writing-22)
Victoria University of WellingtonIELTS- 6.0 (band score- 5.5)TOEFL- 80 (writing-20)IELTS- 6.5 (band score-6.0)TOEFL- 90 (writing-20)
Massey UniversityIELTS- 6.0 (band score- 5.5)TOEFL– 80 (writing-19)IELTS- 6.5 (band score-6.0)TOEFL- 90 (writing-20)
Auckland University of TechnologyIELTS- 6.0 (band score-5.5)IELTS- 6.5 (band score-6.0)

5. Cost of Studying Nursing

Pre-arrival Costs

Type of ExpenseCost (in NZD)Equivalent Costs in INR
Program Application Fees85 – 150*4,252 – 7,500
Visa Processing Fees351,725
Proof of Funds15,0007,39,500
IELTS Fees28114,010
TOEFL Fees236-50011,768 – 25,218
One way Airfare to New Zealand1,393 – 1,59270,000 – 80,000

Tuition Fees for Nursing

UniversityAnnual TuItion Fees (in NZD)Tuition Fees for Nursing Programs (in INR)*
The University of Auckland34,361 – 44,00017.2 lac- 22 lac
University of Otago31,90016 lac
Victoria University of Wellington29,000 – 44,00014.5 lac – 22lac
Massey University33,60016.8 lac
Auckland University of Technology36,000 – 40,00018 lac – 20 lac

Cost of Living

Type of ExpenseCost (in NZD)Equivalent Costs in INR
Rent1,50075,000
Groceries/Household items70035,000
Utilities1306,500
Internet753,700
Gas/Transportation1507,500

6. Scholarship for Nursing Program in New Zealand

NameAmountEligibility
University of Auckland International Student Excellence Scholarship9,717 NZDAll international students studying in the University of Auckland
VueVille Future Technology Scholarship1,472 NZDAll international students studying in Canada, New Zealand, Australia, Germany, UK and Singapore
New Zealand Excellence Awards8,520 NZDAll Indian students studying at the graduate level in New Zealand
Fork tip Women’s- Innovation ScholarshipVariableAll women candidates pursuing higher education in Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand
JN Tata Endowment ScholarshipVariableAll Indian students studying abroad
Bharat Petroleum Scholarship 2020VariableAll Indian students studying abroad

7. Scope after Studying Nursing

New Zealand trained nurses are involved in all areas of healthcare and can choose to specialize in particular areas, such as intensive care, mental health, etc. The Bachelor of Nursing graduates continue with their studies after becoming a registered nurse by doing a master’s degree in nursing. Some of the Master of Nursing graduates have got registration as nurse practitioners.

Here are few jobs which you can do after completing your nursing degree in New Zealand:

  1. Primary and community health care: general practice, district nursing, community mental health.
  2. Hospital-based care: medical and surgical wards, emergency departments, intensive care, pediatrics, acute mental health services.
  3. Population-based services: public health, schools
  4. Specialty practice: mental health, aged care, child health, family health, rural and remote nursing.

8. Salaries Offered to Nursing Graduates in New Zealand

The salaries offered to graduates of nursing courses in New Zealand can vary depending on their experience, level of education, etc. Here are some of the popular trends in salaries of nursing graduates in New Zealand you must be aware of, displayed below is the average salary difference between nurses with different educational backgrounds-

  • Bachelor’s in Nursing- 26.4 lacs/yr
  • Master’s in Nursing- 51 lacs/yr

Nurse Salary comparison by Experience

The experience level is the most essential factor in determining salary. Your wage is directly proportional to your years of experience.

Work ExperienceSalaries (NZD/yr)
Less than 2 yrs46800
2 – 5 yrs57400
5 – 10 yrs81300
10 – 15 yrs95000
15 – 20 yrs105000
Above 20 yrs111000

Conclusion

The cost of study 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 76000 NZD per year (38 Lac). Salaries range from 40,700 NZD (20.4 Lac) to 117,000 NZD (58.5 Lac) per year. You must note that these salaries can vary based on the hospital or firm you are associated with, your experience, and other above-mentioned factors.  

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