University
The University of WaikatoBachelor of Nursing
This course is available
On-Campus
Level of Study
Bachelor's Degree
Duration
3 years
Next start date
Expected Mar 2027
Campus
Hamilton Campus
Summary
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.
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 nursing 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. For more information, check out tips when applying for Nursing.
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.
Entry criteria
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.
Read our tips for applying (opens in a new tab).
Please note that spaces are limited. Applications for admission to the 2026 Bachelor of Nursing are closed. Applications for 2027 will close on 31 August 2026.
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.
Deferrals
Clinical programmes (Nursing, Midwifery, and Pharmacy) have limited places and a competitive selection process. As a result, deferrals are only approved in exceptional circumstances.
To be eligible for a deferral, you must meet all of the following criteria:
- This is your first deferral request for the programme
- Your offer is at unconditional status
- You are a domestic student
- Your reason for deferral is due to a significant hardship outside your control
- You can provide appropriate supporting documentation
Approved reasons are typically limited to:
- Medical circumstances (e.g. injury, illness, pregnancy)
- Compassionate grounds (e.g. significant bereavement or comparable hardship)
All deferral requests are assessed on a case-by-case basis. Meeting the criteria does not guarantee approval, and the University reserves the right to decline any request.
The Bachelor of Nursing is not currently available for International Students.
Disclaimer
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Please note that degrees and qualifications earned via remote or distance learning are excluded from the overseas credential evaluation and recognition services provided by the Chinese Service Center for Scholarly Exchange (CSCSE). For more information, please contact CSCSE directly: +86-10-62677800 (phone) or visit their website(external link that opens in a new tab).
You can learn more about international recognition of New Zealand qualifications on the NZQA website.