New Zealand Certificate in Study and Employment Pathways (Level 4) – Healthcare

Summary

Semester 1, 2026, applications for this programme have closed.

This programme is ideal if you want to go on to higher-level study in nursing. You’ll learn the relevant literacy, numeracy and biological science skills you will need to excel in your dream career. While this certificate programme is not equivalent to University Entrance, successful completion will allow you to progress to higher-level programmes.

In this programme, you’ll also learn more about the anatomy of the body, psychology, how to calculate drug quantities, and key research skills which will set you ahead of the pack for an exciting healthcare career.

Highlights

• Tailored content for Unitec’s Bachelor of Nursing; this means the content is highly relevant to the Unitec programme in which you want to enter;
• In this programme you’ll already be a part of a Nursing student body – you’ll be learning with other aspiring nurses;
• A chance to complete a collaborative project in order to develop the skills you’ll need for a career in nursing;
• A mix of classroom sessions, practical workshops, guest speakers, discussions, presentations and online learning;
• Learn from an experienced and multi-cultural team whose value of partnership and care is reflected in quality teaching, support, and innovative curriculum delivery
• A chance to take engage with Unitec’s marae, a great setting to explore mātauranga Māori and the role of culture in communication.

Where to from here?

Upon successful completion of this programme, you can apply for study in Unitec’s Bachelor of Nursing, where you will be eligible to become a registered nurse.

Please note: International students who graduate will NOT be eligible for a post-study work visa upon completion of this programme.

Career Options

• This programme prepares you for study toward a career in nursing

Annual Tuition Fees

Domestic/NZ students

$3,580

(Approximate fees only - includes GST but excludes the Compulsory Student Services Fee (CSSF) levy. Your final study costs depends on a number of factors including the courses you select to study. View options for funding your study and fees-free eligibility)

International students

$13,207 (NZD) (approximate fees for 60 credits)

Semester Dates

Sem 1 2026: 23 Feb – 28 Jun

Sem 2 2026: 20 Jul – 22 Nov

For course and class timings, refer to the specific course webpage.

For StudyLink purposes, please ensure your application states your earliest course start date.

Downloads and resources

Programme regulations - New Zealand Certificate in Study and Employment Pathways (Level 4) – Healthcare Order a personalised brochure Scholarships and awardsStudent LifeFor Māori studentsFor Pacific studentsFor International students