Institute of Technology or Polytechnic
Ara Institute of CanterburyGraduate Certificate in Nursing
This course is available
On-Campus
Level of Study
Graduate Certificate or Diploma
Summary
This programme offers a wide range of short professional development courses designed for Registered Nurses working in today’s complex clinical environments. You can complete individual courses for professional development or combine 60 credits to gain the Graduate Certificate in Nursing.
New Zealand Registered Nurses can begin studying towards the Graduate Certificate as soon as they’ve completed their undergraduate nursing qualification.
Key highlightsFlexible study » Choose from fully online or blended options (face-to-face and online). Face-to-face content is delivered over three to five days at our Manawa campus near Christchurch Hospital. The programme is designed to be studied part-time.
Build clinical competence and confidence » Courses support the Nursing Council of New Zealand’s standards of competence and strengthen your skills in planning and coordinating complex patient care.
Choose your own pathway » Study individual courses (5-10 credits) as standalone professional development or complete 60 credits within six years to achieve the Graduate Certificate in Nursing.
2026 ScheduleExplore the 2026 schedule of courses and upcoming dates in the documents section.
Important informationThis programme is intended for New Zealand Registered Nurses.
Online applications are not available for this programme. Please contact us and we’ll guide you through the enrolment process.
For programme details, study advice or course selection support:
Gayle Rose Graduate Certificate Programme Coordinator Gayle.Rose@ara.ac.nz
Kirsty Donaldson Head of Nursing/Portfolio Manager Kirsty.Donaldson@ara.ac.nz
Entry criteria
Academic RequirementsThis qualification is open to New Zealand Registered Nurses holding a current Practising Certificate issued by the New Zealand Nursing Council. Additional information is specified for some courses.
Alternative RequirementsIndividual courses may, by request, be taken by other professionals with qualifications in a specialty area.
English RequirementsWhat if English is not my first Language?
Overall IELTS 6.0 Academic
- 5.5 Listening
- 5.5 Reading
- 5.5 Writing
- 5.5 Speaking
If English is not your first language, we want to make sure that you will be successful in your chosen programme of study.
- Please provide a result from a test or qualification on the acceptable alternatives
- English Proficiency Outcomes Chart.
- If you are a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent Resident, complete an Admission and Enrolment form and Ara will contact you regarding a free assessment.
- If you are not a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent resident, please book a PTE Academic test through the Ara Examination Centre or complete an NZQA-approved English language test in your home country.
- IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form and are valid for two years from the date of the test.
- What if I have achieved NCEA Level 3 University Entrance?
- You do not need to provide additional evidence of English Language skills.
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