Master of Nursing Practice

Summary

Kick-start your career and move into nursing. Join an intensive programme committed to excellence.

Broaden your skills for a rewarding profession

Nurses work in partnership with people and whānau across diverse health settings, responding to the evolving healthcare needs of our diverse communities.

The Master of Nursing Practice is a graduate-entry programme for degree holders from any discipline. It leads to registration with the Nursing Council of New Zealand and opens the door to a meaningful career as a registered nurse in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Scholarships

You can apply for a postgraduate scholarship offered by the University to help fund your studies. Domestic students interested in studying for a Master of Nursing Practice can now apply to the following scholarships—Master of Nursing Practice Scholarships ($3,000) and the Wellington Graduate Award Scholarship ($5,000). Applications close on 1 November 2026.

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Meet the skills shortage

There is a global shortage of highly skilled healthcare professionals, and New Zealand is no exception. Meet the challenge by acquiring the skills to become a registered nurse, and help meet the needs of this vital sector.

When you complete the MNursPrac, you’ll be eligible to sit the Nursing Council of New Zealand’s State Final Examination to become a registered nurse in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Gain a Master’s degree and kick-start your career

This intensive nursing programme builds on your skills and knowledge. You will engage in 1,100 hours of clinical practice, allowing you to develop clinical competence and acquire skilled nursing knowledge.

Our degree focuses on three pillars that underpin the curriculum and lead to safe, competent, and effective nursing practice. These pillars are

• a commitment to care
• a commitment to nursing scholarship
• a commitment to the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

Our programme is based on the concepts of mahi tahi (partnership) and whai wāhi (participation), so you’ll be supported for the best possible start to your career.

Scholarships for international students

We are currently offering a NZ$10,000 VUW Postgraduate International Scholarship to all eligible international students enrolling in a Master’s degree or Postgraduate Diploma programme. Your scholarship will be processed automatically when your programme application is accepted, and the amount will be deducted from your tuition fees.

The study experience

You’ll be part of a small cohort of students who journey together through the degree. Your time will be spent between block style classes (condensed into a few days at a time), tutorials, and clinical learning experiences with health care providers, under the supervision of a registered nurse. The principles of Tuakana-Teina will be used to support both your academic and clinical development.