Bachelor of Nursing (Puahou Tapuhi o Aotearoa)

Entry criteria

Academic Requirements

University Entrance as defined by the New Zealand Qualification Authority (NZQA), and which must include:

• Three subjects at Level 3 or above, made up of:
• A minimum of 14 credits in English or Te Reo Māori or English-rich subject (such as Classical Studies, Geography, History, History of Art, Media Studies)
• A minimum of 14 credits in Biology, or Physical Education or Chemistry
• A further 14 credits at Level 3 or higher in one other approved subject or domain on the National Qualifications Framework.

OR New Zealand Certificate in Study and Employment Pathways (Level 4) Ara Pre-Health Pathway; or a recognised equivalent.

Or if you have undertaken examinations other than NCEA (e.g. International Baccalaureate, Cambridge Examination), Ara will assess your application for academic entry equivalency.

* NZQA approved subjects: see https://www2.nzqa.govt.nz/ncea/understanding-secondary-quals/university-entrance/

Additional Requirements

At application stage applicants must meet and provide the following:

A self declaration providing information regarding

• Criminal Convictions. Applicants are required to indicate whether they have been convicted of, or have been prosecuted for, a criminal offence.
  • Under the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003 some types of criminal convictions may result in the NCNZ refusing to register a person as a Registered Nurse.
• Mental and Physical Conditions. Required to indicate if you have had any mental and/or physical conditions, to demonstrate you are fit for practice as a registered nurse. Under the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003
  • some physical or mental conditions may result in NCNZ being unable to register a person as a registered nurse. A medical report may be requested where evidence of good health is required as per NCNZ requirements.
• Any learning disabilities or challenges that might affect participation in this programme; this will be used to activate student support sevices.
• Personal Statement. Should outline why you have chosen nursing as a career, demonstrate communication skills, describe personal qualities and self-responsibilities in relation to relevant aspects in your life experiences,
  • your learning and practice which will enhance the application.

At least two written references

• The references are required to demonstrate the applicant has good character and personal attributes and that the applicant is sufficient for safe and effective practice as a registered nurse, as required by the Children's Act 2014.
• One will be a personal report and one from your school or most recent employer. Referees may not be a family member, partner or flatmate.

Consent to Disclosure of Information: Successful applicants will be required to complete a New Zealand Police Consent to Disclosure of Information form.

• The form will be sent by Ara to the Police Licensing and Vetting Service and returned in confidence to the Head of Nursing. Information on the Vetting Service is available from the New Zealand Police website

In order to participate in the clinical components of the programme, successful applicants must:

• Provide evidence of immunisation status as required by Te Whatu Ora and/or Te Aka Whai Ora Health NZ and healthcare organisations before commencing a clinical learning experience.

Complete a safety check. The safety check will be required to ensure compliance with provisions of the Children's Act 2014.

Alternative Requirements

Applicants who are over 20 years of age must have evidence of academic admission or demonstrated evidence of ability to study successfully at degree level.

Applicants who are under 20 years must meet the academic requirements as listed above, as required by the Nursing Council.

English Requirements

What if English is not my first Language?

Overall IELTS 6.5 Academic

• 6.5 Listening
• 6.5 Reading
• 6.5 Writing
• 6.5 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
• 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 ...