Studying to become a nurse in New Zealand can take several forms depending on your educational and professional background. According to the Nursing Council of New Zealand, registered nurse pathways include completing an accredited three-year Bachelor of Nursing or an accredited two-year graduate-entry master’s degree. Registered nurses may also pursue postgraduate nursing qualifications to develop advanced practice, prescribing, leadership, or research skills.
New Zealand’s nursing workforce has grown, and demand is not the same across every setting. However, Health New Zealand continues to identify shortages and recruitment needs in specialist, rural, primary care, mental health and addiction, and culturally responsive areas. This means nursing remains an important study area for students who want to work in healthcare in New Zealand. Here is a selection of the top nursing schools in New Zealand.
Top Schools Offering Nursing Programs in New Zealand
1. University of Auckland
The University of Auckland is one of New Zealand’s major universities and provides study opportunities to more than 40,000 students. Established in 1883, the university conducts teaching and learning through six faculties, two large-scale research institutes, and other institutes and centers.
The School of Nursing offers Nursing Council-accredited qualifications, including the Bachelor of Nursing and postgraduate nursing programs. Teaching is connected with research and practical learning, with evidence-informed clinical education supporting students’ preparation for nursing practice.
The Bachelor of Nursing takes three years of full-time study and is taught at the Grafton campus. Students gain experience through simulation learning and clinical education, and the program prepares graduates to apply for nursing registration in New Zealand. Career areas may include primary care, mental health and addiction nursing, child and youth health, medical and surgical nursing, emergency and intensive care, and older adult health.
2. Massey University
Massey University has campuses in Auckland, Manawatū, and Wellington. Its nursing programs are offered through the College of Health, and the Nursing Council of New Zealand lists Massey among accredited nursing education providers.
The Bachelor of Nursing is a three-year, 360-credit full-time program currently offered at the Manawatū and Wellington campuses. Massey states that the Bachelor of Nursing is not open to international students, so applicants should check the current program page before applying.
Studying nursing at this top nursing school in New Zealand involves blended learning, clinical laboratories, and at least 1,000 hours of clinical placements. Students can use nursing simulation suites on the Manawatū and Wellington campuses and may also take part in Empathy Labs, where specialized suits simulate the effects of stroke or declining health.
3. Auckland University of Technology
Auckland University of Technology, one of the best nursing schools in New Zealand, was established as a university in 2000, while its predecessors date back to the Auckland Technical School, which opened in 1895. AUT is based in Auckland and has a long history of applied and professional education.
Nursing and midwifery are key health disciplines at AUT. Students can study the Bachelor of Health Science in Nursing, a three-year full-time program taught at the North Campus. The program emphasizes interprofessional practice and includes substantial practical experience in preparation for nursing work.
After completing the Bachelor of Health Science in Nursing, students can take the Nursing Council of New Zealand State Examination. AUT also offers postgraduate nursing options, including the Master of Nursing Science for graduates from any bachelor’s degree who want to pursue nursing registration.
4. Victoria University of Wellington
Established in 1897, Victoria University of Wellington, also known as Te Herenga Waka, offers postgraduate nursing study through the School of Nursing, Midwifery, and Health Practice.
The School aims to provide courses that are directly relevant to contemporary healthcare disciplines, while also conducting research focused on health and well-being.
The Master of Nursing Practice is a graduate-entry program for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree. It is normally completed over at least four trimesters, includes classes, tutorials, and clinical learning experiences in Wellington, and leads toward eligibility for Nursing Council registration. International applicants should also check current English-language and admission requirements before applying.
5. Unitec Institute of Technology
The final one in our article is the Unitec Institute of Technology, an Auckland-based vocational education provider. Unitec delivered its first training as Carrington Technical Institute in 1976. As of January 1, 2026, MIT and Unitec became a single independent vocational education provider.
Unitec offers the Bachelor of Nursing at the Waitākere campus. It is a full-time, three-year, 360-credit program with a balance between classroom teaching, simulation, and clinical experience. The program includes placements across Auckland, learning in the Awhina Simulation Centre, and at least 1,100 hours of clinical practice placements. Once students complete the program and pass the Nursing Council of New Zealand State Examination, they are eligible to become registered nurses.
Do not hesitate to begin your nursing journey in New Zealand. It is a peaceful and culturally diverse country where students can build practical healthcare skills while learning in clinical and community settings. As a nurse, you can make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.
We hope this article on the best nursing schools in New Zealand was helpful. If you are interested in learning more information about studying abroad, check out the Available Programs for International Students and NZ Study Guide sections!
