Program Overview

---

New Zealand Diploma in Enrolled Nursing

Overview

Gain the skills and knowledge needed to help meet the growing demand for nurses in New Zealand. Nurses are in very high demand right across the country. To help address this situation, the scope of practice for Enrolled Nurses is currently under review and will broaden significantly so Enrolled Nurses can work in almost any area of health care that requires nurses.

What will I study

The diploma combines theory with practice in simulated environments and clinical placements in different health care settings. You’ll practise your skills in a variety of nursing contexts—such as rehabilitation, acute care and mental health—while studying the fundamentals of nursing and the human body.

Pathway

Upon competing this diploma you can take your professional nursing career to the next level with our Bachelor of Nursing.

Details

Type

Diploma

Code

NZ2889

Application close date

1 November

May be available for Study Visa?

Yes

International application close date

1 November for March start

Credits

180

Level

5

Additional Equipment/Fees

Uniform, equipment and costs associated with placement such as travel and accommodation. Costs will vary.

May be eligible for Studylink?

Yes

May be eligible for Fees Free?

Yes

Reference

NZ2889-STRU

Fees for 2025

Domestic Fee

$8,085 - $8,995 per year

International Fee

$26,000 per year

Indicative Student Services Fee

$370.50 per year

Valid To

December 31, 2025

Academic Requirements

• NCEA Level 2 which must include 12 credits in Level 1 Mathematics
• OR New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 3) Ara Pre Health Pathway or equivalent.

Additional Requirements

• Provide a first aid certificate (Red Cross Comprehensive or St John's Workplace) which is current at the time the programme starts.
• Provide evidence of good character and personal attributes via two referee report(s). Your referee reports, personal statement and interview (if required) should provide evidence of appropriateness to study in the nursing profession.
• In your personal statement you should outline why you have chosen nursing as a career and describe personal qualities and relevant aspects from your life experiences which will enhance your application
• Meet various Health Authority requirements in order to participate in the clinical components of the programme. Currently, MRSA clearance is required by most clinical practice areas.
• 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 to the Police Licensing and Vetting Service, and returned in confidence to the Head of Department. Information on the NZ Police Vetting Service is available from the New Zealand Police website.
• You may be required to attend an interview if you meet academic entry criteria.

Alternative Requirements

Still want to study but don't meet the Academic Requirements?

If you show that you have equivalent skills for tertiary study gained through study, work and/or life experience, you may be able to gain alternative entry.

English Requirements

What if English is not my first Language?

• 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, book an IELTS or other test through the Ara Examination Centre or 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?
• The English Language requirements for this programme are higher than the minimum set by NZQA, therefore; applicants who have achieved NCEA Level 3 University Entrance may be required to provide evidence of English Language skills.

Overall IELTS 6.5 Academic

• 6.5 Listening
• 6.5 Reading
• 6.5 Writing
• 6.5 Speaking

Core courses

Level 4

• Nursing as a Profession: Enrolled Nursi... (NURS4411) - 15 credits
• Applied Social Science for Enrolled Nur... (NURS4412) - 15 credits
• Applied Structure and Function of the H... (NURS4413) - 15 credits
• Clinical skills for Enrolled Nursing (NURS4414) - 15 credits
• Foundations for Enrolled Nursing Practi... (NURS4415) - 30 credits

Level 5

• Enrolled Nursing Practice: Acute Care (NURS5411) - 30 credits
• Enrolled Nursing Practice: Mental Healt... (NURS5412) - 30 credits
• Enrolled Nursing Practice: Rehabilitati... (NURS5413) - 30 credits

Career opportunities

As a graduate of the programme (who also meets Nursing Council of New Zealand requirements) you will be competent to practise as a beginning level enrolled nurse under the direction and delegation of a Registered Nurse in a variety of health care settings such as hospitals, community aged care facilities, iwi and Māori trusts, mental health and other health care facilities.

Study pathways

Upon competing this diploma you can take your professional nursing career to the next level with our Bachelor of Nursing.

Recommended school subjects

• English
• Mathematics

Area of Interest

• Health

Credit Recognition

If you have prior relevant experience or previous related study credits, you may be eligible for credit recognition towards this qualification.