Program Overview

New Zealand Diploma in Enrolled Nursing

Programme Overview

The New Zealand Diploma in Enrolled Nursing is an 18-month full-time programme, approved by Nursing Council of New Zealand, which prepares students to become an enrolled nurse.

Programme Details

• Level: 5
• Campus: Porirua
• Start Date: 09/02/2026
• International Start Dates: 09/02/2026, 20/07/2026
• Duration: 18 months, full-time
• Domestic Fees: TBA
• International Fees: TBA

Programme Outline

The New Zealand Diploma in Enrolled Nursing is taught over 18 months. Ākonga who successfully complete Part A (full year) can then enrol in Part B (half year).

Teaching and Learning

The Diploma is a combination of theory (classroom base sessions at the Porirua campus) and supported clinical experience (practical/hands-on work, which is completed in a variety of community and hospital settings).

A variety of teaching processes are used in the programme including lectures, tutorials, learning packages, workshops, ākonga presentations, online learning and practical sessions in the simulation suites where ‘hands-on’ skills are learnt and practiced.

The programme is delivered by blended learning i.e., face to face and online learning. This means some of your lessons may be delivered via Moodle (our online learning platform), which will require you to have a computer and internet access at home.

Part A

Provides the foundational knowledge and skills required to enable ākonga to work as part of the health care team with clients/patients/residents in a range of hospital and community settings.

Part B

Ākonga enrol for six months and work towards being prepared to work effectively, efficiently and safely within a variety of broad practice areas including hospitals and community settings.

Ākonga who successfully complete the New Zealand Diploma in Enrolled Nursing are required to sit the Nursing Council of New Zealand State Final Examinations. When these examinations are passed, the student can apply to the Nursing Council for registration as an enrolled nurse.

Course-Related Costs

Prior to starting the programme, you'll be required to complete health screening to provide evidence of your current immunisation status, as required by our placement providers. Further information on this and other course costs will be provided on acceptance into the programme. The following costs are approximate:

• Health screening $270
• Medical equipment $185
• Uniform: $220
• Vaccinations (if required by clinical placement): Costs will vary depending on vaccination required i.e. flu, whooping cough
• Clinical Travel Costs: These will vary depending on where you live and where your placements are.

Entry Requirements

Domestic

NCEA Level 2, including 12 credits in Level 1 Mathematics; or equivalent study/work experience; and evidence of suitability based on interview, health declaration, safety check and referee reports.

International students

Proven equivalence for Domestic Entry Requirements plus IELTS 6.5 in each band.

*International fee displayed is for 1.5 years of study (equivalent to 180 credits). For fee exclusions, please see our terms and conditions.

Interview/Evidence of suitability

We may interview some applicants to determine their preparedness for study, their ability to meet the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003 (if applicable) and any registration board requirements in terms of being fit for registration. Applicants must be able to demonstrate the following qualities:

• effective interpersonal communication skills
• understanding of, and capability to, work in the professional health and social service sector
• commitment and motivation to succeed

Safety check

The Children's Act (2014) requires all ākonga, who may work with children during the course of their study, to be safety checked. Safety checking includes reference checking, work history, identity check, police vet and an overall assessment of the applicant's safety to work with children.

Credit recognition

If you have relevant skills and knowledge through study or experiences in work or other activities, you may be able to receive credit for them when enrolling in a programme of study. This is done through a process called credit recognition.

Related Study Options

• Bachelor of Nursing
• Bachelor of Nursing Māori
• Bachelor of Nursing Pacific