Pre-registration Nursing
The University of Waikato offers two pathways to becoming a Registered Nurse. The Bachelor of Nursing (BNurs) is a three year programme and the Master of Nursing Practice (MNursPrac) is two years for those who already have an undergraduate degree.
The Application Process
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Application to enrol to be completed online
During your application to enrol you will be asked to provide:
1. A personal statement
2. The details of two referees
3. A NZ Police vetting form and two forms of ID
4. International Police vetting if you have lived overseas for at least 12 months in the last 7 years -
Applications close
Applications for admission to our 2025 Nursing programmes are now closed.
Applications for 2026 will close on 31 August 2025. Your referee reports and Police Vetting must be submitted prior to this date in order for your application to be considered.
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Selection Committee meets
Selection of applicants is based on both academic background and suitability for nursing. All applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Our Selection Committee will process applications during September. Students will be assessed based on the information provided during their application and their referee reports. If any additional information or an interview is required then the applicant will be contacted directly
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Decisions on selection made and communicated
We intend to update all applicants in October with our decisions. Applicants will be informed of one of the following outcomes:
a) Will be offered a place on the programme, or
b) Will be placed on the waitlist, or
c) Will not be issued an offer.Please remember we have limited spaces and large numbers of applicants and some strong applicants may miss out on a place on the programme.
Some applicants will be offered places, conditional on their NCEA, other academic results, or English. Any additional requirements will be communicated in full at the time.
Tips when applying
Personal Statement
You are required to submit a personal statement with your online application. We strongly recommend that you take the time to write an amazing student statement. Make sure you stand out, who are you? Why would your background make you a great nurse? What makes you passionate about being a nurse?
The statement should include a paragraph on each of the following:
- Outline why you want to become a Nurse
- Describe any personal qualities or aspects of you life experience that could enhance your application
- Detail your commitment to the programme and attending clinical placements (which will include travel to the greater Waikato area).
- Any support you have behind you to help you achieve your goal.
Referees
Part of the online application to enrol is providing the details of two referees who will complete referee reports.
Good choices can include:
- A teacher who knows you well
- Sports/Drama coach/Youth group leader
- An employer
Make sure it is not a partner, close friend or relative!
Handy hint: We send a virtual form to your referees once your application is submitted, so let them know to keep an eye on their inbox and spam folder!
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, applications for the following year must be received in full by 31 August or you will not be considered for a place.
Yes, there are a few additional costs associated with completing a programme with Clinical Placements:
- Students are required to provide proof of immunisations which can sometimes include serologies at the student’s expense.
- Students are required to wear a uniform on placement (tunic and pants) at their cost. Black close-toed shoes also required. $150 approx.
- A nursing equipment pack including scissors and a stethoscope are required. $110 approx.
- Petrol to travel to and from your clinical placements.
More information about purchasing the above items will be provided once students are enrolled.
The Bachelor of Nursing is only open to domestic students.
Master of Nursing Practice has spaces for a limited number international students.
This is a nursing council requirement if you have lived overseas in the last 7 years for 12 months or more.
The placements can be anywhere in the Waikato region, meaning that you will need to be able to travel to the location you are assigned. You are unable to choose your placement location or times.
Dependent on spaces available, we are able to take students from other New Zealand institutions into year 2 of the Bachelor of Nursing. If you are a nursing student from another institution wishing to transfer into the Bachelor of Nursing at Waikato you will need to provide an academic transcript from your current provider along with a reference from the Head of School/qualification, and the number of clinical hours you have completed.
We do not accept transfers into our Master of Nursing Practice.
Contact details
If you have any questions or need help, please contact us.