Bachelor of Nursing
If you are seeking a fulfilling career on the frontline, directly caring for those in need, a Bachelor of Nursing at Waikato is for you.
2026 applications are now open. Applications will close on 31 August 2025.
Why study the Bachelor of Nursing?
Delivered in partnership with local healthcare providers, our nursing programme combines high academic standards with extensive hands-on learning in a real healthcare setting from day one.
The programme also has a specific focus on equity, wellbeing and Māori and Pacific health with opportunities to specialise in mental health and addictions.
On a practical level, you will divide your time between our University campus in Hamilton and health providers across the Waikato and Midland region. We offer an experienced team of registered nurses and other health professionals to support your learning.
Our diverse teaching team includes active researchers who are changing the way healthcare is delivered in New Zealand and across the world. This team embraces innovative teaching and learning methods to equip the next generation of nurses with skills and knowledge to meet the healthcare needs of the whanau, hāpu, iwi of Waikato, New Zealand and global populations.
On completion of your three-year degree, you will be prepared to provide the highest quality care incorporating mental and physical health to people living in rural or urban locations, at home or in hospital.
Please note all applicants will go through a selection process. For more information, check out tips when applying for Nursing.
Career Opportunities
- Registered nurse
- Primary and community health care eg. general practice, hospice, district, community mental health
- Hospital-based care eg. neonatal units, emergency department, intensive care, acute mental health of paediatrics
Degree information
Select a tile for more information. Please note all applicants will go through a selection process.
The Nursing selection process includes provision of a personal statement, referee checks and a criminal record check. Selection of applicants is based on both academic background and suitability for nursing. All applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
As well as being selected as a suitable person to be a Nurse, you will need to meet the admission requirements for the University.
Tips for applying are here.
Please note that spaces are limited. Applications for admission to the 2025 Bachelor of Nursing are closed. Applications for 2026 will close on 31 August 2025.
Transfers
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 completed. Applications for transfer need to be submitted as soon as possible for the following academic year.
Estimated fees
$8,269 per year plus additional Ancillary Costs per year
Domestic tuition fees
Approximate annual tuition fees and costs for domestic students enrolled in one year of full-time study.
Domestic tuition costsScholarships
Visit our Scholarship finder for more information about possible scholarships.
Scholarships Finder
Relevant as of 10 January 2025.
All amounts are in New Zealand Dollars (NZD). Tuition fees shown are indicative only and may change. There are additional fees and charges related to enrolment. Please see the Table of Fees and Charges for more information. You will be sent an enrolment agreement which will confirm your fees. View information about fees free study.
Graduates of the Bachelor of Nursing will:
- be able to conduct a comprehensive health assessment, which is cognisant of both mental and physical health,
- be able to synthesise resultant findings into a plan of care that is developed in bi-cultural partnership with clients / tangata whaiora
- have an in-depth knowledge of the impact of physiological systems,
- be able to describe the relationship between disease states and altered functioning,
- be able to integrate with observations in clinical practice,
- be able to synthesise knowledge and experience from their research and clinical practice to readily transition to the Registered Nurse role in acute or primary care within physical or mental health areas of work,
- be an effective communicator,
- be able to establish therapeutic client relationships and integrate cultural responsiveness into their nursing practice,
- be able to implement and evaluate therapeutic interventions with clients / tangata whaiora who have mental or physical illness, addictions or disability in acute, primary care and rural health settings, ensuring that the principles of patient safety, cultural safety and quality of life indicators are met,
- be able to undertake a comprehensive medicines assessment in order to understand the clients / tangata whaiora clinical needs and incorporate such, including known side effects into treatment plans,
- be able to undertake appropriate literature search strategies and be able to critically appraise research,
- be able to use data to evaluate care and population health,
- be able to translate research findings into clinical practice,
- be able to practice independently and in collaboration with other health professionals and also delegate direct care to enrolled nurses and care assistants and others.
Practical experience
You will undertake at least 1,100 hours of clinical experience throughout the programme. Within each trimester, there are both teaching and clinical blocks.
Please note, once you are successful at gaining a place in the Bachelor of Nursing, you will also need to complete further tasks prior to commencing Clinical Placement. These are to meet the requirements set down by the Nursing Council of New Zealand for registration as a nurse in New Zealand. You will need to:
- show you meet the immunisation standards of practice for healthcare professionals in NZ by having the Health Clearance Form completed and signed by a GP.
- Hold a current Comprehensive First Aid Certificate. Note, we offer a free First Aid course for all new nursing students at the beginning of your first trimester. This means you will have your certification before the commencement of your clinical placement.
Bachelor of Nursing with Honours
The Bachelor of Nursing with Honours - BNurs(Hons) - programme provides an option for students with high levels of academic performance, who are employed in clinical practice and who are supported by their clinical managers as having leadership potential.
Ancillary Costs
Note: There are some additional costs associated with becoming a nurse.
- University of Waikato Nursing Uniform
- Travel to Placement and parking
Evidence of Health Clearance Status e.g. the cost of a GP/health professional fee, and cost (if any) for serology tests.
What are our students saying
It’s been special to be part of this first graduating group and to have navigated the journey to make history together.Ben ScanlonBachelor of Nursing
