Bachelor of Nursing

New Zealand University Entrance: NCEA Level 3 (60 credits at level 3 and 20 credits at level 2 or higher) which must include:

• 14 credits at Level 3 in each of:
• English or an *approved literacy subject
• Biology or physical education or chemistry
• One other subject from the list of approved subjects*
• Numeracy** 10 credits at Level 1 or above comprised of co-requisite unit standard (US32406) or te pāngarau unit standard (US32412) or achievement standards

OR New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 4) Ara Pre Health Pathway or equivalent.

Or if you have undertaken examinations other than NCEA (e.g. International Baccalaureate, Cambridge Examination), Ara will asses your application for academic entry equivalency.

* NZQA approved subjects: see http://www.nzqa.govt.nz/qualifications-standards/award.university-entrance/

Due to Covid-19 disruption, if you studied and achieved NCEA Level 3 during 2020, you only need 12 credits per Level 3 subject (i.e. total of 36 credits). Literacy and Numeracy requirements remain the same.

**NZQA numeracy rich standards: see list of numeracy-rich standards https://www2.nzqa.govt.nz/ncea/subjects/litnum/

In addition you need to:

Provide a personal statement outlining why you have chosen nursing as a career and describe personal qualities and relevant aspects from your life experiences which will enhance your application.

• You may be required to attend an interview if you meet academic entry criteria to ensure you will meet the Nursing Council of New Zealand requirements for registration on completion of the programme.
• Provide evidence of good character and personal attributes via 2 referee report(s).  One personal report (not a friend or relative) and one from your high school or most recent employer.
• Your personal statement, referees' reports, and interview (if required) should provide evidence of appropriateness to study for the nursing profession.
• Provide a copy of a valid first aid certificate with evidence that this course is of at least 8 hours in length and includes NQF unit standards 6401 and 6402

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 by Ara to the Police Licensing and Vetting Service and returned in confidence to the Head of Department. Information on the Vetting Service is available from the New Zealand Police website

In order to participate in the clinical components of the programme, it is expected that:

• you meet all relevant Health Authority requirements which may include providing evidence of immunity to nominated diseases.

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.
• Note: The number of courses you have to complete for this qualification may be reduced where you have relevant credits from previous study, or evidence of similar learning or experience in the workplace.

What if English is not my first Language?

If English is not your first language, we want to make sure that you will be successful in your chosen programme of study.

• 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

All applicants must meet academic entry criteria

• They are then ranked based on their personal statement and referee reports,
• with preference given to those who demonstrate evidence of meeting the following selection criteria to ensure that the requirements of the Nursing Council of New Zealand will be met:
• Attributes for the profession: Institutional strategic directives including residency in the wider Canterbury area
• Those who are not initially accepted but who meet entry criteria will be waitlisted in order of ranking.