New Zealand Diploma in Enrolled Nursing (Level 5)
Become a confident, competent nurse with enhanced autonomy and clinical responsibility
Enrolled nurses are a valued part of the health workforce in Aotearoa New Zealand and internationally, contributing to high‑quality healthcare delivery.
The New Zealand Diploma in Enrolled Nursing has been developed in response to the updated Standards of Competence for Enrolled Nurses. It builds on the strengths of the previous diploma and reflects the ongoing evolution of enrolled nurse education.
You’ll be prepared to practise confidently within an updated scope of responsibility, with greater autonomy, accountability and meaningful participation in clinical settings.
You’ll work collaboratively with registered nurses and other healthcare professionals, while taking responsibility and accountability for your own nursing practice.
The qualification prepares you to deliver safe, equitable and informed nursing care across the lifespan. You’ll develop knowledge of the concepts and worldviews of both tangata whenua and tangata Tiriti and embed these understandings into your nursing practice. You’ll practise in partnership with tangata, whānau, and hapori, and contribute as part of interprofessional healthcare teams.
You’ll study the fundamentals of nursing and the human body and gain practical experience in simulated learning environments and clinical placements. You’ll also build skills across a range of contexts, including rehabilitation, acute care, mental health and community health.
This diploma offers a fast and flexible study pathway. You can complete it in just 18 months, either on campus at Manawa in Christchurch or through blended delivery from anywhere in Canterbury or the West Coast.
If you’re accepted into the programme, you’ll need to provide evidence of immunity or vaccination against certain infections and diseases.
See FAQs for more details.
Fees for 2026
NCEA Level 2 which must include:
- 10 credits in Level 1 Mathematics/or Numeracy
- 12 credits in Level 2 Science rich subjects
OR New Zealand Certificate in Study and Employment Pathways (Level 3) Health and Science Pathway (Ara); or a recognised equivalent (Bridging or Pre-Health)
If you have undertaken examinations other than NCEA (e.g. International Baccalaureate, Cambridge Examination), Ara will assess your qualification for academic entry equivalency.
In addition, you must also meet the following programme specific requirements at the time of application and provide:
- A self-declaration with information regarding criminal convictions, mental and physical conditions, learning disabilities or challenges.
- A personal statement outlining why you have chosen nursing as a career, demonstrating communication skills, describing personal qualities and self-responsibilities in relation to relevant aspects from life experiences, learning & practice.
- At least two written references which demonstrate that you have good character and personal attributes which are sufficient for safe and effective practice as an enrolled nurse as required by the Children's Act 2014.
- One will be a personal report and one from your school or most recent employer. Referees may not be a family member, partner or flatmate.
- You may be required to attend an interview to ensure you will meet the Nursing Council of New Zealand requirements for registration on completion of the programme.
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 Nursing. Information on the Vetting Service is available from the New Zealand Police website.
A safety check will be required to ensure compliance with the provisions of the Children's Act 2014. Unsatisfactory results arising from the full safety checking process may result in being declined entry or withdrawn from the programme.
Still want to study but don't meet the Academic Requirements?
If you are unable to evidence meeting Academic Requirements but you can demonstrate acquired skills for tertiary study gained from study, work and/or life experience, applicants may be approved for alternative entry by the Head of Nursing.
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.
- PTE is not accepted by Nursing Council of New Zealand for English language proficiency.
- 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.
- OET C+ minimum across all bands in one sitting
What if I have achieved New Zealand University Entrance?
The English Language requirements for this programme are higher than the minimum set by NZQA, therefore; applicants who have achieved New Zealand University Entrance may be required to provide evidence of English Language proficiency.
Overall IELTS 6.5 Academic
- 6.5 Listening
- 6.5 Reading
- 6.5 Writing
- 6.5 Speaking
A selection process will take place for this programme. Where the number of applications exceeds the number of available places, applicants may be waitlisted.
Funding assistance
If you face unexpected financial hardship during your studies, we have several funds that you can apply for. These are designed to enable you to continue your current course of study. We also have a wide range of scholarships and awards that can provide financial assistance.
Find out moreCareer 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
New Zealand Diploma in Enrolled Nursing (Level 5)
Become a confident, competent nurse with enhanced autonomy and clinical responsibility
| Information | |
|---|---|
| Type | Diploma |
| Code | NZ5354 |
| 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 |
| Reference | NZ5354-STRU |
Fees for 2026
With an internationally-recognised Ara qualification, the world is your oyster. Our graduates can be found working and making a difference across the globe…
MoreAdditional Entry Requirements
In addition, you must also meet the following programme specific requirements at the time of application and provide:
- A self-declaration with information regarding criminal convictions, mental and physical conditions, learning disabilities or challenges.
- A personal statement outlining why you have chosen nursing as a career, demonstrating communication skills, describing personal qualities and self-responsibilities in relation to relevant aspects from life experiences, learning & practice.
- At least two written references which demonstrate that you have good character and personal attributes which are sufficient for safe and effective practice as an enrolled nurse as required by the Children's Act 2014.
- One will be a personal report and one from your school or most recent employer. Referees may not be a family member, partner or flatmate.
- You may be required to attend an interview to ensure you will meet the Nursing Council of New Zealand requirements for registration on completion of the programme.
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 Nursing. Information on the Vetting Service is available from the New Zealand Police website.
A safety check will be required to ensure compliance with the provisions of the Children's Act 2014. Unsatisfactory results arising from the full safety checking process may result in being declined entry or withdrawn from the programme.
See overview for moreCredit Recognition
If you have prior relevant experience or previous related study credits, you may be eligible for credit recognition towards this qualification.
Find out moreDocuments
- Admission & Enrolment Form PDF, 425 KB
- International Application Form PDF, 357 KB
- Diploma in Enrolled Nursing Additional Requirements Form PDF, 154 KB
- Referee Report 1 PDF, 237 KB
- Referee Report 2 PDF, 237 KB
- FAQs About Nursing PDF, 457 KB
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