Nursing

The Bachelor of Nursing at the University of Auckland is a comprehensive, future-focused program designed to prepare students for a dynamic and rewarding career in healthcare. Thisegree provides students with a rigorous combination of theoretical knowledge and practical skills essential for delivering high-quality nursing care across diverse settings. Throughout the program, students will engage with a wide range of subjects including human anatomy, physiology, microbiology, psychology, and nursing practice, all taught by experienced faculty members who are experts in their fields. The curriculum emphasizes not only clinical competence but also critical thinking, ethical decision-making, cultural safety, and evidence-based practice, ensuring graduates are well-equipped to meet the complex needs of patients and communities.

Students will have extensive opportunities for hands-on learning through simulated environments and clinical placements in hospitals, community health centers, and other health care facilities across New Zealand. These placements enable students to apply their classroom learning in real-world contexts, develop professional communication skills, and understand the importance of interprofessional collaboration. The program also fosters an understanding of health disparities and encourages culturally competent care, particularly within New Zealand’s diverse population, including Māori and Pasifika communities.

The University of Auckland’s state-of-the-art simulation labs and strong partnerships with healthcare providers ensure students receive practical, relevant training that meets current industry standards. The program is designed for those who are passionate about making a difference in people’s lives, offering a pathway to registration as a registered nurse (RN) after successful completion of the degree and meeting all accreditation requirements. Graduates of the Bachelor of Nursing are prepared to work in a variety of settings including hospitals, clinics, community agencies, aged care, and mental health services, contributing positively to health outcomes and patient wellbeing across New Zealand and internationally. With a focus on lifelong learning and professional development, this program aims to produce competent, compassionate, and culturally responsive nursing professionals ready to face the challenges of modern healthcare.

The Bachelor of Nursing is a six semester programme arranged in three parts. 

The degree's curriculum reflects the ways in which the healthcare system operates, presenting a multidisciplinary view of patient care. Students learn that healthcare is multifaceted and dynamic, and that no one discipline functions in isolation.

Topics covered range from mental health nursing and aged care, to child and family healthcare, Māori and Pacific health, medical and surgical nursing, management and leadership in nursing. Courses in pharmacology, microbiology, biological science, psychology, sociology and the humanities support these subject areas.

Critical thinking, communication and clinical skills are developed throughout the programme by a number of research-based projects involving case studies. Supported by tutorials, case studies are discussed during clinical practice blocks and are designed to aid independent learning, reasoning and analysis.

The degree is structured to include a foundation year, where students study biological, physical and social sciences alongside other health professional students. Years two and three reflect different areas of nursing practice, and the honours year allows for in-depth study in a speciality area of clinical practice

General Certificate of Education (GCE) Advanced Level. A minimum of three A-Level subjects completed, with at least 'C' grade or higher attained or Complete the International Baccalaureate Diploma (minimum total score of 24).

All applicants whose first language is not English will be required to provide satisfactory evidence of their proficiency in English:

• IELTS (Academic): Overall score of 6.0 and all bands 5.5 or better
• Internet-based TOEFL (iBT): Overall score of 80 plus a written score of 21
• Paper-based TOEFL: Overall score of 550 plus Essay (TWE) of 4.5
• Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) and Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE): Overall score of 169 and all bands 162 or better
• Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic: Overall score of 50 and no PTE communicative skills score below 42. You must authorise the University to view and verify your PTE scores.

The University of Auckland offers various funding options for students enrolled in the Nursing programme. Domestic students can access a range of scholarships, bursaries, and student loans to support their studies. The New Zealand government provides student loans and allowances through StudyLink, which are available to eligible domestic students to cover tuition fees, living costs, and other educational expenses. For students who are New Zealand residents or hold a relevant visa, these loans can be a significant financial resource, often covering the full tuition fees and providing additional support for living expenses during the course duration.

In addition to government support, the University of Auckland offers several scholarships aimed at nursing students, including merit-based scholarships, service-oriented awards, and scholarships for students from specific backgrounds or regions. These scholarships can help offset tuition fees, living costs, or purchase of educational materials, and may be awarded based on academic achievement, financial need, or other criteria. Prospective students are encouraged to check the university’s official scholarships webpage regularly for application deadlines and eligibility criteria.

International students enrolling in the Nursing programme are generally responsible for their tuition fees and living expenses. The university provides detailed information regarding tuition fees for international students on its website, and prospective students should plan their finances accordingly. There are limited scholarships available for international Nursing students, and those interested should explore external funding options, such as government scholarships or sponsorships from external organizations.

Some students may also consider part-time work opportunities available on and off-campus to supplement their income while studying. The university’s Career Development and Student Services provide advice and support regarding employment opportunities, work regulations, and balancing work and study commitments.

Overall, financing nursing studies at the University of Auckland involves a combination of government support, university scholarships, and personal funding. Prospective and current students are advised to thoroughly research all available options through official university channels and government agencies to ensure they have adequate financial resources for the duration of their studies.

The Bachelor of Nursing (BNurs) at The University of Auckland is a comprehensive programme designed to prepare students for a professional career in nursing. This undergraduate degree provides students with a solid foundation in the core principles of nursing practice, healthcare, and patient care, integrating theoretical knowledge with practical skills. The curriculum is structured to cover diverse areas, including health assessment, pharmacology, nursing practice across various settings, mental health, community health, and leadership in healthcare. The programme emphasizes critical thinking, effective communication, cultural competence, and ethical decision-making to equip graduates with the capabilities required to meet the complex needs of patients and communities.

Students in the programme engage in immersive clinical placements throughout their studies, which are conducted in a variety of healthcare environments such as hospitals, community clinics, and aged care facilities. These placements are essential for honing practical skills, applying theoretical learning in real-world contexts, and developing professional competencies under supervision from experienced healthcare professionals. The university collaborates closely with clinical partners to provide high-quality placement opportunities that expose students to diverse patient populations and healthcare challenges.

The BNurs programme at The University of Auckland also focuses on fostering a strong understanding of health promotion and disease prevention, aiming to prepare nurses who can contribute positively to community health and well-being. The curriculum includes courses on health sciences, anatomy, physiology, microbiology, as well as social sciences to ensure a holistic approach to patient care. Additionally, the programme encourages research and evidence-based practice, promoting lifelong learning and continuous professional development.

Graduates of the programme are eligible to register with the Nursing Council of New Zealand, which is a prerequisite for practising as a registered nurse in New Zealand. The degree's strong emphasis on practical skills, professional standards, and cultural competency ensures that graduates are well-prepared to meet the demands of modern healthcare environments, advocating for patient-centered care and safety.

Beyond the classroom, students have access to a range of support services including academic advising, simulation labs, and student organizations dedicated to nursing and healthcare. The university’s commitment to diversity and inclusion is reflected in its support for Māori and Pasifika students, integrating bicultural and multicultural perspectives into the curriculum.

Overall, the Bachelor of Nursing at The University of Auckland offers a rigorous and comprehensive education that combines academic knowledge, practical training, and professional development to cultivate competent, compassionate, and ethical nurses ready to serve in New Zealand and internationally.