Level 5
Tuition fee
NZ$39,000
(NZ$26,000/120 credits)
Resource fee
NZ$2,000
Administration fee
NZ$400
18 Months
(3 semesters, 48 teaching weeks)
2026
180
Start your healthcare career as an Enrolled Nurse. This 18-month full time diploma, located at our Auckland campus, is designed to prepare you for safe, competent, and culturally responsive practice. Enrolled nurses must work with access to, and seek when appropriate, guidance from a registered nurse or other registered health practitioner.*
Get career-ready in just 18 months
Learn skills to work in a variety of healthcare settings such as aged care, hospitals and community, mental health and addiction services, rehabilitation and disability services.
Real-world clinical experience
Gain over 900 hours of clinical and simulation-based training.
Culturally responsive education
Apply models such as Te Whare Tapa Whā, the Hui Process and Meihana Model, with learning grounded in Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
Pathway to registration
To work as a registered Enrolled Nurse in New Zealand, you must successfully complete the Diploma in Enrolled Nursing and then pass the State Final Examination set by the Nursing Council of New Zealand.
Support every step of the way
You’ll be guided by experienced educators and connected to leading healthcare providers throughout your training.
In this diploma, you’ll gain the confidence and skills to care for people in real healthcare settings — from hospitals, clinics and community to aged care and mental health services. You’ll learn how to:
Work as part of a healthcare team, supporting patients and their whānau
Understand the human body and how it functions in sickness and in health
Perform a variety of nursing skills from measuring vital signs to managing patient hygiene, mobility and nutrition
Communicate effectively with patients, families, and colleagues
Safely administer medication under the supervision of a Registered Nurse
Apply culturally safe and inclusive care guided by Te Tiriti o Waitangi and Hauora Māori models of health
Function in a team responding to emergency situations
Build confidence through 900+ hours of simulated and hands-on clinical experience
Reflect on your practice and prepare for real-world nursing responsibilities
To enrol, you’ll need to have completed the following:
Academic Requirements
NCEA Level 2 – With a minimum of 80 credits which must include the following:
12 credits in Level 1 Mathematics
10 credits in level 1 English,
58 credits at level 2 or above in English, Mathematics, a science related subject, and one other of choice.
If you do not have NCEA level 2, speak with us about what evidence you could provide for evidence of successful completion of study at NZQA level 4 or above within the past five years. This may include:
New Zealand Certificate in Health and Wellbeing (Advanced Support) (Level 4)
New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (level 4)
Pre nursing pathway qualification (level 4)
English language requirements
If English is not your first language, or if you come from a country where English is not the main language used for education, you’ll need to show evidence of your English skills.
You must have an Academic IELTS score of 6.5, with no band lower than 6.5, or an equivalent qualification.
The test must be taken within two years of the start date of the programme. Your scores must come from one single test (not combined from multiple tests).
Additional requirements
Included in the entry requirements, you’ll also need to meet the following specific requirements:
A current First Aid Certificate
Health screening – Some clinical placements may require health screening and up-to-date vaccinations. While this may not be required at the start of the programme, you must be willing to undergo screening and meet these requirements when needed.
Two character references – from people who can speak to your suitability for a career in nursing
A clear New Zealand Police Vetting result
A completed Medical Declaration
A personal statement – explaining why you want to become an Enrolled Nurse
An interview – with a member/s of the HANZ team
Selection Process
Applicants for this programme will go through a selection process.
Enrolled nurses are recognised
on Immigration New Zealand’s
Green List as Tier 1 roles3,
providing opportunities to
advance your career and
explore pathways to residency
with the right experience and
qualifications.
Enrolled nurses play a vital role in New Zealand’s healthcare system, working across hospitals, aged care, community, and mental health. With over 1,800 nursing vacancies nationwide1—including 460 for enrolled nurses2—demand for qualified professionals remains high.
Graduates of the Diploma in Enrolled Nursing (Level 5) may pursue their nursing careers internationally, with registration requirements varying by country.
NZEA, a New Zealand registered company with offices in Auckland and Mumbai, provides advice on studying in New Zealand. We are defined by ethical practice and ensuring our students make the right choice to pursuing education goals. NZEA is with you all the way… guiding you throughout your academic journey.
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