Nursing is a noble and rewarding profession, and if you’re considering pursuing a Bachelor of Nursing in 2025, Wellington, New Zealand, offers an excellent environment. With its world-class education system, diverse clinical opportunities, and vibrant student life, Wellington stands out as a top choice for aspiring nurses. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of what you need to know to embark on your nursing journey in New Zealand’s capital city.
Why Choose Wellington for Your Nursing Degree?
Wellington is one of the best places in New Zealand to study nursing in 2025. It’s a compact, walkable city with beautiful scenery, great public transport, and a friendly, welcoming vibe. As the capital, it’s home to top hospitals like Wellington Regional Hospital, where students get excellent clinical experience. Nursing students benefit from small class sizes, supportive tutors, and modern learning facilities. Plus, Wellington is full of life outside the classroom—there are cafes, art galleries, museums, and weekend markets to explore. It’s also a very safe city, which makes it ideal for both local and international students. The cost of living is more affordable compared to bigger cities like Auckland, and you’ll find lots of student housing options. With its mix of top-quality education, hands-on training, and a relaxed lifestyle, Wellington is a smart and enjoyable place to become a nurse.
Top Institutions offering Bachelor of Nursing in Wellington
Wellington, New Zealand’s capital, is home to several esteemed institutions offering Bachelor of Nursing programs. These programs are designed to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to become registered nurses. Below is a comprehensive guide to these institutions:
Whitireia and WelTec (Te Pukenga)
Program Overview: Whitireia and WelTec offer a comprehensive Bachelor of Nursing program at their Porirua campus. This three-year, full-time program is designed to produce culturally competent and clinically skilled nurses. Students can choose from three pathways: Bachelor of Nursing, Bachelor of Nursing Māori, and Bachelor of Nursing Pacific, each tailored to meet the needs of diverse communities. The curriculum combines classroom-based learning with practical clinical experiences in community and hospital settings. Graduates are eligible to sit the Nursing Council of New Zealand State Final Examinations and, upon passing, can apply for registration as a Registered Nurse. The program emphasises cultural competence, community engagement, and hands-on training to prepare students for a rewarding career in nursing.
- Tuition Fees (2025):
Domestic Students: NZD 8,048 per year
International Students: NZD 29,120 per year
- Intakes: February
- Duration: 3 years (full-time)
Victoria University of Wellington
Program Overview: Victoria University of Wellington offers nursing-related programs through its School of Nursing, Midwifery, and Health Practice. While the university does not offer a standalone Bachelor of Nursing, it provides pathways into the nursing profession through its health sciences programs. Students can pursue a Bachelor of Biomedical Science or a Bachelor of Health and Wellbeing, which can lead to postgraduate nursing qualifications. The university’s strong emphasis on research and its location within the Wellington Regional Hospital provide students with opportunities to engage in contemporary healthcare disciplines and gain practical experience in a clinical setting.
- Tuition Fees (2025):
International Students: NZD 35,712 per year (Health, Nursing, and Midwifery programs)
- Intakes: February and July
- Duration: 3 years (full-time for undergraduate programs)
Wellington Institute of Technology (WelTec)
Program Overview: WelTec, a part of Te Pukenga, offers a Bachelor of Nursing program at its Petone campus. This three-year, full-time program is designed to produce culturally competent and clinically skilled nurses. The curriculum combines classroom-based learning with practical clinical experiences in community and hospital settings. Graduates are eligible to sit the Nursing Council of New Zealand State Final Examinations and, upon passing, can apply for registration as a Registered Nurse. WelTec’s strong ties with the healthcare industry and its focus on practical skills ensure that students are well-prepared for a rewarding career in nursing
- Tuition Fees (2025):
Domestic Students: NZD 8,048 per year
International Students: NZD 29,120 per year
- Intakes: February
- Duration: 3 years (full-time)
Wellington Polytechnic
Program Overview: Wellington Polytechnic, now part of WelTec, offered nursing programs that have since been integrated into WelTec’s offerings. Students interested in pursuing a Bachelor of Nursing in Wellington can now apply directly to WelTec, which continues the legacy of providing quality nursing education in the region. The program maintains a strong focus on cultural competence, clinical skills, and community engagement, preparing graduates for successful careers in nursing.
- Tuition Fees (2025):
Domestic Students: NZD 8,048 per year
International Students: NZD 29,120 per year
- Intakes: February
- Duration: 3 years (full-time)
Wellington College of Education
Program Overview: The Wellington College of Education, now part of Victoria University of Wellington, offered nursing programs that have since been integrated into the university’s offerings. Students interested in pursuing a nursing career in Wellington can now apply to Victoria University of Wellington, which continues to provide pathways into the nursing profession through its health sciences programs. The university’s strong emphasis on research and its location within the Wellington Regional Hospital provide students with opportunities to engage in contemporary healthcare disciplines and gain practical experience in a clinical setting.
- Tuition Fees (2025):
International Students: NZD 35,712 per year (Health, Nursing, and Midwifery programs)
- Intakes: February and July
- Duration: 3 years (full-time for undergraduate programs)
Program Structure & Curriculum – Bachelor of Nursing (2025)
The Bachelor of Nursing at Whitireia and WelTec is a three-year, full-time program that prepares students to become registered nurses in New Zealand. The program includes a mix of classroom learning, online resources, simulated training, and real clinical placements in hospitals and community settings.
- Year 1 – Foundations of Nursing: In your first year, you’ll build a strong base in human biology, anatomy, and physiology. You’ll also learn about professional nursing practice, communication skills, and how to care for people in primary and community care settings. Topics include understanding the New Zealand healthcare system and working respectfully with Māori and Pacific peoples. This year includes your first clinical placement to apply basic care skills in real environments.
- Year 2 – Developing Nursing Practice: Year two dives deeper into nursing knowledge. You’ll focus on care for people with complex health needs in hospital and long-term care settings. You’ll study pharmacology (medicines), mental health, and chronic illness. You’ll spend more time in clinical placements, working in teams and developing confidence in real-world practice. This year helps you connect theory with practical patient care.
- Year 3 – Becoming a Professional Nurse: The final year prepares you to transition from a student to a registered nurse. You’ll explore leadership in healthcare, ethical decision-making, and advanced clinical judgment. There’s a strong focus on mental health, community care, and Māori health. You’ll complete a final extended clinical placement (Integrated Practice), where you’ll work almost full-time in a health service, supported by a mentor nurse. This helps you feel ready for real nursing work.
Total Clinical Hours:
Over three years, you’ll complete at least 1,250 hours of clinical placement, including aged care, mental health, medical-surgical nursing, and more. Some placements may be outside Wellington, so flexibility for travel is important. After graduation, you’ll be ready to take the State Final Exam and apply to become a Registered Nurse with the Nursing Council of New Zealand.
Eligibility & Admission Requirements (2025)
- Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have completed their Higher Secondary Certificate (12th grade) with an average of 65% aggregate. Applicants with equivalent academic or work experience can also be considered.
- English Language Proficiency: International students must demonstrate English proficiency with an IELTS score of 6.5 in each band or equivalent.
- Suitability Assessment: Applicants are required to undergo an interview to assess their preparedness for study and ability to meet the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003 requirements. Additionally, a safety check, including reference checking, work history, identity check, police vetting, and referee reports, is mandatory.
- Application Documentation: Applicants must submit a completed application form along with:
-Verified passport or birth certificate
-Academic transcripts
-English language test results (less than 2 years old)
-Statement of purpose
-Curriculum Vitae (CV)
-Other supporting documents as required
Scholarships for International Students
- Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships: Offered by the New Zealand Government, these scholarships cover full tuition fees, provide a living allowance of NZD 531 per week, a NZD 3,000 establishment allowance, and medical insurance. They are available for students from eligible developing countries pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate studies in New Zealand.
- Whitireia Foundation Scholarships: Whitireia and WelTec offer scholarships ranging from NZD 1,000 to NZD 5,000 to support students financially. In 2024, 40 students received scholarships totalling NZD 96,000. These scholarships are open to both domestic and international students enrolled at Whitireia and WelTec.
- Southern Cross Nursing Scholarships (AUT): The Southern Cross Health Trust provides scholarships to Bachelor of Health Science (Nursing) students at Auckland University of Technology (AUT). The scholarship includes a starter kit with a nursing uniform voucher, shoes, and flu vaccinations for all first-year nursing students in 2025.
- Tongarewa Scholarship – Victoria University of Wellington: This scholarship offers partial funding to international students pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate degrees, including a nursing-related program. The scholarship value ranges from NZD 5,000 to NZD 10,000. Application deadlines are typically in May and August.
Career Scope and Salary After Bachelor of Nursing in Wellington (2025)
After completing a Bachelor of Nursing in Wellington, graduates can apply for registration with the Nursing Council of New Zealand and begin working as Registered Nurses (RNs). There is a high demand for nurses in hospitals, aged care homes, mental health services, community health, and private clinics. As a registered nurse, you can also work in specialist areas like emergency care, intensive care, or surgical units. Nursing graduates can expect to earn a starting salary of NZD 60,000 to NZD 70,000 per year, depending on the role and region. With experience, senior nurses and nurse managers can earn up to NZD 100,000 or more annually. There are also opportunities to grow in leadership, research, or advanced practice nursing. Wellington’s healthcare sector is growing, and international graduates who meet registration and visa requirements can apply for post-study work visas and permanent residency.
How West Highlander Immigration Can Help You?
West Highlander Immigration, led by Licensed Immigration Adviser Ms. Parwinder Kaur, specialises in guiding students through every step of their New Zealand study journey. From choosing the right nursing program in Wellington to helping with admission, document preparation, and visa filing, we offer expert, personalised support. With over 18 years of experience and in-depth knowledge of New Zealand immigration rules, we ensure a smooth and successful application process for your Bachelor of Nursing study in 2025.