With more than 65,000 registered nurses constituting about 50% of the country's health workforce, nursing in New Zealand is the biggest healthcare profession. In particular, New Zealand was among the first to regulate nursing, enacting the Nurses Registration Act in 1901, and continues to set the standard for cutting-edge approaches such as nurse prescribing and culturally sensitive care for Māori and Pasifika communities.
Typically spanning 1.5-2 years, based on whether its pursued full-time or part-time, an MS in Nursing New Zealand generally emphasizes advanced clinical practice, leadership, and research in nursing.
Why Study Masters in Nursing New Zealand?
Studying postgraduate nursing courses New Zealand is a wise choice for these compelling reasons:
- First-Rate Education: Internationally acknowledged and approved nursing courses are offered at universities in New Zealand.
- Well-Rounded Lifestyle: Students who study nursing in New Zealand benefit from a secure, breathtaking, and laid-back living and educational setting.
- Multiculturalism: Exposure to a cosmopolitan setting improves patient care abilities.
- Growing Demand for Nurses: Owing to the expanding healthcare demands, nursing graduates have excellent employment opportunities.
- Route to Residency: A nursing credential can help with immigration and residency prospects.
Best Universities in New Zealand for MS in Nursing
The top nursing colleges in New Zealand that offer MS programs are listed below:
- University of Auckland
- University of Otago
- Massey University
- Victoria University of Wellington
- Auckland University of Technology
- University of Waikato
- Eastern Institute of Technology
Best MS in Nursing courses in New Zealand for international students
Mentioned below are the top MS in Nursing programs New Zealand for international students:
- Master of Advanced Nursing Practice- University of Otago
- Master of Health Practice (Nursing)- Auckland University of Technology (AUT)
- Master of Nursing Science- Wintec (Waikato Institute of Technology)
- Master of Nursing- University of Auckland
- Master of Nursing Science- Victoria University of Wellington
- Master of Nursing- Southern Institute of Technology (SIT)
- Master of Nursing- Massey University
- Master of Nursing- Eastern Institute of Technology (EIT)
Cost of Studying MS in Nursing in New Zealand
The cost of pursuing a Nursing Master’s degree New Zealand usually ranges from NZD 30,000-NZD 45,000 annually for overseas students. Based on the university and the particular program, this amount can differ. Highly respected nursing programs are offered at prestigious institutions such as the University of Auckland, Massey University, and the University of Otago.
Besides tuition, students should also set aside money for living expenses, which based on the location and one’s way of life, can typically range from NZD 15,000-NZD 20,000 annually. To assist in minimizing expenditures, certain scholarships and part-time employment opportunities are available.
MS in Nursing Scholarships New Zealand
The various scholarships offered for MS in Nursing studies New Zealand are:
- Pacific Health Scholarships
- Heart Foundation Nurse Practitioner Training Fellowship
- Te Rau Puawai Bursaries
- Perpetual Guardian New Zealand Nursing Fund
- William Georgetti Scholarship
- Health New Zealand Postgraduate Study Funding
- Te Whatu Ora Counties Manukau FOU Scholarships
- First Foundation Scholarship
- Rural Health Scholarships by Rural Women New Zealand
- Taranaki District Health Board Scholarships
- Māori Health Scholarships
- Auckland DHB Health Workforce Scholarship
- Te Pitomata Grant
- Nursing Education Research Foundation Scholarships
- Public Trust Scholarships
MS in Nursing Admission Requirements New Zealand
The typical MS in Nursing eligibility New Zealand are:
- The student needs to hold an accredited undergraduate degree in Nursing (BN or comparable).
- He/she needs to submit certified copies of prior educational records.
- The student needs to hold a current nursing registration (usually with the Nursing Council of New Zealand or comparable).
- He/she needs to have secured a minimum GPA (typically about 3.0 or higher) or comparable educational standing.
- Non-native English speakers need to prove their fluency in English by appearing for English language proficiency tests like the IELTS (minimum overall score of 6.5, with no band less than 6.5), or TOEFL, or PTE
- Based on the program, the student may need to possess typically 1-2 years of pertinent clinical professional experience.
- He/she needs to submit a personal essay or statement of purpose describing his/her motivation, objectives and rationale behind pursuing the degree.
- Submission of generally two letters of recommendation from instructors or employers.
- The student also needs to submit a curriculum vitae outlining educational and professional background.
- As part of the selection procedure, an interview may be required by certain programs.
- In accordance with New Zealand's guidelines for health professionals, the student will need to fulfill health and character standards.
- The student needs to pay the non-refundable application fee (if required).
Post MS in Nursing Job Opportunities New Zealand
The post MS in Nursing career prospects in New Zealand are as under:
- Public Health Nurse
- Clinical Nurse Specialist
- Occupational Health Nurse
- Healthcare Administrator
- Registered Nurse (RN)
- Community Health Nurse
- Medical Sales Representative
- Nurse Manager
- Infection Control Nurse
- Clinical Researcher
- Nurse Practitioner
- Nurse Auditor
- Health Policy Analyst
- Nurse Educator
- Nurse Consultant

FAQs
In New Zealand, how much does a nurse typically earn?
The average nursing salary in New Zealand for a Registered Nurse is roughly NZ$75,000.
What specializations are offered in an MS in Nursing New Zealand?
Postgraduate Nursing programs New Zealand includes the following specializations:
- Nurse Practitioner (NP)
- Palliative Care
- Nursing Leadership and Management
- Clinical Nursing
- Health Care Education
- Advanced Nursing Practice
Can international students work while studying an MS in Nursing New Zealand?
Yes, while pursuing a Masters in Nursing New Zealand, overseas students can work part-time for a maximum of 20 hours per week during the academic term and full-time during designated breaks, provided their course fulfills particular requirements.
Do students require to get their credentials evaluated by New Zealand’s Nursing Council?
Yes, overseas students who intend working in New Zealand post-graduation, will require to have their credentials evaluated by the Nursing Council of New Zealand (NCNZ).
For further assistance or queries students can contact us, Edwise International, and avail our wide range of services for students on destinations like Universities in New-Zealand, study in New-Zealand, study in USA, study in Ireland, study in Canada, study in Australia, study in UK, study in Singapore, study in Germany, study in France and many other countries.