Bachelor of Nursing

Locations and dates

Marlborough:

16 February 2026

Nelson:

16 February 2026
Length

3 years full time; 32 teaching weeks plus 8 weeks of study break per year
Total credits

360
Fees

2026: $8,432 plus $350 Student Services Fee (Year One)

A Student Service Fee applies (2025; $2.17 per credit).

Fees listed are for each year of the programme, indicative only and may vary with course selection.

View course details for individual fees.

N.B. The 2026 SSF final fee is currently subject to consultation with learners.
National qualification code

OT4728

A career in Nursing puts you at the frontline of healthcare and supports the high demand for registered nurses in our communities. Locally, nationally and abroad.

Pending final approval \| Apply now for a 2026 start!

A Bachelor of Nursing is an evidence-based three-year degree programme that prepares you for a career as a registered nurse. The programme combines theoretical, simulated, practical, and hands-on clinical experiences to develop skilled know-how.

At both the Nelson and Marlborough campuses, NMIT provides you with opportunities to experience various healthcare settings, enabling you to demonstrate your knowledge, skills, and critical thinking to meet the requirements for safe and competent practice.

As a graduate of this programme, you will have the potential to make a positive difference in the health of individuals, families/whānau, and communities. Your qualification and registration as a nurse are recognised worldwide.

Scholarships

NEW AND UPDATED

From 2026, NMIT will offer the full three-year degree at our Marlborough Campus for the first time. NMIT will also join a strong South Island alliance, alongside SIT, in delivering the same Bachelor of Nursing curriculum as Otago Polytechnic.

Learn in specialist facilities

At NMIT, you will gain hands-on clinical experience. This will help you develop a real understanding of nursing. You will learn to deliver skilled care in diverse healthcare settings. With over 1,100 hours in practice, you will develop the ability to meet the physical and mental health needs of individuals and communities.

Meet SAM

Both the Nelson and Marlborough Campuses offer students a PCU unit. At the Nelson Campus PCU unit, we'll introduce you to Sam, a high-tech $35,000 training mannequin that can be programmed to simulate a wide range of health conditions.

Whanau peer groups

You can join the whānau group to build whanaungatanga with graduates and peers from all years. By getting involved, you can actively strengthen your Māori identity, make friends, find role models, and help improve Māori health outcomes.

Entry requirements

Additional requirements

Please provide the following documents with your application:

Personal statement
This should outline why the applicant has chosen nursing as a career.
Referee’s Information
Provide evidence of good character and personal attributes via 2 referees.
Immunity evidence
To participate in the clinical components of the programme, the applicant must meet all relevant Health Authority requirements, including evidence of immunity to nominated diseases.
Consent to Disclosure of Information
Successful applicants must 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 NMIT Head of Nursing. Information on the Vetting Service is available from the New Zealand Police website.

Interview
Applicants who meet academic entry criteria may be required to attend an interview.

The applicant’s personal statement, referee information, and interview (if required) should provide evidence of appropriateness to study for the nursing profession.

Please refer to the 'Supporting Document Requirements'(external link) section for more information and form templates.

Contact our enrolments team for support if you have questions regarding the documentation requirements on 03 539 5469.

Additional course costs

Please budget approx. $1,400.00 for the Bachelor of Nursing Programme to cover:

Textbooks
Uniform (two uniform tops, pants and shoes)
Associated clinical costs (travel and accommodation)
Specialist equipment, e.g. stethoscope, fob watch

Additional Information

A laptop/device will be required
Students are also responsible for all travel and accommodation costs associated with clinical placements
There is an expectation that students will travel out of town to complete at least one placement.

Please note: All costs are approximate and subject to change.

NCNZ final exam and registration

This programme is highly regarded nationally, combines theory with clinical experience, and meets the Nursing Council of New Zealand (NCNZ) Competencies for the Registered Nurse Scope of Practice.

After completing the Bachelor of Nursing degree, ākonga must pass the NCNZ State Final Examination to gain registration with the Nursing Council of New Zealand(external link).

Clinical practice placements

Clinical practice will be gained in a variety of settings in Nelson, Tasman, Marlborough, and the West Coast. The hours of nursing practice will vary considerably depending on the agency in which you are placed.

All students will be required to travel outside the Nelson region at various stages during the programme. You will also be required to work shifts.

Students must provide their own transport to practice placements and may be required to cover their own travel and accommodation costs.

Nelson Campus Childcare

Many of our students are adults balancing study demands with family commitments. For those with young children, there is a childcare centre on the Nelson campus providing full or part-time care.

Campus Corner Early Learning Centre(external link) cares for children six months to five years old. Early booking is essential - ph. (03) 548 0104.

Normally, the Bachelor of Nursing programme is achieved in three years but can be completed over five years.