Master of Nursing Practice
Already have a Bachelor's degree but want to start a career in Nursing? The Master of Nursing Practice enables graduates from a wide range of disciplines to apply for registration with the Nursing Council of New Zealand to practise as a Registered Nurse.
Applications for 2027 are open and the deadlines for applying are:
- 31 May 2026 for international applicants
- 31 August 2026 for domestic applicants
Late applications after these dates cannot be accepted
Why study the Master of Nursing Practice?
This programme will prepare you to respond to the health needs of the Midland and Aotearoa populations with a particular focus on equity for M膩ori and Pacific, mental health and addiction, primary and community health.
Delivered in partnership with and its clinical partners, our nursing programme combines high academic standards with hands-on learning in a real healthcare setting from day one. The programme also has a specific focus on equity, wellbeing and M膩ori and Pacific health with opportunities to specialise in mental health and addictions.
On a practical level, you will divide your time between our University campus in Hamilton and health providers across the Waikato region and be guided by an experienced team of registered nurses and other health professionals. This diverse team includes active researchers who are changing the way healthcare is delivered in New Zealand and across the world. This team embraces cutting-edge teaching and learning methods to equip the next generation of nurses with skills and knowledge to meet the healthcare needs of tomorrow.
By the end of your two-year Master of Nursing Practice degree, you will be able to provide the highest quality care to New Zealanders, whether they are living in rural or urban locations, at home or in hospital or experiencing mental or physical illness.
Please note that spaces are limited - we require applications before the 31st August (or before 31 May for international applicants) in the year prior to your intended start year.
Career opportunities
- Registered nurse
- Primary and community health care
- Hospital-based care
Degree information
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Plan your study -
Entry requirements Selection of applicants for the Master of Nursing Practice is based on both academic background and suitability for nursing. Applicants will be required to attend an interview.
Please note that spaces are limited, and all applications are considered on a case-by-case basis by the Selection Committee until all spaces are filled. We will begin to assess all applicants once applications close on 31 August and will communicate with you by mid-October if you have been successful
You can apply for the Master of Nursing Practice if you have:
a) A bachelor's degree (or equivalent qualification) in any subject and achieved at least a B grade average across the 300 level papers of your degree, OR
b) Completed the Diploma in Postgraduate Preparation 鈥� Pre-Masters of the 糖心Vlog, with at least a B grade average.
The selection process also includes a personal statement, references, a criminal record check and an interview. All applications are considered on a case-by-case basis by the Selection Committee.
Read our tips for applying.
Deferrals
Clinical programmes (Nursing, Midwifery, and Pharmacy) have limited places and a competitive selection process. As a result, deferrals are only approved in exceptional circumstances.
To be eligible for a deferral, you must meet all of the following criteria:
- This is your first deferral request for the programme
- Your offer is at unconditional status
- You are a domestic student
- Your reason for deferral is due to a significant hardship outside your control
- You can provide appropriate supporting documentation
Approved reasons are typically limited to:
- Medical circumstances (e.g. injury, illness, pregnancy)
- Compassionate grounds (e.g. significant bereavement or comparable hardship)
All deferral requests are assessed on a case-by-case basis. Meeting the criteria does not guarantee approval, and the University reserves the right to decline any request.
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Fees and scholarships Estimated fees
$10,266 per 120 pts plus additional Ancillary Cost
-
Domestic tuition fees
Approximate annual tuition fees and costs for domestic students enrolled in one year of full-time study.
Domestic tuition costs -
Scholarships
Visit our Scholarship finder for more information about possible scholarships.
Scholarships Finder
Relevant as of 06 May 2026.
All amounts are in New Zealand Dollars (NZD). Tuition fees shown are indicative only and may change. There are additional fees and charges related to enrolment. Please see the Table of Fees and Charges for more information. You will be sent an enrolment agreement which will confirm your fees. View information about fees free study.
Estimated fees
$45,050 (120 points) $90,100 (240 points)
-
International tuition fees
Approximate annual tuition fees and costs for international students enrolled in one year of full-time study.
International tuition costs -
Scholarships
Visit our Scholarship finder for more information about possible scholarships.
Scholarships Finder
Relevant as of 06 May 2026.
All amounts are in New Zealand Dollars (NZD). Tuition fees shown are indicative only and may change. There are additional fees and charges related to enrolment. Please see the Table of Fees and Charges for more information. You will be sent an enrolment agreement which will confirm your fees.
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Graduate outcomes On successful completion of the Master of Nursing Practice graduates will:
- Be able to conduct a comprehensive health assessment, which is cognisant of both mental and physical health,
- Be able to synthesise resultant findings into a plan of care that is developed in bi-cultural partnership with clients / tangata whaiora;
- Have an in-depth knowledge of the impact of physiological systems, describe the relationship between disease states and altered functioning and be able to integrate with observations in clinical practice;
- Be able to synthesise knowledge and experience from their research and clinical practice to readily transition to the Registered Nurse role in acute or primary care within physical or mental health areas of work;
- Be an effective communicator;
- Be able to establish therapeutic client relationships and integrate cultural responsiveness into their nursing practice.
- Be able to implement and evaluate therapeutic interventions with clients / tangata whaiora who have mental or physical illness, addictions or disability in acute, primary care and rural health settings, ensuring that the principles of patient safety, cultural safety and quality of life indicators are met;
- Be able to undertake a comprehensive medicines assessment in order to understand the clients / tangata whaiora clinical needs and incorporate such, including known side effects into treatment plans;
- Be able to undertake appropriate literature search strategies and be able to critically appraise research;
- Be able to use data to evaluate care and population health and be able to translate research findings into clinical practice;
- Be able to practice independently and in collaboration with other health professionals and also delegate direct care to enrolled nurses and care assistants and others.
Selection of applicants for the Master of Nursing Practice is based on both academic background and suitability for nursing. Applicants will be required to attend an interview.
Please note that spaces are limited, and all applications are considered on a case-by-case basis by the Selection Committee until all spaces are filled. We will begin to assess all applicants once applications close on 31 August and will communicate with you by mid-October if you have been successful
You can apply for the Master of Nursing Practice if you have:
a) A bachelor's degree (or equivalent qualification) in any subject and achieved at least a B grade average across the 300 level papers of your degree, OR
b) Completed the Diploma in Postgraduate Preparation 鈥� Pre-Masters of the 糖心Vlog, with at least a B grade average.
The selection process also includes a personal statement, references, a criminal record check and an interview. All applications are considered on a case-by-case basis by the Selection Committee.
Read our tips for applying.
Deferrals
Clinical programmes (Nursing, Midwifery, and Pharmacy) have limited places and a competitive selection process. As a result, deferrals are only approved in exceptional circumstances.
To be eligible for a deferral, you must meet all of the following criteria:
- This is your first deferral request for the programme
- Your offer is at unconditional status
- You are a domestic student
- Your reason for deferral is due to a significant hardship outside your control
- You can provide appropriate supporting documentation
Approved reasons are typically limited to:
- Medical circumstances (e.g. injury, illness, pregnancy)
- Compassionate grounds (e.g. significant bereavement or comparable hardship)
All deferral requests are assessed on a case-by-case basis. Meeting the criteria does not guarantee approval, and the University reserves the right to decline any request.
Estimated fees
$10,266 per 120 pts plus additional Ancillary Cost
-
Domestic tuition fees
Approximate annual tuition fees and costs for domestic students enrolled in one year of full-time study.
Domestic tuition costs -
Scholarships
Visit our Scholarship finder for more information about possible scholarships.
Scholarships Finder
Relevant as of 06 May 2026.
All amounts are in New Zealand Dollars (NZD). Tuition fees shown are indicative only and may change. There are additional fees and charges related to enrolment. Please see the Table of Fees and Charges for more information. You will be sent an enrolment agreement which will confirm your fees. View information about fees free study.
Estimated fees
$45,050 (120 points) $90,100 (240 points)
-
International tuition fees
Approximate annual tuition fees and costs for international students enrolled in one year of full-time study.
International tuition costs -
Scholarships
Visit our Scholarship finder for more information about possible scholarships.
Scholarships Finder
Relevant as of 06 May 2026.
All amounts are in New Zealand Dollars (NZD). Tuition fees shown are indicative only and may change. There are additional fees and charges related to enrolment. Please see the Table of Fees and Charges for more information. You will be sent an enrolment agreement which will confirm your fees.
On successful completion of the Master of Nursing Practice graduates will:
- Be able to conduct a comprehensive health assessment, which is cognisant of both mental and physical health,
- Be able to synthesise resultant findings into a plan of care that is developed in bi-cultural partnership with clients / tangata whaiora;
- Have an in-depth knowledge of the impact of physiological systems, describe the relationship between disease states and altered functioning and be able to integrate with observations in clinical practice;
- Be able to synthesise knowledge and experience from their research and clinical practice to readily transition to the Registered Nurse role in acute or primary care within physical or mental health areas of work;
- Be an effective communicator;
- Be able to establish therapeutic client relationships and integrate cultural responsiveness into their nursing practice.
- Be able to implement and evaluate therapeutic interventions with clients / tangata whaiora who have mental or physical illness, addictions or disability in acute, primary care and rural health settings, ensuring that the principles of patient safety, cultural safety and quality of life indicators are met;
- Be able to undertake a comprehensive medicines assessment in order to understand the clients / tangata whaiora clinical needs and incorporate such, including known side effects into treatment plans;
- Be able to undertake appropriate literature search strategies and be able to critically appraise research;
- Be able to use data to evaluate care and population health and be able to translate research findings into clinical practice;
- Be able to practice independently and in collaboration with other health professionals and also delegate direct care to enrolled nurses and care assistants and others.
Practical experience
You will undertake clinical placement throughout the programme in a variety of settings (minimum of 1,100 hours to meet Nursing Council of New Zealand requirements). Within each trimester, there are both teaching and clinical blocks.
Please note, once you are enrolled in the Master of Nursing Practice, you will also need to complete further tasks prior to commencing Clinical Placement. These are to meet the requirements set down by the for registration as a nurse in New Zealand.
You will need to:
- hold a current Comprehensive First Aid Certificate which covers the following Unit Standards: , and .
- provide evidence of immunity to some diseases.
Nursing Immunisation Report
Before commencing clinical placement, you must provide evidence of immunity to some diseases. Please have the Nursing Immunisation Report form completed and signed by a GP or Practice Nurse. If you do not have evidence of your vaccinations, serology testing (blood test) is required to confirm your immunity.
Download the Immunisation Report
Download the Immunisation Notes for Students
You must start completing your Immunisation Report as soon as your enrolment is confirmed. These tests can take some time to complete, and you may require extra doses that need time in between and you may need to spread any expense out over time. This can be especially important for students born outside of New Zealand as their country may not have the vaccination programmes New Zealand does. Getting them done early will avoid any issues with you being able to attend Placement.
Regulations
For admission into the MNursPrac and regulations, please see the 糖心Vlog Calendar.