There are several ways through which Indian students can pursue a nursing career in New Zealand. In this article, we have mentioned various pathways through which you can Become Registered Nurse in New Zealand. If you are an Indian student who has completed their 12th class education in India, then you can study a Bachelor of Nursing program in New Zealand. This will automatically make you eligible to Become Registered Nurse in New Zealand.
The second option is that, if international students have already completed a nursing program in India, they can take admission to the Bachelor of Nursing in New Zealand. You will get an added benefit, as you have already studied a nursing program you will get credits for that and the duration of the program will be less for you; around 18 months.
The third option is that, if applicants have already completed a nursing program in India and have some experience in this field, then they can apply for Nursing Registration in New Zealand. As Nursing in New Zealand is under Tier 1 Green List roles, this registration can lead to a New Zealand Work Visa or you can also directly apply for a Straight to Residence Visa. The whole process of registration and getting a visa takes around 6 to 9 months.
How to Become Registered Nurse in New Zealand after doing 12th in India
After completing high school education (12th class studies) in India students can study Bachelor of Nursing program in New Zealand. This will make them eligible to Become Registered Nurse in New Zealand. Bachelor of Nursing program in New Zealand is a 3 year long program and it comes at Level 7 of New Zealand Qualifications Framework. International students are eligible to get 3 years of post study work visa in New Zealand after completing this program. The best universities and colleges in New Zealand that offer the Bachelor of Nursing program are mentioned below along with the approximate tuition fees and location of these institutes.
| Best Universities and Colleges for Bachelor of Nursing | Location | Tuition Fees (NZ Per Year) |
| 1. Massey University | Palmerston North, Wellington | $35,840 Approx. |
| 2. University of Waikato | Hamilton, Tauranga | $31,950 Approx. |
| 3. University of Auckland | Auckland | $37,523 Approx. |
| 4. Waikato Institute of Technology – Wintec | Waikato | $28,000 Approx. |
| 5. Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology – Te Pūkenga | Bay of Plenty and South Waikato regions | $28,000 Approx. |
| 6. Southern Institute of Technology | Invercargill | $28,000 Approx. |
How to Become Registered Nurse in New Zealand after completing a nursing program in India
As mentioned above, if international students complete a nursing program in India, they can take admission to the Bachelor of Nursing in New Zealand. Indian students will get extra credits in the scenario, they do not need to study the full 3-year program, and they can complete the program in around 18 months. They will be directly eligible to Become Registered Nurse in New Zealand after completing the program.
How to Become Registered Nurse in New Zealand after getting nursing experience in India or other countries
If you are already a registered nurse in India and have work experience of at least 1800 clinical working hours, then you can directly apply to become a registered nurse in New Zealand. Here is the whole process of becoming a Registered Nurse in New Zealand.
Documents Verification at CGFNS
The initial step involves document verification at CGFNS (Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools). Below is the list of documents required that Internationally Qualified Nurses (IQN) need to verify:
Identification: A valid passport
Registration: Documentation confirming current registration with an overseas registration authority.
Academics: Proof of nursing qualification equivalent to NZ standards, such as a bachelor’s or master’s degree in nursing. These academic records include degrees, certificates, and transcripts.
English Proficiency: Applicants must present proof of English language proficiency by achieving the necessary scores in IELTS and OET.
Work Experience Certificate: Documents verifying a minimum of 1,800 hours of post-registration nursing experience.
After verifying documents with CGFNS, applicants can proceed to apply to the Nursing Council of New Zealand. Internationally Qualified Nurses must pass multiple tests to be eligible for Nursing Registration in New Zealand. These tests are to ensure the healthcare quality of New Zealand.
Welcome to the Aotearoa New Zealand program
To begin, there are two complimentary online courses that students must finish to gain insight into culturally safe nursing practices in New Zealand. These tests can be conveniently taken from home. The two assessments are:
- Test 1: Ngā Paerewa Te Tiriti Module 1
- Test 2: Foundations in cultural competence
Theoretical Exam: Online
The second step in the process involves Nurses taking a theoretical exam online. This exam assesses their nursing knowledge and can be completed globally at a Pearson VUE-accredited Nursing Council exam centre. The exam consists of two parts and students need to qualify both parts. If the applicant is unsuccessful in qualifying this exam or any one part of the exam then they can also re-sit the exam.
- Part A: Medication Safety
- Part B: Nursing Knowledge
OSCE Exam: Objective Structured Clinical Exam
OSCE is a thorough two-day orientation and preparation program that concludes with a 3-hour OSCE exam. This clinical examination is held in person at an accredited examination centre in New Zealand. Candidates qualified for this exam are required to travel to New Zealand on a New Zealand Visitor Visa to participate. In the event of failing the OSCE, candidates have the option to re-sit the exam.
Fitness to Practice Check
Additional requirements and steps in the process involve a Fitness to Practice assessment. This examination is requested when you apply for registration with the Nursing Council. As part of the process, all applicants undergo an International Criminal History Check (ICHC) conducted by Fit2work.
Straight to Residence Visa after Nursing Registration in New Zealand
Upon completing the registration process and passing the required exams, applicants are now in the final stage of relocating to New Zealand. The subsequent step involves applying for Permanent Residency in the country. Nursing in New Zealand is classified under Tier 1 of the Green List roles, simplifying the process for candidates to secure permanent residency and settle in New Zealand through a Straight to Resident Visa. This visa category allows individuals in Tier 1 of the Green List roles who meet the specified criteria to directly apply for residency, eliminating the requirement of working in New Zealand for two years prior. The Straight to Resident Visa presents a great opportunity for skilled nurses to establish New Zealand as their home without the need for prior work experience in the country.
Frequently asked questions
Age limit for nurses in New Zealand
There is no specific Age limit for nurses in New Zealand, as long as you meet the requirements to study and practice nursing. Some students or nurses are up to 50 years old and go on to have a good nursing career in New Zealand.
IELTS score for nurses in New Zealand
The IELTS score for nurses in New Zealand is 7.0 bands in reading, speaking as well as listening and 6.5 bands in writing.
New Zealand Nursing Council OET requirements
The New Zealand Nursing Council OET requirements include having at least 350 in reading, speaking and listening and a minimum of 300 in writing.
New Zealand Nursing Council registration fees
The New Zealand Nursing Council application and registration fees for nurses qualified internationally is $485.