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.
2026 applications are now open
- For international applicants, applications will close on 31 May 2025
- For domestic applicants, applications will close on 31 August 2025
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 Māori and Pacific, mental health and addiction, primary and community health.
Delivered in partnership with Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora Waikato 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 Māori 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
Select a tile for more information. Selection of applicants for the Master of Nursing Practice is based on both academic background and suitability for nursing. Applicants may be asked 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 – Pre-Masters of the University of Waikato, with at least a B grade average.
The Nursing selection process also includes a personal statement, references and a criminal record check.
Read our tips for applying.
Estimated fees
$42,905 (120 points) $85,810 (240 points) per year
International tuition fees
Approximate annual tuition fees and costs for international students enrolled in one year of full-time study.
International tuition costsScholarships
Visit our Scholarship finder for more information about possible scholarships.
Scholarships Finder
Relevant as of 17 April 2025.
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.
Students will build on the attributes gained through the PGCert and PGDip and in addition will:
- Develop skills in the Implementation of evidence-based change;
- Become a high analytical thinker; build clinical and professional leadership;
- Contribute to the national and international development of nursing as a profession; and
- Depending on papers and experience, preparation for application to Nursing Council of New Zealand for Nurse Practitioner endorsement.
On completion of the programme, graduates will be able to:
- Critically discuss the place of research in generating knowledge for clinical practice and service development;
- Articulate the relationship between health problems, research questions and research methods;
- Engage with research issues and service development for Māori, Pacific and other indigenous communities;
- Articulate the implications of the research study for health equity; and
- Write a structured research report that follows the steps of the research process. For those on Nurse Practitioner pathway graduates will be able to apply to the Nursing Council of New Zealand for Nurse Practitioner scope of practice.
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 Nursing Council of New Zealand for registration as a nurse in New Zealand.
You will need to:
Regulations
For admission into the Master of Nursing Practice and regulations, please see the University of Waikato Calendar.
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.
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.
Learn more: Immunisation Report information for students
What our nursing students are saying
I feel like we have our own little nursing whanau and everyone is so passionate. I value all of the subjects we have learnt so far because they’re nursing focused – sometimes it feels less like learning as it is hands on and fun.Loki O'BrienBachelor of Nursing
