Missed February? Here is your second chance to join New Zealand’s healthcare frontline with the mid-year 2026 intake.
Do you like to help and heal people? Then a nursing career is perfect for you. If you are eyeing a global nursing career, the Nursing Admissions in New Zealand July 2026 Intake is your golden ticket. Nurses are among the most sought-after professionals in New Zealand, making your path to PR easier.
While the February intake is the traditional one, the July (Semester 2) intake is the hidden gem for smart international students. It offers the same world-class education but with slightly less competition for student housing and a strategic graduation timeline that drops you right into the workforce when hospitals are hiring for the new year.
The window to prepare for July is wide open. But with New Zealand’s Green List Tier 1 status for nurses, seats fill up fast.
Why Choose the July 2026 Intake?
- Straight to Residence: Registered Nurses are on the Green List Tier 1. This means upon graduation and securing a job, you may be eligible for a streamlined path to residency.
- High Earning Potential: The nursing career scope in New Zealand is thriving. The average salary for a Registered Nurse in 2026 sits between NZD $75,000 and $95,000 annually, with penal rates for nights and weekends boosting this significantly.
- Global Recognition: A NZ Bachelor of Nursing is recognised in Australia, the UK, and beyond.
Universities Offering Nursing in the July 2026 Intake
Not every university offers a mid-year start for nursing. Don’t waste time applying to the wrong ones. Here are the top institutions confirmed or likely to offer nursing options for the July 2026 intake in New Zealand.
| Institution | Location | Program | Estimate International Fee (Year 1) |
| AUT (Auckland University of Technology) | Auckland | Bachelor of Health Science (Nursing) | NZD $42,800 |
| Ara Institute of Canterbury (Te Pūkenga) | Christchurch | Bachelor of Nursing | NZD $26,000 – $28,000 |
| UCOL (Te Pūkenga) | Palmerston North | Bachelor of Nursing | NZD $30,500 |
| Wintec (Te Pūkenga) | Hamilton | Bachelor of Nursing | NZD $25,500 |
| Unitec (Te Pūkenga) | Auckland | Bachelor of Nursing | NZD $26,000 |
Note: The University of Auckland and Massey University typically only have February intakes for the Bachelor of Nursing. For July nursing options, focus on AUT and the Te Pūkenga network, and always verify whether a mid-year intake is available for your chosen campus.
Entry Requirements: Are You Eligible?
The New Zealand nursing course for the July 2026 requirements is strict because the profession deals with human lives.
Academic
You need the equivalent of New Zealand University Entrance. For most international students, this means completing High School (Year 12/HSC/A-Levels) with strong grades in Biology, Chemistry, or Physics, plus English and Math.
English Proficiency
Most universities require at least IELTS 6.5 overall for academic entry into the Bachelor of Nursing, often with high band scores in each module. However, for Nursing Council registration later, you will need Academic IELTS 7.0 (all bands 7.0) or OET B (350) in all sub-tests.
Pro Tip: Aim for 7.0 right now to save stress later!
The Application Timeline for July 2026
If you are reading this in early 2026, you are perfectly on track. Here is a timeline of when to do what so that you can successfully join the July Nursing Intake in New Zealand.
- Feb – March 2026: Shortlist universities and prepare financial documents.
- April 2026: Take your IELTS/PTE/OET.
- May 2026: Submit applications. (Deadlines are often late May or early June).
- June 2026: Accept the Offer of Place, pay tuition, and file for your student visa.
- July 2026: Arrive in New Zealand for orientation!
Cost of Studying Nursing in NZ
Budgeting is key to studying Nursing in New Zealand. The tuition fees generally range from NZD $26,000 to $43,000 per year. Additionally, you will need to show proof of living costs (approx. NZD $20,000+ per year) for your visa.
Did you know that as a nursing student, you will complete roughly 1,100 to 1,500 hours of clinical placements? This hands-on experience is what makes NZ graduates work-ready from day one.
Career Opportunities After Graduation
Graduating with a Bachelor of Nursing in New Zealand opens doors far beyond just hospital wards. With the global healthcare shortage, your degree is a passport to a secure future.
- Job Titles: Registered Nurse (RN), Mental Health Nurse, Aged Care Nurse, Community Health Nurse, and Pediatric Nurse.
- Top Employers: Te Whatu Ora (Health New Zealand), Ryman Healthcare, Bupa, and private surgical hospitals like Southern Cross.
- Salary Expectations: Graduates typically start around NZD $75,773 per year, with senior roles and nurse practitioners earning well over NZD $120,000.
- Scope: Nurses are in such high demand that the vast majority of New Zealand nursing graduates secure employment within a few months of graduation. So securing a job and also your PR is likely to happen.
Scholarship Options
For the July 2026 intake, international nursing students can access several high-value funding opportunities. These range from the fully-funded Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships for citizens of developing nations to university-specific excellence awards like the AUT International Student Scholarship (up to NZD $7,000) and the SIT Great South Nursing Degree Scholarship (NZD $4,000). Contact us to understand your scholarship options!
Your Next Step
Applying for the nursing course in New Zealand for the July 2026 intake can be a bit tricky & confusing. One wrong subject in high school or a missed document can cost you a semester.
At Aspire Global Pathways (AGP), we specialise in medical and healthcare admissions. We know which institutes accept specific academic backgrounds and how to frame your Statement of Purpose (SOP) to stand out.
Don’t let the July window close on you. Contact AGP today for a FREE Counselling Session!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I apply for Nursing in New Zealand for the July 2026 intake?
Yes! While fewer universities offer it compared to February, top institutions like AUT, Ara, UCOL, and Wintec typically have a July intake for the Bachelor of Nursing.
2. What are the IELTS requirements for New Zealand nursing in July 2026?
For academic entry into a Bachelor’s program, most institutes require IELTS 6.5 (all bands 6.5). However, to register as a nurse after graduation, you generally need IELTS 7.0 (all bands 7.0).
3. Is Nursing on the Green List in New Zealand?
Yes, Registered Nurses are on Tier 1 of the Green List. This provides a potential “Straight to Residence” pathway for eligible graduates who secure a job.
4. How much does a Bachelor of Nursing cost in NZ for international students?
Fees vary by institution but generally range from NZD $26,000 to $43,000 per year for the 2026 academic year.
5. What is the deadline for the July 2026 nursing intake?
Deadlines usually fall in late May or early June 2026. However, nursing seats are limited and competitive, so we recommend applying by April 2026.