Graduate Diploma in Nursing Pacific

Programme outline

This programme provides an opportunity for Pacific trained nurses to undertake a nursing education programme that allows them to apply to the NCNZ for registration and a practicing certificate to work in Aotearoa New Zealand as a nurse. The programme is informed by Pacific pedagogies and provides an understanding of the various contexts of Pacific health while supporting learners’ cultural capacity to be effective health professionals within a Nursing context. Additionally, the programme positively contributes to the ongoing demand for Pacific Nurses, to better meet and respond to the health needs of Pacific Peoples and communities who are proportionally overrepresented in poor health outcomes and use of the health services.

This programme contributes to the Government objectives to improve Pacific health and education outcomes.

This is a full-time programme and offers a combination of theory i.e. classroom-based sessions (block delivery) at our Whitireia (Porirua) campus, online learning and supported clinical experience (based where you live), which is practical/hands-on work completed in a variety of community and hospital settings.

Target group of learners:

Pacific Island trained nurses who have been registered and have worked in the health sector in their home country and now have permanent residency in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Entry requirements

Applicants must meet both the academic and suitability entry requirements.

Academic entry requirements

Applicants must have permanent residency or approval to study as a domestic student.

Whitireia degree academic entry requirements (i.e. University Entrance) or equivalent.

Evidence of equivalence may include successful completion of high school studies overseas or recent tertiary study at Level 4, with a “B” average, and/or relevant work experience (paid or unpaid); application considered on a case-by-case basis with entry granted at the discretion of the Head of School.

• A Diploma of Nursing (L5) or Bachelor of Nursing (L7) from a Pacific Island nation
• A minimum of two years full-time equivalent work experience as a registered nurse in your home country
• A minimum of two years’ work experience in the health sector in Aotearoa New Zealand 

Evidence of suitability based on interview, health screening, safety check and referee reports.

Course related costs

Students who are accepted into the course and successfully meet the criteria may be eligible to receive a Te Whatu Ora Support Fund covering course fees and some course costs such as:

Health screening: $250
Medical equipment: $160
Uniform: $200
Vaccinations (if required by clinical placement): Costs will vary depending on vaccination required i.e. flu, whooping cough
Stationery: $200
Clinical Travel Costs: These will vary depending on where you live and where your placements are

Students will be informed how to apply for the support fund upon acceptance into the programme.

How to apply

Before you start your online application you will need the following documentation available to upload when requested.

• Completed supplementary application form for health and social services
• Referee report*
• Verified ID
• Verified official transcripts

*Give the referee report to someone who is willing to be your referee. Ask them to complete the forms and return them to you (so you can upload with your application).

Alternatively, completed applications can be emailed to enrolments@wandw.ac.nz or dropped into:

Enrolments, Whitireia New Zealand 3 Wi Neera Drive, Porirua