About the programme
The Bachelor of Nursing Pacific is a NZQF Level 7 programme at Whitireia & WelTec that combines knowledge of Pacific communities and cultural practices with nursing over three full-time years (360 credits). Graduates are eligible to sit the Nursing Council of New Zealand State Finals and can move on to postgraduate study.
The programme aims to improve health outcomes for Pacific peoples as well as for the wider population of New Zealand and beyond. Students learn to bring cultural understanding into nursing practice so that care is appropriate and effective for patients from diverse communities.
It sits alongside the Bachelor of Nursing and the Bachelor of Nursing Māori as one of three nursing degrees at Whitireia. All three are approved by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority and meet the Nursing Council's requirements for registration. Whitireia has taught nursing for over thirty years, and its graduates have a strong standing in the sector.
Learning pairs theory classes on the Porirua campus with supervised clinical experience in community and hospital settings. Before starting, students complete health screening and confirm their immunisation status, as placement providers require. The programme also accepts international students.
Entry requirements
- Whitireia degree academic entry requirements (University Entrance) or equivalent academic or work experience
- Evidence of suitability: interview, health screening, safety check and referee reports
- International students: proven equivalence plus IELTS 6.5 in each band, or equivalent
- Immunisation evidence before the programme begins
What you study
- Pacific community knowledge and cultural practices
- Nursing knowledge
- Classroom-based sessions on the Porirua campus
- Supported clinical experience in community and hospital settings
Careers after graduation
- Sitting the Nursing Council of New Zealand State Finals
- Nursing practice focused on Pacific health
- Community and hospital nursing in New Zealand and overseas
- Entry to postgraduate programmes
Post-study work visa
Equal to the length of the programme, 3 years maximum
Depends on the qualification, the length of study and other Immigration New Zealand requirements.
This description is based on the official programme page, checked on 09/09/2026. Ask an NIU adviser about fees and intake dates — the programme page on the Whitireia & WelTec website