Your step-by-step guide to applying for the Bachelor of Nursing
Thank you for applying for our degree programme. Please follow the information below and ensure you understand the application process, and what requirements you need to meet.
This guide is for domestic student applications only. If you are an international student, please contact our international admissions team: international@op.ac.nz
Step 1 : submitting an application
What you need to do
Ensure you know the preferred date for applications and our entry requirements by going to Programmes and clicking on the Bachelor of Nursing for full details.
Please ensure your application includes:
- Academic records that meet the entry criteria
- Two referee reports that identify applicants as highly suitable (both referee reports will be considered as they are expected to identify strengths in different areas)
- A cover letter and CV that reflects your secondary or tertiary academic results, alongside your connection to the referee(s)
- First Aid Certificate
- The completed School of Nursing declaration form.
Pending results
We are aware that some applicants may not be able to provide all their academic results at the time of applying. It is important that you forward any academic results as they become available.
What we will do
If your application is successful, you will be notified within two weeks of the selection procedure with a conditional offer of a place.
Please note: you may still need to supply certified copies of your results if this has not already been done.
If you do not hear from us within two weeks of submitting your completed application (including your academic results), please contact the Otago Polytechnic Customer Services team: info@op.ac.nz
Step 2 : selection procedure
We welcome any questions you may have about your application. However, we do ask that you check this flowchart before contacting us to ensure you understand the application process.
IMPORTANT: It is the policy of the School of Nursing that any questions relating to applications must be asked by the applicant – in other words, we would like to hear from you directly, not your parent or other advocate (unless you have identified an agent to act on your behalf).
Applications are assessed by the Bachelor of Nursing Selection Committee and are placed into the following categories:
1. Place offered2. Waitlisted
3. Waiting results
4. Place not offered
The panel may request an interview with you if they believe there is a lack of congruence in the information you have submitted.
What you need to do
2. Waitlisted: The waitlist will be confirmed by the last week in January. You are welcome to contact the School of Nursing after this date for notification of your place on the list.
3. Waiting results: As soon as you have obtained updated NCEA reports, please let us know.
4. Place not offered:If your application is not accepted, it may be because you did not meet our entry requirements.
We strongly recommend you consider the following options:
- Enrolling in Otago Polytechnic’s Certificate in Health (Level 4)
- Enrolling in the University of Otago’s Human Body Systems 1 (HUBS 191) and Human Body Systems 2 (HUBS 192) papers
- Undertaking work experience in a health-related industry and/or working with people in a people-centred area.
