Price
Domestic learners
$1,019* per 15 point course
International learners
$5,247* per 15 point course
*Price is approximate and subject to change based on elective course selection. Fees outlined are based on the 2026 fee schedule and are subject to revision each year. Prices include GST where applicable. Non-tuition fees, such as the Student Services Levy (SSL), will also apply.
Qualification
BHlth
360 points
Duration
3 years full-time
Part-time also available
Entry times
2 February 2026
27 April 2026
13 July 2026
28 September 2026
2027
Overview
Help people flourish through a rewarding, in-demand career in health and wellbeing. Developed with industry professionals, the Bachelor of Health online equips you with the knowledge and skills to make a difference in Aotearoa New Zealand — and beyond.
With specialised majors in Exercise & Sport Nutrition, Health Science, or Physical Activity & Wellbeing, you’ll build professionally relevant expertise in an area you’re passionate about. All while keeping a broad, applied grounding in population and community health that employers value.
Learning online doesn’t mean you're learning alone, or missing out. You’ll take part in live online sessions, interactive coursework, and a join an online learning community facilitated by health experts to help you find your future.
Requirements
To enrol in this online bachelor's degree, you will need:
- University Entrance (or equivalent). UC offers transition programmes for those who need help meeting these requirements.
- UC's English language requirements if English is not your first language. If you need help meeting these requirements, or would like to practise your English skills before studying, UC offers English for Academic Purposes (EAP) language programmes.
See admission and enrolment for all information on enrolling.
Recommended preparation
This degree is open to anyone with entry to UC, and no previous experience is required. A passion for healthcare, advocating for others, and promoting healthy lifestyles will really support you in your study. A good standard of spoken and written English is also important.
If you're new to academic study, or returning after a long break, you can get prepared by taking our short online Academic Writing Basics course, giving you the skills you need to ace the assignment writing in this online bachelor's degree.
You may be eligible to pathway into the Bachelor of Health through a Certificate or Diploma in Health. These qualifications may also allow you to graduate early, if your plans change. Contact us to discuss your options.
Not sure if you want to study online or on-campus?
Whether you decide to study online or on-campus, our UC team is here to support you every step of the way.
Structure
The Bachelor of Health online can be studied full-time over 3 years, or part-time over 6 years, subject to course availability.
Time commitment
Tuihono UC | UC Online learners study across terms, rather than semesters. We have four terms per year which consist of nine-weeks of study (including a one-week study break), followed by a two-week period of marking and feedback.
Part-time learners complete one 15-point course every term, requiring approximately 18.5 hours of study per week. Full-time learners complete two courses every term, requiring approximately 37.5 hours of study per week. Study time includes taking in course material, reflection time and writing assessments. Our health courses are flexible, enabling you to plan your study around your other commitments.
Upcoming term dates
Our current learning dates can be found below (please note: these dates exclude our two-week period of marking and feedback).
2026 dates:
- 2 February – 5 April 2026
- Study break: 2 – 8 March 2026
- 27 April - 28 June 2026
- Study break: 25 – 31 May 2026
- 13 July - 13 September 2026
- Study break: 1 – 16 August 2026
- 28 September - 29 November 2026
- Study break: 26 October - 1 November 2026
Please note: these dates are provisional and may be subject to change.
Begin
Begin your learning journey with four online courses giving you core knowledge you need to begin your journey in health.
You’ll explore the key factors that influence wellbeing, ethical and legal aspects of health communication, and historical and contemporary perspectives on Māori health.
Courses taken when starting in February 2026: Sport Nutrition (SPRT107), Te Wero - Māori Health Issues and Opportunities (HLTH106), Communication for Practice (HLTH105), and Anatomy and Physiology I (HLTH112). Full-time learners will also take an additional four courses in 2026, with options confirmed when applications open.
Develop
Throughout the rest of your online study, you'll explore advanced courses designed to extend your knowledge and skills of the health and wellbeing sector, closely aligned with the subjects offered in our on-campus programme and your chosen specialist major.
Courses taken: options will be confirmed with enrolled learners.
Graduation option: we get it — plans change! At the end of 60 or 120 points, you may be eligible to exit early with a Certificate or Diploma in Health.
Graduate
When you've completed 360 points, you're ready to graduate with your Bachelor of Health from Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury!
Careers and job opportunities
The Bachelor of Health online is unique in Aotearoa, with three targeted majors to prepare you for a meaningful health career in the specialisation of your choice. Developed by academics and industry professionals, the programme equips you with the specialist knowledge and skills employers are seeking across the health and wellbeing sector.
UC's health graduates work across a diverse range of roles — from Health New Zealand and local and central government, to sport sectors, aged residential care, NGOs and more. Check out our recent health graduate stories to see where a Bachelor of Health online could take you.
What you'll study
All learners will start with four NZQF Level 5 courses that give you necessary foundational health and wellbeing knowledge. You'll then study advanced health courses aligned to the specialist major of your choice, closely aligned with the subjects offered in our on-campus programme.
What are majors and minors?
A major is the subject you choose to develop expertise in and study all the way to the final year of your bachelor’s degree. A minor is another subject you choose to focus on within a bachelor's degree, but only up to your second year - learn more about these university terms. The availability of minors will be confirmed with enrolled learners.
Looking for more options? Learners studying on-campus at UC can study a wider range of courses or specialist majors.
Ready to start learning? Here are the courses you'll study when starting online in February 2026.
Please note: there may be some in-person requirements (for example one-week on-campus at the University of Canterbury). This will be confirmed when applications open. Sign up to stay updated about these details, and other online health courses coming soon.
Description
This course provides an understanding of nutritional principles for healthy living and maintaining and improving sporting performance. The course will identify recommended nutritional practices for various populations including athletes, recreational exercisers, and groups with specific nutritional needs. The use of nutritional supplements in sporting performance will also be examined.
Learning Outcomes
On completion of the course, it is expected that learners should be able to:
- Apply contemporary understanding of the sporting nutrition landscape in Aotearoa New Zealand and global contexts.
- Describe how food and fluid is digested and absorbed by the body.
- Classify and describe macronutrients and micronutrients.
- Describe the principles of energy balance and fluid balance related to activity.
- Critique and apply appropriate nutritional guidelines for healthy living and the management of nutritional deficiencies.
- Describe and compare the narratives that have arisen from the popularity of nutritional supplements.
Description
This course introduces students to a selection of historical and contemporary Māori health content within a Treaty of Waitangi framework, to support robust analyses of Māori population health issues. Exploring what Māori health was and is, students will be challenged to consider the promise of Māori health and its significance for current and future Aotearoa New Zealand.
Description
This course is an introduction to aspects of professional communication in a practice/workplace environment. This course will include substantive content on communicating across the life course, communication for practice with Māori, communication for working with diverse communities including but not limited to Pasifika communities, people with disabilities, children and older persons. This course will explore professional communication (legal and ethical), documenting for practice, digital literacy and working in teams. Common communication dynamics associated with teamwork, challenging conversations and conflict will be addressed.
Learning Outcomes
On completion of the course, it is expected that learners should be able to:
- Describe theories of interpersonal communication with individuals, whanau and communities in a range of contexts across the life course.
- Discuss processes for establishing, maintaining and ending professional relationships.
- Explore the use of mana-enhancing theory as a key Māori practice framework for communication.
- Discuss cross-cultural communication with diverse communities including but not limited to Pasifika communities, people with disabilities, children and older persons.
- Describe and apply professional, legal and ethical standards for communication in professional practice.
Description
This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the structure and function of the human body, and will be fundamental for students pursuing careers in the health sciences or biomedical fields. Covering topics from cellular biology to major body systems, Anatomy & Physiology I focuses on the building blocks of life and the complex interactions between the musculoskeletal, nervous, cardiovascular and respiratory systems.
Through a blend of dynamic theoretical lectures, online learning and interactive workshops, students will explore topics such as how tissues form organs; how bones and muscles maintain structure and enable movement; how the brain and nerves control bodily functions; and how the cardiovascular and respiratory systems move blood and vital gases around our body. Students will also be able to apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios by analysing how dysfunction and disease (or training and support) can influence these critical systems.
Learning Outcomes
On completion of the course, it is expected that learners should be able to:
- Describe the structural organisation of the human body at the cellular, tissue, organ, and system levels.
- Describe the structure and function of the musculoskeletal system, including bone formation, joint movement, and muscle contraction.
- Describe the anatomy and physiology of the nervous system and the role it plays in controlling bodily functions.
- Describe the anatomy and physiology of the cardiovascular system, including heart structure, the cardiac cycle, and the function of blood vessels in regulating blood flow and pressure.
- Describe the structures involved in the mechanics of respiration and the processes of gas exchange at the alveolar and systemic levels.
- Apply theoretical knowledge to clinical and other real-world scenarios by analysing case studies related to the organs and systems outlined above.
Full-time learners starting in February 2026 will also choose four elective courses to complete in 2026. These options will be confirmed with prospective learners when applications open - sign up to stay updated.
Testimonials
Check out what learners have to say about our range of online health and wellbeing courses.
Bev
Psychology of Wellbeing
"I really enjoyed the course and would now consider online study for a more in-depth course. This course has given me confidence that I can fit study into my day and will be supported."
Brydhi
Master of Health Sciences (Nursing)
"I enjoyed being able to go through the content at my own speed."
Janine
Nutrition and Wellbeing
“I love that this course uses research backed approaches. I loved learning all about micro and macro nutrients, the relationship between our gut and brain, processed and whole foods and ultra processed foods.”
Gina
Lifestyle and Wellbeing
“[I enjoyed most] the practical content, the support and the dialogue with other learners.”
Sibo
Master of Health Sciences (Nursing)
"[I most enjoyed] understanding how various systems work together in a human being, including the body and functionality. The application of this knowledge in practical was enriching."
Stay updated
If you're keen to know more about our Bachelor of Health online, stay updated on when enrolments open for future intakes, or ask a question, please sign up for updates below.
Cap & minimum enrolment threshold: a minimum number of learners is needed for effective interaction and feedback, while a maximum cap of learners ensures high quality learning and support. If the minimum number of enrolments required for a course isn’t met, or the maximum cap is exceeded, learners will be given the option to defer their study or receive a refund.
FAQ
This programme is designed for learners in rural or regional areas, those balancing work or whānau, career changers, and anyone who cannot relocate for on-campus study.
Interactive online learning (including live online sessions) help you stay connected, no matter where you are in Aotearoa.
You’ll graduate with the same internationally recognised University of Canterbury degree as on-campus students. Not sure what a bachelor's degree actually is? Learn more about this undergraduate qualificiation.
Bringing together the latest industry-informed learning applicable to your life and career, the Tuihono UC | UC Online Bachelor of Health gives you the same quality education as our on-campus programme, with the flexibility of online learning.
This includes 24/7 access, academic advice and technical support, giving you the support to study anywhere, anytime, at your pace.
Yes, this online degree is designed to fit around your life. Even the synchronous (live online) sessions are recorded if you can’t attend the scheduled time.
Part-time learners take one course per term, studying approximately 18.5 hours per week over nine weeks (excluding the one-week study break).
No, but we get why that would be a concern! Learning online doesn't mean learning alone with live online sessions, interactive forums with fellow learners, and our academic and learner support team here to help you grow.
If you're new to academic study, or returning after a long break, we'd recommend taking our short Academic Writing Basics course.
This 50-hour online course can be completed at your own pace with four intakes per year. Developed by academic writing experts, you'll learn the skills you need to evaluate and find key concepts in academic resources, an introduction or refresh on the basics of formal writing, and the skills you need to confidently write assignments for the courses in this degree.
The programme typically takes three years full-time (two courses per term) or six years part-time (one course per term), depending on course availability.
We recommend a laptop or desktop computer and a reliable internet connection. For most courses you'll need to download and populate assignments. These are usually available as Microsoft Word documents.
The estimated cost of tuition fees per 15 point course based on the 2026 fee schedule:
- for domestic learners is $1,019* incl GST
- for international learners is $5,247* plus GST if applicable.
The estimated programme investment for the 360 point programme based on the 2026 fee schedule:
- for domestic learners is $24,456* incl GST
- for international learners is $125,928* plus GST if applicable.
Price is approximate and subject to change based on course selection. Please note that the fees are charged on a per year basis and the amount charged reflects the number of courses/points enrolled in the current year. These are based on the 2026 fee structure and subject to revision – you can learn more about the University of Canterbury’s Tuition fee structure here.
Student Services Levy costs
Each year university students around Aotearoa New Zealand are charged a Student Services Levy (SSL) in addition to their tuition fees. All the SSL money collected can only be used for the benefit of students - never for academic or administrative costs.
The SSL is automatically calculated on how many points you enrol in per academic year, capped at a maximum of 150 points. Tuihono UC | UC Online learners are charged a reduced SSL rate, which is 20% of the usual on-campus student levy. This is calculated as $2.06 per academic point in 2026. You can learn more about the Student Services Levy here, and more about UC Support Services here.
There are a range of options you can use to finance your study, which you can learn more about here.
StudyLink student loans
We know that many of our learners plan to use a StudyLink student loan to finance their study. If you're considering StudyLink, it can take up to a month to process your loan application. Learn more about StudyLink student loans here.
Fees Free
If you're eligible for the Government's Fees Free initiative, this funding can cover the cost of your final year's tuition fees for the Bachelor of Health.
If you are first time tertiary learner you may be able to get your fees covered for 1 year's study equivalent to 1 EFTS (120 credits) or $12,000. You can directly check your eligibility using your National Student Number (NSN) here.
Employer payments
If your employer is financing your study and wants to pay via invoice, credit card or bank transfer, this can be arranged after your application is approved. Please note that your employer will need to provide a written guarantee of payment so you can start learning from your preferred start date. This must be signed by them and specify:
- name and address of the company, employer, or sponsor
- student name and address
- amount to be paid by the company, employer, or sponsor
Scholarships
Each year we offer a range of Tuihono UC | UC Online scholarships. We also encourage learners to check out other University of Canterbury scholarships they may be eligible for.
A range of other organisations also fund scholarships nz, which you can explore:
- Scholarships in New Zealand (studyspy.ac.nz)
- Scholarships | Universities New Zealand - Te Pōkai Tara (universitiesnz.ac.nz)
- If you’re an international learner, you may find the Study with New Zealand website helpful for advice about international scholarships nz.
For further information, please contact Student Finance. You will only be fully enrolled when your fees are paid. Fees cannot be paid by instalment.
Studying online allows for flexibility in completing coursework, and the University of Canterbury's programme provides learners with the same quality education and resources as the on-campus programme.
Graduates work in throughout the health and wellbeing sector, in local and central government, aged residential care, policy, schools, Public National Health Service, Sport sector, local government, Health New Zealand regionally and nationally, NGOs, health promotion agencies, Māori health providers, and more.
We understand that you might change your mind as you learn and grow online!
You can change your specialist major up until you have completed 120 100-level papers. For full-time learners, this will be the end of your first year of online study. For part-time learners, this will be the end of your second year of online study.
For more advice, please contact our Enrolment Support Team.
The content of the programme is the same, but the online programme offers greater flexibility in terms of scheduling and location. You can study anywhere, at your own pace, while accessing live sessions and interactive learning.
Learners have access to the same support services as on-campus students, including academic advising, technical support, and library resources. There are also great resources for both Canterbury based and remote learners at the UC RecCentre. Learn more here.
Learners also have the support of our Tuihono UC Learner Experience team.
Applications are made online through our website – check to see if you can apply now or sign up to stay updated.
If you are a domestic learner, the below process will apply. If you are an international learner, the application process is slightly different, and we recommend getting in touch with our enrolment team at info@uconline.ac.nz to answer any questions.
For domestic learners, your application will be assessed by our academic team to make sure you meet all entrance criteria (including academic and english language requirements). We may be in touch to ask you further questions about your experience, or to request additional supporting documentation. If your application is accepted, you will be sent an 'Offer of Place' to let you know your enrolment has been conditionally approved.
Following this, we will generate an ‘Enrolment Agreement’ outlining your courses, fees and student agreement, which you need to sign and accept. Your enrolment is only complete when the fees outlined in this agreement are paid in full (view payment options), at which point you’ll become ‘Fully Enrolled’ and receive a ‘Welcome to Tuihono UC | UC Online’ email with details of your next steps to start learning. If you have any questions during the enrolment process, please get in touch with our team via info@uconline.ac.nz.
Learners are expected to participate actively in forum discussions, and complete assessments on time.
The Bachelor of Health is a standalone professionally relevant degree, but also provides pathways into postgraduate qualifications, such as the 2-year Master of Health Sciences (Nursing), or other on-campus qualifications.
We are also developing our online offerings — if you'd like to hear about our latest news and offers, join our mailing list.
An on-campus version of this degree is available through the University of Canterbury.
You can also learn more about other on-campus health qualifications, such as the Master of Public Health.
We are also developing our online offerings - if you'd like to hear about our latest news and offers, join our mailing list.
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