Are you ready to apply to our online Master of Health Sciences (Nursing)?

Congratulations on taking the next step towards further study! Applications to enrol into our Master of Health Sciences (Nursing) in February 2026 are now open for South Island-based learners.  If you're interested in studying in 2027, please sign up for enrolment updates. 

Please note: domestic applications are assessed on a rolling basis, but places are limited and may be waitlisted. International applications close 1 August and will be assessed after that date.

When you apply to enrol into a programme with Tuihono UC | UC Online you're applying to Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury. This means you'll be part of the University of Canterbury student body, and are eligible for a wide range of support and digital services.

Submit your StudyLink application ASAP

If you’re planning on using a StudyLink student loan to finance your study, we recommend applying as soon as possible. StudyLink can take up to a month to process your application, so submitting early gives you the best chance of having everything ready for the start of your learning.

Get your documentation ready

Before you start your application to enrol in the Master of Health Sciences (Nursing), you'll need to prepare these documents:

• Verified evidence of your identity, such as a certified copy of your birth certificate, or a certified copy of the photo page in your passport. There are additional requirements depending on your visa status, or if you have legally changed your name - for more information view full verification requirements.
• Proof of your academic qualifications, such as a transcript or your UC student ID number if you studied your undergraduate degree with us. If you graduated with a bachelor's degree from another university, you will need to request a digital copy of your transcript through them.
• For international learners: proof of your English language proficiency. You will also be expected to participate in an online interview with a member of the faculty as part of the application process.
• Clinical practice requirements: you will also need to meet the requirements stipulated in the Children's Act 2014, and health/immunisation requirements of clinical agencies and the HPCA Act 2003.

It's also helpful to have: 

• Your National Student Number on hand - if you have one. You can locate your number through the NZQA website
• Prepared two short paragraphs explaining what interests you about studying this programme, and what you'd like to achieve with the degree.

How many courses do I choose?

The number of courses you choose depends on how you are financing your study.

Financing: 

• StudyLink Student Loan: if you’re using StudyLink to cover your tuition fees, please add all four 2026 courses
• Self-funding: all courses added to your enrolment must be paid before the first course starts. This means if you are self-funding, you may only want to add your first two courses to your enrolment for now, so that you only need to pay for one semester at a time. You can then add your next courses as this new semester approaches.
   

If you're self-funding, the courses you need to search for and select are:

• HLTH465 – Professional Frameworks for Nursing Practice (9 February – 19 June 2026)
• HLTH466 – Health Assessment, Physiology and Pharmacology for Clinical Practice (9 February – 19 June 2026)
   

If you’re using a StudyLink Student Loan, please also add:

• HLTH467 – Mental Health and Addictions (13 July – 27 November 2025)
• HLTH468 – Acute and Long Term Health Care (13 July – 27 November 2025)
   

The specific course codes to search for during the application process are HLTH465, HLTH466, HLTH467 and HLTH468. The correct courses to select will then be shown in the course selector as follows: 

•  HLTH465-26X1 (O)
• HLTH466-26X1 (O)
• HLTH467-26X3 (O)
• HLTH468-26X3 (O)
   

In-person intensives

Please note: learners must attend in-person intensives onsite at the University of Canterbury. The first round of in-person intensives will take place in the first week of semester one (9 – 13 February) and then mid-semester 1 (20 – 24 April), with semester two dates to be confirmed with enrolled learners. 

Need help with your application?

We recommend allowing up to an hour to complete the application process. If you get stuck along the way, our team are here to help: 

• info@uconline.ac.nz 
• + 64 3 369 0600

You can also download our handy enrolment guide (PDF) with screenshots and more detailed instructions for support along the way.