Palmerston North is a student town, home to Massey University and UCOL. UCOL is a public polytechnic with its main campus in the city centre and smaller ones in Whanganui, Masterton and Levin. It is best known for nursing, alongside business, cookery, trades and creative programmes. Like other New Zealand polytechnics, it is going through a national restructure.
Palmerston North, Manawatū, New Zealand
Official website: ucol.ac.nz
Public polytechnic
Palmerston North city centre
Whanganui, Masterton and Levin
NZ$20,000 – NZ$27,000
International students, diplomas and degrees
NZ$18,000 – NZ$22,000
Rent, food and local transport
Approximate figures for 2026-27, please verify. Fees change every year and vary by course, so check the latest amount on ucol.ac.nz before you apply.
Bachelor of Nursing
Bachelors DegreeDuration
36 Months
Intake
Feb
Exam Score
IELTS: 7.0
New Zealand Diploma in Enrolled Nursing
DiplomaDuration
18 Months
Intake
Feb
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5
New Zealand Diploma in Business (Level 5)
DiplomaDuration
12 Months
Intake
Feb, Jul
Exam Score
IELTS: 5.5
New Zealand Certificate in Cookery (Level 4)
CertificateDuration
12 Months
Intake
Feb, Jul
Exam Score
IELTS: 5.0
Nursing with placements in local hospitals.
A city-centre campus close to The Square.
Cookery and hospitality kitchens.
Nursing graduates can register and work in New Zealand hospitals.
Business graduates work in Manawatū's logistics and agri-food firms.
Eligible graduates can apply for a post-study work visa.
Undergrad
Most programmes
Postgrad
No PG intake
Undergrad
Selected programmes
Postgrad
No PG intake
Palmerston North is flat and easy to cycle, with paths along the Manawatū River. The wind turbines on the nearby ranges are visible from town.
Rent is cheaper than in Auckland or Wellington. Wellington is about two hours south by car or train.
Offer of place from UCOL
Proof of NZD 20,000 per year
Tuition fee receipt or evidence
Medical and chest X-ray certificates
Police certificate, if required
Passport valid three months beyond stay
UCOL accepts applications until programmes are full. Nursing has limited places and earlier deadlines, so apply at least four months ahead.
Most programmes start in February; some also start in July.
A Fee Paying Student Visa from Immigration New Zealand. Show your offer, tuition payment and NZD 20,000 a year for living costs, plus medical and police certificates if asked.
Nursing, enrolled nursing, business and cookery are popular. Entry needs secondary school completion and English, from IELTS 5.0 for cookery up to 7.0 for the nursing degree.
UCOL offers limited scholarships for international students. Ask the international team about current awards.
