●   NCEA Level 1, and
●   36 NCEA credits at Level 2 including 12 credits in English at Level 2 and 12 credits of a relevant Science (Biology, Chemistry or Physics) at Level 1, or
●   Level 2 or above qualification demonstrating ability in English, Mathematics and relevant Science (Biology, Chemistry or Physics), or
●   New Zealand Certificate in Animal Care [Level 3], or
●   For adults students: Evidence of ability to study at a tertiary level, and evidence of the equivalent English and science knowledge as applies to school leavers, listed above.

Other Requirements

Practical requirements: Applicants must be able to carry out physical activities within the Animal Room and clinic work placement to fulfil the requirements of the programme. Applicants must also have no objection to working with animals, dissection of animal body parts, body fluids and cadavers. EIT reserves the right to decline entry to the programme should an applicant’s physical ability or inability to work in this environment prevent them carrying out practical activities required to fulfil the requirements of the programme. These practical requirements will be discussed and confirmed during the information session.

Good character requirement: ALL applicants are required to provide a completed Criminal Declaration Form (copy of form is attached). EIT reserves the right to decline entry to the programme should an applicant’s police record be such that they would be considered unsuitable for veterinary nursing work. Applicants with convictions for dishonesty or drug offences will likely be considered unsuitable. 

Information sharing session: Applicants who meet entry requirements will be required to attend an information sharing session to discuss information about the programme, ascertain whether previous experience working with animals meets the recommended five days at appropriate businesses and to communicate expectations regarding the programme.

Applicants who meet all entry requirements will be selected in order of application.

All applicants must demonstrate an acceptable level of English language fluency prior to acceptance in the programme. For international students, ways in which English language fluency may be demonstrated include the following:
●   Successful study of a programme in which English was the language of instruction (subject to the conditions in EIT’s Database for English Language Proficiency (DELP)).
●   Completion of a New Zealand Certificate in English Language (Level 3 with any endorsement).
●   IELTS General or Academic score of 5.5, with no band score lower than 5, achieved in a single test within the two years preceding enrolment.
●   Accepted international equivalents to the above IELTS scores, achieved in a single test within the two years preceding enrolment (see equivalency tables in the DELP).