It is designed for people with a Level 3 health and wellbeing qualification, an equivalent qualification or relevant sector experience who want to develop advanced aged care support practice.
New Zealand Diploma in Health and Wellbeing (Applied Practice) (Level 5)
Transform your healthcare experience into advanced practice. Build the critical thinking, evidence-based practice and cultural capability needed to support positive health and wellbeing outcomes in Aotearoa New Zealand.
- On campus
- Online
Next intake: 26 October 2026
About the programme
Build advanced capability for person-centred aged care support.
This programme prepares skilled and culturally competent health and wellbeing practitioners to provide evidence-based aged care support to national standards.
You will integrate theoretical knowledge, practical skills and cultural competency frameworks while developing a comprehensive understanding of Aotearoa New Zealand’s healthcare environment. The programme supports critical thinking, responsive practice and continued professional development.
Learn to support diverse communities
Develop the knowledge and practical capability to support the health and wellbeing aspirations of older people from diverse contexts and cultural backgrounds, including tangata whenua.
Entry requirements
For learners ready to advance their healthcare practice.
This programme is designed for international learners who already have healthcare knowledge or experience and want to develop advanced capability in aged care support. Applicants must be able to meet the academic, English-language and practical requirements of the programme.
- 1
Applicants must be 18 years or older.
- 2
Hold a New Zealand Certificate in Health and Wellbeing (Level 3) [Ref: 2470], an equivalent qualification, or equivalent experience in the health and wellbeing sector
- 3
International applicants must have achieved IELTS Academic 5.5, with no band below 5.0, within the preceding two years, or meet NZQA’s English-language requirements for international entry to Level 5 study.
- 4
All learners must have access to a suitable digital device and the internet.
- 5
Learners studying through an online or work-based delivery mode must be employed in a relevant healthcare role.
- 6
Learners undertaking work placement may need initial and ongoing fit-and-proper checks, depending on employer requirements.
WHO IT’S FOR
Develop advanced, culturally responsive healthcare practice.
Build the knowledge, critical thinking and practical capability required to provide evidence-based aged care support within Aotearoa New Zealand’s healthcare environment.
Evidence-based practice
Learn to critically select and apply practices that support people in achieving their health and wellbeing aspirations.Aotearoa healthcare context
Understand the social, cultural, economic and political factors that influence health and wellbeing support in New Zealand.Culturally responsive care
Apply knowledge of te ao Māori and work sensitively with people from diverse cultural backgrounds.Applied learning
Connect theory with case studies, practical activities and supervised clinical placement.
The programme
Develop advanced aged care knowledge through seven applied modules.
Across seven applied modules, you will explore New Zealand’s healthcare system, Māori health models, aged-care conditions, evidence-based support, dementia care, reflective practice and applied clinical work.
Explore the structure of New Zealand’s health and wellbeing system and the social, cultural, economic and political factors that influence population health.
Develop an understanding of Māori health models, te ao Māori and culturally responsive approaches to supporting tangata whenua and whānau.
Examine health conditions commonly experienced by older people and learn how assessment information contributes to person-centred support planning.
Learn to identify, evaluate and apply evidence-based practices that support the health, independence and wellbeing aspirations of older people.
Develop your understanding of dementia and explore respectful, person-centred strategies for supporting people living with dementia and their whānau.
Use reflection, feedback and professional-development planning to evaluate your practice and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
Apply your knowledge and skills in a supervised healthcare support setting and gather evidence of your practical capability.
Your pathway
Take your next step in health and wellbeing support.
Qualification
New Zealand Diploma in Health and Wellbeing (Practice/Applied Practice) (Level 5)
Awarded after successful completion of all programme requirements.
Programme focus
This Skills Institute programme has an aged care support focus and is designed to strengthen advanced support practice, cultural capability and professional development.
Potential settings
Graduates may work independently in some health and wellbeing sectors or under the supervision of professional or qualified clinicians in others.
Further development
The programme supports professional growth within health and wellbeing services. Entry to further qualifications is subject to the receiving provider’s requirements.
Questions
Healthcare Level 5 FAQs
Who is this programme designed for?
Is the programme available to international students?
Yes. International students who meet the academic, English-language, visa and other entry requirements may apply for the Auckland or Christchurch intake.
What English level do I need?
International applicants need an IELTS Academic score of 5.5 with no band below 5.0, achieved within the preceding two years, or other evidence that meets NZQA’s requirements for entry to Level 5 study.
Where can I study?
The international programme is planned for Auckland and Christchurch.
How long does the programme take?
The approved programme includes 37 teaching weeks and 40 weeks in total, including holiday weeks.
How many credits is the qualification?
The qualification is worth 120 credits.
Do I need healthcare experience?
You need a relevant Level 3 qualification, an equivalent qualification or equivalent experience in the health and wellbeing sector.
Does the programme include a clinical placement?
Yes. The programme includes applied clinical placement. Placement arrangements, hours and checks will be confirmed before study begins.
What will I learn?
You will study New Zealand’s health system, population health, Māori health models, health conditions in aged care, evidence-based support, dementia care, reflective practice and applied healthcare support.
How will I be assessed?
Assessment may include knowledge tests, case studies, essays, a portfolio of evidence, workplace verification, checklists and practical demonstrations.
What qualification will I receive?
Assessment may include knowledge tests, case studies, essays, a portfolio of evidence, workplace verification, checklists and practical demonstrations.
What qualification will I receive?
After successfully completing all programme requirements, you will receive the New Zealand Diploma in Health and Wellbeing (Practice/Applied Practice) (Level 5).
Does completing the programme guarantee a job or visa?
No. Completing the programme does not guarantee employment, professional registration, a post-study work visa or residence. Immigration decisions are made by Immigration New Zealand. Check the current requirements before making study or career decisions.
How do I apply?
Register your interest or contact the Skills Institute International Team. We will explain the application process and the academic, English-language, placement and visa-related documents you need to provide.