In this study, undergraduate nursing students' self-efficacy for carrying out health promotion activities with clients in nursing settings was examined. Students in the first, second and fourth year of a baccalaureate programme felt moderately efficacious about their knowledge and abilities for health promotion counselling in the three content domains measured (smoking cessation, nutrition and exercise). Senior nursing students had the highest self-efficacy scores, suggesting a positive impact on health promotion, regardless of year in their educational programme, students reported significantly lower efficacy for their ability to engage clients in an educational programme for behavioural change. Educational directions from Bandura's theory are described.