Nursing Colleges in Australia: Courses, Eligibility, Fees, Scholarships and Jobs

Top Nursing Colleges in Australia: Courses, Eligibility, Fees, Scholarships and Jobs

Nursing Colleges in Australia prepare graduates to become professionals who can specialize in child nursing, adult nursing, disability nursing, mental health mursing, or for taking more senior positions, like head nursing jobs. Nursing is one of the most in-demand occupations in Australia and around the world. It ranks highly as a rewarding and meaningful career choice for many students. Australia's work week consists of 38 hours for nurses. Most of the midwives and nurses work a total of 33 hours on average. A nurse in their career can work up to 12-hour shifts for three days in a row.

Learning the legal requirements, health assessments, care plans, communication, and safe practices is associated with nursing. Studying in Australia is preferred by students as it ranks as one of the 3 best places to study abroad.

  • The living costs in Australia (separate from tuition and travel) for internaitonal students is around 20,290 AUD approximately.
  • The tuition fee for international undergraduate students on a full-time undergraduate program in nursing will cost around 20,000 AUD – 35,000 AUD a year.
  • If the student is not from an English speaking country (and have not completed at least five years of study in an English speaking country) he/she will need to prove their English speaking skills to the required level. Eligible tests include IELTS, TOEFL, PTE.

Top Nursing Colleges in Australia

Nursing in Australia is one of the most in-demand professions, there are many career opportunities available for a student to choose Nursing as a career as well as a profession. Students can choose from these top nursing colleges in Australia:

QS Global Ranking 2022 University Nursing Programs
37 The University of Melbourne 1 undergraduate, 2 graduate degrees.
38 The University of Sydney 1 undergraduate, 1 graduate and 1 doctoral degree.
47 University of Queensland 4 undergraduate, 6 graduates, 1 graduate certificate, 5 doctoral degrees.
58 Monash University 1 undergraduate, 1 graduate and 1 doctoral degree.
133 University of Technology Sydney 4 undergraduate, 5 graduates, 4 graduate diplomas, 4 doctoral degrees.
283 Deakin University 6 undergraduate, 2 postgraduate, 1 graduate diploma, 1 graduate certificate, 1 doctoral degree.
290 Griffith University 2 undergraduate, 1 graduate, 1 doctoral

Nursing Colleges in Australia: Specialization 

There are three-degree types and one certificate and one diploma degree course available in nursing colleges in Australia -

  • Undergraduate Degree – Bachelor of Science (BSc.), Bachelor of Nursing (BSN).
  • Graduate Degree – Masters of Science (MSc.), The Master of Nursing Science (MNSc).
  • Doctoral Degree – Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.).
  • Graduate Certificate.
  • Graduate Diploma.

There are many specializations in nursing a student can choose from after completing their undergraduate course in nursing. The specializations include -

Specialization
Cancer Care Midwifery
Critical and Emergency Care Aged Care Nursing
Mental Health Care Neonatal and Paediatric Care
Acute and Complex Care Palliative Care
Correctional Facility Nursing Forensic Nursing
Psychiatric Nursing Ambulatory Care Nursing
Diabetes Nursing Clinical Nurse Specialist
Dermatology Nursing Community Health Nursing

Nursing Colleges in Australia: Degree Types

Following universities offer these nursing courses in Australia at different degree levels:

Specialization Masters Provided
Cancer Care University of Sydney, Adelaide, Melbourne, Australian College of Nursing
Critical or Intensive Care Flinders University, University of Sydney
Emergency Care Deakin University
Mental Health Care University of Sydney, Wollongong, Queensland, Newcastle, Melbourne, New England, Swinburne University of Technology
Neonatal Care Australia College of Nursing, University of Melbourne, Newcastle, Victoria University
Paediatric Care Victoria University, Australian College of Nursing, Flinders University, University of Melbourne
Acute and Complex Care Flinders University, Australian College of Nursing, Western Sydney University
Palliative Care Flinders University, Australian College of Nursing, La Trobe University, University of Technology, Sydney
Specialization PhD Provided
Nursing and Midwifery Western Sydney University, Victoria University
Nursing University of New England, Newcastle, Notre Dame Australia, Sydney, Adelaide, La Trobe University
Nursing (Research) Deakin University
Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences Monash University

What is Midwifery

Midwifery is focused on the care of women during pregnancy, labor and up to six weeks postpartum, and on providing health counselling and education within the wider community. Midwives work in partnership with women and their families to provide support, care, and advice throughout that period. 

Nursing Colleges in Australia: Undergraduate Programs

Bachelor of Nursing in Australia will ensure that a student has sound scientific knowledge and skills, as well as hands-on experience. They will participate in simulation learning using modern technology, practicing your skills in a safe environment before working with real patients. The duration of a Bachelor or Undergraduate Course in Nursing in Australia is 3-4 Years, depending on the University.

The students willing to make a career in the healthcare industry as nurses have to study nursing in their undergraduate courses. They can choose from the following universities to study Bachelor of Nursing in Australia: 

Program University Annual Tuition fees (in AUD)
Bachelor of Nursing University of Technology, Sydney 19,030
Bachelor of Nursing (Advanced Studies) University of Sydney 32,412
Bachelor of Nursing Science University of Melbourne 29,920
Bachelor of Midwifery University of Queensland 34,736
Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) University of Queensland 32,352

Nursing Colleges in Australia: Eligibility for Bachelors

The eligibility requirements for studying in nursing colleges in Australia are: 

  • Proof of English proficiency
    • IELTS – 7.
    • TOEFL – 98.
    • PTE – 65.
  • Students must maintain a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 5.5 (Equivalency 50%) at the senior secondary school level.

Nursing Colleges in Australia: Documents Required for Bachelors

The documents required for admission in Australian universities for Nursing are: 

  • Proof of English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE)
  • Standard 10 and 12 Certificates.
  • Proof of financial documents for studying in Australia.
  • Identity proof like passport, birth certificate.
  • SOP to study in Australia (Varies Depending on the university).

Obtaining a Registered Nurse (RN) License in Australia

  • A Registered Nurse license is obtained by a student who has successfully completed their 3-year undergraduate course in Nursing. 
  • Students are then required to take a Registered Nurse course.
  • After the completion of the Registered Nurse course, the students have to apply at AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency) to practice as a Registered Nurse.

Nursing Colleges in Australia: Graduate Programs

Master of Nursing in Australia is a two-year master's degree course that leads a student to be eligible for registration as a nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia. The course consists of four semesters plus a summer term coursework program. The duration of a Masters or Graduate Course on Nursing in Australia is 2 Years, depending on the University.

Students who have completed their undergraduate degree in nursing are able to choose from the following universities to study Masters in Nursing in Australia: 

Program University Annual Tuition Fees (in AUD)
Master of Advanced Nursing University of Technology, Sydney 17,640
Masters of Nursing Practice Monash University 29,052.85
Master of Mental Health Nursing University of Queensland 33,376
Master of Midwifery Flinders University 30,800
Masters of Paediatric Care Nursing Flinders University 30,800
Masters of Primary Health Care Nursing The University of Sydney 35,000
Masters of Clinical Nursing The University of Notre Dame, Australia 35,526.67

Nursing Colleges in Australia: Eligibility for Masters 

The eligibility requirements for studying Masters in Nursing in Australia are: 

  • A completed 3-4 graduation degree.
  • Proof of English proficiency
    • IELTS – 7.
    • TOEFL – 96.
    • PTE – 68.
  • A Registered Nurse (RN) License.
  • The students must have a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of at least 7.5. (Equivalency 60%)

Nursing Colleges in Australia: Documents Required for Masters 

  • Proof of English Proficiency, IELTS, TOEFL, PTE.
  • Standard 10 and 12 Certificates.
  • The Undergraduate Certificates of Nursing or in a related field.
  • Proof of Financial Documents for Studying in Australia.
  • Identity Proof like Passport, Birth Certificate.
  • Registration of a Nurse.
  • Students will need a temporary visa that allows them to study for 4 years in Australia.
  • SOP for MS in Australia (Varies Depending on the university).
  • LOR.

Nursing Colleges in Australia: Graduate Diploma Courses

Following are the diploma programs offered at nursing colleges in Australia: 

Program University Annual Tuition Fees (in AUD)
Graduate Diploma in Midwifery Deakin University 24120
Graduate Certificate in Nursing University of Queensland 16688
Graduate Certificate in Paediatric Nursing Griffith University 14750
Graduate Diploma in Palliative Care University of Technology, Sydney 17640

Nursing Colleges in Australia: Doctoral Programs

This course provides an opportunity for research training across a range of nursing research. The student will gain advanced research and critical thinking skills by studying this program. The duration of a Doctoral Course on Nursing in Australia is 3-4 Years, depending on the University.

The 3-4 year course will give the students the opportunity to attend a range of workshops and other research activities and regularly contribute through seminar presentations. 

Students willing to further research about their subject to obtaining a doctoral degree can choose from these following universities to study Ph.D. in Nursing in Australia: 

Program University Annual Tuition Fees (in AUD)
Doctorate/Ph.D. in Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences Monash University 46512
Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing, Midwifery Griffith University 30500
Doctor of Philosophy in Community Nursing University of Queensland 14672
Doctor of Philosophy (Nursing) Deakin University 35000
Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing and Midwifery Victoria University 15700
Doctor of Philosophy (Health) James Cook University 33000

Nursing Colleges in Australia: Eligibility for PhD 

The eligibility requirements for studying Ph.D. in Nursing in Australia are: 

  • A completed 3-4 graduation degree along with a 2 years master's degree program.
  • Proof of English proficiency: 
    • IELTS – 6.5
    • TOEFL – 79
    • PTE – 58-64
  • A Registered Nurse (RN) License.
  • The Students must have a Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 3 (Equivalency 55%) at masters level

Nursing Colleges in Australia: Documents Required for PhD 

  • Proof of English Proficiency, IELTS, TOEFL, PTE.
  • Standard 10 and 12 Certificates.
  • The Undergraduate and Postgraduate Certificates of Nursing or in a related field.
  • Certificates of Diploma Courses in Nursing and Related Fields.
  • Proof of Financial Documents for Studying in Australia.
  • Identity Proof like Passport, Birth Certificate.
  • Registration of a Nurse.
  • Students will need a temporary visa that allows them to study for 4 years in Australia.
  • Statement of Purpose (Varies Depending on the university).
  • Letter of Recommendation.

Nursing Colleges in Australia: Scholarships Available

There are two broad types of scholarships available for international students in Australia -

  • Australian Government Scholarships.
  • Australian University Scholarships. 

Australian Government Scholarships

Scholarships Provided by Provided to Benefits
Australia Awards Scholarships. Formally known as Australian Development Scholarships (ADS). Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Undergraduate and Postgraduate students. Full Tuition fees, Return air travel, Establishment allowance, Contribution to Living Expenses (CLE), Overseas Student Health Care (OSHC).
International Postgraduate Research Scholarships (IPRS) Australian Government Higher Education Research Policy. Postgraduate and Doctoral Students. Tuition fees and Health Cover costs.

Australian University Scholarships 

Scholarships Provided By Provided To Benefits
University of Sydney International Research Scholarship. University of Sydney. Students Pursuing Postgraduate Research degree or Masters by Research Program. Tuition fees, Living allowance up to 3 years, with the possibility of one Semester extension for PhD students.
Macquarie University International Scholarships. The Macquarie University. Undergraduate and Postgraduate students. Partial Tuition fees Scholarship. Scholarship amounts varied up to 10000 AUD.
University of Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarships. University of Melbourne. High achieving domestic and international research and postgraduate students. Tuition fee waiver, Living allowance, relocation grant, and overseas student health care.
Adelaide Scholarships International. University of Adelaide. High quality international postgraduate students. Tuition fees, annual living allowance, and health insurance.
Flinders International Postgraduate Scholarships. Flinders University. International students pursuing up to 2 years of a Research Masters degree and up to 3 years for a Research Doctorate degree. Tuition fees, Living Allowance, establishment allowance, relocation costs, and airfares.
Charles Darwin University Vice-Chancellor’s International High Achievers Scholarships. Charles Darwin University. International Undergraduate and Postgraduate students. Limited number of 25-50% tuition fee.

Nursing Colleges in Australia: Visa Requirement for International Students

Students who are Visa holders and other international students are eligible to study in Australia. The Student Visa acceptance Rate is 90% - 95%. Visa Application is completed with the payment of a basic fee of $413 and writing a detailed SOP for Student Visa in Australia.

Types of Visa in Australia

To study Nursing in Australia students have the option to choose from three types of Visa. The Tourist Visa, The Work and Holiday Visa and the Student Visa.

  • With a Tourist Visa a student can study for a maximum of 12 weeks that is 3 months, but the Visa does not allow the students to work while they study.
  • With the Work and Holiday Visa a student can study for a maximum of 16 weeks that is 4 months. With this Visa, a student can work while they study.
  • With the Student Visa a student can study unlimitedly and work while the Visa lasts. Student Visa allows a student to work in Australia 20 hours per week while studying a part-time course.

Nursing Colleges in Australia: Cost of Living in Australia

The cost of living of a student studying in Australia depends on the location of the university they get enrolled in. to reduce the travel costs students tend to choose to live in the city where the university is. The cost of living varies in Different Cities of Australia – 

City Monthly Cost (in AUD)
Sydney 1900
Adelaide 1300
Brisbane 1400
Melbourne 1500
Canberra 1400

Accommodation and other necessary costs of a student living in Australia include:

Necessities Monthly Cost (in AUD)
Homestay 450-1200
Students Halls of Residence 440-1100
Rent an Apartment 750-1700
Share a rented Apartment/House 380-850
Utilities 200
Internet 70-120
Groceries 500-1000
Public Transport 30-70
Health Insurance 30
Books and Study Materials 41-83

Nursing Colleges in Australia: Jobs and Salaries

A person working as a nurse in Australia earns around 75,700 AUD per year. A Nurse plays a key role in the health system providing care and treatment, the demand for their jobs is expected to increase by 7.6% approximately in the next five years. A nurse according to their qualification, specialization and experience can work any of the following jobs in Australia:

Jobs Average Annual Salary (in AUD)
Acute Care Nurse 81,300
Critical Care Nurse 82,000
Nursing Assistant 68,900
Neonatal Nurse Practitioner 109,000
Nurse Midwife 88,400
Mental Health Nurse 76,500
Head Nurse 83,000
Nursing Supervisor 111,000
Psychiatric Nurse 74,100
Nursing Coordinator 91,100
Nurse Practitioner 93,100

An increase in medical centers requires more nurses. Nursing Colleges in Australia are diverse. Nurses can expand their skills to academic positions or direct care. Students pursuing a course in nursing colleges in Australia received a number 6 on the 10 best health jobs in 2021. Registered Nurses jobs are in high demand in Australia rising to 17,509 in the occupational ceiling 2021.

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#1The University of Queensland logo

The University of Queensland, Brisbane

Queensland, Australia74.8%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  ₹20.6L/Yr (A$38,026/Yr)Living₹12.56L/Yr (A$23,184/Yr)Admission M.S Advanced NursingTOEFL100PTE72₹18.08L/Yr
A$33,376
Course duration: 1 year
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7.8/10(23 Users)Ranked 9 by ARWU in 2022
#2University of Adelaide logo

University of Adelaide, Adelaide

South Australia, Australia75%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  ₹20.38L/Yr (A$37,607/Yr)Living₹5.05L/Yr (A$9,328/Yr)Admission M.S Clinical NursingTOEFL94PTE65₹23.57L/Yr
A$43,500
Course duration: 2 years
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6.0/10(10 Users)Ranked 76 by ARWU in 2022