Your long-term plans may also affect which university and location are the best fit. An IDP counsellor can help you compare your options,
If you want to study nursing in Australia, choosing the right university is about more than finding the highest-ranking one.
Some universities offer earlier clinical placements. Others have stronger hospital partnerships or more flexible study pathways.
Those differences can have a real impact on your student experience.
In this guide, we'll compare Australia's best nursing universities and show you what to look for before you apply.
The best nursing schools in Australia for international students include the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), Monash University, the University of Sydney, the University of Melbourne and other globally ranked universities. While rankings are a great place to start, the best university for you also depends on your clinical placements, study pathway, budget and where you want to live.
This table gives you a quick overview of Australia's highest-ranked nursing universities. Keep in mind that the best university for you depends on your career goals, preferred city and learning style.
Universities in Australia | |
|---|---|
=16 | |
=19 | |
=19 | |
29 | |
=30 | |
36 | |
=38 | |
=42 | |
=50 | |
=50 |
Need help narrowing down your best options?
Book a counselling session to compare universities, check your eligibility and explore scholarships that match your profile.
If you learn best by doing, UTS is a great choice. Clinical placements begin early and build throughout your degree, helping you develop practical skills and confidence before you graduate.
#1 nursing university in Australia
=16 globally for Nursing (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026)
Up to 840 hours of clinical placements across metropolitan and rural healthcare settings.
Modern simulation facilities that replicate real hospital environments.
Learn from leading researchers in areas such as cardiovascular disease, infectious diseases and chronic care.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) available for eligible work experience or previous study.
Best for: Students who want to build confidence through hands-on learning and extensive clinical experience from the start of their degree.
Monash is a great choice if you're already thinking about where your nursing career could take you. It offers one of Australia's broadest ranges of nursing specialisations and postgraduate study options, giving you plenty of opportunities to continue growing after graduation.
=2 nursing university in Australia
=19 globally for Nursing (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026)
International clinical placement electives.
Advanced simulation laboratories featuring wearable technology and virtual reality.
Double degree option in Nursing and Midwifery (Honours).
Wide range of postgraduate nursing qualifications and specialist programs.
Best for: Students who want to specialise or continue into postgraduate nursing study later in their careers.
The University of Sydney is ideal if you're looking beyond your first nursing job. Alongside extensive clinical experience, it offers strong leadership development, advanced study options and clear pathways into postgraduate nursing.
#1 nursing university in Australia
=19 globally for Nursing (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026)
More than 800 hours of clinical placements across hospitals, community health, mental health, rural and remote settings.
More than 160 years of health and medical education.
Dual degree options, including the Bachelor of Science (Health) and Master of Nursing.
Opportunities to continue into honours and postgraduate nursing programs.
Best for: Students who want to build leadership skills and keep progressing throughout their nursing career.
Students get to work directly in top local hospitals like The Royal Melbourne Hospital and The Royal Children's Hospital. The University of Melbourne also offers excellent research and pathway opportunities, as well as opportunities to join clinical research teams studying patient safety and emergency care.
29 globally for Nursing (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026)
Graduate-entry pathway through the Master of Nursing Science.
Learn within the Melbourne Biomedical Precinct alongside leading hospitals and research institutes.
Clinical placements across a wide range of healthcare settings.
Specialist elective opportunities to explore different areas of nursing.
Scholarships and guaranteed graduate pathways available for eligible students.
Best for: Students looking for a graduate-entry pathway or a broader interdisciplinary approach to nursing.
Choosing a nursing university is about more than comparing rankings. The best choice depends on your goals, budget and the kind of study experience you're looking for.
An IDP counsellor can help you compare:
✓ Tuition fees and scholarships
✓ Entry requirements
✓ Clinical placements and hospital partnerships
✓ Study pathways and career goals
✓ The best university for your budget and goals
If you want to start building practical nursing skills early, Griffith University is a strong choice. Clinical placements begin early in the degree, giving you more time to build confidence while gaining experience across hospitals, rural and remote communities, and even overseas settings.
#5 nursing university in Australia
=30 globally for Nursing (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026)
Clinical placements begin early in the program.
Placement opportunities in metropolitan, rural, remote and overseas healthcare settings.
Industry-informed curriculum designed with healthcare partners.
Five-star ratings for student support, teaching quality and overall student experience.
Optional one-year Honours program for students interested in nursing research.
Best for: Students who want early clinical experience and a wide range of placement opportunities.
If you're looking for different ways to start your nursing journey, the University of Wollongong (UOW) offers one of Australia's most flexible study pathways. Whether you're applying directly, progressing from a diploma or returning to study, UOW provides clear pathways into nursing while helping you build practical skills through extensive clinical experience.
#6 nursing university in Australia
36 globally for Nursing (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026)
Flexible entry pathways through UOW College, including Diploma-to-Bachelor progression.
Complete 840 hours of clinical placements across hospitals, aged care and community health settings.
Clinical learning laboratories with advanced simulation technology.
Strong industry partnerships with major healthcare providers across New South Wales.
Mentoring, professional development and networking opportunities through the Nursing Graduate Network.
Best for: Students looking for flexible entry pathways into nursing or a clear Diploma-to-Bachelor progression.
If your goal is to graduate job-ready, Deakin University is a strong choice. Clinical placements begin in your first year, and you'll build practical skills through industry partnerships, modern simulation facilities and real-world learning throughout your degree.
#7 nursing university in Australia
=38 globally for Nursing (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026)
#1 university in Victoria for graduate employment.
Clinical placements start from your first year, with 800+ hours of professional experience.
Award-winning career service to help prepare you for the workforce.
Modern clinical simulation centres with high-fidelity learning environments.
Fast-track and credit transfer options for eligible international nurses and diploma graduates.
Best for: Students who want strong graduate employment outcomes and practical preparation for a nursing career.
From study to registration and migrating as a Nurse, IELTS is a widely recognised English test by universities, professional bodies, and migration authorities.
Book IELTS for Nursing
If you're interested in studying and working in regional Australia, La Trobe University is a great choice. You'll start learning in clinical settings from your first year while gaining experience through on-site clinical schools and placements in leading hospitals across Victoria.
#8 nursing university in Australia
=42 globally for Nursing (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026)
Study across Melbourne or regional campuses, including Bendigo, Albury-Wodonga, Mildura and Shepparton.
Learn in Victoria's leading hospitals through on-site clinical schools and work placements.
Dedicated study pathways for Enrolled Nurses and graduate-entry students.
Wide range of postgraduate nursing programs, including mental health, nurse practitioner, rural and remote nursing, and child and family nursing.
Best for: Students interested in regional healthcare or building a nursing career outside Australia's major cities.
If you want to prepare for the future of healthcare, Adelaide University is a strong choice. Its nursing program combines extensive clinical experience with modern healthcare technologies, helping you build the skills to work confidently in today's multidisciplinary healthcare teams.
=9 nursing university in Australia
=50 globally for Nursing (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026)
Complete 880 hours of clinical placements across metropolitan, regional and rural healthcare settings.
Learn in simulated hospital environments using technologies such as artificial intelligence, augmented reality and 360° video.
Train alongside other healthcare professionals, including midwives, pharmacists, physiotherapists and doctors.
Study at campuses in Adelaide, Mount Gambier and Whyalla, with a primarily online study option available for eligible students.
Best for: Students who want a clinically focused nursing degree that prepares them for modern, technology-enabled healthcare.
If you want to make a difference in diverse communities, Flinders University is a great choice. You'll gain hands-on experience through clinical placements across metropolitan, regional and remote healthcare settings while exploring specialist areas that match your interests.
=9 nursing university in Australia
=50 globally for Nursing (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026)
More than 50 years of nursing education and research.
Clinical placements in hospitals, clinics and communities across South Australia.
Choose electives in areas like mental health, emergency care, paediatrics and global health.
Learn in modern clinical skills labs with virtual reality (VR) and simulation technology.
Eligible international students can apply for scholarships of up to 50% of tuition fees.
Best for: Students interested in rural and remote healthcare or gaining experience across a wide range of clinical settings.
Choosing a nursing university is about more than rankings. As an international student, you'll also want to think about your study experience, career and migration plans in Australia.
Here are some things worth comparing when deciding:
Clinical placements help you build real-world nursing skills. To become a Registered Nurse, you'll complete at least 800 hours of supervised clinical placements as part of your degree. Compare where each university offers placements and whether you'll gain experience in hospitals, community health, aged care and other healthcare settings.
Entry requirements are not the same at every university. One course may accept your grades and English score. Another may ask for higher results or extra subjects.
It can also help you plan your next step. Sometimes, you may need an English course, foundation program or pathway course first before entering a Nursing program.
Many employers look closely at your placement experience when hiring new graduate nurses. The more settings you train in, the more skills and confidence you'll build before you graduate.
It can also help you discover which area of nursing you'd like to pursue, such as emergency, mental health or aged care.
Compare what's included in your tuition fee. Some universities may provide better simulation facilities, more student support or additional learning opportunities.
Many students don't realise there are different types of scholarships. Some are offered to international students, while others are available for students from specific countries or regions, such as Southeast Asia.
You may also be eligible for postgraduate scholarships, academic merit scholarships, or progression scholarships if you're continuing from an undergraduate to a postgraduate course at the same university.
Did you know? Nursing scholarships aren't just for top academic performers.
Many Australian universities offer scholarships for nursing students based on more than just grades. Depending on the university, there may be scholarships for students who:
- Study in high-demand healthcare fields, such as
- Come from regional or remote areas
- Need financial support to continue their studies
- Belong to specific
As a trusted partner of many Australian universities, IDP can help you find scholarships that match your background and study plans.
The university you choose today can shape the opportunities available to you after graduation.
Some universities offer clearer pathways into postgraduate Nursing, specialist nursing fields or research. Others have stronger partnerships with regional health services or hospitals in areas where you may want to work.
Thinking about your long-term goals now can help you choose a university that supports the career you want to build.
Good to know:
Every university has different strengths. Whether you want to specialise, continue to postgraduate study or build your career in Australia, an IDP counsellor can help you compare your options.
With IELTS One Skill Retake, you can retake a single skill instead of the full test. It's accepted by many Australian universities and for all Australian visa subclasses.
Know More
Every nursing university has different strengths. The best choice depends on your learning style, career goals and the type of nursing experience you're looking for.
If you're looking for... | Consider... | Why? |
|---|---|---|
Hands-on learning from your first year | University of Technology Sydney (UTS) | Progressive clinical placements and practical learning throughout the degree. |
Leadership and long-term career growth | The University of Sydney | Leadership-focused curriculum, advanced study options and strong postgraduate pathways. |
Nursing specialisations | Monash University | One of Australia's broadest ranges of specialist nursing and postgraduate programs. |
A graduate-entry pathway | The University of Melbourne | Unique pathway into nursing through the Master of Nursing Science. |
Early and diverse clinical placements | Griffith University | Clinical placements begin early and include metropolitan, rural, remote and overseas settings. |
Flexible entry pathways | University of Wollongong | Diploma-to-Bachelor progression and multiple entry options for different student backgrounds. |
Strong graduate employment | Deakin University | High graduate employment outcomes, industry partnerships and award-winning career support. |
Regional healthcare experience | La Trobe University | Regional campuses, on-site clinical schools and placements across Victoria. |
Modern healthcare training | Adelaide University | 880 placement hours, emerging healthcare technologies and interdisciplinary learning. |
Rural and remote healthcare | Flinders University | Strong focus on rural and remote health with statewide clinical placements. |
Good to know: No single university is the "best" for everyone. The right choice depends on your career goals, preferred city, budget, learning style and the nursing experience you're looking for.
Choosing the right nursing university can shape your study experience, clinical training and future career. If you're already studying in Australia, it can also influence your next study pathway and long-term goals.
An IDP counsellor can help you compare universities, understand entry requirements, explore scholarships and choose the nursing course that's right for you. We'll also guide you through your application and student visa process.
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