Learn how to study nursing in Australia without an ATAR. Explore entry pathways for international students.
Don't have an ATAR? You can still study Nursing in Australia.
Many international students apply using their overseas school qualifications instead of an ATAR.
Others use a foundation program, a Diploma of Nursing or previous study to qualify.
This guide explains your options and helps you choose the right pathway.
ATAR stands for Australian Tertiary Admission Rank. It's a ranking used by Australian universities to help decide who can enter a course after Year 12. Unlike an exam mark, an ATAR compares a student's results with other students in their age group.
Yes. Many Australian universities for Nursing accept qualifications other than an ATAR. Depending on your background, you may be able to apply with an overseas secondary qualification, a foundation program, a Diploma of Nursing or previous tertiary study.
Your background | Possible pathway |
Overseas Year 12 qualification | Direct entry (if eligible) |
Didn't meet university entry requirements | Foundation or pathway program |
Diploma of Nursing | Bachelor of Nursing with possible credit transfer |
Previous university study | Entry or credit assessment |
Not every student applying to study nursing in Australia will have an ATAR. That's more common than you might think.
You may not have an ATAR if you:
Finished secondary school outside Australia.
Studied at TAFE or another vocational provider.
Are returning to study after a break.
Already have a diploma or another qualification.
If you finished high school outside Australia, you probably won't have an ATAR. Instead, you'll apply using your secondary school qualification from your home country.
For example, this could be:
A Senior High School Diploma (Philippines)
Higher Secondary Certificate (India, Bangladesh or Nepal)
A Levels
International Baccalaureate (IB)
Another qualification recognised by Australian universities
Australian universities compare your qualifications against the Australian Year 12 standard to determine whether you meet the entry requirements for a Bachelor of Nursing.
Good to know: Universities assess qualifications differently
Australian universities don't all use the same admission criteria.
For example, Victoria University publishes country-specific academic entry requirements. A student from the Philippines is assessed differently from a student applying with qualifications from India, China or Vietnam.
Not sure if your qualifications are recognised?
An IDP counsellor can help you compare universities, understand your eligibility and choose the right nursing pathway. Book a consultation.
A foundation program may be the right option if you don't meet the entry requirements for direct entry into a Bachelor of Nursing.
These programs help you build the academic skills and subject knowledge you need before starting university. Most foundation programs take around 8–12 months, depending on the provider.
After completing a recognised foundation program, you may be able to progress into a Bachelor of Nursing, provided you meet the university's entry requirements.
IDP Insight: Foundation programs can lead to university
Some universities offer guaranteed or recognised pathways from their foundation programs into undergraduate degrees. For example, the University of Melbourne recognises Trinity College Foundation Studies as a pathway into many undergraduate courses, provided students meet the required entry standards.
Do you need a foundation program?
An IDP counsellor can help you compare pathway programs and find the fastest route into a nursing degree.
A Diploma of Nursing is another pathway into nursing if you're not ready to start a bachelor's degree. After completing the diploma, you may be eligible to register as an Enrolled Nurse (EN).
Some universities also offer credit transfer for Enrolled Nurses who continue into a Bachelor of Nursing. This may reduce the time it takes to become a Registered Nurse.
Related: Enrolled Nurse vs Registered Nurse
IDP Insight: Some universities offer accelerated pathways
At UTS, Enrolled Nurses who have completed a Diploma of Nursing and hold current AHPRA registration may receive 48 credit points and complete the Bachelor of Nursing in two years instead of three.
Already studying or working as an Enrolled Nurse?
We can help you compare universities for further study or explain your pathway to becoming a Registered Nurse. Book a pathway consultation.
If you've already completed a diploma, started a bachelor's degree or studied at university before, you may still be eligible to apply for a Bachelor of Nursing.
Some universities assess previous study as part of your application. In some cases, you may also receive Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) or credit transfer for eligible subjects.
Want to know if your previous study counts?
An IDP counsellor can review your qualifications, compare university policies and help you find the pathway that gives you the most credit.
The right pathway depends on your qualifications and whether you meet the university's entry requirements. If you're ready for direct entry, you may be able to start a Bachelor of Nursing straight away. If not, a pathway program can help you qualify before starting your degree.
If you... | The best option may be... |
Meet the academic and English language requirements | Direct entry into a Bachelor of Nursing |
Have a recognised overseas Year 12 qualification | Direct entry (if eligible) |
Don't meet the entry requirements | Foundation or pathway program |
Need to improve your English or academic qualifications | Foundation or English language pathway |
Want to become an Enrolled Nurse first | Diploma of Nursing, then progress to a Bachelor of Nursing |
Whether you're applying with an overseas school qualification, a diploma or previous study, we'll guide you through every step—from choosing a university to submitting your application.
Book a counselling session and let an IDP counsellor help you find the right pathway into nursing in Australia.
Yes. Many Australian universities accept overseas school qualifications, foundation programs, diplomas and previous study instead of an ATAR.
Yes. Most international students apply using their overseas secondary school qualification rather than an ATAR.
Yes. Australian universities assess recognised overseas qualifications to determine whether you meet the entry requirements for a Bachelor of Nursing.
Yes. After completing a Diploma of Nursing, you may be able to progress into a Bachelor of Nursing. Some universities also offer credit transfer for eligible students.
Possibly. Credit transfer depends on your previous study and the university you're applying to. Some universities grant credit for eligible diplomas or tertiary qualifications.
Not always. Many universities assess mature-age applicants based on prior study, work experience, or other admission pathways rather than an ATAR.
Yes. Many TAFEs offer a Diploma of Nursing, which can qualify you to become an Enrolled Nurse and may provide a pathway into a Bachelor of Nursing.
An IDP counsellor can review your qualifications, compare universities, explain your pathway options and support your university and Student visa application.
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