How to Study Nursing in Australia as an International Student

Already studying in Australia and thinking about nursing? 

Your pathway will depend on your current qualifications, whether you want to become an Enrolled Nurse or Registered Nurse, and your long-term goals in Australia. 

This guide takes you through each step of the nursing course application.

To study nursing in Australia, you first need to choose whether you want to become an Enrolled Nurse (EN) or Registered Nurse (RN).

You then need to choose an approved nursing course, meet the academic and English entry requirements, apply to your chosen university or provider, and meet your Student visa requirements.

During your course, you will complete clinical placements before graduating and applying for nursing registration in Australia.

First, decide whether you want to become an Enrolled Nurse (EN) or a Registered Nurse (RN). Both let you work in nursing, but they lead to different roles and career options.

Read more: Enrolled Nurse vs Registered Nurse in Australia 

You can start with a Diploma of Nursing and later move into a Bachelor of Nursing.

Some universities may give eligible Enrolled Nurses credit for their previous study. This can shorten the time needed to become an RN.

Not sure which nursing pathway fits your plans?

An IDP counsellor can help you compare Diploma and Bachelor options based on your qualifications, budget and future goals in Australia.

If you want to become a Registered Nurse (RN), make sure the course you choose is approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA).

These programs are accredited by the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC) and meet the education standards needed to prepare you to apply for RN registration.

Once you know the course is approved, compare what each university offers. Look at:

• Clinical placements: How many hours will you complete and where?

• Location: Do you want to study in a major city or regional area?

• Fees: What will the course cost each year?

• Scholarships: What financial support could you qualify for?

• Graduate pathways: What can you do after your degree?

• Specialisations: Can you explore areas such as mental health, aged care or critical care?

• Regional study: Are there options to study and complete placements in regional Australia?

You may have more options than you think 

You may qualify for different entry pathways, credit transfer, scholarships or study options across universities.

That's why expert guidance can help.

IDP counsellors work closely with Australian universities and understand their courses, entry pathways and scholarships.

We can match your background and goals with opportunities you may not have found on your own.

Once you've found a nursing course, check that you meet its entry requirements. These are different for each university, but you may need to:

• Have completed Australian Year 12 or a recognised overseas equivalent.

• Meet the course's required academic score.

• Meet the English language requirements.

• Have studied certain subjects, where required.

• Provide details of any previous university or vocational study.

Your current studies may help you meet the entry requirements. 

Some universities may consider an Australian diploma, previous university study or other recognised qualifications when assessing your application.

You may also qualify for credit transfer, depending on what you've already studied and the university you choose.

Nursing courses usually have higher English requirements than many other degrees. You may need to take IELTS Academic or another accepted English test before you can start your course.

Some universities also accept IELTS One Skill Retake. This lets you retake one skill if you miss the required score in Listening, Reading, Writing or Speaking.

Learn more about IELTS requirements for Nurses

Good to know: 

Your university's English requirement and the English standard for nursing registration in Australia may be different. Check both when planning your nursing journey. 

Nursing course fees can vary between universities. Before you choose a course, look at the total cost of studying, not just the tuition fee.

You may need to budget for:

• Tuition fees

• Travel to and from clinical placements

• Nursing uniforms and equipment

• Student fees

• Living costs

It's also worth checking what scholarships for international students are available before you apply. Some scholarships can reduce the cost of your studies.

Below, you’ll find some sample tuition fee ranges for Nursing courses in Australia.

Bachelor of Nursing fees for international students  

A Bachelor of Nursing in Australia can cost around AUD $34,640 to $48,600 per year for international students, based on the universities below. Your actual fee will depend on the university, study year and study load.

Diploma of Nursing fees for international students

A Diploma of Nursing in Australia can cost around AUD $19,000 to $36,700 per year for international students, based on the providers below. Fees vary depending on the institution and course length.

Find your course fees

Once you've chosen a nursing course and checked your eligibility, you're ready to apply. The process usually includes:

1. Choose your nursing course.

2. Prepare your documents, such as academic transcripts and qualifications.

3. Provide your English test results, if required.

4. Submit your application.

5. Receive and review your offer.

6. Accept your offer and follow the university's next steps.

Important to know before you apply

There isn’t one set of grades or entry rules for every nursing course.

If you finished high school overseas, a university may use a country-specific entry score to assess you instead of an ATAR. If you already have a Diploma of Nursing, some universities may give you credit and let you complete your Bachelor of Nursing faster.

Application dates matter too. 

Nursing courses can have limited places, and some nursing universities may close applications once those places are filled. 

An IDP counsellor can check what you qualify for, compare your nursing options and keep you on track with application dates. We can also support you from choosing your course to submitting your application. 

If your application is successful, you'll receive an offer from your university or education provider. Your offer will usually have an acceptance deadline, so check the date and give yourself enough time to decide.

Before you accept, check:

• Course and campus: Is this the course and location you applied for?

• Start date: Can you start on time?

• Tuition fees: How much will you need to pay and when?

• Offer conditions: Do you still need to provide documents, grades or English test results?

• Credit transfer: Has any credit from your previous study been approved?

• Scholarship: Is any scholarship you expected included?

• Acceptance deadline: When do you need to accept and pay any required deposit?

Good to know:

If you're changing from your current course to nursing, changing education providers, or moving to a different study level, check what the change means for your Student visa before you withdraw from your current course.

Your current visa may still cover your new studies in some situations.

In others, you may need to take extra steps. What applies depends on your current course, new course, visa and individual circumstances.

Need help with your Student visa?

IDP can help you understand your Student visa requirements and prepare your application if you need a new visa. We can also support you with key steps, such as preparing your documents and your Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) Requirement.

Once you've accepted your offer, it's time to get ready for your course. Nursing includes both classroom learning and hands-on clinical training, so there may be extra requirements to complete before your first placement.

Placements can start sooner than you think

You may start clinical training in your first year.

Students also need to provide documents such as a police check, Working with Children Check and immunisation records before they can attend. 

Missing these requirements can delay your placement and may affect your course progress. Check what you need early so you're ready when placements begin. 

After you finish your nursing degree, your next step is to apply for registration and start planning your career. Depending on your goals, you may:

• Apply for graduate nursing roles.

• Work towards a nursing speciality, such as mental health, aged care or critical care.

• Continue with postgraduate study.

• Explore nursing opportunities in regional Australia.

• Look into visa or skilled migration pathways you may qualify for.

Planning to stay in Australia after graduation?

Studying nursing does not guarantee permanent residence. Your options will depend on the migration rules and eligibility requirements that apply to you.

From studying nursing to planning your future in Australia

IDP can support you across your journey in Australia. We can help you choose the right nursing course, apply to the best universities for nursing, prepare for IELTS, understand your Student visa requirements and plan your next steps after graduation.

If migration is part of your long-term plan, we can also help you plan your studies with your future goals in mind and connect you with trusted migration support when you need it.

Can international students study nursing in Australia?

Yes. International students can study approved nursing courses in Australia if they meet the course's academic, English language and other entry requirements.

How long does it take to study nursing in Australia?

A Bachelor of Nursing usually takes three years full-time. A Diploma of Nursing usually takes around 18 months to two years.

What IELTS score do I need for nursing?

The IELTS score you need depends on your university. English requirements for nursing courses are often higher, and you will also need to meet the English language standard for nursing registration too.

How much does nursing cost for international students?

Based on the universities compared in this guide, a Bachelor of Nursing can cost around AUD $34,640 to $48,600 per year. Diploma of Nursing fees can vary by provider and course length.

Can I change my current course to nursing?

Yes, you may be able to move into nursing if you meet the entry requirements. If you're already studying in Australia, check your Student visa conditions and requirements before making any changes.

Can I study nursing without an ATAR?

Yes. You may be able to apply to a nursing course without an ATAR. You can use an overseas secondary school qualification, diploma, foundation program or previous tertiary study instead.

Can I become a Registered Nurse after graduation?

After completing an approved Bachelor of Nursing, you can apply for registration as a Registered Nurse through the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). You must also meet the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) registration requirements.

Can studying nursing lead to permanent residency in Australia?

Nursing may be relevant to some skilled migration pathways, but studying nursing does not guarantee permanent residency. Your options will depend on your occupation, qualifications, work experience, and the migration rules that apply at the time of your application.