Master’s of Nursing Courses for International Students in Australia

Australia doesn’t just want more nurses. It needs them.

So if you’re thinking about your next move after graduation, a postgraduate nursing course might just be what you need to help you get closer to your goals—whether that’s registration, a specialised nursing role, or permanent residency.

Why Study a Master of Nursing in Australia?

There are 20 nursing roles listed on Australia’s Skilled Occupation List (SOL) (Department of Home Affairs). Most of these are on the SOL for all states, which means you’ll have more chances to apply for skilled visas, including permanent residency.

And the demand for nurses keeps growing.

Here’s what the numbers show:

By 2035, Australia could be short by around 80,000 nurses (Department of Health and Aged Care).

The shortage isn’t just in hospitals. It includes aged care homes, GP clinics, mental health, and community care

Right now, about 361,000 people work as registered nurses. Every year, Australia needs around 15,800 more nurses to meet demand (ABS Labour Force Survey, 2024).

That said, it’s not surprising that health care is currently the fastest-growing industry in the country.

So, if you're already in Australia and thinking about your next step, studying a Master of Nursing could be one of the smartest choices you make. 

It can help you get registered as a nurse, find work fast, and even work toward permanent residency.

In this guide, we’ll explain what the Master of Nursing is, who it’s for, and why it could lead to a stable, high-demand career in Australia.

Master of Nursing

This is a general postgraduate nursing degree offered by some universities. 

Depending on the program, it may include pathways for advanced clinical practice, research, or leadership. It’s usually targeted at RNs looking to build on their existing knowledge.

Key distinction: General-purpose degree that varies depending on university structure.

Key Facts

• AQF Level: 9

• Focus Areas: Depends on specialisation—can include education, leadership, or clinical streams

• Post-Study Work Visa Eligible: Yes

• Course Duration: 1.5 to 2 years

• Cost per year: AUD $30,000–$38,000

Course Overview:

• Combination of core and elective units

• Often allows students to choose between coursework or minor research stream

• May or may not include clinical hours (depends on specialisation)

Course Outcomes:

• Customised based on chosen stream

• Possible roles in education, leadership, or specialist care

• Suitable for nurses seeking a career change or growth

Roles in the SOL:

• Nurse Manager

• Health Services Administrator

• Nursing Educator (depending on stream)

Master of Nursing Science 

This program is designed for students who do not have a nursing background but want to become a registered nurse (RN) in Australia. 

It’s an entry-to-practice course that covers both theory and clinical placements, giving you the skills and experience to apply for registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA).

Key distinction: It leads directly to nursing registration for non-nurses.

Key Facts

• AQF Level: 9

• Focus Areas: Foundational nursing theory, acute and chronic care, clinical placements

• Post-Study Work Visa Eligible: Yes (2–3 years under Temporary Graduate Visa 485

• Course Duration: 2 years full-time

• Cost per year: AUD $33,000–$45,000

Course Overview:

• Designed for students from a non-nursing or health science background

• Includes over 800–1000 hours of supervised clinical placement

• Meets AHPRA registration requirements for RNs

• Coursework-based with hands-on training in hospitals and clinics

Course Outcomes:

• Registered Nurse (RN) in Australia

• Pathway to public and private hospital work

• Foundation for further specialisation or postgraduate research

Roles in the SOL:

• Registered Nurse (Medical, Surgical, Mental Health, Critical Care, etc.)

Master of Nursing Practice

Similar to the Master of Nursing Science, this course is also for non-nurses who want to become registered nurses in Australia. It focuses on professional entry-level preparation and is offered under different names by various universities.

Key distinction: It’s another entry-to-practice pathway, but some unis use this name instead of “Nursing Science.”

Key Facts

• AQF Level: 9

• Focus Areas: Clinical decision-making, patient care, nursing theory, placements

• Post-Study Work Visa Eligible: Yes (2–3 years)

• Course Duration: 2 years full-time

• Cost per year: AUD $32,000–$44,000

Course Overview:

• Open to students from any discipline

• Includes clinical hours required for registration

• Often delivered in partnership with health services

• Prepares students for generalist nursing roles

Course Outcomes:

• Registered Nurse (RN)

• Entry into the Australian healthcare workforce

• Option to specialise later in aged care, mental health, or critical care

Roles in the SOL:

• Registered Nurse

• Enrolled Nurse (depending on qualification equivalency)

Master of Advanced Nursing Practice

This course is for registered nurses (usually with some clinical experience) who want to advance their clinical skills in areas like critical care, emergency, mental health, or aged care. It’s ideal if you're aiming for clinical leadership or specialist practice roles.

Key distinction: For RNs looking to deepen clinical expertise, not for initial registration.

Key Facts

• AQF Level: 9

• Focus Areas: Advanced clinical skills, nurse practitioner prep, leadership, research

• Post-Study Work Visa Eligible: Yes

• Course Duration: 1.5 to 2 years

• Cost per year: AUD $30,000–$40,000

Course Overview:

• Practice-focused coursework

• May include clinical internships in chosen specialisation

• Offers elective streams in acute, aged, or community care

• Emphasis on evidence-based care and decision-making

Course Outcomes:

• Clinical Nurse Specialist or Consultant

• Advanced roles in public/private hospitals

• Foundation for Nurse Practitioner (NP) pathway (with further study)

Roles in the SOL:

• Nurse Educator

• Nurse Manager

• Nurse Practitioner (with additional requirements)

Master of Advanced Clinical Nursing

This course targets experienced RNs who want to specialise in a clinical area, such as perioperative nursing, mental health, oncology, or intensive care. It’s highly practical and prepares students for expert roles in a chosen field.

Key distinction: Deep specialisation in a single clinical area for experienced nurses.

Key Facts

• AQF Level: 9

• Focus Areas: Intensive care, perioperative, emergency, cancer, or mental health nursing

• Post-Study Work Visa Eligible: Yes

• Course Duration: 1.5 to 2 years

• Cost per year: AUD $30,000–$38,000

Course Overview:

• Coursework with clinical specialisation

• Strong links with healthcare providers for placements

• May offer part-time or online options for working nurses

Course Outcomes:

• Senior clinical roles in hospitals

• Pathway to Nurse Unit Manager or Clinical Educator

• Further study toward Nurse Practitioner

Roles in the SOL:

• Clinical Nurse Specialist

• Nurse Manager

• Nurse Educator

Master of Advanced Nursing

This is a broad and flexible course for registered nurses who want to move into leadership, research, or education roles, rather than clinical specialisation. It’s often chosen by RNs who want to step away from bedside care and shape healthcare systems, policy, or training.

Key distinction: Less clinical, more focused on leadership, education, or systems-level work.

Key Facts

• AQF Level: 9

• Focus Areas: Leadership, education, public health, research, health policy

• Post-Study Work Visa Eligible: Yes

• Course Duration: 1.5 to 2 years

• Cost per year: AUD $28,000–$36,000

Course Overview:

• Flexible structure with elective streams

• No clinical placement required

• Coursework may include a minor research project

• Designed for career growth beyond direct patient care

Course Outcomes:

• Nurse Educator

• Healthcare Manager or Advisor

• Policy or Public Health roles

• Academic preparation for PhD

Roles in the SOL:

• Nurse Educator

• Policy Analyst

• Health and Welfare Services Manager

Whether you're applying for an entry-to-practice program or a postgraduate course for registered nurses, most Australian universities have a similar set of entry requirements. Here’s what you’ll typically need:

1. Academic Qualifications

• For entry-to-practice programs (e.g. Master of Nursing Science or Practice):
  You usually need a bachelor’s degree in any discipline. Some universities prefer a background in health, science, or psychology, but it’s not always required.

• For advanced or specialised programs (e.g. Advanced Nursing, Advanced Clinical Nursing):
  You must hold a bachelor’s degree in nursing (or equivalent) and be a registered nurse (RN) in your home country or in Australia.

2. English Language Proficiency

You must meet the English language standards set by AHPRA (if the course leads to registration) or by the university. Most universities accept one of the following:

• IELTS Academic: Overall 7.0 (no band less than 7.0)

Note: For entry-to-practice nursing programs, these scores must be achieved in one sitting and are also required for RN registration with AHPRA.

3. Supporting Documents

• Academic transcripts (certified and translated if needed)

• Proof of English language proficiency

• A valid passport and visa

• CV or resume (for advanced courses)

• Professional references or statement of purpose (depending on the university)

4. Additional Requirements

• Some universities may require an interview or personal statement, especially for competitive courses.

• Entry-to-practice programs often require you to meet clinical placement requirements, such as police checks, immunisations, and a Working with Children Check.

No entry requirements are the same for every student

Your pathway into a Master’s in Nursing depends entirely on your background.

Did you complete your bachelor’s degree overseas? 

Are you already a registered nurse in Australia or another country? Are you switching careers and starting fresh in the health sector?

Whatever your case, IDP can help you figure out exactly what requirements apply to you.

If you studied your bachelor’s degree abroad, we’ll check if it meets Australian nursing or academic standards.

If you’re already working as a nurse, we’ll help you show how your experience supports your application for advanced or clinical courses.

If you're still unsure where you fit, we’ll guide you toward a program that helps you meet your career and migration goals, not just one that looks available.

Entry requirements can be complex. One small mistake could delay your application—or even stop it completely.

With the right advice from IDP, you’ll know exactly which documents to prepare, which courses you’re eligible for, and how to submit a strong application on your first try.

Talk to an IDP counsellor today.

Check my entry requirements

If you’re planning to study a Master of Nursing in Australia, you’re probably wondering what it means for your future.

The good news? After finishing your degree, this qualification can open strong pathways to help you apply for permanent residency (PR). Nursing roles like Registered Nurse, Mental Health Nurse, and Nurse Practitioner are regularly included on Australia’s Skilled Occupation List (SOL). That means:

• Once you finish your degree and get registered, you could apply for a Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) to stay and work in Australia.

• After gaining some local work experience, you might be eligible for permanent skilled visas like the Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189) or a state-nominated visa such as subclass 190 or 491, depending on your situation.

What Else Should You Know? 

AHPRA Registration is Key

To work as a nurse in Australia, you must register with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).

• Without registration, you cannot practise or count work experience toward PR pathways.

• International students may need to meet English language, criminal history, and recency of practice requirements for AHPRA.

Regional Study and Work Can Boost Your Chances

Living and working in regional areas may increase your eligibility for state nomination (190 or 491 visas).

• Many regional states actively seek nurses due to local shortages.

• Studying outside major cities may also provide extra points for skilled migration.

Nursing Specialisations Matter

Choosing a high-demand specialisation may improve your job prospects and nomination chances. Some nursing areas are in higher demand, such as:

• Mental Health

• Aged Care

• Critical Care and Emergency

How IDP Can Support You

Planning your nursing career and PR journey in Australia can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone.

Our expert counsellors can help you:

• Choose the right Master of Nursing course and campus for your goals

• Understand AHPRA registration and how to meet the requirements

• Map out your path from student visa to skilled or PR visa

• Explore scholarship and regional study options that support your long-term plans

Book a free consultation with an IDP counsellor today and get advice tailored to your nursing career and migration goals in Australia.

Choosing to study nursing in Australia is a big step, but choosing the right Master of Nursing program is what truly sets you up for success.

Maybe you're comparing specialisations, trying to figure out which one leads to better job opportunities or PR chances.

Maybe you’re not sure if your background meets the entry requirements, or which campus or course structure fits your lifestyle and goals best.

That’s where we come in.

At IDP, we don’t just help you enrol in any course; we help you ask the right questions so you can choose a program that truly matches your career plans, registration goals, and long-term migration pathway.

An enquiry is not a commitment; it's your first smart move. 

When you speak with us, we’ll help you:

• Understand which Master of Nursing courses match your background

• Compare specialisations like Mental Health, Aged Care, or Acute Care

• Learn how each study path can affect your work and visa options later on

Taking this step now gives you the clarity you need to avoid costly mistakes—and builds a stronger foundation for your future nursing career in Australia.

Chat with an IDP counsellor today to get personalised, practical advice. Let’s make sure your next move is your best one.

Article sources

Employment data and projections: Department of Home Affairs, Jobs and Skills Australia Employment Projections, Jobs and Skills Australia: Registered Nurses, Nursing Supply and Demand Study (2023–2035) by the Department of Health and Aged Care,  Australia Occupation Shortage List

Course information: University of Melbourne - Master of Nursing Science, Master of Advanced Nursing Practice, Monash University, Deakin University - Master of Advanced Nursing, Master of Nursing, Master of Advanced Clinical Nursing