Doc Summary
Australia offers world-class nursing education with strong clinical placements and nationally regulated standards. The fastest answer: study a Bachelor of Nursing at a university if you want to become a Registered Nurse (RN), or a Diploma of Nursing at TAFE/registered training organisations to become an Enrolled Nurse (EN). Ensure the course is accredited by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) and, for international students, listed on CRICOS.
- Best for RN (Bachelor of Nursing): leading universities in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Canberra, Hobart and Darwin.
- Best for EN (Diploma of Nursing): state TAFEs and reputable registered training organisations (RTOs).
- Check accreditation: NMBA/AHPRA, quality regulators TEQSA (uni) and ASQA (VET), and CRICOS for international students.
How to choose the right nursing school #
- Accreditation and registration outcomes: Confirm NMBA accreditation and graduate eligibility for AHPRA registration (https://www.nursingmidwiferyboard.gov.au/).
- Clinical placements: Look for guaranteed, well-supported placements across hospital and community settings with reasonable travel.
- Location and lifestyle: Capital cities offer large teaching hospitals; regional campuses can provide smaller cohorts and unique placement experiences.
- Entry requirements: Prerequisite subjects (English, science), ATAR or equivalent, and English proficiency (see NMBA English standard: link).
- Costs and scholarships: Compare tuition, clinical uniform and checks, and available scholarships.
- Support and flexibility: Consider simulation labs, academic support, online components, and recognition of prior learning (RPL).
Best places to study nursing by level #
Registered Nurse pathway: Bachelor of Nursing (Universities) #
Popular, highly regarded choices include:
- New South Wales: University of Sydney; University of Technology Sydney.
- Victoria: Monash University; Deakin University; RMIT University.
- Queensland: University of Queensland; Queensland University of Technology; Griffith University.
- Western Australia: Curtin University; Edith Cowan University.
- South Australia: University of South Australia; University of Adelaide.
- Australian Capital Territory: University of Canberra.
- Tasmania: University of Tasmania.
- Northern Territory: Charles Darwin University.
These universities are known for strong simulation facilities, integrated clinical placements, and clear pathways to AHPRA registration upon graduation.
Enrolled Nurse pathway: Diploma of Nursing (TAFE and RTOs) #
If you want to become an Enrolled Nurse (EN), consider state TAFEs and reputable RTOs offering the nationally recognised Diploma of Nursing (HLT54121). Examples include TAFE NSW, TAFE Queensland, Holmesglen (VIC), and South Metropolitan TAFE (WA). Ensure the provider is regulated by ASQA and, for international students, listed on CRICOS.
Postgraduate nursing (specialisations and leadership) #
For upskilling, Australian universities offer Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma and Master’s programs in areas such as acute care, mental health, perioperative nursing, public health, nurse practitioner pathways, leadership and education. Entry usually requires RN registration and relevant clinical experience.
State-by-state highlights #
- New South Wales (Sydney, regional NSW): Large tertiary hospitals and diverse community placements; strong research ecosystems.
- Victoria (Melbourne, regional VIC): Extensive clinical networks and innovative simulation centres; flexible study options.
- Queensland (Brisbane, Gold Coast, regional QLD): Tropical and rural health experiences, strong public–private placement mix.
- Western Australia (Perth): Strong partnerships with major metropolitan hospitals; growing regional opportunities.
- South Australia (Adelaide): Well-integrated health precincts with collaborative learning environments.
- ACT (Canberra): Access to national health agencies and policy-focused opportunities.
- Tasmania (Hobart, Launceston): Smaller cohorts and close-knit clinical placements.
- Northern Territory (Darwin, Alice Springs): Distinctive remote and First Nations health experiences.
Entry requirements and costs #
Academic and English #
- Domestic students: ATAR or equivalent selection rank; prerequisite subjects (often English and recommended sciences). Alternative pathways may include bridging or enabling programs.
- International students: Secondary school equivalence and English proficiency. Many providers align to the NMBA English language skills standard; verify current requirements here: NMBA English standard.
Fees #
- Bachelor of Nursing (international): Typically AUD 32,000–45,000 per year, depending on university and campus.
- Diploma of Nursing (international): Typically AUD 18,000–28,000 total for the program, provider-dependent.
- Domestic students: Commonwealth supported places (where available) reduce tuition; check each institution’s schedule.
Additional costs may include immunisations, uniforms, clinical checks, text books, and transport to placements.
Clinical compliance #
Expect vaccination requirements, police checks, working with children checks, and mandatory training before placements. Institutions provide detailed checklists during orientation.
Pathways and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) #
- EN to RN: Enrolled Nurses can often receive credit towards a Bachelor of Nursing, shortening study time.
- RPL for prior study/work: Some providers assess prior qualifications and clinical experience for credit. Policies vary by institution.
- Internationally qualified nurses (IQNMs): AHPRA uses the IQNM assessment and (where required) the Outcome-Based Assessment (OBA). See details: IQNM pathway.
Visa and migration notes for international students #
- Student visa (subclass 500): Check eligibility, Genuine Student (GS) requirement, OSHC and work conditions at the Department of Home Affairs: Student visa 500.
- Work rights: During study, work-hour caps may apply; always confirm current policy on the Home Affairs website.
- Post-study options: Graduates may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa, subject to current rules, and nursing roles appear on the skilled occupation list: Skilled occupation list.
- CRICOS providers: Choose a course/providers listed on CRICOS: CRICOS search.
Quick shortlist: where to study nursing in Australia #
- For RN: University of Sydney, UTS, Monash, Deakin, UQ, QUT, Griffith, UniSA, Curtin, University of Tasmania, University of Canberra, Charles Darwin University.
- For EN: TAFE NSW, TAFE Queensland, Holmesglen (VIC), South Metropolitan TAFE (WA) and other ASQA-regulated RTOs.
Always verify accreditation with NMBA/AHPRA and quality regulators (TEQSA / ASQA) and match the campus location, entry requirements, and fees to your goals.
How Skills Campus can help #
Choosing where to study nursing in Australia is easier with expert guidance. Skills Campus can:
- Compare accredited universities and TAFE providers against your goals and budget.
- Assess pathways and Recognition of Prior Learning to shorten your study time where possible.
- Assist with applications, documentation, and visa guidance for international students.
- Plan state and campus choices aligned to clinical placement opportunities and lifestyle.
Get personalised, obligation-free advice today at https://skillscampus.com.au/ or contact us directly: https://skillscampus.com.au/contact.
