Study Nursing in Australia: Fees, Registration and Visas

Why Study Nursing in Australia?

• Approved Australian nursing degrees qualify you to apply for registration, which you need before you can work as a nurse.

• High demand for nurses due to the aging population and healthcare sector growth.

• Possible work and skilled migration options after registration, though neither is automatic.

• Modern healthcare facilities and quality education.

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How to Study Nursing in Australia?

• Eligibility Requirements: Academic qualifications, English proficiency (IELTS/PTE), and prerequisites.

• Types of Nursing Courses: Bachelor of Nursing (usually 3 years), a Master of Nursing for graduates of other fields (2 years at the University of Sydney) and Diploma of Nursing courses. Ask each provider which type of registration the course leads to.

• Accredited Institutions: Nursing degrees are accredited by the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC) and approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA). Check your course on Ahpra's list of approved programs of study before you accept an offer.

• Visa Requirements: Student visa application (AUD 2,500 from 1 July 2026, by lodgement date), financial proof, and Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), unless an exemption applies.

• Clinical Placements: Importance of practical training in hospitals and healthcare centers.

Cost of Studying Nursing in Australia

Universities & Their Annual Fees for International Students

University	Annual Fee (AUD)
University of Sydney	AUD 51,700 (undergraduate nursing, guide for 2027 entry)
Monash University	Check Monash's current fee page
University of Melbourne	Master of Nursing Science is its entry-level course; check Melbourne's current fee page
The University of Queensland	AUD 48,080 (Bachelor of Nursing, 2027)
Adelaide University	About AUD 48,600 (Bachelor of Nursing, indicative)

Expense & Its Average Annual Costs

Expense	Average Annual Cost (AUD)
Tuition Fees	About AUD 48,000 - 52,000 at the universities listed above with a fee
Accommodation	AUD 10,000 - 15,000
Food & Living Expenses	AUD 8,000 - 12,000
Health Insurance	AUD 500 - 800
Miscellaneous	AUD 2,000 - 5,000

Study Nursing in Australia – Admission Process

1. Choose a University & Course – Research nursing programs and universities.

2. Check Eligibility Requirements – Meet academic and English language criteria.

3. Prepare Necessary Documents – Academic transcripts, SOP, LORs, IELTS/PTE scores.

4. Apply to Universities – Submit applications through university portals.

5. Receive Offer Letter – If accepted, get a conditional/unconditional offer.

6. Apply for a Student Visa – Submit visa application with financial proof.

7. Plan for Accommodation & Arrival – Arrange housing, flights, and orientation.

Registering as a Nurse in Australia

Before you can work as a registered health practitioner in Australia, you need to register with your profession's National Board. For nurses, that is the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia, and applications go through Ahpra.

• Approved course: Graduates of approved programs are qualified for registration, but you still have to apply and meet all other requirements. Check the course on Ahpra's approved programs list before you accept an offer.
• English: Every applicant must meet the National Board's English language skills standard, including Australian-trained applicants. Adelaide University and The University of Queensland list IELTS 7 overall and in each band for entry to their Bachelor of Nursing. Check the current standard on the Board's website.
• Timing: Ahpra recommends applying up to 90 days before you expect to complete your course requirements, including placements.

Student Visa Rules to Check

Australia changed its Student visa rules from 2 October 2026. Check them before you plan a longer pathway, such as a bachelor's followed by further study in Australia.

• Applying from inside Australia: Most temporary visa holders, including Student visa holders, generally cannot lodge a new Student visa application in Australia unless an exemption applies. Exemptions include doctoral students, DFAT or Defence sponsored students, provider default, up to 12 extra months with the same provider, and progressing to a higher-level course. Applications lodged earlier stay under the old rules.
• Family members: Students generally cannot include family members in a Student visa application unless an exemption applies, and family members cannot be added after the visa is granted. Exemptions include doctoral students, Pacific and ASEAN nationals, fully funded foreign government scholars, and DFAT or Defence sponsored students.
• Work: Student visa holders can work up to 48 hours a fortnight while their course is in session.

Rules can change, so check Study Australia and the Department of Home Affairs before you apply. The accommodation and living lines in the cost table above are estimates, not official figures.

Career Opportunities After Studying Nursing in Australia

Registered nurses can work in areas such as aged care, intensive care and clinical specialist roles. Becoming a nurse practitioner needs further approved study and endorsement. Pay depends on your employer, state, experience and role, so check current pay rates with employers before you budget around them.

FAQs

1. What are the eligibility criteria for studying nursing in Australia?

   • Class 12 or equivalent, the university's subject prerequisites and an English test score. Adelaide University and The University of Queensland both list IELTS 7 overall and 7 in each band for their Bachelor of Nursing. Requirements differ, so check each university's page.

2. Can I work while studying nursing in Australia?

   • Yes, international students can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during the semester.

3. Is nursing a PR pathway in Australia?

   • A nursing degree does not give permanent residency by itself. Some nurses go on to apply through skilled migration, but occupation lists, points and visa rules change, so check the Department of Home Affairs website before you plan around it. You also need registration to work as a nurse.

4. Which is the best university for nursing in Australia?

   • There is no single best university for everyone. Compare courses on Ahpra's approved list by entry route, placements, fees and location. The universities in the table above are examples, not a ranking.

5. What is the duration of a nursing course in Australia?

   • A Bachelor of Nursing typically takes 3 years. A Master of Nursing for graduates of other fields takes 2 years at the University of Sydney. Other postgraduate nursing courses are meant for nurses who are already registered, so check that yours leads to first registration.