Australia is home to roughly 450,000 registered nurses, and its healthcare and social assistance sector is the country’s largest and fastest-growing industry, creating strong ongoing demand for internationally trained nurses. If you’re looking for the most affordable nursing courses in Australia, several universities and TAFE providers offer accredited programmes with genuinely competitive fees for international students.
Nursing in Australia spans acute care, mental health, aged care, paediatric care and community health, across a mix of private and public healthcare facilities. Our educational consultants can walk you through your study options in Australia and help you apply.
What Are the Benefits of Studying Nursing in Australia?
Australia’s healthcare and social assistance sector is projected to keep generating strong graduate job numbers through 2027, driving demand for qualified nurses across hospitals, aged care, community health, and specialist services.
After completing a recognised nursing qualification in Australia, international students can apply for registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). AHPRA registration allows graduates to practise as nurses in Australia and strengthens employment prospects both locally and internationally.
Types of Nursing Courses in Australia
Before comparing the most affordable options, here’s a quick overview of the main course types available.
| Course Type |
Typical Duration |
Suitable For |
| Diploma of Nursing |
18-24 months |
First-time entry, leads to Enrolled Nurse registration |
| Bachelor of Nursing |
36 months |
First-time entry, leads to Registered Nurse registration |
| Graduate Certificate / Diploma in Nursing |
6-12 months |
Nurses already registered, specialising further |
| Master of Nursing |
18-24 months |
Nurses already registered, moving into advanced practice |
What Are the Cheapest Bachelor’s and Diploma Nursing Courses in Australia?
The courses below are open to international students with no prior nursing qualification or AHPRA registration required, and lead to Enrolled Nurse or Registered Nurse status on completion.
| Institution |
Course |
Estimated Fee (AUD) |
| University of the Sunshine Coast |
Bachelor of Nursing Science |
$31,030 (first year) |
| Central Queensland University |
Bachelor of Nursing |
$34,000-$36,000 per year (confirm before publishing) |
| Avondale University |
Bachelor of Nursing |
$35,864 (first year) |
| James Cook University |
Bachelor of Nursing Science |
$32,000-$35,000 per year (confirm before publishing) |
| TAFE Queensland |
Diploma of Nursing |
$33,600 total (18 months) |
| TAFE NSW |
Diploma of Nursing |
$28,000-$32,000 total (confirm before publishing) |
| Institute of Health and Nursing Australia (IHNA) |
Diploma of Nursing |
$28,000-$33,000 total (confirm before publishing) |
| Kangan Institute (Victoria) |
Diploma of Nursing |
$29,000-$31,000 total (confirm before publishing) |
| South Metropolitan TAFE (WA) |
Diploma of Nursing |
$26,000-$30,000 total (confirm before publishing) |
| Gordon Institute of TAFE (VIC) |
Diploma of Nursing |
$27,000-$30,000 total (confirm before publishing) |
Entry Requirements for Diploma and Bachelor of Nursing
- Academic requirement: Completion of Year 12 or equivalent, generally with a passing grade of around 50-60% depending on the provider
- English proficiency to enter the course: Typically IELTS 6.0 to 6.5 overall, or TOEFL/PTE equivalent (varies by provider)
- English proficiency to register as a nurse: A separate, higher bar set by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA), generally IELTS Academic 7.0 overall with a minimum of 7.0 in every component, or the equivalent OET, PTE Academic, or TOEFL iBT score. Many students meet the course entry requirement but still need further preparation to meet this registration standard
Which Nursing Courses Are for Already-Registered Nurses?
Several popular postgraduate nursing courses in Australia, including Graduate Certificates, Graduate Diplomas and most Master of Nursing programmes, require applicants to already hold current Registered Nurse registration, either in Australia or in their home country.
These are specialisation pathways rather than a first route into nursing, so they suit qualified nurses looking to advance their practice, not first-time international applicants.
Expert View
“We regularly hear from students who’ve picked a Master of Nursing without realising it requires existing RN registration. If you’re new to nursing, a Bachelor of Nursing is almost always the right starting point, not a postgraduate course.” – Vijayalakshmi V, Counsellor, StudyIn.
| Institution |
Course |
Estimated Fee (AUD) |
| Flinders University |
Master of Nursing |
$41,200 per year |
| Western Sydney University |
Master of Nursing (Professional Studies) |
$38,741 per year |
| James Cook University |
Graduate Certificate / Diploma / Master of Nursing |
Confirm current international fee directly with JCU, published online rates are domestic FEE-HELP pricing |
What Careers and Salaries Can You Expect After Studying Nursing?
Nursing graduates can move into a wide range of roles depending on their qualification and specialisation, from acute and maternity care to mental health nursing, neonatal nursing, and nurse research. Most graduates begin as entry-level Registered Nurses before progressing into senior clinical or leadership roles.
- Graduate or entry-level Registered Nurse: AUD 65,000 to 75,000 a year
- Registered Nurse (average market rate): AUD 82,000 to 95,000 a year
- Experienced or specialist Registered Nurse: AUD 100,000 to 115,000 or more a year
Salaries vary by state, sector, and enterprise agreement, so treat these as a general guide rather than a guaranteed figure for any specific employer.
What Documents Do You Need to Apply?
International students must provide the following documentation when applying for a nursing course in Australia.
- Statement of purpose (SOP)
- Letters of recommendation (LOR)
- Scorecard of English proficiency tests, such as IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE
- Updated CV or resume
- Academic transcripts from school, college, and university
- Passport and passport-size photographs
Study Nursing in Australia
If you want to apply to any of the above Australian universities, StudyIn’s counsellors can help you choose the right course for your background, whether you’re entering nursing for the first time or specialising as a registered nurse, and guide you through the full application and visa process.
FAQs
What is the cheapest nursing course in Australia for international students?
Diploma of Nursing courses at TAFE and other VET providers are generally the most affordable entry point, typically costing AUD 26,000 to 34,000 in total over 18 to 24 months, though a Diploma leads to Enrolled Nurse rather than Registered Nurse status.
Do I need to already be a nurse to study a Master of Nursing in Australia?
Yes, in most cases. Master of Nursing, Graduate Certificate, and Graduate Diploma programmes generally require applicants to hold current Registered Nurse registration in Australia or their home country. If you’re new to nursing, a Bachelor of Nursing is the usual starting point.
What English score do I need to become a registered nurse in Australia?
Course entry typically requires IELTS 6.0 to 6.5, but registering as a nurse with AHPRA requires a higher standard set by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia, generally IELTS Academic 7.0 overall with at least 7.0 in every component, or the equivalent OET, PTE Academic, or TOEFL iBT score.
How much do registered nurses earn in Australia?
Graduate and entry-level Registered Nurses typically earn AUD 65,000 to 75,000 a year, rising to AUD 82,000 to 95,000 at the average market rate, and AUD 100,000 or more for experienced and specialist nurses.
How long does it take to become a registered nurse in Australia?
A Bachelor of Nursing typically takes three years of full-time study and leads to Registered Nurse eligibility, while a Diploma of Nursing takes 18 to 24 months and leads to Enrolled Nurse registration.
