Studying in Australia offers excellent opportunities for those pursuing a career in nursing, with graduates well-prepared to specialise in areas such as oncology, paediatric nursing, cardiac care and more. Courses are available both part-time and full-time, and tuition fees for international students typically range from AUD 34,500 to AUD 128,448, depending on the university and programme.
Australian universities are globally recognised for their high academic standards and rigorous quality assurance, and nursing degrees provide a strong theoretical foundation combined with essential practical skills. All nursing programmes are accredited by the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC), ensuring consistency and excellence across institutions.
As a leader in medical research and technological innovation, Australia offers nursing students the opportunity to engage with cutting-edge healthcare developments, gaining valuable experience with the latest tools and techniques in patient care.
Popular Nursing Courses in Australia
- Nursing diploma
- Bachelor’s of Nursing
- Master’s of Nursing
- Graduate Diploma/Certificate in Nursing
Explore some of the best nursing programmes in Australia below, based on the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026. If you are ready to begin your application, arrange a free consultation with StudyIn for expert guidance.
Top Five Nursing Universities in Australia
1. University of Technology Sydney
Recognised as a national leader in nursing education and research, the University of Technology Sydney offers a highly practical and industry-informed approach to nursing. Courses are led by expert academics with strong clinical and research backgrounds, giving students exposure to a variety of healthcare settings.
UTS maintains partnerships with over 100 clinical facilities across New South Wales, offering students invaluable real-world training and networking opportunities. Areas of specialisation include acute care, reproductive health, and health service management.
- Popular nursing course: Bachelor of Nursing
2. The University of Sydney
Ranked 20th globally for Nursing, the University of Sydney is Australia’s highest-ranked nursing university. The Sydney Nursing School is known for its outstanding graduate outcomes, with a 98% employment rate shortly after graduation. Students are taught by leading researchers and clinicians, gaining exposure to evidence-based practice and the latest developments in global healthcare.
The University offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate options in fields such as nutrition and dietetics, emergency nursing, and intensive care nursing. Clinical placements are overseen by the NSW Department of Health, ensuring students are well-prepared to enter public and private health systems across Australia and beyond.
- Popular nursing course: BSc Nursing (advanced studies)
3. Monash University
Monash University’s Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences is ranked 3rd in the world for nursing in the Shanghai Global Ranking of Academic Subjects. The university focuses on preparing students to be highly competent, compassionate nurses who can lead change in the healthcare sector.
Courses are designed using evidence-based frameworks, and students gain extensive practical experience during their studies. The university reports a 95% graduate employment rate through its entry-to-practice programmes.
- Popular nursing course: Master of Nursing
4. The University of Melbourne
The University of Melbourne offers a comprehensive nursing curriculum designed to expand both clinical skills and theoretical knowledge. Programmes meet the requirements set by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia, ensuring graduates are fully prepared for professional practice as registered nurses.
The integrated curriculum balances classroom learning with clinical experience, preparing students for careers in health education, health promotion, nurse education, and clinical leadership.
- Popular nursing course: Master of Nursing
Griffith University is renowned for its hands-on, community-focused approach to nursing education. Students gain practical skills and experience through placements in urban, rural and remote locations, including Brisbane, South-East Queensland, Alice Springs, and Thursday Island. This wide-ranging exposure prepares students to work in diverse healthcare environments, from hospitals and aged care to Indigenous health services.
Griffith offers a comprehensive suite of programmes, including undergraduate, postgraduate, and graduate certificates in areas such as infection prevention, critical care, and emergency nursing. The university is also at the forefront of integrating digital health and research innovation into its teaching.
- Popular nursing course: Bachelor of Nursing (Hons)
Other Notable Universities for Nursing in Australia
Beyond the top five, several StudyIn partner universities also rank strongly for nursing in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026 and are well worth shortlisting.
University of Wollongong
The University of Wollongong’s School of Nursing is one of the highest-ranked in Australia, known for its strong clinical placement network across New South Wales and dedicated simulation learning facilities. The programme places particular emphasis on rural and regional health experience, preparing graduates for a wide range of practice settings.
- Popular nursing course: Bachelor of Nursing
La Trobe University
La Trobe’s School of Nursing and Midwifery is well regarded for its focus on rural, remote and Indigenous health, backed by an extensive clinical placement network across Victoria. Students benefit from small class sizes and strong industry links with Victorian health services.
- Popular nursing course: Bachelor of Nursing
Queensland University of Technology
QUT’s School of Nursing is known for its simulation-based learning model and close ties to Queensland Health, giving students early and consistent exposure to real clinical environments. The programme has a strong focus on employability and evidence-based practice.
- Popular nursing course: Bachelor of Nursing
The University of Newcastle
The University of Newcastle has a strong reputation for nursing research and for preparing graduates to work in rural, remote and Indigenous health settings. Students gain practical experience through a wide network of clinical placements across regional New South Wales.
- Popular nursing course: Bachelor of Nursing
Edith Cowan University
Edith Cowan University’s nursing programme is known for its strong clinical simulation facilities and close links with the Western Australian health system, giving Perth-based students consistent access to hospital and community placements.
- Popular nursing course: Bachelor of Nursing
Entry Requirements
International students typically need to have completed secondary school with strong results in biology and chemistry to gain entry into undergraduate nursing programmes. Most universities require the following.
- Minimum academic score: Equivalent to an Australian ATAR of 70 to 85 (for example, an IB score of 26 to 32, a GPA of 2.8 to 3.5, or 65 to 80 percent depending on your country’s grading system)
- English language proficiency: IELTS score of 7.0 overall, with no band below 7.0, as required by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia for registration; or TOEFL iBT score of 94 or above
- Additional requirements: Some universities may ask for a personal statement, an interview, or proof of immunisations and health checks
Postgraduate applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree in nursing or a related health field, with a minimum GPA equivalent to 60 to 70 percent, and meet similar English language requirements. For registration purposes, clinical experience and professional references may also be required.
Expert View
“Students often choose a university by QS rank alone, but it’s just as important to check whether your ATAR or GPA equivalent actually clears that specific university’s threshold, since requirements can vary more between institutions than the rankings suggest.” – Priya Kaur, Counsellor, StudyIn.
Tuition Fees
Tuition fees for international students studying nursing in Australia vary by university and programme level.
- Undergraduate nursing degrees: AUD 32,000 to 45,000 per year
- Postgraduate nursing degrees (e.g. Master of Nursing): AUD 35,000 to 52,000 per year
Living expenses are typically AUD 20,000 to 30,000 annually, depending on location and lifestyle. Scholarships are available at many institutions, including merit-based and healthcare-specific awards.
Visa Requirements
International students must apply for the Student Visa (Subclass 500) to study full-time in Australia. Key requirements include the following.
- Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE): Issued by your Australian university
- Proof of financial capacity: Funds to cover tuition, living expenses, and travel (currently at least AUD 29,710 for one year of living costs)
- English proficiency: As per university and nursing registration standards
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC): Mandatory for the duration of your stay
- Genuine Student (GS) requirement: Demonstrating your intent to study and, where relevant, your plans after graduation
Visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term time and full-time during official breaks. Nursing students may also be eligible for extended post-study work rights under Australia’s skilled migration pathways.
Career Prospects and Salary
The scope of nursing careers in Australia is strong, with the Australian Government’s Job Outlook projecting continued growth in registered nurse employment. Nursing also appears on Australia’s Skilled Occupation List and Regional Occupation List, supporting visa sponsorship pathways for qualified nurses.
| Career Path |
Average Salary (AUD) |
| Clinical Nurse Specialist |
$101,000 – $121,000 |
| Nurse Educator |
$99,000 – $121,000 |
| Public Health Nurse |
$78,000 – $124,000 |
| Nurse Midwife |
$79,000 – $118,900 |
| Oncology Nurse |
$79,000 – $119,000 |
Study Nursing in Australia
Each of these universities offers international students a clear path into the Australian healthcare system, combining academic excellence with real-world readiness.
If you’re interested in applying to study nursing in Australia, arrange a free consultation with StudyIn to receive expert guidance tailored to your goals.
FAQs
Which university is best for studying nursing in Australia?
The University of Sydney is Australia’s highest-ranked nursing university globally, followed by UTS, Monash, Melbourne and Griffith, based on the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026. Other strong options include Wollongong, La Trobe, QUT, Newcastle and Edith Cowan.
What ATAR or GPA do I need to study nursing in Australia?
Most universities require the equivalent of an Australian ATAR of 70 to 85, an IB score of 26 to 32, or 65 to 80 percent under your own country’s grading system, though exact thresholds vary by institution.
What English score do I need to study nursing in Australia?
Most universities require an IELTS score of 7.0 overall with no band below 7.0, or a TOEFL iBT score of 94 or above, in line with the standard set by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia for registration.
How much does it cost to study nursing in Australia?
Undergraduate nursing degrees typically cost AUD 32,000 to 45,000 a year for international students, while postgraduate programmes such as the Master of Nursing range from AUD 35,000 to 52,000 a year, plus living costs of around AUD 20,000 to 30,000 annually.
Can international nursing graduates work in Australia after their degree?
Yes. Nursing appears on Australia’s Skilled Occupation List and Regional Occupation List, supporting visa sponsorship pathways, and eligible graduates can also apply for post-study work visas after completing their qualification.
