Top Five Nursing Degrees in Australia

Studying in Australia offers excellent opportunities for nurses in the healthcare industry, preparing graduates to become professionals who can specialise in various sectors, such as oncology, child nursing or cardiac nursing. Degrees are available part-time and full-time; average nursing fees for international students can cost around $34,500 - $128,448, and after completing a program, graduates can get the opportunity to work in hospitals, community care centres, private practices, and aged-care facilities.

Australian universities are known for their high academic standards and quality controls, and nursing courses in Australia will provide students with solid theoretical foundations and practical skills necessary for building successful nursing careers. All courses are accredited by the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC), and as Australia is at the forefront of medical research and technological advancements in healthcare, nursing students will have the opportunity to learn and contribute to cutting-edge research, gaining exposure to different healthcare technologies. 

Popular types of nursing courses

• Nursing diploma 
• Bachelor’s of Nursing
• Master’s of Nursing
• Graduate Diploma/Certificate in Nursing

Learn more about the best nursing courses in Australia below (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023), and if you would like to begin your application, arrange a free consultation with SI-Australia today.

Top Five Nursing Universities in Australia 

1. The University of Sydney

The University of Sydney is one of the top nursing universities in Australia, ranking 13th globally for nursing (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023). The Sydney Nursing School offers a 98% employment rate after graduation, and students are taught by leading clinicians and researchers, which makes them knowledgeable and globally aware of nursing practices. 

The B.Sc Nursing is available in undergraduate, postgraduate, and research specialisations, such as nutrition and dietetics, emergency nursing, intensive care nursing, etc. The nursing degree prepares students to work in public and private healthcare systems, community care centres, drug and alcohol care centres, etc. The NSW Department of Health operates and monitors clinical placements. 

• Popular nursing course: B.Sc Nursing (advanced studies)
• Entry requirements: secondary/tertiary education with a minimum IELTS score- 7.0/ TOEFL -90/Pearson's Test of English -68 in each band. 
• International fees: $51,000

2. Monash University

Monash University's Medicine, Nursing, and Health Sciences department ranks third in the Shanghai Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2023, and the university’s objective is to educate and equip students to be the best nurses and midwives who can positively impact the healthcare world. Courses are designed to offer practical skills, using evidence-based industry and consumed informed research. According to the latest stats submitted by the university, around 95% of graduates have gained employment from entry to practice programs. 

• Popular nursing course: Master of Nursing 
• Entry requirements: graduate in nursing with a qualified English proficiency test
• International fees: $40,900

3. The University of Melbourne

Enrolling in nursing at the University of Melbourne will expand your knowledge and skills to develop your career across several specialisations. Nursing coursework at the university provides students with enhanced learning outcomes while meeting the requirements identified by the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Council for practice as a registered nurse. It offers an integrated curriculum that combines the study of clinical practices with theoretical education. 

At the end of the program, students will be able to practice effectively in health promotion and health education roles. After effectively completing the course, one can work as a nurse educator, nurse unit manager, or clinical nurse consultant.

• Popular nursing course: Master of Nursing
• Entry requirements: Excellent academic record with qualified English proficiency test
• International fees: $46,969

4. University of Technology Sydney

The University of Technology Sydney's Faculty of Nursing offers courses led by a dynamic and highly qualified teaching staff with exceptional professional experience in clinical, education policy, and research roles. It is known as the leader in nursing education and research.

Courses are available part-time and full-time in various specialisations like health service management, acute care, reproductive health, etc. In addition, the department is affiliated with over 100 clinical facilities across NSW, which offer clinical placements for students and help build a professional network. 

• Popular nursing course: Bachelor of Nursing
• Entry requirements: must have completed secondary education and meet the required English language requirements
• International fees: $21,400

5. Griffith University

Students will learn and gain hands-on experience and skills at Griffith University to deliver exceptional professional nursing care. Most of the students have taken placements across various healthcare faculties in Brisbane and South-East Queensland and many rural and remote areas, like Alice Springs and Thursday Island. The university offers graduate certificates, UG, and PG degrees in many specialties - infection prevention and control, critical care nursing, emergency nursing, etc. 

• Popular nursing course: Bachelor of Nursing (Hons)
• Entry requirements: bachelor of nursing with at least 5.0 GPA and IELTS score of 7
• International fees: $38,000

Career Prospects and Salary after Nursing in Australia

The scope of nurses and nursing education in Australia is promising, offering excellent employment and career opportunities. According to the Australian Government’s Job Outlook, 8.9% growth is projected in registered nurse employment from 2020 to 2024. As of September 2020, reported by AHPRA, there is a significant increase in registered and enrolled nurses, totalling 394,346 and 71,285, respectively. In addition, nursing in Australia provides visa sponsorship for skilled nurses through the Skilled Occupation List (SOL) and the Regional Occupation List (ROL), addressing the demand for nursing professionals. 

Study Nursing in Australia

If you want to learn more about Australian universities and their undergraduate and postgraduate nursing courses, why not book a free consultation with SI-Australia today? Our education consultants can take you through your study options and help you apply.