Nurses play an integral part in any functional and caring society. According to Global Health Education, Australia has about 450,000 registered nurses, meaning that nursing courses in Australia can be the most demanding. If you are looking for the cheapest nursing courses in Australia, many Australian nursing universities and schools offer affordable programs with scholarships to international students.
The healthcare industry provides an immense scope of nursing due to the widespread of private and public healthcare facilities that employ nurses. It encompasses a wide range of roles and specialisations. From acute care to mental health to pediatric care, the scope of the health industry in Australia is constantly evolving.
Arrange a free consultation with SI-Australia today if you want to study a nursing course in Australia. Our educational consultants will take you through the study options in Australia and help you apply.
Benefits of Studying Nursing in Australia
According to the Australian government, healthcare and social assistance is the country's most significant employment-generating industry, with more than 1.5 million jobs expected to reach two million by 2025. After completing a nursing degree in Australia, you can join the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), a professional nursing body, to gain better work opportunities, skills, and knowledge.
Types of Nursing Courses
Before getting into the details of the cheapest nursing courses in Australia for international students, here are the types of nursing programs that are available to study in Australia:
Course type |
Duration |
Diploma |
12 months |
Graduate certificate |
12 months |
Bachelor’s degree |
36 months |
Master’s degree |
24 months |
Top Universities Providing Cheapest Nursing Courses in Australia
Institution/University |
Popular Nursing Course |
Average course fees |
Monash University |
Master of Advanced Nursing |
$33,000 |
James Cook University |
Master of Nursing |
$39,000 |
James Cook University |
Graduate Diploma in Nursing |
$26,000 |
Avondale College of Higher Education |
Master of Nursing |
$34,608 |
James Cook University |
Graduate Certificate in Nursing |
$13,000 |
Western Sydney University |
Master of Nursing |
$41,340 |
Flinder’s University |
Graduate Certificate in Acute Care Nursing |
$30,400 |
Central Queensland University |
Bachelor of Nursing |
$50,280 |
University of Sunshine Coast |
Bachelor of Nursing |
$51,563 |
Eligibility Criteria for Studying Nursing in Australia
Diploma of Nursing
- You must have passed 12th or equivalent from a recognised board with a GPA of 5.5 (50%)
- Must have qualified in any of the following English proficiency tests (TOEFL -98, IELTS-7, and PTE -65)
Bachelor of Nursing
- You must have passed 12th or equivalent from a recognised board with a minimum of 5.5 (50%)
- Must have qualified for any of the following English proficiency tests (TOEFL -98, IELTS -7, and PTE - 65)
Master’s of Nursing
- Graduation from a recognised university and must have a Registered Nurse License
- You must have a CGPA of 75 (60%)
- Must have qualified for any of the following English proficiency tests (TOEFL -96, IELTS -7, and PTE - 68)
Documents Required for Entry
International students must provide specific documentation when applying for the cheapest nursing courses in Australia. Here is the list of generic documents required while filling out the Australian university application forms:
- Statement of purpose (SOP)
- Letters of Recommendation (LOR)
- Scorecard of English Proficiency Tests, such as IELTS/TOEFL/PTE
- Updated CV or Resume
- Visa document
- Academic transcripts of school, college, and university
- Passport
- Passport size photographs
Career Opportunities after Studying Nursing
Nurses play a crucial role in the healthcare system, and obtaining a nursing degree from an Australian university provides students with essential skills and knowledge. Courses allow you to learn from the best clinical practitioners and researchers worldwide. Nursing graduates can opt for many career paths depending on their degree. After completing the courses, graduates can begin as entry-level nurses.
Over time, they become senior-head nursing professionals with many career options beyond hospitals and traditional wards. Some highly demanding nursing professions include maternity nursing, mental health nursing, certified nurse midwives, neonatal nurses, and nurse researchers.
Salaries of Nurses in Australia
The average graduate nurse's salary in Australia is about $87,827 annually, equivalent to $41.00 per hour. Entry-level positions typically cost around $69,600- $76,622 annually, while highly experienced nurses earn up to $101,490 to $122,997 annually. Nursing offers a competitive income trajectory, rewarding both newcomers and seasoned professionals in the field.
Study Nursing in Australia
If you want to apply to any of the above Australian universities or have questions about Australian higher education, contact SI-Australia today for a free consultation.