A Bachelor of Nursing in Australia is probably the most common degree international students ask me about. I get it. The combination of strong job prospects, genuine skills shortages, and potential pathways to permanent residency makes it incredibly appealing. On paper, it looks like the perfect choice.
But here’s what I’ve learned from watching friends go through nursing degrees: it’s genuinely tough. Not “university is hard” tough. More like “unpaid clinical placements while trying to pay rent” tough. The students who thrive are the ones who went in with realistic expectations about what the next three years would actually involve.
I’m not a nurse myself. I’m finishing my Master’s at the University of Melbourne in a different field. But I’ve lived with nursing students, worked alongside them at campus jobs, and watched them go from nervous first-years to registered nurses with job offers. So here’s everything I’ve learned about studying a Bachelor of Nursing in Australia as an international student, including the stuff that doesn’t make it into the glossy university brochures.
Entry Requirements for Nursing Degrees in Australia
Nursing has stricter entry requirements than many other bachelor degrees. Universities aren’t just checking your grades. They want to know you can handle the physical, emotional, and professional demands of healthcare work.
Academic Requirements
Most nursing programs require solid secondary school results, with some emphasis on science subjects. The specific requirements vary by university, but here’s the general pattern:
Group of Eight universities: Higher entry scores, typically ATAR 80+ equivalent. Some require biology or chemistry in your final year.
Other metro universities (ACU, UTS, QUT, etc.): Mid-range scores, roughly ATAR 65-80 equivalent. Science background helpful but not always mandatory.
Regional universities: More flexible entry, sometimes ATAR 60+ equivalent. Often more willing to consider mature-age students or non-traditional backgrounds.
If you didn’t study science in high school, some universities offer bridging courses or assume no prior knowledge in their first-year subjects. But honestly, having a basic understanding of biology and chemistry makes the anatomy and pharmacology subjects much less overwhelming.
English Requirements: Higher Than Most Degrees
This is where nursing differs from many other programs. Because nurses communicate with patients, doctors, and families in high-stakes situations, universities require higher English scores than typical bachelor degrees.
| Test | Typical Nursing Requirement |
| IELTS Academic | 7.0 overall (minimum 7.0 in each band) |
| TOEFL iBT | 94+ with minimum section scores |
| PTE Academic | 65+ overall with minimum section scores |
| OET | B in all components |
Notice that IELTS 7.0 in each band requirement. That’s significantly harder than the 6.0-6.5 required for most other degrees. Many students need multiple attempts to hit that speaking or writing score. Budget extra time and money for English preparation if you’re not quite there yet.
Some universities accept slightly lower scores if you complete an English pathway program first, but you’ll still need to meet registration requirements eventually.
⚠️ Heads up: Even if a university accepts you with lower English scores through a pathway, you’ll need to meet the Nursing and Midwifery Board requirements to actually register as a nurse after graduation. Don’t assume the university requirement is the only hurdle.
Additional Requirements
Nursing programs have extra hoops that other degrees don’t:
National Police Check: Required before clinical placements. Any serious criminal history can affect your eligibility.
Working with Children Check: Mandatory in most states for healthcare placements.
Immunisation records: You’ll need to prove vaccination status for various diseases. Some vaccines require multiple doses over months, so start this early.
First Aid Certificate: Usually required by end of first year.
Health declaration: Some universities require a medical assessment confirming you can meet the physical demands of nursing work.
These aren’t optional extras. Without them, you can’t do clinical placements, which means you can’t complete your degree. My friend had her placement delayed by three weeks because her immunisation paperwork wasn’t processed in time. Start gathering documents early.
Costs: What You’ll Actually Pay
Nursing degrees aren’t the most expensive programs in Australia, but they’re not cheap either. And the costs go beyond just tuition.
Tuition Fees by University Type
Here’s what international students are looking at for 2026:
| University Type | Annual Fees (AUD) | 3-Year Total |
| Group of Eight | $38,000 – $45,000 | $114,000 – $135,000 |
| Other metro universities | $32,000 – $40,000 | $96,000 – $120,000 |
| Regional universities | $26,000 – $34,000 | $78,000 – $102,000 |
Some specific examples from recent fee schedules:
- University of Sydney: Around $43,000/year
- Monash University: Approximately $41,000/year
- Australian Catholic University: Around $35,000/year
- Queensland University of Technology: Approximately $34,000/year
- University of Tasmania: Around $32,000/year
- Charles Darwin University: Approximately $28,000/year
Regional universities offer genuine savings. Over three years, the difference between a Go8 university and a regional option could be $40,000-$50,000. For nursing specifically, where graduate employment is strong regardless of where you studied, that’s worth considering seriously.
I’ve put together a state-by-state breakdown in my guide on cheapest bachelor degrees in Australia if budget is your main constraint.
Hidden Costs Nobody Mentions
Tuition is just the start. Nursing students face additional expenses that add up quickly:
Uniforms: $200-$400 for required clinical uniforms and shoes
Equipment: Stethoscope, watch with second hand, nursing scissors, penlight. Budget $150-$300.
Placement travel: Clinical placements can be anywhere, including regional hospitals. Transport and sometimes accommodation costs aren’t covered.
Police checks and certifications: $50-$150 each, and some need annual renewal
Textbooks and resources: $500-$800 per year for required texts
OSHC (health insurance): $500-$700 per year, mandatory for student visa
First aid course: Around $100-$150
One of my housemates spent nearly $600 on placement-related travel in her second year because she was assigned to a hospital an hour from campus. These costs aren’t in the university fee calculator.
Living Costs on Top of Everything
You still need to eat and have somewhere to sleep. For a realistic picture of what life costs in major cities, check out my guides on cost of living in Melbourne and cost of living in Sydney.
Budget roughly $1,500-$2,200 per month for living expenses depending on your city and lifestyle. That’s on top of tuition.
What the Degree Actually Involves
Nursing isn’t like other university degrees where you mostly attend lectures and submit assignments. Clinical placements change everything.
Course Structure
Most Bachelor of Nursing programs run for three years and include:
Year 1: Foundations. Anatomy, physiology, basic nursing skills, health assessment, introductory placements in aged care or low-acuity settings.
Year 2: Building complexity. Pharmacology, mental health nursing, acute care, medical-surgical nursing. Longer placements in hospital settings.
Year 3: Specialisation and consolidation. Complex care, leadership, specialty areas (emergency, paediatrics, etc.). Extended placements, often including a final capstone placement.
The theory component is demanding. Anatomy and pharmacology require serious memorisation. But most students say the placements are what really test them.
Clinical Placements: The Reality
This is where I’ve seen students struggle most. Clinical placements are unpaid work experience in hospitals, aged care facilities, and community health settings. They’re mandatory, and they’re intense.
Typical placement requirements:
- Total hours: 800+ hours across the degree (varies by program)
- Shift patterns: Often 8-12 hour shifts, including nights, weekends, and public holidays
- Location: Assigned by the university, not chosen by you. Could be local or regional.
- Assessment: You’re evaluated by clinical supervisors. Failing a placement means repeating it.
Here’s what nobody tells you: placements make working part-time nearly impossible. When you’re doing 40 hours a week on placement, plus travel time, plus studying for placement assessments, there’s barely time to sleep, let alone work a casual job.
My friend who studied nursing basically lived off savings during her placement blocks. She’d work extra shifts during theory semesters to build up money, then survive on minimal income during placement periods. It requires serious financial planning.
“The hardest part wasn’t the patients or the work. It was trying to pay rent when I couldn’t pick up any shifts for eight weeks straight because of placement.” — My former housemate, now a registered nurse
Skills You’ll Learn
By graduation, you’ll be competent in:
- Patient assessment and vital signs monitoring
- Medication administration (including injections)
- Wound care and infection control
- Patient communication and education
- Documentation and healthcare records
- Basic life support and emergency response
- Working in healthcare teams
The degree prepares you for entry-level registered nurse positions. You won’t be an expert, but you’ll have the foundations to keep learning on the job.
Job Prospects After Graduation
Let’s talk about why so many students choose nursing despite the challenges: employment outcomes are genuinely strong.
Graduate Employment Rates
Nursing consistently has some of the highest graduate employment rates in Australia, typically above 90%. The shortage of nurses is real, and it’s not going away soon. An ageing population, healthcare expansion, and nurse burnout from COVID years mean demand continues to exceed supply.
Most nursing graduates find work within weeks to months of graduating. Some have offers before they finish. Compare that to fields where graduates job-hunt for six months or more, and the appeal is obvious.
Where Nurses Work
Registered nurses in Australia work across:
- Public hospitals: The biggest employer. Rotating rosters, shift work, diverse experience.
- Private hospitals: Often more predictable hours, sometimes better pay.
- Aged care facilities: High demand, less acute but important work.
- Community health: Clinics, GP practices, home care services.
- Mental health services: Growing area with specific career pathways.
- Speciality areas: Emergency, ICU, theatre, paediatrics, oncology (usually require extra experience or qualifications).
New graduates typically start in general medical or surgical wards before specialising. Graduate programs at major hospitals are competitive but provide structured transition-to-practice support.
Starting Salaries
Graduate registered nurses in Australia typically earn between $65,000 and $75,000 per year, depending on state, employer, and shift penalties. With penalty rates for nights, weekends, and public holidays, actual take-home can be higher.
Rough salary progression:
| Experience Level | Annual Salary Range |
| New Graduate (Year 1) | $65,000 – $72,000 |
| Registered Nurse (2-5 years) | $72,000 – $85,000 |
| Senior RN / Specialised | $85,000 – $100,000+ |
These figures include base salary plus typical penalty rates. Nurses working primarily night shifts or in high-demand areas often earn at the higher end.
For context on how this compares to other degrees, check my overview of best bachelor degrees in Australia for international students.
PR Pathways: What You Need to Know
I need to be careful here. I’m not a migration agent, and visa rules change constantly. What I can share is the general landscape based on what I’ve seen and researched. For actual advice on your situation, talk to a registered migration agent.
Why Nursing and Immigration Often Connect
Nursing appears on Australia’s skilled occupation lists, which means it’s one of the pathways that can potentially lead to permanent residency. Registered Nurse has been on these lists consistently for years due to ongoing shortages.
The general pathway many international nursing students consider:
- Complete degree: Graduate with Bachelor of Nursing from an approved program
- Register with AHPRA: Achieve registration as a Registered Nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Board
- Apply for Graduate Visa (485): Typically 2-4 years of work rights depending on where you studied
- Gain experience: Work as a registered nurse, building Australian experience
- Apply for skilled migration: Various visa options depending on circumstances, employer sponsorship, state nomination, etc.
This is a simplified overview. The actual process involves points tests, skills assessments, English requirements, and constantly changing criteria. Nothing is guaranteed.
AHPRA Registration Requirements
Before you can work as a nurse in Australia, you need registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) through the Nursing and Midwifery Board. Requirements include:
- Completing an approved nursing program
- Meeting English language requirements (IELTS 7.0 in each band or equivalent, or OET B in all sections)
- Passing a criminal history check
- Meeting health requirements
The English requirement catches some graduates off guard. Even if you completed your degree in English, you still need to prove English proficiency through an approved test unless you meet specific exemption criteria.
Regional Study Benefits
Studying in regional Australia can provide immigration advantages. Regional graduates may be eligible for longer post-study work visas (up to 4-5 years instead of 2 years) and may have access to additional skilled migration pathways.
Regional nursing programs at universities like University of Tasmania, Charles Darwin University, James Cook University, and University of Newcastle can offer both lower fees and potential visa benefits. The trade-off is living in smaller cities with different lifestyle options.
I’ve covered the trade-offs in my guide on studying in regional Australia to save money.
Reality Check on PR
I want to be honest about this. A nursing degree improves your chances at permanent residency compared to many other fields, but it’s not a guarantee. Immigration policy changes frequently, and what works today might not work in three years when you graduate.
Don’t choose nursing solely because you think it’s a PR ticket. Choose it because you genuinely want to be a nurse. The students I’ve seen burn out fastest were the ones who had no real interest in healthcare but saw it as an immigration strategy. Three years of demanding study plus placement work is brutal if you don’t actually care about the profession.
For more on post-study options generally, read my overview of after study options for international students.
Choosing the Right University for Nursing
Not all nursing programs are equal. Here’s what actually matters when choosing.
AHPRA Approval
First and most importantly: the program must be approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Board. Without this, you can’t register as a nurse in Australia after graduation. All major universities with nursing programs have approval, but double-check before enrolling, especially with newer or private providers.
Clinical Placement Quality
Some universities have stronger hospital partnerships than others. Better partnerships often mean:
- Placements at well-resourced facilities
- More consistent supervision quality
- Better graduate program connections
- Less travel for placements
Ask current students about their placement experiences. University marketing materials won’t tell you that students regularly get sent to understaffed facilities two hours away.
Support for International Students
Nursing is culturally demanding. You’ll communicate with patients from diverse backgrounds, navigate complex healthcare systems, and work in high-pressure environments. Universities with strong international student support, language assistance, and cultural training make this transition easier.
For more on selecting universities, check my guide on how to choose the right Australian university.
Scholarships and Financial Help
Full scholarships for international nursing students are rare, but partial support exists.
University Scholarships
Many universities offer merit-based or equity scholarships that reduce tuition by 10-25%. These are competitive but worth applying for. Some nursing-specific scholarships exist, often funded by healthcare organisations wanting to support workforce development.
External Scholarships
Some options to research:
- Australia Awards: Government scholarships for students from specific countries. Highly competitive but covers full costs.
- State government health scholarships: Some states offer scholarships tied to working in regional areas after graduation.
- Hospital foundation scholarships: Some healthcare organisations fund nursing students.
I’ve compiled what’s available in my guide on best scholarships in Australia for international students.
Working While Studying
International students can work 48 hours per fortnight during semester and unlimited hours during breaks. Many nursing students work as Assistants in Nursing (AINs) or aged care workers, which provides relevant experience plus income.
But remember the placement challenge I mentioned earlier. During placement blocks, working is nearly impossible. Plan your finances around this reality.
More on balancing work and study in my guide on how many hours to work as a student in Australia.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a registered nurse in Australia as an international student?
The Bachelor of Nursing takes three years full-time. After graduation, you need to apply for AHPRA registration, which can take a few weeks to a few months depending on documentation and processing times. So realistically, plan for about 3.5 years from starting your degree to working as a registered nurse.
Is nursing in Australia harder than other degrees?
In some ways, yes. The combination of academic demands, clinical placement hours, and emotional labour makes it particularly challenging. You’re not just passing exams. You’re learning to care for vulnerable people in high-pressure environments. Students who’ve done other degrees often say nursing was more demanding overall.
Can I work as a nurse while on a student visa?
Not as a registered nurse, because you need to complete your degree first. But you can work as an Assistant in Nursing (AIN) or Personal Care Worker while studying. Many students do this to gain experience and income. You’ll need to complete a short certificate course and meet your work hour limits.
What happens if I fail a clinical placement?
You’ll typically need to repeat it, which can delay your graduation. Placement failures usually happen due to professional conduct issues, unsafe practice, or attendance problems rather than academic performance. Universities generally provide support and remediation opportunities before failing a student.
Do I need to take IELTS again after graduating for registration?
Usually yes, unless you meet specific exemption criteria. The Nursing and Midwifery Board requires IELTS 7.0 in all bands (or equivalent) for registration. Some graduates who studied in Australia for several years can apply for exemption, but the criteria are strict. Budget for potentially retaking English tests even after completing your degree.
Is it worth studying nursing at an expensive university?
For nursing specifically, probably not. Graduate employment is strong across all universities because the shortage is real. A nurse from a regional university with good clinical skills gets hired just as readily as one from a prestigious city campus. The registration and skills are standardised nationally. Save your money unless a specific university offers something unique you genuinely value.
Final Thoughts
A Bachelor of Nursing in Australia offers genuine career prospects and potential immigration pathways that few other degrees match. But it demands more than just academic ability. You’ll need emotional resilience, financial planning to survive placement periods, and genuine interest in caring for people at their most vulnerable.
The students I’ve seen succeed in nursing went in knowing exactly what they were signing up for. They budgeted for placement blocks when they couldn’t work. They chose universities based on clinical partnerships, not just rankings. They actually wanted to be nurses, not just wanted the visa outcomes nursing might offer.
If that sounds like you, nursing could be an excellent choice. If you’re mainly attracted to the PR pathway and the job security, think carefully about whether you can sustain three years of demanding study and decades of shift work in a profession you’re not passionate about.
For more on choosing the right degree, explore my guide on best bachelor degrees in Australia for international students. And if you’re still sorting out the financial side, read up on financial requirements for Australian student visas to make sure your budget is realistic.
A Bachelor of Nursing in Australia isn’t the easy path some people imagine. But for students who genuinely want to work in healthcare, it’s one of the most reliable routes to meaningful work and a stable career in this country.
