Bachelor in Nursing in Australia | Courses, Fees, Eligibility, Intakes

Introduction

Key takeaways:

• Why is it important for you to pursue a Bachelor of Nursing in Australia?
• What is the structure of the Bachelor of Nursing Course?
• What types of specialisations of Nursing Courses in Australia 
• Top Universities Offering Bachelor of Nursing in Australia
• Fees & Scholarships for BSc Nursing in Australia for Indian Students
• Eligibility Criteria for Bachelor of Nursing in Australia (Indian Students)
• Intakes for Bachelor of Nursing in Australia
• How can you plan your application for the Bachelor of Nursing in Australia 
• Process of Admission for International Students
• Visa process for Indian students
• What Career Opportunities Are There After Studying Nursing in Australia
• Is Australia a PR friendly country for Indian students?

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Australia is one of the most popular destinations for Indian medical students to get an internationally recognised degree and hands-on training in nursing or midwifery.  

It offers a world-class healthcare system, globally recognised universities, and strong employment outcomes. 

According to the official data of ANMF, “after the pandemic, registered nurses and midwives student enrolment grew by approximately 13.8% between 2021 and 2024.”

A Bachelor of Nursing in Australia for international students is designed to prepare students for real-world healthcare environments, including hospitals, aged care facilities, community health services, and regional healthcare centres. 

That’s why planning to join a Nursing course in Australia is a smart move.

But where to start?

Here is a blog that will give you complete details about the study Nursing in Australia. So read till the end to make an informed career decision for a nursing course in Australia. 

What Is a Bachelor of Nursing / BSc Nursing in Australia?

A Bachelor of Nursing (also called BSc Nursing in Australia) is an undergraduate degree designed to prepare students to work as professional nurses. The program combines:

• Classroom learning
• Laboratory practice
• Supervised clinical placements in real healthcare settings

The course focuses on patient care, medical knowledge, ethics, communication skills, and clinical decision-making.

Role of AHPRA

All nursing programs in Australia must meet the standards set by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).

AHPRA:

• Regulates nurses and midwives in Australia
• Approves nursing courses
• Handles nurse registration after graduation

Only graduates from AHPRA-approved courses can apply to become Registered Nurses in Australia.

Why Study a Bachelor of Nursing in Australia?

The most commonly asked question that every Indian student has to face from their parents is;

Why Bachelor of Nursing? 

Why Australia?

To become a professional nurse in the healthcare profession with better positions in hospitals, having a professional degree is a basic requirement. 

And there are other benefits too for Australia and bachelor of Nursing. Here are the 5 vital reasons to ensure the study Nursing in Australia is really the best for you. 

Comprehensive Healthcare Education for Nursing and Midwifery

Australian Universities are offering a world-class learning system for nursing and midwifery. Here, you will learn the in-depth expertise to become a professional nurse or midwife in Australia.

• Clinical nursing practice
• Patient care and safety standards
• Healthcare policies and regulations
• Ethical and legal responsibilities
• Economic and political factors affecting healthcare systems

As a result, you know how to handle real-life hospital situations and effectively communicate with patients and their families.

World-Recognised Healthcare Education System

Australia’s education system is globally respected for its academic standards and regulatory framework.

This global recognition of an Australian degree gives Indian students the flexibility to make a career after graduation. You can:

• Work in Australia
• Apply for registration in other countries
• Return to India with an internationally respected qualification

Australian nursing programs are regulated by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), ensuring high professional standards.

Strong Demand for Nurses in Australia

Australia consistently faces a shortage of skilled nurses. The demand continues to grow due to:

• An ageing population
• Expansion of hospitals and aged care facilities
• Increased focus on mental health services
• Growth in regional and community healthcare

Because of this ongoing demand, nursing graduates have strong employment prospects in:

• Public and private hospitals
• Aged care facilities
• Mental health institutions
• Community and primary healthcare centres
• Regional healthcare services

Thus, Nursing is considered one of the most stable and secure career options in Australia.

Real-World Learning and Practical Training

Australian universities emphasise hands-on clinical training.

As a nursing student, you will:

• Study in advanced simulation laboratories
• Practice clinical procedures in controlled environments
• Complete supervised clinical placements in hospitals and healthcare facilities

Unlike purely theoretical programs, Australian nursing degrees ensure you gain real hospital experience before graduation.

This practical exposure makes graduates:

• Job-ready
• Confident in patient care
• Highly employable globally

Understanding Social Determinants of Health

Australian nursing education goes beyond clinical practice. Students are trained to examine critically:

• The relationship between social factors and health outcomes
• Cultural influences on patient care
• Health inequalities
• Community and public health challenges

You learn how economic conditions, education levels, housing, and social support impact patient health. This knowledge is essential for modern nursing practice and improves your ability to deliver holistic patient care.

Clinical Placements

Clinical placements are a mandatory and essential part of the program.

Students complete hundreds of hours of supervised practical training in:

• Hospitals
• Aged care centres
• Community clinics
• Mental health facilities

These placements help you in applying the classroom knowledge in real-life moments. As a result, it boosts your confidence at work. Apart from this, it also helps you in creating industry connections that will help you in your future career.

Strong Local Healthcare Networks

Australian universities have strong partnerships with:

• Public hospitals
• Private healthcare providers
• Community health organisations

These networks often help students secure internships, placements, and even job opportunities after graduation.

For Indian students, this local exposure is extremely valuable when entering the Australian job market.

Post-Study Work and Migration Opportunities

Nursing is classified as a high-demand occupation in Australia.

After completing your Bachelor of Nursing, you may be eligible for:

• Post-study work visas
• Employer-sponsored jobs
• Skilled migration pathways
• State nomination programs
• Regional migration options

This makes nursing one of the most attractive courses for students who aim for long-term settlement in Australia.

Bachelor of Nursing Course Structure

With the Australian Bachelor of Nursing program, you need to understand the course structure, especially if you are an international student who doesn’t know about the basics of the Australian education system and the Bachelor of Nursing in Au.

Course Duration

The BN course has 2 durations. 

• 3 years – it’s a standard Bachelor of Nursing. This helps students enter the job market faster by providing practical experience while still studying nursing in Australia. 
• 4 years – If the course includes honours, extended placements, or additional academic components

Most Indian students choose the 3-year program.

Core Subjects You Will Study

The curriculum is designed to build knowledge step by step. Common subjects include:

• Foundations of Nursing Practice
• Human Anatomy & Physiology
• Pharmacology (medications and drug safety)
• Mental Health Nursing
• Medical–Surgical Nursing
• Aged Care and Community Health
• Indigenous and Cultural Health Studies

These subjects help students understand both clinical skills and patient care ethics.

Specialisations of Nursing Courses in Australia

As an international student, you have 5 main specialisations to study Nursing courses in Australia. 

General Nursing

In this course, you will learn core nursing roles involving patient assessment, care planning & clinical skills across hospitals and clinics. Builds a foundation for all other specialisations. It offers you a classroom, lab, and clinical placements in real healthcare settings. This course is the base qualification to become an RN in Australia, and at the end, it opens up wide job options across states.

Mental Health Nursing

This specialisation is specifically focused on psychological and psychiatric care. Here you will learn about counselling techniques, behaviour support, and community mental health programs. This is usually studied after an RN qualification. The course has a classroom plus a supervised practicum. Often offered at the postgraduate level or as elective streams in Bachelor’s programs.

Aged Care Nursing

This specialisation in nursing focuses on elderly care, including chronic conditions, mobility support, dementia care, and end-of-life care. It is another advanced course that requires prior RN; focus on theory, clinical practice in aged-care settings.

Community & Public Health Nursing

This emphasises health promotion, disease prevention, community clinics, family health, cultural care, and indigenous health. The course curriculum of such courses is different from the rest. Here, you get a chance to learn primary care theory, community outreach, and practicum in community settings. This course is suitable for nurses who want to work beyond hospitals.

Rural & Remote Nursing

This speclization built to prepare nurses for work in rural regions where nurses need broad clinical skills, autonomous decision-making, and resource-limited care. 

These are the specializations of nursing that you can study and grow as an RN in Australia. But you need to check your eligibility to get admission in the course related to the healthcare industry. 

Top Universities Offering Bachelor of Nursing in Australia

There are lots of options available for the Bachelor of Nursing in Australian Universities. Here are some of them. 

Based on your vision for the career, you need to sort the list of the best options for you. If you are not sure about which course will provide the best career option, you can take free counselling from an expert to know the best Bachelor of Nursing in Australia. 

BSc Nursing in Australia: Fees & Scholarships for Indian Students

Fees and scholarships are also a common concern of the Indian parents and students. Here are the go-to details of Bachelor in Nursing in Australia fees structure, and scholarship details. 

Average Tuition Fees for International Students

The tuition fees for a Bachelor / BSc Nursing in Australia typically range between:

• AUD 30,000 – 45,000 per year

It varies depending on the university ranking, city, and course structure you want to study in Australia. Every year the fee will be increased a bit, so you need to confirm each detail from the official site to plan better. You can also ask a study abroad counselor about the in-depth fee structure of the university you want to apply to. 

Based on the ranking, here is an overview of the fee range per year (AUD

• AUD 28,000 – 32,000 → Regional & mid-ranked universities
• AUD 33,000 – 38,000 → Popular metropolitan universities
• AUD 40,000 – 45,000 → Top-ranked Group of Eight universities

Apart from these, you also need to check other factors to know the average fees of the university. 

Factors Affecting Nursing Course Fees

Here are the other elements that influence the cost of a course at an Australian university. 

• University reputation & QS ranking
• Location
• Course duration
• Clinical simulation facilities & hospital partnerships

Additional Costs to Consider

Indian students should also budget for:

• Clinical uniforms & equipment: AUD 500 – 1,000
• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC): AUD 600 – 800 per year
• Student services & amenities fees
• Living expenses: AUD 21,000 – 25,000 per year (as per visa requirements)

Scholarships for Indian Students

Most universities offer:

• Merit-based scholarships (10%–30% tuition fee reduction)
• International student grants
• Regional campus scholarships

Scholarships are competitive—early application improves chances.

Eligibility Criteria for Bachelor of Nursing in Australia for Indian Students

To study Bachelor in Nursing from Australian Universities, you need to get admission into the international student category. So, the eligibility criteria for international students are slightly different from those of domestic students. That is:

Academic Requirements for a Bachelor in Australia 

• Completion of Class 12 (CBSE / ISC / State Boards)
• Minimum overall percentage varies by university (generally 60%–75%)

Subject Requirements for a Bachelor in Australia 

Most universities require:

• Biology (mandatory in most cases)
• Chemistry (mandatory or recommended)
• English

Students without Biology have very limited options and may need pathway programs.

English Language Requirements

Because nursing involves patient safety and communication, English requirements are strict. In Australia, these are the common English test parameters accepted by Universities in Australia. 

• IELTS Academic: Overall 7.0 (minimum 6.5-7.0 in each band)
• PTE Academic: Overall 65 (minimum 65 in all skills)
• TOEFL iBT: Approx. 94–100 overall

As per the regulations of the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), it is mandatory to have a higher English proficiency score as compared to general university admission standards. After graduation, you might have to re-attempt English tests to maintain your proficiency level.

Additional Requirements for Nursing Students

Before clinical placements, students must complete:

• Medical checks & immunisations (Hepatitis B, MMR, TB, COVID-19, etc.)
• Police clearance certificate
• CPR / First Aid certification
• Working With Children Check (state-specific)

These requirements are mandatory due to patient safety regulations. 

Now, let’s discuss the intakes that you can consider to get admission in the Bachelor of Nursing in Australia. 

Intakes for Bachelor of Nursing in Australia

There are mainly two types of Bachelor of Nursing in Australia that you can target to get admission in an Australian university for your Bachelor’s in Nursing.  

February Intake

It is the main intake that most of the universities in Australia offer their course to international students. Here you can check the availability on their official websites. Apart from this, the February intake is the most preferred option for Indian students to get admission in Australia due to the similar academic session.

July Intake

It’s a secondary intake offered by Australian universities. This time, not all the universities open their courses and offer seats. However, it is a good alternative for students who missed the February intake. You need to check your desired course to get admission. 

How to Plan for an Application in BN in Australia 

Application timeline planning is essential, especially if you are planning to study nursing in Australia. During the process, you have to fulfill various steps to achieve the final acceptance letter from the AU Universities. In general, you have to start preparing for the intended intake at least 10 to 12 months before that.

• February intake → Apply between April and September
• July intake → Apply between October and February

Step-by-Step Admission Process for International Students

Applying to study nursing in Australia involves several structured steps. Since nursing is a regulated and competitive program, it’s important to follow the process carefully.

Step 1: Shortlist Universities and Nursing Programs

The first step is research.

You should compare universities based on:

• AHPRA-approved nursing program
• Tuition fees
• Location (Sydney, Melbourne, regional areas, etc.)
• Clinical placement hours
• IELTS / PTE score requirements
• February or July intake availability

It is recommended to shortlist 3–5 universities based on your academic profile and budget.

Tip: Don’t choose only based on ranking. Consider fees, value of the course, and entry requirements as well.

Step 2: Check Eligibility & English Requirements

Based on your university and course, you need to evaluate your academic and English proficiency from the requirements checklist of the university. 

If your English score is below the requirement, you may need to retake the test.

Step 3: Prepare Academic and Supporting Documents

Based on the nursing course and universities you choose, you need to get the list of required documents. Then, gather all required documents in advance to avoid delays.

Make sure:

• Documents are clear and scanned properly
• All details match your passport
• Names are consistent across documents.

Step 4: Submit Applications

Applications can be submitted:

• Directly on the university website
• Through an authorised education consultant

You can apply to multiple universities to increase your chances of receiving an offer.

After submission, the university will assess your application.

Step 5: Receive Offer Letter

If your application is successful, you will receive:

• Conditional Offer Letter (if some documents are pending), OR
• Unconditional Offer Letter (if all requirements are met)

The offer letter includes:

• Course details
• Tuition fees
• Intake date
• Conditions (if any)

Step 6: Accept Offer & Pay Deposit

To secure your seat:

• Sign the acceptance agreement
• Pay the initial tuition fee deposit.

This confirms your intention to enrol in the course.

Step 7: Receive Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)

After your deposit is paid, the university will issue a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).

The CoE is a crucial document because:

• It proves you are officially enrolled
• It is required to apply for your student visa
• It contains your course duration and details.

Without a CoE, you cannot proceed to visa application.

Step 8: Apply for an Australian Student Visa

Once you receive your CoE, you can apply for the Student visa (subclass 500).

This visa allows:

• Full-time study in Australia
• Part-time work during studies
• Stay for the duration of your course

For visa approval, you must provide:

• CoE
• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
• Financial proof
• Genuine Student statement
• Health and character clearance

If you plan early (6–12 months before intake), the process becomes smooth and stress-free.

Student Visa for study in Australia (Subclass 500)

If you are planning to pursue a Bachelor of Nursing in Australia, you will need to apply for the Student visa (subclass 500). This visa is designed specifically for international students who want to study full-time in Australia.

It is the official pathway that allows you to begin your academic and professional journey in Australia.

The visa allows you to:

• Enrol in a CRICOS-registered university course
• Study full-time for the duration of your program
• Stay legally in Australia while completing your degree.

For nursing students, this means you can complete your theory classes and clinical placements without any visa-related interruptions.

Now let’s explore the career opportunities after studying a Bachelor in Nursing in Australia. 

Career Opportunities After Studying Nursing in Australia

Is Australia a PR friendly country?

Australia is considered a permanent friendly country for skilled talents. But this is a long process. After completing your Bachelor of Nursing, you may be eligible to apply for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485).

Depending on current immigration settings and your qualification:

• You may stay and work in Australia
• Work full-time in your profession
• Gain valuable Australian healthcare experience.

In some cases, nursing graduates may receive extended post-study work rights (up to 5 years, depending on policy and qualification level). During this time, you need to gain experience as a Registered Nurse and earn points. This point system in Australia helps you to make yourself eligible for a PR visa, and experience allows you to expand your career growth.

Conclusion

A Bachelor of Nursing in Australia is a smart and future-focused choice for Indian students who want high-quality education, strong job opportunities, global recognition, and potential long-term settlement pathways. Australian nursing degrees combine academic excellence with practical clinical training, preparing graduates for real-world healthcare roles. 

However, nursing programs have limited seats and competitive academic and English requirements, so early preparation is essential. Applying in advance also increases your chances of securing scholarships and preferred intakes. With proper planning and expert guidance, you can maximise your success and confidently build a rewarding nursing career in Australia.

FAQs About Studying Nursing in Australia

Is a BSc Nursing in Australia good for international students?

Yes. It offers globally recognised qualifications, strong clinical training, excellent employment prospects, and clear post-study work and PR pathways, making it a highly attractive option for international students seeking long-term career growth.

Is nursing in Australia in demand?

Yes. Australia continues to face a shortage of qualified nurses due to an ageing population and expanding healthcare services, ensuring stable job opportunities across hospitals, aged care, and community health sectors.

Can international students work part-time during their studies?

Yes. International students can work part-time while studying under visa conditions, allowing them to gain local work experience, support living expenses, and develop professional and communication skills.

Can nurses apply for PR in Australia?

Yes. Nursing is a high-demand occupation listed on skilled migration pathways, providing eligible graduates opportunities to apply for permanent residency through state nomination, employer sponsorship, or skilled migration programs.