Nursing study in Australia means choosing between a vocational diploma and a university degree. Most international students start with an 18-month Diploma of Nursing, or move straight into a 3-year Bachelor of Nursing.
What does nursing study in Australia involve?
Nursing in Australia has two main entry points. A Diploma of Nursing leads to work as an Enrolled Nurse. A Bachelor of Nursing leads to work as a Registered Nurse. Enrolled Nurses work under the supervision of a Registered Nurse. Registered Nurses take on more responsibility, including assessment, care planning, and medication management.
Which nursing qualification should you choose?
Pick based on your timeline and your goals. The Diploma of Nursing usually takes around 18 months. It suits students who want to start working sooner, in a supervised role. The Bachelor of Nursing usually takes three years. It opens more job options and a clearer path to further study. If you already work as a nurse in another country, a Graduate Diploma may help you register in Australia instead. Ask us which pathway fits your background and your goals.
| Diploma of Nursing | Bachelor of Nursing | |
|---|---|---|
| Usual length | About 18 months | About 3 years |
| Works as | Enrolled Nurse, under a Registered Nurse | Registered Nurse |
| Registers with | The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia, through AHPRA | The same board |
| Skilled occupation list | Short-term list only (STSOL) | Medium and Long-term list (MLTSSL) |
| Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) after the course | Not through Enrolled Nurse: the vocational stream needs an occupation on the MLTSSL | The Post-Higher Education Work stream, for applicants 35 or younger |
| Skills assessment for a skilled visa | ANMAC | ANMAC |
Course lengths are the usual ones; each college sets its own. Sources 3 4
Where do nurses work in Australia?
Nurses work across many different settings. These include public and private hospitals, aged care homes, community health centres, schools, and rural or remote clinics. Some nurses specialise in areas like mental health, paediatrics, or emergency care. Others move into midwifery, which has its own separate registration path through the same national board.
What does nursing study cost in 2027?
Every international student needs a student visa (subclass 500), and the Department of Home Affairs asks for evidence of funds. The costs, in order:
Visa costs
- AUD $2,500 for most applicants.
- AUD $2,050 for citizens of 10 ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) countries.
- AUD $745 for citizens of Pacific Island countries and Timor-Leste.1
The student visa page lists the countries.
Course fees per year
Course fees vary by college, location, and qualification level. Ask us for the current fee for your chosen course before you enrol.
Agency fees
- The Studyaway service fee is AUD $2,000 for a new student visa application from outside Australia, the same for every passport.8
Health insurance
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is compulsory for the whole length of the visa.9 The price depends on the insurer and the length of cover. The health insurance page gets a quote.
Living costs
- AUD $29,710 for 12 months: the figure the Department of Home Affairs asks to see evidence of.2
Evidence of travel, the first year of course fees and AUD $29,710 for living costs.2 The funds calculator works out the figure.
What do you need to apply for nursing study?
- You need a place in an approved nursing course at an Australian college or university.
- You need proof of English proficiency at the level your course sets.
- Ask us for the current test score your course requires, since this can change between colleges.
- You also need to meet health and character checks, including a police clearance from your home country.
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is compulsory for the whole length of your visa.
The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia sets its own English standard for registration, above the student visa level. For tests taken on or after 23 April 2026: IELTS Academic 7 overall, with 7 in listening, reading and speaking and 6.5 in writing; or PTE Academic 63 overall, with listening 58, reading 59, writing 60 and speaking 76.5
Since 2 October 2026, the Department of Home Affairs requires a student visa application to be made from outside Australia, unless the applicant holds an eligible visa and meets an exemption. A student visa holder in Australia can apply there for a new student visa only in set cases, such as finishing the same course with the same college, or moving up to one course at a higher level after finishing.6
What is nursing study actually like?
Nursing is demanding, in a good and a hard way. Classes combine classroom theory with supervised clinical placements in real health settings. You study alongside a diverse group of classmates, and work under experienced nursing staff. The work is physical and emotional, as well as academic. Many students say placements are where the learning finally feels real.
Can you work while you study nursing?
Yes, within limits. A student visa allows work of up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods, meaning every two weeks.7 Nursing has a heavy timetable, especially during clinical placement blocks. Many students plan their budget around this work limit, rather than around casual income alone.
What happens after you graduate from nursing?
Enrolled Nurses and Registered Nurses both register with Australia’s national nursing board before they can practise. Registration includes ongoing requirements, like continuing professional development. After the Bachelor, a Registered Nurse can apply for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485); the applicant must be 35 or younger.4 Some graduates look into further study or other visa options to keep building a career in Australia. A pathway to permanent residency (PR) may be available through skilled visas, but eligibility depends on your occupation, your employer, and your personal circumstances.
This article is general information only, not migration advice. Course details checked July 2026; the visa, funds, skills list and registration English facts were read at source on 22 October 2026. In Australia, immigration assistance may only be provided by a registered migration agent or Australian legal practitioner - Studyaway provides all students with access to a Registered Migration Agent.
Sources
- Migration Regulations 1994, Schedule 1, item 1222(2) (the visa application charge), Compilation No. 289. Read 22 October 2026.
- Migration Regulations 1994, Schedule 2, clause 500.214; LIN 19/198, section 6(2) (funds), Compilation No. 2. Read 22 October 2026.
- LIN 19/051, sections 7 to 10AA (skilled occupation lists and assessing authorities), Compilation No. 5. Read 22 October 2026.
- Migration Regulations 1994, Schedule 1, item 1229(3)(k) and (4)(b), and Schedule 2, clause 485.231 (Temporary Graduate visa), Compilation No. 289. Read 22 October 2026.
- AHPRA, Accepted English language tests (page reviewed 23 April 2026). Read 22 October 2026.
- Department of Home Affairs, Subclass 500 Student visa page (updated 12 October 2026); Migration Regulations 1994, Schedule 1, item 1222(3)(aa) and (3A); LIN 20/158, sections 18 and 19. Read 22 October 2026.
- Migration Regulations 1994, Schedule 8, condition 8105 (48 hours a fortnight), Compilation No. 289. Read 22 October 2026.
- Studyaway, Pricing: every Studyaway price. Read 22 October 2026.
- Migration Regulations 1994, Schedule 2, clause 500.215 (health insurance), Compilation No. 289. Read 22 October 2026.
Checked and updated 22 October 2026.
