Study nursing in Australia in 2026: what it really takes

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.

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 2026?

Course fees vary by college, location, and qualification level. Ask us for the current fee for your chosen course before you enrol. Every international student also needs a student visa (subclass 500). The visa application charge is AUD $2,500. Citizens of Pacific countries and Timor-Leste pay a concession rate of AUD $745. You must also show you can support yourself financially. The current first-year living-cost requirement is AUD $29,710, and this is separate from your course fees.

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.

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. 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 registration, some graduates look into further study or 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. Figures checked July 2026 against official sources. 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. Check your own situation with our free eligibility check.