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.
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
Australia’s healthcare and social assistance sector is the country’s largest and fastest-growing industry. According to the Australian Government, it is projected to generate over two million jobs by 2025. This growth creates strong demand for qualified nurses across hospitals, aged care, community health, and specialist services.
After completing a recognised nursing qualification in Australia, international students can apply for registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). AHPRA registration enables graduates to practise as nurses in Australia and enhances employment prospects both locally and internationally.
Types of Nursing Courses in Australia
Before exploring the most affordable nursing programmes for international students, here’s a quick overview of the main course types available:
| Course Type |
Typical Duration |
| Diploma of Nursing |
18–24 months |
| Graduate Certificate |
6–12 months |
| Bachelor’s Degree |
36 months |
| Master’s Degree |
18–24 months |
Affordable Nursing Courses in Australia
| Institution/University |
Popular Nursing Course |
Average Course Fees (AUD) |
| Avondale University |
Master of Nursing |
$34,000 |
| Central Queensland University |
Bachelor of Nursing |
$32,000 |
| Flinders University |
Graduate Certificate in Acute Care Nursing |
$12,852 |
| James Cook University |
Graduate Certificate in Nursing |
$12,208 |
| James Cook University |
Graduate Diploma in Nursing |
$24,416 |
| James Cook University |
Master of Nursing |
$36,624 |
| University of the Sunshine Coast |
Bachelor of Nursing Science |
$29,600 |
| Western Sydney University |
Master of Nursing |
$36,896 |
Affordable Diploma of Nursing Courses in Australia
| Institution |
Course Name |
Duration |
Estimated Total Fees (AUD) |
| TAFE Queensland |
Diploma of Nursing |
18–24 months |
$27,000–$30,000 |
| TAFE NSW |
Diploma of Nursing |
18 months |
$28,000–$32,000 |
| Institute of Health and Nursing Australia (IHNA) |
Diploma of Nursing |
18–24 months |
$28,000–$33,000 |
| Kangan Institute (Victoria) |
Diploma of Nursing |
18 months |
$29,000–$31,000 |
| South Metropolitan TAFE (WA) |
Diploma of Nursing |
18 months |
$26,000–$30,000 |
| Gordon Institute of TAFE (VIC) |
Diploma of Nursing |
18–24 months |
$27,000–$30,000 |
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 StudyIn today for a free consultation.
