Bachelor of Nursing in Australia

What Will You Learn in This Course?

The Bachelor of Nursing prepares students for the role of a Registered Nurse. Course subjects include behavioural science, physical science, ethics, and professional subjects related to contemporary nursing practice.

​

After completing your degree, you'll be equipped to become an effective nursing professional in the Australian healthcare system.

​

Many courses also include simulation blocks and professional experience placements. Study Australia describes both as required parts of one Bachelor of Nursing course.

​

Career Outcomes After This Course

• Registered Nurse

• Clinical Nurse Consultant

• Clinical Nurse Specialist

• Nurse Educator

• Nurse Manager

• Nurse Practitioner (with further postgraduate study and endorsement)

• Rural and Remote Practice Nurse

​​

Entry Requirements for the Bachelor of Nursing

Entry rules are set by each institution, so they differ between courses.

Typical routes include:

• Year 12 or an equivalent qualification

• A completed Diploma of Nursing (Enrolled Nurse). Some providers give credit, for example UNE gives eight units of advanced standing

• A bachelor degree in another field, where an accelerated course is offered. UTS offers one for graduates within the past eight years

Student visa holders generally need to study full time. Confirm the study load with your provider before you enrol.

​

English Language Rules for Nurse Registration

Enrolment English, skills assessment English and registration English are three separate checks. The scores for the first two are in the Course Snapshot above. The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) sets the third.

​

Every first-time applicant for nurse registration must meet the NMBA English language skills standard, whatever their language background or visa status. The revised standard took effect on 18 March 2025.

​

There are three pathways:

• Primary language pathway

• English language test pathway

• Extended education pathway, intended as an exceptional route

​

Accepted tests are Cambridge C1 Advanced and C2 Proficiency, IELTS Academic, OET, TOEFL iBT and PTE Academic, taken at a test centre. Home editions are not accepted.

​

The 2025 update lowered the writing score for approved tests from IELTS 7 to 6.5 or equivalent. Read the NMBA fact sheet for the exact scores and how long results stay valid.

​

Course Approval and Nurse Registration

To work as a Registered Nurse in Australia, you must register with the NMBA through Ahpra.

​

Check that your course is on the Approved Programs of Study list before you enrol. ANMAC accredits nursing programs, and the NMBA approves them. Finishing a program that is not on the list may stop you from registering.

​

Graduates of approved programs are qualified for registration. You still need to apply and meet the other registration requirements.

​

Student Visa Basics for Nursing Students

Most international students study nursing on a Student visa (subclass 500). The Department of Home Affairs lists these main requirements:

• Apply online

• Apply from outside Australia, unless you hold an eligible visa and meet an exemption that allows you to apply in Australia

• Hold a valid Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) when the visa is decided

• Hold Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), unless you fall in an exemption category

• Do not bring partners or children to Australia, unless exempt

​

The visa lets you work up to 48 hours a fortnight while your course is in session. The stay can run up to 6 years, in line with your enrolment.

​

Use the Home Affairs Visa Pricing Estimator for the current visa cost. Student visa rules change often, so check the official page before you lodge.

​

Read our Student visa guide for more.

​

After Graduation: TR 485 and Migration Planning

Graduates may apply for the Temporary Graduate visa (TR 485), which runs for 2 years upon course completion. See our Temporary Graduate Visa (TR 485) page for the current rules.

​

For skilled migration, ANMAC assesses nursing qualifications. Occupation lists change, so check our occupation lists page and the Home Affairs skilled occupation list before you plan.

​

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the Bachelor of Nursing take?

The course takes 3 years to complete and leads to a Temporary Graduate visa (TR 485) validity of 2 years after graduation.

​

How much does this course cost in Australia?

Course fees start from $78,000 in total, with an initial deposit starting from $5,000. Exact pricing varies significantly by institution, ranging up to over $150,000 depending on the school.

​

What English score do I need to enrol?

You need IELTS 7.0 (Academic) overall, or equivalent, to enrol in this course.

​

What English score do I need for the nursing skills assessment?

You need 7.0 on each band of IELTS, or 65 on each band of PTE, for the nursing skills assessment.

​

What can I work as after completing this course?

Graduates can work as a Registered Nurse, with further career pathways into Clinical Nurse Specialist, Nurse Educator, Nurse Manager, or Rural and Remote Practice Nurse roles.

​

Ready to Start Your Nursing Pathway?

RACC Australia matches you with the right institution based on your budget, intake timing, and state preference — and we don't charge any service fee for your Student Visa Application.

​

Book a FREE Online Consultation to get a personalised course and school recommendation, confirm your intake date, and start your visa application process today.