Nursing Courses in Australia: Diploma, Bachelor and Master Options
.png)
Last Updated: 26 Aug 2026
Nursing courses in Australia include the Diploma of Nursing (entry-level, no background required), the Bachelor of Nursing, and the Master of Nursing (with or without a prior nursing background). Overseas-registered nurses have a separate Conversion Program or OBA (Outcomes-Based Assessment) route that does not require restarting a full degree.
Nursing is on Australia's Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (see the full occupation lists), which is relevant if you are also planning a skilled migration pathway - see Skilled Independent (189), state nomination (190), and regional (491) visa pages for details.
Key takeaways:
-
Diploma of Nursing - entry-level course, no nursing background required, leads to Enrolled Nurse.
-
Bachelor of Nursing and Master of Nursing - lead to Registered Nurse; Master is available with or without a prior nursing background.
-
Overseas-registered nurses can convert via a 1-year Bachelor of Nursing Conversion Program, or via OBA if not eligible for the Bridging Program.
-
Studying in a regional area (including Perth, Adelaide, Gold Coast, Geelong, Bendigo and Ballarat) adds extra points if you are also pursuing skilled migration.
Not the right course for your background? Browse courses for PR in Australia by occupation.
Diploma of Nursing
The Diploma of Nursing is the entry point into Enrolled Nurse without a prior nursing background. It is offered across most Australian states.
Studying in a regional area adds extra points to a skilled migration visa application. Perth, Adelaide and Gold Coast count as regional areas despite being metropolitan cities. Geelong, Bendigo and Ballarat - about an hour from Melbourne CBD - also qualify.
Courses:
-
Diploma of Nursing - become an Enrolled Nurse, no background required
Read the full Enrolled Nurse migration pathway and latest PR invitations.
Bachelor of Nursing
The Bachelor of Nursing leads to a Registered Nurse skills assessment. Places fill quickly - most intakes across Australia have limited slots each year.
If you already hold a Diploma of Nursing, or a Bachelor's or Master's in any field, you may be eligible for a 2-year Bachelor of Nursing pathway instead of the standard 3-year course.
Courses:
Master of Nursing
The Master of Nursing is popular among international students who already hold a Bachelor of Nursing, as it leads to higher management roles in the profession.
If you do not have a nursing background, some universities still accept you into a Master of Nursing after you complete a short Anatomy and Physiology bridging course.
Courses:
-
Master of Nursing - with or without a nursing background
-
Master of Nursing without Nursing Background - Western Australia
Changing Your Current Course to Nursing
If you are currently studying a different field and want to switch to Nursing, you may be eligible to change course. Read more on changing course in Australia.
RACC does not charge a service fee for onshore student visa applications or for a change of school.
Overseas-Registered Nurses: Conversion Program and OBA
If you are already a Registered Nurse in your home country, you do not need to restart a full nursing degree. Two main options exist.
Option 1: Conversion Program
The Conversion Program is a 1-year Bachelor's-level program that lets an overseas-registered nurse transfer their accreditation. It is in high demand with limited seats each intake.
Combining the Conversion Program with certain other 1-year courses can make you eligible for the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485), Graduate Work stream, for 2 years.
See nursing and related courses eligible for this combination.
Option 2: OBA (Outcomes-Based Assessment)
The Bridging Program for Nurses has closed. It has been replaced by OBA for anyone who is not eligible for the Bridging Program (eligibility for Bridging was limited to nurses who registered with AHPRA between 1 October 2019 and 21 February 2020 and received a referral letter).
OBA has two components: a written multiple-choice exam and a practical exam. Preparatory coaching is available for both.
Read more on the OBA Bridging Course update for nurses.
Option 3: Bachelor or Master Degree
Some overseas-registered nurses choose to complete a Bachelor or Master of Nursing in Australia instead, to upskill their existing accreditation. Partial scholarships are available at some universities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which nursing course should I choose if I don't have a nursing background?
The Diploma of Nursing is the standard entry point with no background required, leading to Enrolled Nurse. If you already hold a bachelor's degree in any field, some universities also accept you into a Master of Nursing after a short Anatomy and Physiology bridging course.
Is Nursing relevant to a skilled migration pathway?
Nursing is on Australia's Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List, which is relevant if you are also planning a skilled migration application - see subclass 189, state nomination (190) and regional visas (491), subject to your points score and a positive skills assessment.
Does a Diploma of Nursing qualify for a graduate visa (subclass 485)?
Eligibility for the subclass 485 Temporary Graduate Visa depends on course length and the Australian Study Requirement, not the qualification level alone. Combining a Diploma of Nursing or Conversion Program with certain other courses can help meet the requirement - book a consultation to check your specific course combination.
How do overseas-registered nurses become registered in Australia?
Overseas-registered nurses generally take one of two paths: a 1-year Bachelor of Nursing Conversion Program, or the OBA (Outcomes-Based Assessment), which replaced the now-closed Bridging Program. OBA includes a written exam and a practical exam, both with preparatory coaching available.
Do I need a nursing background to study a Master of Nursing?
No. Some universities accept students into a Master of Nursing without a nursing background, provided they complete a short Anatomy and Physiology bridging course first.
.png)