Nursing is one of the most rewarding and in-demand professions worldwide. In Australia, the demand for highly skilled nurses has been growing rapidly due to an aging population, rising healthcare needs, and a shortage of qualified professionals. This makes Australia one of the best destinations for nursing studies, offering world-class education, extensive clinical training, and excellent career opportunities.
For aspiring nurses, choosing the right college is one of the most important steps. Australian nursing colleges are globally recognized for their quality education, strong practical training, and research-oriented approach. Many universities rank among the top 50 globally in nursing, attracting students from all parts of the world.
This guide provides a comprehensive look at the best nursing colleges in Australia, the courses they offer, their locations, approximate fees, and why they stand out as ideal destinations for nursing education.
Why Study Nursing in Australia?
Before listing the top colleges, let’s explore why Australia is a popular destination for nursing students:
- Global Recognition – Nursing degrees from Australian universities are internationally accredited, allowing graduates to work not only in Australia but also in countries like the UK, USA, Canada, and New Zealand.
- High Demand for Nurses – Australia faces a consistent nursing shortage, creating a steady demand for registered nurses, midwives, and specialists. This ensures excellent job prospects after graduation.
- Excellent Salaries – Registered nurses in Australia earn an average salary of AUD 80,000–100,000 annually, depending on their specialization and experience.
- Strong Clinical Training – Nursing programs in Australia focus heavily on practical experience, with placements in hospitals, clinics, and healthcare centers.
- Pathways for International Students – International students can study nursing in Australia and later apply for permanent residency, as nursing is on the skilled occupation list.
Top Nursing Colleges in Australia
Below is a list of some of the best nursing colleges in Australia, along with their key details such as location, courses, and approximate fees.
1. Charles Sturt University – Bachelor of Nursing
- Location: Sydney, Melbourne, Albury-Wodonga, Bathurst, Dubbo, Orange, Port Macquerie, Wagga Wagga
- Courses Offered:
- Bachelor of Nursing
- Duration: 3 years
- Approx. Fees:
Domestic on campus
Commonwealth grant scheme (CGS):
Full-time – $6,316.00 per yearDomestic online
Commonwealth grant scheme (CGS):
Full-time – $6,316.00 per year - Why Choose It?
Currently ranking #1 in Australia for nursing undergrads who get jobs (95% of their grads are employed full-time within 4 months of graduating). Their accredited course will prepare you for the healthcare workforce, and you’ll benefit from their strong industry links and ties to regional and metropolitan communities across New South Wales. Patient care requires a holistic approach, and this course provides you with the theory, skills and understanding you’ll need in the workplace.
2. University of Sydney – Susan Wakil School of Nursing and Midwifery
- Location: Sydney, New South Wales
- Courses Offered:
- Bachelor of Nursing (Advanced Studies)
- Graduate Entry Masters in Nursing
- Postgraduate specializations (Mental Health, Emergency, Intensive Care, Aged Care)
- Duration: 3 years (undergraduate), 2 years (graduate entry)
- Approx. Fees: AUD 33,000 – 40,000 per year
- Why Choose It?
Consistently ranked among the top nursing schools worldwide, the University of Sydney provides excellent research facilities, world-class teaching, and diverse clinical placements across Australia and overseas.
3. Monash University – Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences
- Location: Melbourne, Victoria
- Courses Offered:
- Bachelor of Nursing
- Master of Nursing Practice
- Specialized postgraduate courses in clinical nursing
- Duration: 3 years (Bachelor), 2 years (Master)
- Approx. Fees: AUD 35,000 – 41,000 per year
- Why Choose It?
Monash is internationally recognized for healthcare education and research. Students gain access to extensive clinical networks and modern simulation labs, ensuring a strong practical foundation.
4. University of Melbourne – Melbourne School of Health Sciences
- Location: Melbourne, Victoria
- Courses Offered:
- Master of Nursing Science (graduate entry)
- PhD and research pathways in nursing
- Duration: 2 years (Masters)
- Approx. Fees: AUD 38,000 – 42,000 per year
- Why Choose It?
The University of Melbourne focuses on evidence-based practice, advanced research, and leadership in healthcare. It is one of the top-ranked universities in Australia for nursing research and postgraduate training.
5. Deakin University – School of Nursing and Midwifery
- Location: Melbourne, Victoria
- Courses Offered:
- Bachelor of Nursing
- Bachelor of Nursing/Midwifery (double degree)
- Master of Nursing Practice
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Nursing
- Duration: 3–4 years (Bachelor), 2 years (Master)
- Approx. Fees: AUD 32,000 – 37,000 per year
- Why Choose It?
Deakin is one of the largest nursing schools in Australia and is well known for blending academic learning with hands-on clinical experience. It also offers flexible study options, including regional placements.
6. University of Queensland – UQ School of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work
- Location: Brisbane, Queensland
- Courses Offered:
- Bachelor of Nursing
- Master of Nursing
- PhD programs in nursing
- Duration: 3 years (Bachelor), 2 years (Master)
- Approx. Fees: AUD 30,000 – 38,000 per year
- Why Choose It?
UQ is a Group of Eight (Go8) university with strong international rankings. Its nursing graduates are highly employable, and students benefit from clinical partnerships with leading hospitals in Queensland.
7. University of Technology Sydney (UTS) – Faculty of Health
- Location: Sydney, New South Wales
- Courses Offered:
- Bachelor of Nursing
- Master of Advanced Nursing
- Postgraduate specializations in primary healthcare, mental health, and leadership
- Duration: 3 years (Bachelor), 2 years (Master)
- Approx. Fees: AUD 28,000 – 33,000 per year
- Why Choose It?
UTS is renowned for its state-of-the-art simulation labs and practical focus. Students undergo extensive placements in hospitals across Sydney, ensuring strong clinical readiness.
8. Griffith University – School of Nursing and Midwifery
- Location: Brisbane, Queensland
- Courses Offered:
- Bachelor of Nursing
- Master of Advanced Nursing Practice
- Doctoral research in nursing
- Duration: 3 years (Bachelor), 2 years (Master)
- Approx. Fees: AUD 28,000 – 35,000 per year
- Why Choose It?
Griffith has a modern curriculum that emphasizes patient-centered care, leadership, and research. It has a strong reputation in nursing education and clinical placements.
9. University of Adelaide – School of Nursing
- Location: Adelaide, South Australia
- Courses Offered:
- Bachelor of Nursing
- Master of Clinical Nursing
- Duration: 3 years (Bachelor), 2 years (Master)
- Approx. Fees: AUD 35,000 – 40,000 per year
- Why Choose It?
The University of Adelaide offers a practice-based approach with strong clinical placements. It is one of Australia’s top universities with a long history of excellence in health education.
10. Queensland University of Technology (QUT) – School of Nursing
- Location: Brisbane, Queensland
- Courses Offered:
- Bachelor of Nursing
- Master of Nursing
- Duration: 3 years (Bachelor), 2 years (Master)
- Approx. Fees: AUD 34,000 – 36,000 per year
- Why Choose It?
QUT combines innovative teaching methods with clinical placements, preparing graduates for diverse healthcare settings.
11. Australian Catholic University (ACU)
- Location: Multiple campuses (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Canberra)
- Courses Offered:
- Bachelor of Nursing
- Master of Clinical Nursing
- Duration: 3 years (Bachelor), 2 years (Master)
- Approx. Fees: AUD 30,000 – 33,000 per year
- Why Choose It?
ACU has one of the largest nursing programs in the country, with strong graduate employability and a focus on compassionate, patient-centered care.
Average Costs for Nursing in Australia
- Bachelor of Nursing: AUD 28,000 – 41,000 per year
- Master of Nursing/Advanced Nursing: AUD 30,000 – 42,000 per year
- PhD in Nursing: AUD 35,000 – 45,000 per year
Additional expenses may include accommodation, textbooks, uniforms, and clinical placement costs.
Career Opportunities After Studying Nursing in Australia
Graduates of Australian nursing programs have access to excellent career prospects, both domestically and internationally. Career options include:
- Registered Nurse (RN)
- Clinical Nurse Specialist
- Nurse Practitioner
- Midwife
- Mental Health Nurse
- Critical Care Nurse
- Aged Care Nurse
- Nurse Educator or Researcher
With nursing on Australia’s Skilled Occupation List, international graduates can apply for work visas and permanent residency, making it an attractive career pathway.
Final Thoughts
Studying nursing in Australia is not just about gaining a degree—it’s about building a career with global opportunities. From the University of Sydney and Monash to Griffith and ACU, Australian nursing colleges offer excellent education, clinical training, and pathways to career success.
Whether you’re a domestic student or an international applicant, the combination of high-quality teaching, practical learning, and global recognition makes Australia one of the best destinations in the world to pursue nursing studies.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Most universities require completion of Year 12 (high school) or an equivalent qualification for undergraduate nursing programs. For postgraduate nursing, a bachelor’s degree in nursing or a related health field is required. International students must also meet English language proficiency (IELTS 7.0 overall, with no band less than 6.5, is common).
The tuition fees for nursing programs in Australia typically range from AUD 28,000 to AUD 42,000 per year, depending on the university and the program level (undergraduate, postgraduate, or PhD). Additional costs may include textbooks, uniforms, and clinical placement expenses.
Bachelor of Nursing: Usually 3 years full-time
Master of Nursing (Entry to Practice): 2 years
Specialized Postgraduate Nursing Courses: 1–2 years
PhD in Nursing: 3–4 years
Yes, nursing degrees from Australian universities are globally recognized. Graduates can work in countries such as the UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand, and parts of Asia after meeting local licensing requirements.
Yes, international students are allowed to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during semesters and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. Many students work in healthcare support roles while studying.
Yes. Australia has a high demand for qualified nurses, and graduates often secure jobs soon after completing their studies. Roles include Registered Nurse, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Nurse Practitioner, and Aged Care Nurse. Nursing is also listed on Australia’s Skilled Occupation List, which helps with permanent residency pathways.
Some of the top nursing schools include the University of Sydney, Monash University, University of Melbourne, Deakin University, and the University of Queensland. Each has strong clinical placement opportunities and global recognition.
Yes, after graduation, you must register with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) to work as a professional nurse. This involves meeting English language, clinical placement, and professional standards requirements.
Yes, many universities allow specialization in areas such as Mental Health Nursing, Midwifery, Pediatric Nursing, Critical Care Nursing, and Aged Care Nursing.
Graduates can work in public and private hospitals, aged care facilities, community health centers, schools, and research institutions. With experience, nurses may also progress into leadership, management, or academic roles.