Study Nursing in Australia: Top Universities, Courses, Cost & Scholarships 2026

When a student chooses to study nursing in Australia, they are opening a career pathway that is not only demanding and pays them well in the long-run, but they also work in one of the most noble professions in the healthcare field. Australia is a top preferred destination for healthcare students wanting to pursue a career in medicine, nursing, mental health care, and related areas. It is one of the top study destinations to study abroad for many international students who seek quality education and rewarding careers. 

Pursuing nursing in Australia is a great opportunity for students who want to help patients and contribute to the healthcare industry. If you, too, have plans to study nursing in Australia and take this career path, then this guide will help you to prepare for your overseas education in 2026, by looking at courses, costs, top universities, scholarships, and more.

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Why is Nursing in Australia Preferred by International Medical Students?

Australia is, without a doubt, one of the top study destinations for international students to study abroad, but what makes pursuing a higher education in nursing so rewarding? Here are some reasons why 2026 is the best time for students to study nursing in Australia:

• Australian universities like the University of Sydney (20), Monash University (24), and the University of Melbourne (25) are among the best-ranked universities in the world to pursue a course in nursing.
• Pursuing nursing courses in Australia can be rewarding for earning potential. Starting salaries for registered nurses range from AU$ 75,000 to AU$ 85,000, while senior practitioners can earn more than AU$ 120,000.
• If you are interested in learning more about getting a PR in Australia, then you should study nursing in Australia, as it comes in the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). High-demanding roles like registered nurse and critical care can offer you routes to obtain permanent residency through 189, 190, and 491 visa options.

Different Academic Pathways to Study Nursing in Australia

Nursing courses in Australia can be opted for in three main ways: diploma, bachelor’s, and master’s. Two of them offer professional levels of career development: diploma and bachelor’s, leading to an enrolled nurse pathway and a registered nurse pathway, respectively. Here are the list of these academic pathways with a quick breakdown of what they contain:

Diploma of Nursing

A 1-year diploma course in nursing offers the pathway to an “Enrolled Nurse” in Australia. The duration of this academic pathway is usually 1 year, but can be extended to 2 years, too. This is ideal for students who look for a quick transition of their academic career, while seeking a more affordable option to start working as soon as possible. Some students also study nursing in Australia through this academic pathway as this helps them to directly begin with the 2nd year of a Bachelor’s degree.

Bachelor of Nursing

Bachelor of nursing in Australia offers students the opportunity to apply for a registration as a “Registered Nurse” (RN” with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). The entry-level requirements to pursue a bachelor’s course in nursing consist of having a high school diploma with good academic scores with PCB (physics, chemistry, biology) as primary subjects. The duration of a full-time course to study nursing in Australia is 3 years for all international students.

Master of Nursing

A master's in nursing in Australia for international students has a duration of 2 years. It can be rewarding for those students who hold a degree in a different field, such as science or arts, but now they want to enter into nursing and work as a registered nurse in Australia.

Nursing Subject List Most Commonly Used in Australian Universities

Pursuing your studies in nursing at Australian universities can provide you with a comprehensive education with a wide range of areas to cover in this respectable field. A student who plans to study nursing in Australia will be open to receive several opportunities to learn more about their field and professional practices through theoretical and practical learning. Here is the nursing subject list that is most commonly used in most universities:

• Intensive healthcare medicine
• Mental health
• Pathology
• Anatomy and physiology
• Physiatric nursing 
• Microbiology
• Child health nursing
• Public health nursing
• Biochemistry
• Midwifery and obstetrical nursing
• Pharmacology
• Medical-surgical nursing
• Nutrition etc.

Best Nursing Universities in Australia for International Students With Global Rankings 2025

Australia is a powerhouse when it comes to healthcare education and rewarding career opportunities in this sector. If you want to learn more about which universities are best to study nursing in Australia, then look no further; the table below features the top universities in Australia for nursing with their respective global rankings for the year 2025:

Note: The rankings are based on the list - “QS World University Rankings By Subject 2025: Nursing” provided by Quacquarelli Symonds, the analytics firm for the higher education institutions, on their official website. These rankings are subject to change due to certain variables and factors at any point of time.

Budget Planning: Nursing Course Fees in Australia and Living Cost Estimates for International Students in 2026

The option to study nursing in Australia can lead students to have a highly respected and rewarding career pathway. But this surely comes at a cost, which can vary according to the exact chosen Australian university, level of degree, and exact academic program. Both tuition fees and cost of living make up your entire budget to pursue your study in Australia.

Tuition Fees

Nursing course fees in Australia is relatively more affordable than what is charged in the USA or the UK, and it looks something like this for each level of degree:

Note: The represented range of tuition fees are an estimate for the majority of the top universities in Australia with nursing courses. This does not include the additional charges students pay for study materials, practical training, medical facilities, and more services of the universities. These tuition fees for international students will vary according to the university and chosen academic program, and are always subject to change. The value of fees in Indian currency is based on the current exchange rate (in 2026).

Cost of Living

If you want to study nursing in Australia with better budget planning, consider the following annual living expenses, estimated based on the Australian Department of Home Affairs guidelines in 2025 for international students. They clearly state that international students will need to show proof of at least AU$ 29,710 for their annual living expenses. Remember that living expenses in metropolitan areas, such as Sydney and Melbourne, are higher than in regional areas, such as Adelaide, Perth, and Darwin, which can save up to 20% on rent.

Note: The range of living expenses is calculated to show the average expenses each international student will bear during their course of study. The shown values are based on the current standard of living in Australia, and are subject to change in later months. These expenses can vary depending on the location and the lifestyle preferences of a student.

Mandatory Requirements for Admission to Nursing Universities in Australia

To study nursing in Australia, all international students must meet the following criteria:

• English language proficiency - IELTS overall 7.0 (with no band lower than 7.0) PTE Academic overall 65 (with no score below than 65) in top-ranked universities
• Submission of academic transcripts, as required by the university and Australian Visa and Immigration Department
• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is a mandatory requirement to obtain visa
• Must show proof of required funds to cover your tuition fees and living expenses
• Additional crafted documents like Statement of Purpose (SOP) and Letter of Recommendation (LOR)
• A valid passport to apply for visa by paying an application fee of AU$ 1,600

Scholarships to Ease Financial Burden for Pursuing Nursing Courses in Australia

If you are looking for options to apply for a scholarship to study nursing in Australia, consider applying for one of these scholarships, based on your qualifications and eligibility:

• Johnson Nursing Scholarship (University of Sydney)
• WUF Global Scholarship
• Scholarship for Excellence by Monash University
• Ballarat International Nursing Scholarship (Australian Catholic University)
• Hani Zeini Award for Nursing
• Sydney University Alumni discount
• Affinity Nursing & Midwifery Scholarship (Charles Sturt University)
• Remarkable Scholarship by Griffith University 
• Bachelor of Nursing Scholarship (Charles Darwin University)
• Destination Australia Scholarship

Job Opportunities After Finishing Your Nursing Courses in Australia for International Students

After completing BSc or MSc nursing in Australia, you can apply for diverse jobs in various healthcare settings. Here are some key nursing roles offered with average pay scales:

Note: The shown pay range is based on the trends and standards in the Australian job market and the healthcare sector. These can vary according to the location, degree level, job position, and changes in the pay structure of each position.

To Conclude

Studying nursing in Australia is an academic pursuit. It is a big commitment to humanity with excellence and care. BSc or MSc nursing courses from Australia's renowned colleges help you enter a world of diverse scopes and opportunities. Nursing skills, education, knowledge, and dedication become the driving force behind a healthier tomorrow.

Australia provides bespoke education and the essence of nursing. Thus, nursing courses in Australia for international students ensure its graduates become the heroes of medical communities worldwide. Here is to the bright future of nursing courses in Australia for international students and the impactful contributions each Diploma, BSc, and MSc graduate will make in the ever-evolving realm of the healthcare industry.

For more information about nursing courses in Australia, contact Education Vibes. We are one of the leading study abroad consultants helping students choose their dream nursing courses in top Australian universities.