Nursing qualification pathways in Australia
There are two main levels of nursing registration in Australia, each reached through different study pathways:
- Enrolled Nurse (EN) — Requires a Diploma of Nursing (18 months to 2 years). Enrolled Nurses work under the supervision of Registered Nurses and can apply to AHPRA for EN registration on completion. This is the most cost-effective entry into nursing, and many ELs then bridge to a Bachelor of Nursing.
- Registered Nurse (RN) — Requires a Bachelor of Nursing (3 years) or an approved graduate entry Master of Nursing (2 years for career changers). RNs can work independently across all clinical settings. International student fees for a Bachelor of Nursing typically range from AUD 26,000 to AUD 35,000 per year, with regional universities at the lower end.
Postgraduate nursing degrees, including Graduate Certificates, Graduate Diplomas, and Masters programs in specialisations like Nurse Practitioner, Mental Health, or Critical Care, let experienced nurses specialise and move into higher-paying roles.
Skills shortage and migration pathways
Registered Nurse (ANZSCO 254111) has appeared on every Australian government skills shortage instrument every year since 2021. In 2026, nursing remains in critical shortage across all states and territories, driven by:
- Australia's ageing population increasing demand for aged care and hospital services
- High turnover rates in the nursing workforce due to burnout and retirement
- Insufficient domestic training output to replace departing nurses
For international students, this shortage creates strong migration pathways. Registered Nurses are eligible for the Skills in Demand (SID) visa and the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS subclass 186), and regional nursing roles attract additional state nomination priority.
AHPRA registration requirements for international students
After completing an approved nursing qualification, international graduates apply to AHPRA for registration. Key requirements include:
- English proficiency — IELTS Academic 7.0 overall (minimum 7.0 in each of the four bands) or equivalent OET, TOEFL iBT, or PTE scores.
- Approved qualification — Your nursing degree must be from an AHPRA-approved provider. All CRICOS-registered Bachelor of Nursing programs at Australian universities satisfy this requirement.
- Clinical hours — Minimum 800 hours of supervised clinical placement are required for RN registration.
- Character and health declarations — A police check and health statement are required as part of the registration process.
Processing times for AHPRA applications typically take 6–12 weeks. The registration fee for an initial RN registration is approximately AUD 210.
Finding an affordable nursing course
- Regional universities charge lower fees than city providers and some qualify you for the Regional Graduate visa pathway. See our regional study guide.
- Compare fees directly on our health courses page, sorted cheapest first using official CRICOS data.
- The Diploma of Nursing pathway is typically 30–50% cheaper than a direct Bachelor of Nursing enrolment, and many programs offer credit transfer for the bridge to RN.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest nursing course in Australia for international students?▾
Health-related courses on the CRICOS register start from $100 per year in tuition fees. A Diploma of Nursing (which qualifies you as an Enrolled Nurse) is typically cheaper than a Bachelor of Nursing (Registered Nurse). Regional universities in Queensland, South Australia, and Tasmania often charge less than metropolitan providers. Always confirm current fees directly with the provider before enrolling.
Is nursing on Australia's skills shortage list?▾
Yes. Registered Nurses (RN) have appeared on every Australian skills shortage instrument since 2021, and the 2026 Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) confirms nursing remains in critical shortage across all states and territories. The ageing population and high turnover in aged care mean demand for nurses continues to outpace domestic supply. This makes nursing one of the strongest fields for international students seeking a skilled migration pathway.
What is AHPRA and how do I register as a nurse in Australia?▾
AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency) is the national body that registers health practitioners in Australia. After completing an AHPRA-approved nursing qualification, you apply directly to AHPRA for registration as an Enrolled Nurse (EN) or Registered Nurse (RN), depending on your qualification level. Registration is mandatory before you can practise as a nurse in Australia. English proficiency requirements apply: typically IELTS Academic 7.0 overall with at least 7.0 in each band.
How long does a Bachelor of Nursing take in Australia?▾
A Bachelor of Nursing in Australia typically takes 3 years full-time. Most programs include substantial clinical placement hours alongside academic study. For career changers who already hold a degree in another discipline, some universities offer accelerated 2-year graduate entry programs. A Diploma of Nursing (Enrolled Nurse pathway) takes 18 months to 2 years.
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Fee data sourced from the CRICOS register via data.gov.au, updated 1 July 2026.