Study Bachelor of Science in Nursing in Australia

A bachelor of science in nursing is a calling for those who want to serve people’s lives for the better. Many choose nursing to heal, support, and care for others. Many Indian students opt to pursue higher education in Australia after completing Class 12, seeking enhanced learning experiences. Students also get global exposure and access to top healthcare facilities.
Australia will need over 300,000 nurses by 2026.There is a growing need for qualified nurses, not only in Australia but around the world. Australia offers top-quality nursing education that equips you with globally in-demand qualifications. It prepares you with the skills necessary for a fulfilling career in a multicultural environment, with advanced healthcare systems.

Why Study Nursing in Australia?

Australia is home to 38 universities ranking among the global best higher education institutions. Earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Australia means getting a qualification that holds respect and recognition worldwide. 

You get to train in real hospitals and clinics. Most universities offer 800 to 1,000 hours of clinical placement so you can build up your skills and experience before formally entering the workforce.

Australia welcomes international students like you. More than 600,000 international students chose Australia as their study destination in 2024. You'll be in a safe, multicultural environment, with supportive university staff.

You can also work part-time during your studies and apply for a post-study work visa after graduation. If you want a career with global demand and permanent residency options, a nursing degree in Australia is a smart choice.

All About Nursing Courses

In Australia, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing is a 4-year program. However, if you hold relevant prior qualifications, some universities offer a faster-track option through an accelerated program.

You will study a wide range of subjects to prepare for real-world nursing. These include:
⦁    Anatomy and Physiology – covering how the human body functions.
⦁    Pharmacology – to learn how medications work
⦁    Clinical Nursing Practice – to build hands-on skills
⦁    Mental Health Nursing – to care for patients with emotional and psychological needs
⦁    Health Assessment and Nursing Research – to improve critical thinking and evidence-based care

Your course also includes clinical placements, which are a big part of your training. You will complete around 800 to 1,000 hours of supervised practice in hospitals, aged care centers, and community clinics. This lets you use your classroom knowledge in real-life healthcare settings.

Universities assess you through written exams, clinical performance, group work, and research projects. By the time you finish your degree, you'll be equipped with the knowledge and confidence necessary to begin your career as a professional nurse.

Best Australian Universities and In-Demand Bachelor of Nursing Programs

Australia has several of the world’s leading nursing universities. These universities offer a Bachelor of Science in Nursing with strong academic support and practical training.

Here are some of the top options:
⦁    University of Sydney – At 18th place on QS World University Rankings 2025, this university offers the Bachelor of Nursing (Advanced Studies). It combines advanced clinical training with leadership and research skills.

You’ll also have the chance to train in advanced simulation labs with the latest technology.

⦁    Monash University – Popular for its Bachelor of Nursing program, Monash provides hands-on clinical placements from the first year and strong links with major hospitals.

⦁    Deakin University – Deakin’s nursing program blends evidence-based education with over 800 hours of hands-on clinical training and classroom instruction.

⦁    University of Technology Sydney (UTS) – UTS stands out for its innovation in nursing education. Its Bachelor of Nursing includes problem-based learning and interactive simulations.

⦁    Griffith University – This university offers a flexible Bachelor of Nursing program with strong industry partnerships, research-driven teaching, and access to award-winning simulation facilities.

These nursing schools teach both theory and practice. They help you feel confident in real healthcare settings. Most programs include clinical placements, lab simulations, and training for professional growth. 

Eligibility Criteria and Entry Requirements

To apply for a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in Australia, you need to meet both academic and English language requirements. These vary slightly between universities, but here’s what most nursing schools expect:

Academic Qualifications

You need to complete your senior secondary education (Class 12 or an equivalent level). Australian universities prefer students from a science background for Nursing degrees, especially if you studied:
⦁    Biology
⦁    Chemistry
⦁    Mathematics
⦁    Physics (optional)

For Indian students who want to study abroad after 12th, you should have a minimum average of 60–70% in your final results. Certain top-tier universities may require higher exam scores.

English Language Requirements

Since nursing programs are English-taught in Australia, you must prove your language proficiency. Most universities accept:
⦁    IELTS: A minimum overall score of 7.0, with at least 7.0 in each section, as required by Australia’s Nursing and Midwifery Board (NMBA).
⦁    TOEFL iBT: Overall score of 94 with minimum 24 in listening and reading, 27 in writing, and 23 in speaking
⦁    PTE Academic: At least 65 overall, with no individual section scoring below 65.

Additional Documents

When you apply, you also need to submit:
⦁    Academic transcripts
⦁    Valid passport
⦁    Statement of Purpose (SOP)
⦁    Letters of recommendation (some universities)
⦁    Proof of English language test results

If you’re applying directly after high school, make sure you start preparing your documents early. If you’re not eligible for direct entry, you can join a foundation or pathway course to build the skills you need for admission.

Application Process for International Students

Applying for a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in Australia does not have to be complicated when you follow the right steps. Here’s how you can begin your nursing journey:

Step 1. Choose Your Universities

Start by selecting 2–3 nursing schools that match your academic profile, budget, and location preferences. Visit their official websites to find in-depth entry requirements and application deadlines.

Step 2. Prepare Required Documents

You’ll typically need to upload or send:
⦁    Academic transcripts from Class 10 and 12 (with English translations, if the original copies are in another language)
⦁    Valid passport copy
⦁    English language test scores (IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, or PTE Academic)
⦁    A Statement of Purpose (SOP) that clearly explains your motivation for choosing the course and your goals for studying it.
⦁    Letters of recommendation (if necessary)
⦁    CV or resume (some universities request this)

Step 3. Submit Your Application

Australian universities accept application directly through their individual application portals. Follow the appropriate instructions to create your application account with your target universities. Ensure you check off all of the university’s requirements for your program before you submit the application and pay the relevant fees.
Make sure you apply at least 6–9 months before the course start date.

Step 4. Receive Your Offer Letter

If your application receives approval, the university will send you either a Conditional or Unconditional Offer Letter. To secure your place, you’ll need to pay part of the tuition fee upfront—usually between AUD 1,000 and AUD 5,000 as a deposit.

Step 5. Apply for a Student Visa

Once you accept the offer, apply for an Australian Student Visa (Subclass 500). You’ll need:
⦁    Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
⦁    Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) statement
⦁    Proof of funds demonstrating you can cover both tuition fees and living costs during your studies.
⦁    Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)

Visa processing usually takes 4 to 8 weeks, so apply early.

Best Scholarship Opportunities to Pursue Nursing in Australia 

Studying a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in Australia can be expensive, but scholarships can make a big difference. Many universities and government bodies offer funding for international students, including those 

who want to study abroad after 12th grade.
Here are some of the top scholarships you can apply for:

University-Specific Nursing Scholarships

⦁    University of Sydney International Scholarships
 Offers partial tuition fee waivers for high-performing international students.
 Nursing students can qualify for general merit-based programs.

⦁    Deakin International Scholarship
Offers 25–50% off tuition fees for undergraduate nursing students with excellent academic results.

⦁    Griffith Remarkable Scholarship
Provides 50% tuition coverage for students with a strong academic background applying to a nursing degree

⦁    Monash International Merit Scholarship
Grants AUD 10,000 per year, renewable, for international nursing students who maintain good academic standing.

⦁    UTS International Undergraduate Full Tuition Scholarship
Offers full tuition for up to 4 years for international students, including those in the Bachelor of Nursing program.

Other Financial Support
⦁    Some universities offer on-campus part-time jobs and student bursaries
⦁    You can also apply for student loans from banks in your home country to cover expenses

Career Options After a Nursing Degree

After earning your Bachelor’s degree in Nursing, you open doors to numerous career opportunities both in Australia and internationally. Nursing is one of the most in-demand professions, offering excellent job security and growth.

Work as a Registered Nurse

As a graduate, you can start working as a registered nurse in various healthcare settings:
⦁    Public or private hospitals
⦁    Aged care facilities
⦁    Community health centers
⦁    Mental health clinics
⦁    Rehabilitation and palliative care services

Australia’s healthcare system values skilled nurses. According to Job Outlook Australia, the demand for registered nurses is projected to grow by 13.9% by 2026, with over 300,000 nurses already in employment nationwide.

Advance to Become a Nurse Practitioner

After gaining a few years of experience and completing a master's degree, you can become a nurse practitioner. In this role, you diagnose conditions, prescribe medicines, and manage patient care independently. Nurse practitioners are highly paid and respected professionals in Australia.

Explore Other Nursing Specializations

With your nursing degree, you can also branch into:
⦁    Midwifery: Assist with pregnancy, childbirth, and postnatal care
⦁    Nursing education: Train future nurses at universities or TAFEs
⦁    Community health nursing: Work in outreach and preventive care in rural or underserved areas

Registration Process to Become a Registered Nurse in Australia

To work as a registered nurse in Australia, you must register with AHPRA. This stands for the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency.
AHPRA Registration Requirements:
⦁    Completion of an accredited nursing degree in Australia
⦁    English language proficiency (IELTS score of 7.0 in all bands, or equivalent in TOEFL/PTE)
⦁    Criminal history check and fitness-to-practice declaration
If you studied nursing outside Australia, you may need to:
⦁    Pass a skills assessment via ANMAC (Australian Nursing & Midwifery Accreditation Council)
⦁    Complete a bridging program or Outcome-Based Assessment (OBA)
⦁    In other countries, you might need to pass the NCLEX-RN. It’s not mandatory in Australia, but you may need it if you plan to work in other countries later.

Pathways to PR and Work Opportunities in Australia

Australia encourages skilled nurses to stay and work long-term. Here’s how you can move towards permanent residency (PR):

Skilled Occupation List

Registered nurses appear on Australia’s Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), making them eligible for skilled migration.
Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)

After graduation, you can apply for the Subclass 485 Visa, which allows you to live and work in Australia for 2–4 years, depending on your qualification.

Permanent Residency (PR) Pathways

You can apply for PR through:
⦁    Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
⦁    If a state or territory sponsors you - Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) 
⦁    For working in regional areas - Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491) 

You’ll need to meet the points requirement (typically 65+), which calculates your age, English level, work experience, and education.

Rounding Up

Pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in Australia is a gateway to a wide range of career opportunities in the healthcare sector. With globally recognized degrees, access to modern healthcare systems, and pathways for permanent residency, Australia offers an ideal environment for international students. Whether you aim to work as a registered nurse, advance to a nurse practitioner, or explore other specialties, your nursing degree will set you on the path to a rewarding career.