Is Studying Nursing in Australia Expensive? Introduction to Top Australian Universities for Nursing and Their Ranking

Are Australian nursing courses worth the investment? Which are the renowned Australian universities for nursing? Australia’s higher education system is globally recognised, hosting numerous world-renowned universities and colleges offering a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses in humanities, science, engineering, business, medicine, and law, among others. How high are the rankings for Australian nursing departments, and what are the career prospects for nursing graduates in Australia? Cyclopes will provide a detailed introduction to several Australian universities with nursing departments, their performance in the QS Australian nursing rankings, and discuss the details of nursing tuition fees in Australia.

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Australian nursing programmes typically offer bachelor's and master's degrees covering fundamental knowledge in anatomy, pathophysiology, pharmacology, and more. During their studies, students are required to undertake clinical placements to gain practical experience. These courses not only focus on the delivery of theoretical knowledge but also emphasize practical skills to ensure graduates can quickly adapt to clinical work environments.

There are three types of nursing roles in Australia: Assistant in Nursing (AN), Enrolled Nurse (EN), and Registered Nurse (RN).

The AN role is not considered a qualified nurse. To qualify as an EN, students must complete a local Diploma and finish the Division 2 programme. However, for international students, completing a Diploma does not qualify them for a post-study work visa, and the EN role is not eligible for independent skilled migration. Therefore, prospective students interested in migrating and studying nursing in Australia should choose appropriate courses to qualify as RNs.

RN qualification is granted by state or territory governments and authorises individuals to practice nursing independently. RNs must complete a university degree and have the authority to prescribe medications, acting in a capacity akin to a doctor. For international students, obtaining an RN qualification requires completing a recognised Australian nursing course and the Division 1 programme, enabling them to work independently in hospitals.

In summary, international students aiming to qualify as RNs in Australia must complete an Australian university education and hold a degree such as a Bachelor of Nursing or Bachelor of Science (majoring in Nursing).

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Here are some Australian universities that offer nursing courses and their features:

Griffith University's Bachelor of Nursing programme requires students to complete 880 hours of clinical placement within 22 weeks, providing substantial clinical experience. Placement opportunities exist beyond Brisbane or the Gold Coast. Students interested in overseas placements can apply during their final year. The tuition fee for international students is AUD $38,000 per year.   

UTS’s nursing course is composed of comprehensive clinical nursing knowledge, equipping graduates with rich nursing knowledge, skills, and professional values. The course emphasises clinical placements, allowing students to participate in clinical settings from the second semester of the first year. Students can choose different clinical electives in their final year, such as paediatrics, intensive care, palliative care, and more. Tuition fees vary annually, with international student fees for the nursing course in 2024 set at AUD $22,460.   

The nursing school at Western Sydney University is one of the largest in Australia, requiring students to complete 800 hours of clinical placement. The programme is accredited by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia, qualifying graduates as registered nurses. The tuition fee for international students studying nursing in 2024 at Western Sydney University is AUD $34,568.   

The nursing programme at the University of Canberra is recognised in over 160 countries, focusing on a combination of theory and practice. Students must complete at least 800 hours of clinical placements in healthcare facilities. Training includes community nursing, geriatric care, surgical nursing, rehabilitation, and more, with opportunities to use emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and virtual reality to better understand nursing theories. The tuition fee for international students in the nursing programme in 2024 is AUD $34,700.   

Students at the University of Sydney’s nursing department gain an understanding of nursing theory, such as child and adolescent health and care, geriatric health and care, and disease research, fostering critical thinking skills. Additionally, students must complete 880 hours of clinical placements, ensuring the practical application of nursing theory. The tuition fee for international students in the nursing programme in 2024 is AUD $45,500.  

According to the latest 2024 QS World University Rankings for nursing, the following are some of the standout Australian universities:

Source: Monash University

The demand for nursing graduates in Australia remains high, especially post-pandemic, highlighting the importance of nursing professionals. Registered nurses in Australia enjoy high social status and stable income, making it a popular career choice for many international students. Whether planning to develop a career in Australia or return to Hong Kong to work in nursing, these Australian universities offer excellent nursing programmes. For more information on tuition fees and rankings for nursing in Australia, please contact the Cyclopes educational consultants.

Reference:

https://www.topuniversities.com/university-subject-rankings/nursing?countries=au

https://www.global-mate.com/news.php?act=view&no=64