Cheapest Nursing Courses in Australia for International Students

Written by

Mynaz Altaf

Fact check by

Afreen Abbasi

Updated on

Oct 22,2024

Cheapest Nursing Courses in Australia for International Students- TerraTern

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Why Pursue Nursing Courses in Australia?

  • High Demand for Healthcare Professionals Globally: With a growing and ageing population, the need for skilled healthcare professionals is rising worldwide. The cheapest nursing courses in Australia for international students can help meet this demand.

  • Competitive Salaries for Nurses: Nurses in Australia earn competitive salaries, providing a good return on investment for their education. By opting for the cheapest nursing courses in Australia for international students, the investment becomes even more worthwhile.

  • Opportunity to Work in Various Healthcare Settings: Nursing graduates can work in diverse healthcare environments from hospitals to community health centres. The cheapest nursing courses in Australia for international students prepare you for these opportunities.

  • Comprehensive and Hands-on Training: Australian nursing programs emphasize practical training, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for real-world healthcare settings. This hands-on approach is integral to the cheapest nursing courses in Australia for international students.

  • Pathways to Permanent Residency in Australia: Completing a nursing degree can open doors to permanent residency, making Australia an attractive destination for international students. Choosing the cheapest nursing courses in Australia for international students can make this path more accessible.

A degree in nursing in Australia enables learners to gain quality education along with practice placements and equally promising careers for international students in the healthcare sector. Australia is also very regarded for its strict academic curriculum and liberal approach to teaching, hence the expectations are that the students will have a thorough curriculum that will equip them for various opportunities within the healthcare sector. The possibility of competing salary rates and global accreditation of taught courses makes Australia an attractive destination for studying nursing.

More importantly, many options are fairly cheap in the market for those who prefer to compromise on cost. The low cost of nursing courses in Australia for international students makes it easier for people to get a profession of their desire while getting a worthy education. These programs help the students gain framework knowledge and grant visas to be permanent residents in Australia, making the country an attractive region for any nurse aspirant. Choose the best low-cost nursing classes and become a nurse – save lives and improve people’s lives.

Also Read: Why Choose Australia Over Other Countries? 6 Top Reason

The Benefits of Studying Nursing in Australia

  • World-renowned education system: Australian universities are globally recognized for their high academic standards and innovative teaching methods. This recognition extends to the cheapest nursing courses in Australia for international students.

  • High-quality healthcare facilities: Students can access cutting-edge healthcare facilities for practical training. This is true even for the cheapest nursing courses in Australia for international students.

  • Multicultural environment: Australia is known for its diverse and inclusive society, providing a welcoming environment for international students. 

  • Global recognition of qualifications: Nursing degrees from Australian institutions are recognized worldwide, enhancing career mobility. 

  • Hands-on clinical experience: Students gain extensive practical experience through clinical placements, ensuring they are job-ready upon graduation. 

Benefits of Studying Nursing in Australia

Types of Nursing Courses in Australia

Here are some of the common Nursing courses in Australia

1. Diploma of Nursing

  • Duration: 1.5-2 years

  • Typical Fees: AUD 20,000 - AUD 30,000 per year

A Diploma in Nursing gives the learner the basis for practice as an enrolled nurse. Students interested in the shorter, less expensive route to a nursing career will best serve themselves in this course. This is one of the most affordable nursing courses an international student could find in Australia.

2. Bachelor of Nursing

  • Duration: 3 years

  • Typical Fees: AUD 25,000 - AUD 40,000 per year

The most prevalent nursing degree in Australia is the Bachelor of Nursing, which is crucial for enrolling as a registered nurse. This program presents an academic plan covering theoretical learning alongside the learners’ clinical exposure.

3. Graduate Certificate in Nursing

  • Duration: 6 months - 1 year

  • Typical Fees: AUD 10,000 - AUD 20,000 per year

Specializing in a certain field is made possible by obtaining a Graduate Certificate in Nursing for registered nurses. This is a compressed program that is aimed at assisting those who wish to move up the corporate ladder faster.

4. Master of Nursing

  • Duration: 1.5-2 years

  • Typical Fees: AUD 30,000 - AUD 50,000 per year

A Master of Nursing is a postgraduate level education designed for registered nurses who seek to advance into leadership positions or seek further specialization in their clinical field. This degree also prepares for roles in nursing education and research. 

Also Read: Step-by-Step Guide to Australia Study Visa Process 2024

 

Top Institutes for Nursing Courses in Australia

Here is a table listing the top universities for Nursing in Australia:

Institute

Course

Duration

Fees (per year)

Fees per Year (INR)

James Cook University

Graduate Certificate in Nursing

8 months

AUD 13,000

717,600

Flinders University

Graduate Certificate in Acute Care Nursing

12 months

AUD 30,400

1,678,080

Central Queensland University

Bachelor of Nursing

24 months

AUD 50,280

2,775,456

University of Sunshine Coast

Bachelor of Nursing

24 months

AUD 51,563

2,846,277

Western Sydney University

Master of Nursing

18 months

AUD 41,340

2,281,968

 

Top 5 Affordable Nursing Programs for International Students

Here is a list of the best universities where their nursing programs are ranked globally and are affordable for international students: 

1. James Cook University - Graduate Certificate in Nursing

  • Duration: 8 months

  • Tuition: AUD 13,000 per year

The nursing course at James Cook University also falls among the cheapest nursing courses in Australia for international students. The Graduate Certificate in Nursing is a brief course meant to strengthen nurses' skills and knowledge; thus, it is suitable for people looking forward to employment.

2. Flinders University - Graduate Certificate in Acute Care Nursing

  • Duration: 12 months

  • Tuition: AUD 30,400 per year

Flinders University’s Graduate Certificate in Acute Care Nursing covers advanced clinical competencies in acute care facilities. It is suitable for nurses who want to expand their scope of practice to the critical and emergency areas. This course is one of the cheapest nursing courses in Australia for international students

3. Central Queensland University - Bachelor of Nursing

  • Duration: 24 months

  • Tuition: AUD 50,280 per year

Central Queensland University has an approved Bachelor of Nursing course that will equip the students with adequate training to perform various tasks of a nurse. It combines theoretical learning and clinical practice. It is one of the cheapest nursing courses in Australia for international students as it produces competent nurses to meet the nursing profession’s demands.

4. University of Sunshine Coast - Bachelor of Nursing

  • Duration: 24 months

  • Tuition: AUD 51,563 per year

The University of Sunshine Coast is one of the available universities, and it has a Bachelor of Nursing program that focuses on hands-on learning and student services. Focusing on the program’s delivery, the facilities used to provide education are modern, and it is highly focused on clinical practice; therefore, preparing professional, competent, and demanding nurses would be achieved at an affordable tuition fee that is one of the cheapest nursing courses in Australia for international students

5. Western Sydney University - Master of Nursing

  • Duration: 18 months

  • Tuition: AUD 41,340 per year

The master of Nursing program offered by Western Sydney University helps registered nurses get more professional training. This program is well-suited for learners who aspire to advance to managerial positions or focus on certain fields of nursing; however, it is one of Australia's lowest-cost international nursing programs.

Top 5 Affordable Nursing Programs for International Students

Eligibility Criteria for Nursing Courses in Australia

Here are some of the eligibility criteria if you are looking to apply for nursing courses in Australia

1. Academic Requirements

  • Undergraduate Courses: Completion of high school or equivalent.

  • Postgraduate Courses: A bachelor's degree in nursing or a related field.

2. English Language Proficiency

  • IELTS: Overall score of 7.0, with no band less than 7.0.

  • TOEFL: Overall score of 94, with no section less than 24.

  • PTE: Overall score of 65, with no section less than 65.

4. Additional Requirements for Postgraduate Courses

  • Professional nursing experience.

  • Registration with the nursing board in the home country (if applicable).

Admission Process for International Nursing Students

  • Application Submission: Complete the application form for the chosen university.

  • Document Verification: Provide academic transcripts, proof of English proficiency, and other required documents.

  • English Proficiency Test Results: Submit scores from IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE.

  • Visa Application: Apply for an Australian student visa upon receiving an offer letter.

Scholarships and Financial Aid Options

  • University-specific scholarships: Many universities offer scholarships specifically for international nursing students.

  • Government scholarships: The Australian government provides scholarships such as the Australia Awards.

  • External funding opportunities: Various organizations and foundations offer scholarships and grants for international students.

In addition to university-specific scholarships tailored for international nursing students, offered by many institutions across Australia, there are several other avenues for financial support. Through initiatives like the Australia Awards, the Australian government provides scholarships to support international students, including those pursuing nursing degrees. Furthermore, external funding opportunities abound, with numerous organizations and foundations offering scholarships and grants to assist international students with their educational expenses. These external funding sources can significantly alleviate the financial burden of studying abroad, making it more accessible for aspiring nurses to pursue their academic and professional goals in Australia.

Career Opportunities After Completing a Nursing Degree in Australia

  • Registered Nurse: Work in hospitals, clinics, and community health centres. This path is common for graduates of the cheapest nursing courses in Australia for international students.

  • Specialized Nursing Roles: Pursue specializations such as midwifery, critical care, or aged care nursing. Specializations can be pursued after completing the cheapest nursing courses in Australia for international students.

  • Research Opportunities: Engage in clinical research and contribute to advancements in healthcare. Research roles are accessible to graduates of the cheapest nursing courses in Australia for international students.

  • Global Career Prospects: Australian nursing qualifications are recognized worldwide, allowing graduates to work in various countries. This global recognition is a significant advantage of the cheapest nursing courses in Australia for international students.

Career Opportunities After Completing a Nursing Degree in Australia

Read More: Explore Study in Australia for International Students

 

Conclusion

Getting a degree in nursing in Australia comprises getting value for the degree required in practice and a rewarding employment opportunity in the healthcare industry. The leading and the most comprehensive site for the cheapest nursing courses in Australia for international students has been listed to ensure international students seek the course of their dreams in their desired country. These nursing courses in Australia for international students provide a great opportunity to gain a world-class education without breaking the bank.

For further details about the cheapest nursing courses in Australia for international students, contact TerraTern to get guidance on the process. With services curated to simplify immigration, TerraTern has made the service easy and simple!

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cheapest nursing course in Australia for international students?

The cheapest nursing courses for international students in Australia are typically offered by TAFE institutes and some regional universities, with annual tuition fees starting around AUD 20,000. It's essential to compare different institutions and consider additional costs like living expenses.

How much does it cost to study nursing in Australia as an international student?

The cost to study nursing in Australia for international students typically ranges from AUD 20,000 to AUD 35,000 per year, depending on the university and program. This excludes additional expenses such as accommodation, books, and living costs.

Can international students work while studying nursing in Australia?

Yes, international students in Australia can work up to 40 hours per fortnight during their study periods and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. This helps students to support themselves financially while gaining practical experience.

Are there any fully funded nursing scholarships for international students in Australia?

Fully funded nursing scholarships for international students are rare but can be found through government programs, university scholarships, and specific health organizations. Prospective students should research and apply for multiple scholarships to increase their chances of receiving funding.

What is the job outlook for nurses in Australia after graduation?

The job outlook for nurses in Australia is very positive, with high demand for qualified professionals across various healthcare settings. Graduates can expect good employment prospects and competitive salaries.